Water Taxi Bora Bora Explained: Prices & Options
Table of Contents
Book with a local
Tours in Bora Bora
Private Jet Ski Tour in Bora Bora
Scuba Diving Bora Bora Beginners
Snorkeling and Jet Ski Bora Bora Full-Day Combo Tour
How much does a water taxi cost in Bora Bora?
A private water taxi in Bora Bora starts from $98 per person for a transfer between Bora Bora Airport on Motu Mute and your resort or hotel, or between resorts. The crossing takes 15 to 30 minutes, and all transfers below come with free cancellation. A VIP transfer with a traditional flower garland welcome starts from $227 per person.
Water taxi Bora Bora, 2026
Private boat transfers across the Bora Bora lagoon, available at any hour, including early morning and late night flights when resort shuttles don’t run. Open to every traveler, whether you stay at an overwater resort, a hotel or a vacation home.
Why book a private water taxi in Bora Bora?
Fully private
The boat is yours alone. No other guests, no shared schedule, just your group and the lagoon.
On your schedule
Available any time, including early morning and late night flights when resort shuttles don’t run.
Open to everyone
You don’t need to stay at an overwater resort. Any traveler can book a private transfer to any location.
Bora Bora airport water taxi transfers
The most popular private water taxi routes in Bora Bora are between Bora Bora Airport (Motu Mute) and your resort or hotel. Book in advance to align with your Air Tahiti flight times. The transfer takes 15 to 30 minutes across the lagoon.
Water taxi transfers by resort area
Not sure which transfer to book? Select the area where your resort is located. The drop-off and pick-up points are the same, so the same transfer works for both arrival and departure between resorts.
VIP water taxi transfer in Bora Bora
The VIP transfer includes a traditional Polynesian flower garland welcome, a premium private boat, and a more exclusive arrival experience. Perfect for honeymoons, anniversaries, or anyone who wants their Bora Bora story to begin the moment they land.
Arriving in Bora Bora
Your adventure begins the moment you arrive at Bora Bora’s Motu Mute airport. As you disembark from your Bora Bora flight, you’ll find that water taxis, airline ferries, and resort shuttles are the only transportation options available to get you to the main island or your resort. This type of water transport in Bora Bora is making your first moments in paradise both convenient and memorable.
Due to the island’s layout, with many Bora Bora resorts located on a small island, boat transportation is crucial. Water taxis are particularly popular because they offer direct transfers from the airport to various resorts, eliminating the need for shuttle boats or other transportation. This direct approach lets you begin your vacation without delay.
Water Taxi Services
In Bora Bora, water taxis are more than just transport; they are a vital part of the island’s transportation network. With many hotels and resorts on Motus, water taxis offer an indispensable service for convenient, direct transfers.
Wander in Paradise recommends using the resort’s shuttle whenever possible, but there are several situations when it is unavailable. That’s when a water taxi in Bora Bora comes into the picture.
A water taxi service is particularly beneficial for those staying at high-end resorts accessible only by boat. However, there are several situations in which travelers require a special boat transfer in Bora Bora.
When to book a Bora Bora water taxi?
- When you prefer a private airport transfer (to and from the airport).
- You need water transport, but your resort shuttle isn’t available when you need it.
- When you don’t stay at an overwater resort but still want to experience a luxury boat transfer from the airport or to the airport.
How are the Bora Bora resort areas organized?
Bora Bora’s resorts are spread across four areas of the lagoon, each on a separate motu. Knowing which area your resort is in makes it easy to book the right water taxi or explore all private transfers in Bora Bora.
East Area
The most resort-dense area and home to the most iconic overwater bungalows. This is where you’ll find the Four Seasons Resort, St Regis Bora Bora, Westin Bora Bora, and InterContinental Bora Bora. Most guests arriving at Bora Bora Airport are heading to the East area.
North Area
Quieter and more secluded, the North motu is home to Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts, one of the more intimate resort options on the lagoon.
West Area
The West side faces Vaitape, the main town of Bora Bora. Conrad Bora Bora Nui sits here, along with easy access to Vaitape’s shops, markets, and restaurants.
South Area
The southern motus are home to InterContinental Le Moana Resort, Hotel Royal Bora Bora, and Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora. A good choice for travelers who want a slightly quieter part of the lagoon.
The pickup and drop-off points are the same for each area, so the same transfer works whether you are arriving or departing.
Popular Routes
Some of the most popular water taxi routes in Bora Bora include:
- Private transfers from the airport to the resort
- Private transfers from the resort to the airport
- Rides between resorts for spa treatments, dinner, or resort changes
- Shuttles from the resort to Vaitape when resort shuttles are unavailable
Vaitape, the main town of Bora Bora, is a key destination. Visitors can explore local shops, markets, and some of the best Bora Bora restaurants to experience the island’s culture and hospitality.
