What to Pack For a Dream Vacation in Bora Bora

You’re headed to paradise! I’m so excited for you! I know that if you’re anything like me, you’ve dreamt of visiting Bora Bora and the French Polynesia for as long as you can remember. Now the time has finally arrived and I know you are wondering what to pack for Bora Bora.

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Ever since I was a little girl, Bora Bora has been number one on my bucket list. The time has finally come when this dream has become a reality (pinch me, I still can’t believe it).

I wanted my time in the French Polynesia to be perfection. I also want for your time to be impeccable and worry-free. Therefore, I am sharing the essentials, including items other than the usual hot weather clothing, that you will not only need, but will help you to save money when visiting the island paradise of Bora Bora. In this guide you will learn everything that you will need to to pack for your time in Bora Bora.

Essentials you Need to Pack for Bora Bora

Bora Bora is an extremely hot climate, so obviously you will need to pack the usual hot weather clothing. In this post, I aim to put an emphasis on the “extra” essentials” that I found were needed when visiting Bora Bora. You have spent too much time dreaming, working, and saving for your dream vacation for it to be ruined by leaving something at home.

Let’s get packing for your dream vacation in Bora Bora!

Clothing

The weather in Bora Bora is a minimum of 26 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit) year round. Packing flowy, and yes skimpy dresses, loose fitting pants, tops, and shorts are ideal. Clothing made from cotton is the best option, as it is soft, light, beathable and it also soaks up the sweat.

Bora Bora is a very laid back, informal island, hence, casual clothing is best. I recommend packing the following for one week in Bora Bora

• 4 – 5 cotton sundresses OR
• 2 loose fitting slacks and 2 loose fitting tops (only if you prefer slacks to dresses)
• 2 – 3 shorts
• 2- 3 t-shirts
• a couple of pairs of athletic socks if you plan on doing any adventures
• underwear for each day you will be in Bora Bora
• 2 – 3 bras
• 1 pair of athletic shoes if planning on hiking, ATVing, etc.

The list of clothing is extensive and in reality you will be spending ninety percent of your time in a swimsuit. If you tend to travel light, you can easily skip the slacks and shorts.

Swimsuits

Travellers flock to Bora Bora for the deep turquoise blue lagoons, thus, it essential to pack lots of swimwear. I recommend packing at least 3 bathing suits, 1 of which should be a one piece.

Just One Tip: Even better than a 1 piece, a pair of swim shorts or rashguard are most beneficial for your time in the lagoon.

Beach Cover-Up

Believe me when I say that you’ll be living in your swimsuit all day. The last thing you’ll want to do is get fully dressed to go for lunch. Why get dressed when you don’t have to? I recommend packing 2 or 3 beach cover-ups, and maybe support the local economy and purchase an authentic Polynesian sarong. What a great souvenir they make!

Flip Flops

Flip flops, flip flops and more flip flops! You will be living in flip flops morning, noon, and night. I recommend packing a minimum of 3 pairs to be worn at the beach, the pool, and dinner. I packed 5 pairs and I only wore 2 different ones.

Toiletries

You won’t need to take an abundance of toiletries, as the resorts supply most of what you will need. However, I do recommend bring the following:

• a really good conditioner. This is essential if you have long or wavy/curly hair. Your hair will get matted with all of the water sports and the salt water.
• tooth brush and tooth paste
• VERY little makeup is required, as you’ll have the natural glow from the sun. I do however recommend bring a chapstick which also doubles as sun protector.
• deodorant
• hair brush and/or comb and hair elastics

Wind Proof Jacket

I know I said that the weather is hot in Bora Bora and it is, however, depending on the season you visit the climate will change. During the summer months (December, January, and February), it tends to get windy at times. During the winter months (June, July, and August), it is quite rainy. Regardless of the season a wind proof jacket comes in handy.

Rash Guard

People don’t go to Bora Bora to sit in their rooms all day, although staying in an over the water bungalow it was tempting. The majority of your time in paradise will be spent in or on the water, exposing you to the sun the majority of the day. A rash guard is a necessity to help prevent burning. I recommend a rash guard with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of 50. This means that only 1/50th of the sun’s UV rays will reach your skin.

Water Shoes

Bora Bora is surrounded by lagoons which contain coral. Water shoes are necessary to protect your feet from injury. This also applies when walking on the beach. If you choose to stroll the beach in your barefeet, you risk injury. Put on water shoes or sandals to protect yourself.

CAUTION: It is imperative that shoes or flip flops be worn at all times during your time in Bora Bora as your feet will burn if walking on wood, sand, or concrete barefoot (this happened to my travel companion who ended up with a burnt foot and in a wheelchair)

Hat and Sunglasses

Do yourself a favour and pack a hat that will fold up in your suitcase. You will be exposed to the sun all day and you’ll need that protection. The same applies to your eyes. Sunglasses help to cut down on the glare of the sun, but they also protect your eyes from injury.

