5 Big Ways to Save Money On Your Trip to Bora Bora

If you guys read my post on the exact costs of a week vacation in Bora Bora, then you already know that a trip to this dreamy, bucket-list destination definitely isn’t cheap. Bora Bora is one of the most beautiful places in the world, but between the overwater bungalows, boat transfers, and dining costs, the expenses can add up quickly.

The good news is that there are actually several smart ways to save money on a trip to Bora Bora without sacrificing the experience. With the right timing, booking strategy, and a few insider tips, you can still enjoy this incredible destination while keeping your budget a little more under control.

Here are five of my favorite ways to save money when traveling to Bora Bora.

5 Ways to Save Money When Traveling to Bora Bora

#1 Book with a Travel Advisor so You Get Free Perks

One of the easiest ways to save money on a luxury resort in Bora Bora is actually booking through a travel advisor instead of booking online yourself.

Many of the top resorts in Bora Bora – like my favorites Four Seasons Bora Bora and Conrad Bora Bora Nui – offer special partner programs that include amazing complimentary VIP perks when your stay is booked through a travel advisor.

These perks often include things like:
• Daily breakfast for two (which can easily save $200+ per day at Bora Bora prices)
• $100 resort credits
• Room upgrade! (Upon availability)
• Early check-in and late checkout when available
• VIP welcome amenities

And the best part? The rate is the exact same, or BETTER, as booking directly online.

So instead of paying the same price and getting nothing extra, you’re getting hundreds of dollars in added value during your stay! This is the ultimate Bora Bora hack.

For luxury destinations like Bora Bora where food, drinks, and experiences add up quickly, these perks can actually make a big difference in your total trip cost. If you want help booking Bora Bora hotels with these perks, I’m always happy to help clients secure the best rooms and VIP benefits at these properties. Just email me your ideal dates you are looking to book here, and I’ll come back with what rates I can get you and all the perks as well!!

PS – even if you’ve already booked your hotel I can sometimes add on the perks for free – just email me with your confirmation # and I’ll try!

READ MORE – HOW IT WORKS TO USE A LUXURY TRAVEL ADVISOR

#2. Pack some of your own wine

Each person traveling to Bora Bora or anywhere in French Polynesia is allowed to fly with 2 L of liquor or wine – meaning 3 bottles each. Definitely take advantage of that! I always pack wine in my checked bag – it’s a great excuse to open some of my favorite wines, and I always end up associating them with the trips I drink them on – which I love!! For our trip to Bora Bora, we packed 6 bottles of our own wine, and drank them in our bungalow! If you’re lucky enough to be staying at the Four Seasons, they have themost to-die-for sets of wine glasses in your suite – like 4 different kinds, for different varietals. Gotta love the attention to detail.

Also be sure to use these wine sleeves so the bottles don’t break in your bag! I reuse them over and over.

You should also pack snacks! The last thing you want is for a hunger pang to hit in-between meals and you’re forced to spend like $100 on a mid-afternoon snack (yes, it’s that expensive in BB!). So definitely pack snacks with you!

My favorite: These almond butter packets – they’re the perfect size, so handy, and easy to travel with. Plus almond butter is my go-to snack anytime I get hungry but I don’t want a full meal yet. 

Buy them on Amazon here.

#3. Go into town and stock up on snacks, beer, soda, and wine

Along with bringing some snacks, don’t pay resort prices for silly things like sodas, beer or even a little cheese plate. Besides bringing your own wine, you should also head into town and get some provisions, too! If you stop for a night in Tahiti, make sure you stop at the grocery store or liquor store there! There’s also no liquid rules on inner-island flights, so you can carry on extra wine and beer you buy there! The grocery store in Tahiti, Bora Bora or Moorea has a ton of French delicacies, and it was super easy and affordable to stock up on goodies. 

#4. Travel in Shoulder Season

One of the best ways to save money on a Bora Bora trip is simply choosing the right time of year to go.

Bora Bora’s peak season tends to be May through August, when the weather is slightly cooler, very dry, and demand (and prices) are at their highest.

But if you want great weather with lower prices, I always recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons: April–May and September–October.

During these months, you’ll often find:
• lower nightly hotel rates
• better room availability
• fewer crowds
• and sometimes even resort promotions available through travel advisors like me

The weather is still fantastic, with warm temperatures, lots of sunshine, and calm lagoon conditions.

An extra bonus: September and October are whale season in French Polynesia. This is when humpback whales migrate through the region, and you can often see them during boat excursions around Bora Bora. We visited this time of year and went swimming with whales in the wild in Moorea and it was hands down one of the craziest most incredible experiences of my life.  Absolutely incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience.

If you’re trying to balance good weather, better prices, and unique experiences, early fall is honestly one of the best times of year to visit Bora Bora.