The short version
Bora Bora Airport is on Motu Mute, a separate islet with no road to the main island. Every transfer involves a boat. The cheapest option is the Air Tahiti shuttle to Vaitape at 700 XPF (~6 EUR) per person. Resort shuttle boats range from complimentary to 8,000 XPF (~67 EUR) each way. Private boat transfers cost 5,000-15,000 XPF (42-125 EUR).
Full price breakdown
| Transfer type | Price (XPF) | Price (EUR) | Notes | |---------------|------------|-------------|-------| | Air Tahiti shuttle to Vaitape | 700 | ~6 | Per person, meets flights | | Resort shuttle (included) | 0 | 0 | Some luxury resorts include this | | Resort shuttle (paid) | 3,000-8,000 | 25-67 | Per person, each way | | Private boat transfer | 5,000-15,000 | 42-125 | Depends on distance | | Taxi on main island (from Vaitape) | 1,000-3,000 | 8-25 | If needed after shuttle |
What affects the price
Distance within the lagoon is the main factor. Vaitape, the main village, is the closest point on the main island — about 15-20 minutes by boat. Resorts on the eastern side of the lagoon or on outer motus take longer and cost more. The Four Seasons and Conrad, for example, are on separate motus and require a longer boat ride.
There is no price difference by time of day because all flights arrive during daylight hours. There is also no surge pricing — this is not an app-based market.
Hidden costs to know about
If you take the Air Tahiti shuttle to Vaitape and your hotel is not in the village, you will need a taxi or further transport. Taxis on Bora Bora are not metered — agree on a price before getting in. A ride from Vaitape to Matira Beach (the main tourist beach on the island) costs roughly 1,500-2,500 XPF (13-21 EUR).
Some resorts charge for the boat transfer but do not advertise it prominently. Always confirm whether the shuttle is included in your rate or billed separately. Round-trip boat transfers at a luxury resort can add 16,000 XPF (134 EUR) or more to your total stay cost.
The budget approach
The most economical route is the Air Tahiti shuttle to Vaitape (700 XPF) followed by a taxi if needed. For two people traveling to Matira Beach, the total comes to roughly 3,500-4,000 XPF (29-34 EUR) combined. This is still not cheap by global standards, but Bora Bora is not a budget destination.
Paying for transfers
The Air Tahiti shuttle accepts cash (XPF). Resort boats are typically charged to your room. Private boat operators generally accept cash and sometimes credit cards — confirm payment methods when booking. There is no ATM at the airport, so bring cash from Papeete or your home country.