With both Bora Bora and the Maldives being dreamy vacations for obvious reasons, it's not surprising that many are torn between the two when it comes to making a decision. With the world of travel as we know it sliding to a halt, many are already thinking ahead and using this time to plan future (much-needed) tropical getaways. With a tropical vacation comes the question, "where to go?" and with that, an answer is required.
Unfortunately, there's really no deciding which is the 'best' when it comes to two gorgeous locations such as Bora Bora and the Maldives. With that being said, each does have its own pros and (somewhat) cons, including travel, the cost to go there, as well as the entertainment, accommodations, and types of activities one can expect to engage in. While the fate of the ultimate getaway lies in the balance between deciding which is more appealing, here are some tips for making a choice between two pieces of flawless paradise.
Getting There
Either way, travelers from the Americas are in for the long haul with a flight such as this. For those who live on the other side of the world, the travel is much less and thus, an easier decision to make.
However, it is quite a bit easier to get to Bora Bora from the west coast of the US (or the Pacific, in general). With a little help from Tahiti, the flight becomes much simpler than one to the Maldives, which does require a bit of planning and a few more bookings when it comes to flights - which will need to be connected somewhere in Europe or Asia and even after that point, another flight is still needed, and that's not even included the boat ride to any accommodations once all the flying is over.
It's not that it's not worth it, it just depends on how badly a traveler wants to experience the Maldives over Bora Bora.
Timing And Rainy Season
The Maldives is nearly flawless in every aspect of its beauty, not unlike Bora Bora, but to experience all of this and not worry about monsoon season, travelers will need to book their vacations between January and March. Bora Bora is a bit easier in terms of planning since there really isn't a 'bad' season, but the best times to go are definitely between April and November.
Interestingly enough, Bora Bora doesn't experience monsoons or a monsoon season like the Maldives does, which is definitely something to factor into a potential trip. While the timing might not work one way or the other, it's important to know whether or not beach days will be overshadowed by rain, or whether a traveler can look forward to sunny skies and warm temps.
So Many Activities!
The Points Guy recommends one night in Tahiti if Bora Bora is the ultimate goal, which isn't the worst thing in the world since travelers will need to fly there anyway. However, once travelers make it into Bora Bora, they'll be greeted by both private island vibes as well as the option to take a short boat ride to neighboring villages. This might be a winning point for those who don't want to feel entirely isolated and enjoy exploring, while the Maldives is more of a remote, true getaway from virtually everything kind of experience.
Island Hopping in Bora Bora has its perks, and they come in the form of shopping, new and unique food experiences, and tours that range from a total of seven different islands, not including Bora Bora. Of course, each of these islands will have their own activities and forms of entertainment, whether travelers want to take in the beauty of each island via buggy or boat, or simply walk around town, soaking in the culture and atmosphere of it all.
The Maldives is truly the place travelers want to seek if they require nothing but complete R&R. With many resorts being on isolated parts of the islands, it's unlikely that they'll be in close quarters with other guests and the privacy is definitely a perk for some.
Additionally, the stunning beaches here and low-key activities such as snorkeling and spa treatments are definitely what vacations such as these are known for; a complete reset. Scuba diving is also a popular activity in the Maldives and with crystal-clear waters and far less of a population to deal with, it's an exciting and adventurous activity.
In short, neither island is better than the other - it just depends on what a traveler hopes to gain out of a trip!