If Bora Bora is on your bucket list destination, congratulations — you’re planning one of the most spectacular tropical vacations on the planet. Nestled in the Society Islands in the heart of the South Pacific, this tiny jewel sitting in the middle of the Pacific Ocean draws honeymooners, adventure-seekers, and luxury travelers year after year. Whether you’re planning a Bora Bora honeymoon, a romantic escape, or simply your dream vacation, packing smart can make or break the experience.
This ultimate Bora Bora packing list covers everything you need for a seamless week trip — from the beach to the overwater bungalow to the lagoon and beyond. A quick note: some links in this blog post are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely believe are worth it.
Contents
Understanding Bora Bora’s Climate Before You Pack
Bora Bora has two distinct seasons, and knowing which one you’re traveling in makes all the difference. The dry season runs roughly from May through October and is generally considered the best time to visit. The wet season (also called the rainy season) runs from November through April, which overlaps with the summer months in the Northern Hemisphere. During the wet season, you can expect occasional tropical showers and more humidity, but the island is still absolutely beautiful — and far less crowded. For more information, please see our post “Travel Guide: Best Time to Visit French Polynesia.”
The tropical climate here is warm year-round, but evenings on the water can feel surprisingly breezy. Pack accordingly for both scenarios.
Clothing: What to Wear in Bora Bora
The beautiful French Polynesian islands are casual and relaxed, but the fancy resorts tend to have slightly more dressed-up expectations for dinner. Here’s what to bring:
Swimwear — Pack More Than You Think You’ll Need
At least 3–4 bathing suits in different colors is a must. You’ll be in the water constantly, and a wet bathing suit never dries fast enough in a humid tropical climate. This is not a place to be stingy with swimwear.
Lightweight Cover-Ups and Casual Wear
Beach cover-ups are essential for moving between the water and lunch without a full outfit change. Think breezy white linen, a white dress, or a sarong — they double beautifully as dinner attire. Pack plenty of tank tops and pack in natural fabrics like linen or cotton that breathe well and dry quickly.
Evening Layers
Surprisingly, a light sweater or light jacket is a good idea for air-conditioned Air Tahiti Nui flights and for cooler evenings on your overwater bungalow deck. If you’re visiting during the wet season, a packable rain jacket is also a smart addition — it takes up barely any space in your carry-on bag.
Sun Protection Clothing
A long-sleeved shirt with UV protection is worth its weight in gold here. The sun at this latitude is intense, and you’ll spend a lot of time on the water where UV rays bounce off the surface. A wide-brimmed sun hat is equally non-negotiable — not just stylish, but genuinely protective.
Footwear
Flip flops are the standard and will be your most-worn shoes. But bring a pair of water shoes too — essential for walking on coral, rocky boat launch areas, or getting on and off water taxis. They’re a great option that most people forget and then regret.
The Most Important Item on Your Packing List: Reef-Safe Sunscreen
This one cannot be stressed enough. The coral reefs surrounding Bora Bora are among the most biodiverse and fragile ecosystems in the world. Conventional sunscreens containing oxybenzone are damaging to coral and are increasingly restricted across the islands of French Polynesia. Choose a reef-safe sunscreen containing mineral filters like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide instead. Bring more than you think you’ll need — resort shops charge a significant markup and may have limited options. Pack it in your checked luggage if you’re bringing large bottles, and keep a travel-size in your carry-on bag.
Coral Reefs are very sensitive to chemicals from sun-screen. Be a good sustainable traveler and buy the reef-safe sunscreen.
Pair your sunscreen with aloe vera gel for after-sun relief. Sun protection and aloe vera are the two skincare items you should never run out of on a Bora Bora vacation.
Water Activity Essentials
The water activities here are truly world-class — from a snorkeling adventure in the lagoon to jet skiing around the main island and swimming with sharks and rays in the shallows. Being prepared makes every excursion better.
Bora Bora Packing List: Snorkeling Gear
Many overwater bungalow resorts provide snorkeling gear, but bringing your own mask and your own snorkel guarantees a proper fit and is far more hygienic. If you’re a scuba diver, you can rent from a local dive shop, but bringing your own mask is still the best choice for both snorkeling and diving.
