Best Time To Visit: The best time of year to visit French Polynesia is between May and October.

Key Cruising Areas: Bora Bora and its surrounding islets can be incorporated into a cruise of the beautiful Society Islands, which include Tahiti, Taha’a, and Mooreland Raiatea.

Don’t Miss: A bird’s eye view of this picturesque island. A scenic helicopter tour is the best way to appreciate the staggering cliffs of Mount Otemanu and the ever-changing blue tones of the island’s lagoon. Romantics can even incorporate a flyby of nearby Tupai island, which is shaped like a heart.

Best Spots for Wining and Dining: The numerous resort restaurants all offer fine dining, so there is no shortage of choices. Excellent sail-up options include Maikai Bora Bora Marina and Yacht Club, and their famous Bloody Marys. For fine dining at its best, The Lagoon by Jean-Georges at St Regis Bora Bora serves world-class Asian-French fusion and boasts an unmatched view of the island. 

Best Local Dish: Local cuisine is said to be a fusion of French and Asian flavors, coupled with exotic island ingredients. Try Poisson cru, French Polynesia’s answer to ceviche: a delicious dish made from raw tuna, marinated in lime juice and coconut milk.

Local Culture: Enjoy a private performance from a local dance group on the deck of your superyacht, where the rich cultural history of the islands will be expressed in four different dance types.

Best Beach: The most popular public beach on Bora Bora is Matira Beach, thanks to its long stretch of bright white sand and excellent swimming conditions. However, for a slice of your own private paradise, cruise instead to a deserted beach on one of the nearby small islands, known locally as ‘motu’.

IYC recommends: Spot humpback whales from the deck of your superyacht. These majestic creatures are a common sight between August and October when females come to the area to give birth.