Biodegradable Sunscreen

Bora Bora is surrounded by lagoons and a barrier reef. This means that there is a plethora of under water life, including sharks, and manta rays. In order to protect the reef, it is important to be using a biadegrable sunscreen.

Aloa

Despite best efforts, I can guarantee that you will get a sunburn of some degree. Pack a little container of aloa in your suitcase. You will need it.

Bug Spray

Bug spray? Yes! Bora Bora has an abundance of mosquitos and they aren’t going anywhere. Bug spray is a must have! It’s also a good idea to ensure that your vaccinations are up to date.

After-Bight

Notwithstanding that you’ve taken all of the necessary precautions to protect yourself from the mosquitos, you’re bound to get a bight or two. Bring after-bight with you which will help with the itch.

Snorkel Equipment

The majority of the resorts in Bora Bora will provide the snorkel and mask, however, the avid snorkeller may want to bring fins. Given that the lagoons are so shallow, I didn’t find fins necessary.

Pool Floaties

For those lazy pool days, you will want to have a floatie handy. I recommend picking up some cheap floaties and leave them for the next person when it’s time to leave. A floatie is an item that most people won’t think to pack, but it’s nice to have. There is minimal current in the lagoons which enables you to spend hours floating around.

Camera and Cellphone Protector

We all have our cellphone camera, however, to capture the amazing sealife found throughout the lagoons in Bora Bora, I recommend bringing a Go-Pro if you have one. I also suggest that you invest in a telephone protector to protect your cellphone from getting wet and/or damaged. Because of the high UV and temperatures, it’s possible for your phone to be damaged even when not around the water.

Snacks

Everything is shipped into the French Polynesian Islands, which makes snacks and food in general very expensive. It is nice to have some snacks handy to nibble on while you’re enjoying the views from your bungalow or to tide you over until the next meal. I recommend that you bring snacks from home:

• nuts
• protein bars
• crackers
• dried fruit

These snacks are light-weight and don’t take up a lot of room in your suitcase.

Some resorts in Bora Bora will provide chips and chocolate bars in the mini fridge

Alcohol and Drinks

Drinks and alcohol are also extremely expensive in Bora Bora. Being as I travelled from Canada, I was concerned about bottle breakage. I purchased 2 “drinking boxes” of wine which successfully weathered the trip.

Just One Tip: You are allowed to bring 2 litres of wine or liquor which amounts to approximately 3 bottles per person. Purchase your drinks at the duty free shop before making the final flight into Tahiti.

Electrical Adaptor

The majority of the resorts have either European or US plugs. Some resorts have both. To be safe, I recommend bringing an electrical adaptor. The last thing you want is for your electronics to loose their charge.

Driver’s License

I know you’re probably wondering what you would need a driver’s license for when you’re just going to be hanging out at the beach. You will need it if you plan on taking an ATV adventure or renting a vehicle. Even if you aren’t, it’s always a good idea to have extra ID, just in case.

Read Next: Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea, a luxury beach resort

What Not to Pack to Bora Bora

Jewellery

Being as you’ll be hanging out at the beach or in the water most of the day, jewellery isn’t necessary. If you feel you must wear jewellery while you’re away, I recommend supporting the local economy and buying some of the goods being sold by the residents of the island.

High Heeled Shoes

Trust me when I tell you that it’s difficult to walk in high heels at the resorts in Bora Bora. The majority of the walkways are either sand or boards. If you choose to wear high heels, you can expect to lose the heal, so leave the stilettos at home. Flip flops are the only way to go.

Hair Straighter or Curling Iron

There is no sense lugging a hair straightener or curling iron across the ocean. The humidity is so high that your hair will have a mind of its own. Bora Bora is definitely one destination when less is better.

Banned Items

Like most places, French Polynesia also has a few restrictions as to what can be brought into the Country. The following items are prohibited:

• live animals
• all plant material
• flowers
• fruits
• cultured pearls of non French Polynesian origin
• all weapons and ammunition
• narcotics

French Polynesia is well-known for its black pearls which is the reason other cultured pearls are not allowed.

Stress

Last but not least, you must leave all stress at home. After-all you’re on your dream vacation in Bora Bora. What’s there to stress about?

What To Pack For Bora Bora

I hope that you found this list of “extra” essentials helpful. By packing these “extra” items, you won’t be disappointed. In Bora Bora, packing less is better as it’s an extremely casual and laid-back island.

Now get packing and have a fabulous time on your dream vacation to Bora Bora.

SAFE TRAVELS 🙂

Pin for Your Dream Vacation to Bora Bora