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Originally Posted On: Fiji Vs Bora Bora: How Do These Two Island Destinations Compare? (turtlefiji.com)

 

Think Fiji vs Bora Bora and you’ll find a lot of similarities: two South Pacific islands boasting picture-postcard beaches, tropical verdant backdrops and an abundance of marine life. Then there’s the vast array of accommodation, fine dining and activities, from scuba diving and snorkelling to beach picnics, mountain hikes and deep-sea fishing trips.

But pour over a map of Fiji or Bora Bora and you’ll spot a few tantalizing differences just waiting to be explored further. Fiji is a country in the South Pacific comprised of more than 300 islands, with Viti Levu and Vanua Levu the most visited.  Bora Bora meanwhile is a small South Pacific island, northwest of Tahiti, and technically considered to be part of French Polynesia. Compared to Fiji’s multitude of islands, Bora Bora is just one island, surrounded by sand-fringed motu or islets and a lagoon protected by coral reefs, with Mt. Otemanu taking center stage.

So, when it comes to dream vacations, how can you possibly pit Fiji vs Bora Bora? To help you decide, we’ll take you through the main differences between these equally fabulous tropical island escapes.

FIJI VS BORA BORA: ADVENTURES AND ACTIVITIES

FIJI

With more than 300 islands to explore, all with easy access between them, Fiji is the perfect place to start your island-hopping adventure. You can charter a prop plane, take a boat or a helicopter to check out some of the other islands.

Some of the most breathtaking islands can be found in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands, smaller archipelagos to the west of Fiji where you’ll find crystal clear turquoise waters, pristine natural surrounds and a rich, friendly Fijian culture.

The Mamanuca Islands are easily accessible from Nadi, on Viti Levu, which means they’re a great option for daytrips from the main island. It’s also popular with experienced surfers, eager to try some of the best surf spots in the world, including ‘Cloudbreak’, a world-class wave that breaks just off Tavarua Island.

The Yasawa Islands are celebrated for having the best beaches in Fiji – think powdery white sand beaches with calm blue waters. They also enjoy some of the best weather year-round thanks to their north-westerly location.

Also known as the ‘Soft Coral Capital of the World’, Fiji lays claim to around 1,000 species of fish and hundreds of types of coral and sponges – a paradise for snorkelers and divers alike.

At the southern end of the Yasawa Islands are the Blue Lagoon Caves hidden beneath a dramatic volcanic peak and one of the settings for the 1980s movie starring Brooke Shields and Christopher Atkins.

No trip to Fiji is complete without experiencing the warm culture of the Fijian locals. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel the famous Fijian welcome. From the delicious local food cooked in a lovo or underground oven, to watching meke performances, the tradition of storytelling through dance, and fishing trips to local villages, most resorts in Fiji will give visitors every opportunity to learn more about their people, culture and history.

 

BORA BORA

Still in the South Pacific, but located in French Polynesia, Bora Bora is home to a huge array of activities and adventures. Instead of many islands to explore like Fiji, Bora Bora is surrounded by motu or islets with a lagoon protected by coral reefs.

Watched over by the tooth-like, jagged peak of Mt. Otemanu, Bora Bora is one of the most well-known islands of French Polynesia. It’s called the Pearl of the Pacific for good reason, drawing artists, writers and visitors for years.

It’s here you’ll find that quintessential image of resort island paradise with the luxury overwater bungalows perched tantalizingly above the lagoon, including the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort Thalasso Spa and the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora.

When it comes to activities, think scuba diving, snorkelling in the lagoon directly from your bungalow and sunset cruises on the surrounding reefs. Once you’ve explored the reef, get active with a hike to the top of Mt. Pahia or check out the resort spa.

If you want to compare Tahiti vs Bora Bora, then Tahiti is the largest island in French Polynesia with black volcanic-sand beaches, lagoons, waterfalls and two extinct volcanoes. Just a 45-minute flight from Papeete, Tahiti’s capital, a holiday to Bora Bora can be combined with other French Polynesian islands. In Tahiti why not check out pearl farms, lively markets and Mount Orohena from the capital Papeete?

 

BORA BORA VS FIJI: HONEYMOON DESTINATION

Choosing between Fiji or Bora Bora for your honeymoon will be an entirely personal decision and one only you as a couple can make. Are you craving adventure or rest and relaxation? Do you want to feel pampered or have complete privacy? When comparing Bora Bora to Fiji there’s lots to consider.

 

BORA BORA HONEYMOON

With its sand-edged motu, rainforest-covered peaks and gin-clear waters of its lagoon, Bora Bora is the stuff of dreams and high on the wish list for honeymooners. Add in the ubiquitous overwater villas, and it’s easy to see why.

Built on stilts above the water, most overwater villas are for adults only and often just for couples. Many will have glass floors, so you can see the marine life beneath your feet. Away from shops, restaurants and others, they offer total privacy.

