Bora Bora on a Budget: 7 Ways to Save Money

Bora Bora on a Budget: 7 Ways to Save Money

Backpacking in Bora Bora may not be the quintessential experience, but for those who can't do it any other way, here's how we did Bora Bora on a budget

This article was featured on Lonely Planet as one of their top posts of December 2014

It's Friday evening and we're sitting in the Bora Bora yacht club, just a few meters from the capital Vaitape. Sitting next to me is Tim, a yacht broker who is in town to check out Noble House, a beautiful two-story yacht for sale by her Texas owner.

• alt=“Bora-Bora-Lagune“>
• alt=“Kajakfahren um die Insel“>
• alt=“Bora Bora mit kleinem Budget.“>
• alt=“Bora Bora mit kleinem Budget.“>
• alt=“Bora Bora mit kleinem Budget.“>
• alt=“Bora-Bora-Lagune“>
• alt=“Bora Bora mit kleinem Budget.“>
• alt=“Bora Bora mit kleinem Budget.“>
• alt=“Bora Bora mit kleinem Budget.“>

Sitting opposite me are Pedro and Scott, the yacht's engineers, who have many stories to tell about life on board. The yacht, I'm told, can be rented for £250,000 a week - mere pocket money for some of the club's clientele.

And so the obvious question is: What the hell are two backpackers doing in Bora Bora, sipping cocktails in the company of the rich and richer?

Bora Bora on a budget

The answer is that we do Bora Bora DIY.

We do not have access to overwater bures, luxury robes or gourmet cuisine; we do it cheaply.

Backpacking here may not be the quintessential Bora Bora experience, but for those who can't do it any other way, here's how we did Bora Bora on a budget.

1. Mid-season visit

July and August are Bora's peak months when you will find more tourists and higher airfares. Meanwhile, December to April can be rainy and humid. Instead, visit one of the off-seasons: May to June or September to October.

It's cool, dry and less windy than in high season, plus you'll encounter fewer tourists and have more opportunities to negotiate discounts (see number 4).

2. Book a multi-stop Air Pass

We usually buy flights on Skyscanner, but in this case it proved far more worthwhile to visit the Air Tahiti office in Papeete and ask them to increase the price for our route (Tahiti to Raiatea, Raiatea to Bora Bora, Bora Bora to Tahiti).

Come into the office and compare the offer with everything you find online. Alternatively, you can also take a cargo ship.

Try Hawaiki Nui or Taporo VI & VII (contact details here), but be warned that these have low capacity and irregular schedules, and understandably prioritize locals over tourists.

3. Avoid the overwater bure

Sure, the St. Regis is nice (we know, we managed to look around), but it was way, way out of our price range. The high-end resorts on the outer islands (“Motus”) represent the Bora Bora of brochures, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a piece of the dream in more modest accommodations.

• alt=“unsere Unterkunft“>
• alt=“Bora Bora mit kleinem Budget.“>

You can camp at Motu Piti Aau (email boraboracamping@gmail.com for details) or stay in a comfortable studio on the mainland. We can fully recommend Sunset Hill Lodge.

These colorful studios feature hot showers, fully equipped kitchens, free WiFi, free bike rentals and free kayak rentals - ideal for numbers 5 and 6 below.

4. Don't be afraid to ask for discounts

It's no secret that everything in Bora Bora is expensive just because it's Bora Bora. If you come in the off-season, there's a good chance you'll get a discount on tours, excursions, and even accommodations.

We were honest with the providers as their prices were way beyond our budget. Most of the time they were kind enough to lower their prices for us.

5. See the island by bike

We secured a 50% discount on a land tour, but were unable to accept the offer due to a scheduling issue. Peter suggested exploring the island by bike instead. There was just one problem: I couldn't really ride.

After a tentative training session, he convinced me that it would be better if we just went out and tried it (of course my mother - and his too - will probably have a thing or two to say about this).

Despite my reservations, I gave it a try and ended up having a great time (despite falling).

6. See the Motus by kayak

The mainland, particularly Matira Beach, has some lovely views, but it's really the outer motus that offer the best of Bora. Don't miss out just because you can't book a private transfer to a bank-breaking resort.

Instead, grab a kayak and explore on your own. Peter and I kayaked from Sunset Hill Lodge to Motu Tapu and spent a fantastic day lounging on the secluded beach and swimming in the crystal clear water.

7. Know what is important to you

And with that I take you back to Friday night at the yacht club. How did we end up there? We had spoken to Tim, the yacht broker, on the way back from the local supermarket and he invited us to a party that was being held there that evening. Wanting to try something new, Peter and I dressed up, I in a sleeveless black dress and he in a smart blue shirt.

We were feeling the part, but as we chatted with the sailors we were both aware we were on our second drink of the evening (we had vowed not to have more than three).

We also kept an eye on the worker who walked around the venue handing out armbands for the cover charge. I leaned towards Peter: “Should we leave before we get kicked out?” He nodded. “One last drink?” I nodded back.

And actually it was our last. We could have spent a daily budget on more drinks and place settings, but sipping cocktails at a yacht club isn't as important to us as, say, swimming with whales or diving with turtles.

We were honest with Tim, who so generously offered to pay the cover fee for us. We declined and left, embarrassed by his offer in a way only British people know.

Know what is important and don't spend your budget on unnecessary things just to experience the Bora Bora that is sold in the brochures. I promise you: you will find it anyway.

old=““>

The Lonely Planet travel guide to Tahiti and French Polynesia is full of useful tips on how to visit Bora Bora on a budget.

Mission statement: Atlas & Boots

      .