Planning a trip to Bora Bora? Outside of the usual things that you already know to pack (like swimsuits, flip flops, your toiletries), there are a few more things that you should definitely bring with you.
Sunscreen – and lots of it!
Many of the resorts have sunscreen available at the beach, free to use, but it’s always a good idea to bring a few reef-safe sunscreen packages with you (depending on how long you’re staying in Bora Bora) so you have it when you go on any excursions, in your room, etc.
My all-time favorite face sunscreen is this EltaMD UV Physical SPF 41 sunscreen. It’s a mineral-based sunscreen (meaning it uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide instead of other chemicals) for UVA/UVB protection, is fragrance free, oil-free and water-resistant. It’s also lightly tinted so is great by itself or under makeup (and yes, the tinted version is totally fine for men).
Some other great reef-friendly options are below.
Insect Repellant
Even if the resorts treat their properties for mosquitos, it’s always a good idea to pack insect repellant for a tropical destination. Especially if you’re going on any land excursions in Bora Bora, like ATV-ing, hiking, etc.
The insect repellant I always pack when traveling is the below Repel insect repellant wipes. It’s so convenient to carry around and apply whenever you need! Plus it really works – it held up in Thailand and the nights I remembered to use it in Bora Bora.
Worst case scenario if you get multiple mosquito bites while traveling, try to hunt down tamanu balm. One of the locals recommended it to me at the St. Regis Bora Bora store on the resort and it helped tremendously with bites, cuts, you name it. Tamanu oil/balm originates in French Polynesia and has been a staple in their traditional medicine. It’s basically good for everything – cuts, burns, insect bites, sunburns, dry skin, and the list goes on.
Snorkel Mask Set
If you’re planning on snorkeling, you’ll find that many of the resorts (and excursion companies) have free snorkel masks and fins that they’re happy to provide. My tip is – bring your own snorkel mask and use the resort’s/excursion company’s flippers. Why? Because having a clean snorkel mask that you already know fits nicely, and has only been used by you and your mouth is key.
I bought the below snorkel mask set and loved it while we were in Bora Bora. The frameless mask gives you 180° viewing, and it is truly crystal clear, anti-fog and anti-leak.
Waterproof Dry Bag
If you’re planning on going on any water excursions (or even land excursions), pack a dry bag. This waterproof bag lets you store all your items away safely, no matter what you’re doing. We took our dry bag with us while on an ATV, a jet ski and our snorkeling adventures. (It also lasted through a trip to Thailand that was spent kayaking so it’s definitely durable). Needless to say, our phones, camera, etc. were safe and sound after tropical rain and a lot of waves.
Plastic Floatie
If you’re staying in an overwater bungalow, bring a plastic pool float in your travel bag so you can hop off your deck, and lounge about in the ocean any time you please. Your resort should be able to blow it up for you when asked, and nothing beats relaxing right off of your bungalow. It’s also a good idea to bring some rope so you’re able to tie the floatie to your bungalow outside when not in use (so it doesn’t float or fly away).
Water Shoes
There is coral everywhere, so it’s a good idea to make sure your feet are protected regardless of whether you’re going snorkeling or just walking from the beach into the ocean. That’s where water shoes come in. The ones I’m about to recommend below were tried and tested over a two week trip, so they’re reliable and get the job done. Not only do they protect your feet in the water, but they’re extremely versatile and comfortable. We wore these all the time while at the beach, when snorkeling, and even when we had an ATV trip followed by jet skis.
For women, these Speedo water shoes were the best. For men, the ALEADER slip on water shoes are also look pretty good. Some other great water shoe options below.
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