Away from the resorts, Bora Bora offers activities aplenty for honeymooners looking to explore. Take your pick from lagoon excursions in pirogues – handcrafted banana-style boats – stopping to snorkel and dive in otherwise inaccessible spots, with a lunch of barbecued fish and Tahitian music at one of the motu. There’s also kitesurfing, parasailing and hiking as well as cultural tours that visit American WWII and other archaeological sites.

FIJI HONEYMOON

Fiji runs on island time, which means slowing things down a little. In Fiji many resorts offer an adults-only experience or the chance to rent your own island. Who wants to hear the sounds of other people’s children when you’re on your honeymoon? This is your time after all.

Due to the sheer number of islands in Fiji as compared to Bora Bora, you can take your pick from smaller, more private islands, to all-out glamorous resorts. The smaller Fijian islands boast unspoilt beaches, impeccable marine life and the chance to experience authentic Fiji, meeting the locals, visiting their families and learning from their culture.

On the small, 500-acre Turtle Island Fiji there are just 14 bures – traditional Fijian-type villas with straw roofs – which means a maximum of 28 guests at any one time guaranteeing total privacy and seclusion.

Fiji is also famous the world over for its warm welcome and hospitality. And nowhere does that better than Turtle Island. As soon as you arrive, honeymooners and couples are assigned your very own Bure Mama – a dedicated personal concierge to cater to your every whim.

Away from their bures, honeymooners on Fiji’s islands will enjoy swimming, snorkelling and diving the colorful reefs, the relaxing spa treatments and immersing themselves in culture – from fire walking ceremonies to visiting Fijian villages.

HOW TO GET TO FIJI OR BORA BORA

Because Fiji and Bora Bora are both remote islands in the South Pacific, it stands to reason that it takes a bit of time to reach them – but they’re well worth it! From North America, the flight time is around 8-11 hours; if you’re coming from Australia or New Zealand to Fiji or Bora Bora you’re looking at 4-7 hours flying.

Fiji is perhaps the easiest of the two destinations to reach with more direct flights from international airports. Fiji’s national carrier is Fiji Airways which operates daily direct flights from Sydney, Auckland, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Singapore.

Arriving in Nadi International Airport on Viti Levu, the main island of Fiji, you’ll either stay in one of the resorts on the main island or head out to one of the smaller islands by seaplane, boat transfer or helicopter.

French Polynesia’s national airline is Air Tahiti Nui. If you’re travelling from Australia or New Zealand, the flight time is around 7-9 hours. If you’re coming from North America, the flight time is around 10 to 11 hours. To get to Bora Bora, you must first fly into Faa’a International Airport on Papeete, on the main island of Tahiti.

And while Fiji and Bora Bora are both in the South Ocean on similar degrees of latitude, you might be wondering how far is Bora Bora from Fiji for a spot of island hopping? But because there are no direct flights from Fiji to Bora Bora, including both destinations in a multi-center getaway will be challenging. Contact the Fiji Airways and Air Tahiti Nui websites to find out the best route for you.

 

THE BEST TIME TO VISIT FIJI OR BORA BORA

When it comes to comparing the climate of Fiji to Bora Bora you have to think Fiji vs Tahiti – given that Bora Bora is Tahiti’s most famous island and therefore shares the same weather. To be honest, there’s not much in it. Both island destinations enjoy a temperate tropical climate, with temperatures pretty much the same throughout the year.

Forget the traditional four seasons of the northern hemisphere, in Fiji or Bora Bora we’re talking just two – winter and summer, or more accurately dry and wet.

Winter is considered the dry season, and therefore the most popular and busiest, and runs from May through to November, with temperatures ranging from 19°C – 29°C. Summer is known as the wet season and runs from December through to April where temperatures range from a comfortable 22°C to 33°C.

Fiji vs Tahiti – who gets the most rain? With their high verdant peaks and lush rainforests, you’d be right in thinking that both islands have their fair share of rain. Bora Bora has around 1,900mm of rainfall per year, whereas Fiji’s smaller islands, most notably the Yasawa Islands in the West of Fiji, only get around 1,500mm a year, which means they are generally dry and sunny year-round.

EXPLORE TURTLE ISLAND FIJI

It’s hard to compare Fiji vs Bora Bora as both destinations are equally idyllic offering amazing places to stay, deserted island beaches and world-class activities.

For a truly memorable vacation experience, Turtle Island Fiji resort offers the perfect escape. Think breathtaking secluded beaches reserved for only 14 couples at a time. With 500-acres of tropical lush forests and 12 private beaches, you’ll feel as if you’ve got the island to yourself.

If you want to immerse yourself in the private sanctuary of Turtle Island, then contact us today to book your Fiji vacation. Your idyllic Fiji island getaway is waiting.