Resorts offer shuttle transfers to Vaitape, but they are limited. Water taxis, on the other hand, are available at all times and are more flexible than other Bora Bora shuttle services. Water taxis make traveling between locations much easier.
Custom Tours
While water taxis are a great way to go from A to B over the water, if you’re looking for a personalized experience to explore the lagoon or the island, private tours are what you’re looking for.
You can customize these tours to fit your interests. Explore hidden spots off the beaten path. Whether it’s snorkeling, diving, jet skiing, ATV riding, or a jeep safari, private tours in Bora Bora offer exceptional service.
The best part of custom tours is their flexibility. You can create your own itinerary. This lets you make the most of your time in Bora Bora. These tours offer a more intimate experience of the island’s natural beauty.
Water Taxi vs. Resort Shuttle
When comparing water taxis to resort shuttles, the choice often depends on your needs. A water taxi is ideal when a resort shuttle isn’t available or when you prefer a private experience. It’s also perfect if you’re not staying at a resort but want to enjoy the iconic Bora Bora arrival experience. Privacy is another key reason. Water taxis are exclusive, ensuring you won’t share the ride with other guests.
Water taxis are private services, so their fares are higher than those of resort shuttles. In return, you get the boat all to yourself, whether it’s just you, your partner, your family, or your group.
Resort shuttles, on the other hand, are structured, shared services that are often lower-cost, sometimes even complimentary.
Comparison Table: Water Taxi vs. Resort Shuttle
| Feature | Water Taxi | Resort Shuttle |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy | Fully private, no other guests onboard | Shared with other resort guests |
| Flexibility | Available at any time | Limited to scheduled times |
| Cost | Higher | Lower or complementary. |
| Availability | Open to all travelers, resort stay not required | Exclusive to the resort guests |
| Destinations | Customizable, including off-schedule routes | Fixed destinations, typically the resort’s base on the main island or the town of Vaitape. |
| Experience | Personalized and exclusive | Shared, structured |
Resort Shuttle Services
Many resorts in Bora Bora offer shuttle services between their properties and key locations, such as Vaitape. These include:
- The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
- Regular trips to the main island base.
- The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa
- Regular trips to the main island base.
- Conrad Bora Bora Nui
- Shuttle boat to Vaitape harbor.
- InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa
- Shuttles to the base on the main island and Le Moana Resort on the main island.
- Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts
- Connections to the resort base.
- Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
- Scheduled shuttle services to their base.
FAQ Water Taxi Bora Bora
What is a water taxi in Bora Bora?
A water taxi in Bora Bora is a private, on-demand boat service that transfers you between the airport, resorts, Vaitape town, or any other location on the lagoon. Unlike resort shuttles, the boat is exclusively yours, no shared rides, no fixed schedule.
How much does a water taxi in Bora Bora cost?
Private water taxi transfers in Bora Bora start at $98 per person. VIP transfers with a traditional flower garland welcome start from $227. Prices vary by group size and route.
How do I book a water taxi in Bora Bora?
Book through a trusted booking platform to secure your preferred time and align with your Air Tahiti flight schedule. Booking ahead is strongly recommended during peak season. All transfers include free cancellation.
Do I need to stay at an overwater resort to book a water taxi?
No. Private water taxis are available to any traveler, regardless of where you are staying. They are a popular choice for guests at non-overwater hotels who still want the iconic Bora Bora lagoon arrival experience.
What are the main water taxi routes in Bora Bora?
The most popular routes are airport-to-resort on arrival, resort-to-airport on departure, and resort-to-resort transfers for dining or spa appointments. Transfers are also available to and from Vaitape town when resort shuttles are not running.
How do Bora Bora water taxis compare to resort shuttles?
Resort shuttles are shared, run on fixed schedules, and are often included in your resort fee. Water taxis are fully private, available any time, and open to all travelers, including those not staying at a motu resort. They cost more but offer a completely different, exclusive experience.
Can a water taxi take me from one resort to another?
Yes. Resort-to-resort transfers are common for dinner reservations, spa visits, or accommodation changes. Book through a trusted platform and specify your pickup and drop-off locations.
Hello,
we are a party of 4 Persons on a world cruise with Insignia. We will arrive on friday the 13th. at 11.am tendering.
We like to have a watertaxi to the InterContinental Talasso SPA after receiving and the next day back in the afternoon.
Can you do this and what is the price?
Hi Claus,
The best option is to take the shuttle from Insignia to Vaitape harbor and book this private transfer from the West area to InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa. You can book the private transfer from the East area (select InterContinental) to Vaitape from where you take the water taxi back to Insignia. All cruises have a shuttle between the cruise ships en the main harbor in Vaitape.
Safe travels,
Wander in Paradise