The Cressi Snorkel is Amazon's top Choice.
Waterproof Tech Gear
A waterproof phone pouch is essential — you’ll be on boat rides, jet skis, and paddleboards constantly.
A dry bag or waterproof backpack keeps your personal items, passport, and extra cash safe on excursions.
Bring an underwater camera — the visibility in Bora Bora’s lagoon is extraordinary and you’ll want proof. Load up on memory cards before you leave; the local grocery store is unlikely to carry them and the dive shop will charge a premium.
A reusable water bottle is a must. Staying hydrated in the tropical climate is easy to neglect when you’re having fun, and single-use plastic bottles are an environmental concern throughout the remote islands of the South Pacific.
Health, Safety & Personal Items
Mosquito Repellent
Yes, even in paradise. Bug spray with DEET or a natural alternative is a special item many travelers skip and then spend their vacation scratching. The wet season in particular brings more mosquitoes. Pack it and forget it’s there — you’ll be glad it’s in your bag.
Travel Insurance
Bora Bora is a remote island destination. Medical facilities are limited on the main island, and emergency evacuation back to Tahiti or further can be extremely expensive. Travel insurance isn’t glamorous, but it’s one of the essential items no traveler heading to the islands of Tahiti packing list should overlook.
Travel Adapter
French Polynesia uses French-style outlets (Type E). Bring a universal travel adapter — your water bungalows’ outlets may not accommodate US-style plugs, and charging your camera, phone, and other gear matters.
We recommend getting this power strip for your next cruise. It meets all the cruise line rules for power strips.
Grocery Store Tip
There is a local grocery store on the main island of Vaitape. Stock up on snacks, water, sunscreen, and any personal items you’re running low on before heading to your resort — it’s far cheaper than buying at the fancy resorts and avoids the extra cost of resort shop pricing. For more French Polynesia Budget Suggestions, please see our post: Travel Guide: French Polynesia Budget & Logistics.
What to Do During Downtime
Bora Bora is pure relaxation, and you’ll be surprised how much lot of time you spend simply being still — watching the sunrise from your overwater bungalow deck, or floating in the lagoon. Pack a good book, or download podcasts for the long flights on Air Tahiti Nui. Your water bungalow has no television by design — and that’s exactly the point.
Final Packing Checklist at a Glance
Clothing: 3–4 bathing suits, beach cover-ups, tank tops, white linen or white dress, long-sleeved shirt, light sweater or light jacket, rain jacket (wet season), sun hat, flip flops, water shoes
Sun & Skin: Reef-safe sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide), aloe vera, UV-protective clothing
Water Gear: Dry bag, waterproof phone pouch, waterproof backpack, own mask, own snorkel, underwater camera, extra memory cards, reusable water bottle
Health & Safety: Mosquito repellent/bug spray, travel insurance, any prescription medications, basic first aid
Tech & Luggage: Travel adapter, carry-on bag essentials, checked luggage for bulkier items like reef-safe sunscreen and gear
Extras: Good book, adult coloring book, beach towel (some water bungalows provide them — confirm in advance)
The Bottom Line: Bora Bora Packing List
Packing for Bora Bora isn’t complicated, but the details matter. The beautiful French Polynesian islands reward travelers who come prepared — with the right sun protection, the right gear for water activities, and a deep respect for the coral reefs and natural fabrics of the environment around them. For more overall information about French Polynesia, please see our Ultimate French Polynesia Travel Guide [2026-2028] post.
Whether this is a Bora Bora honeymoon or simply your next dream escape to one of the most beautiful islands of French Polynesia, pack light, pack smart, and leave room in your checked luggage for the memories — and maybe a bottle of Hinano.
If you found this islands of Tahiti packing list helpful, save it for next time and share it with a fellow traveler who has Bora Bora on their list. And if you want to see exactly how we plan packing our luggage for other destinations, please see our post:: Packing My Bags: 15 Essential Travel Packing Hacks.
Bon voyage! 🌺
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