While Bora Bora and the Maldives share some similarities in terms of offering beautiful beaches, water activities, and luxury accommodations, they differ in terms of location, cultural influences, and culinary traditions. So if you want to visit a luxurious honeymoon destination and you're deciding between Bora Bora and the Maldives, our simple compare and contrast should help you out!
Bora Bora vs The Maldives: Location
Bora Bora and the Maldives are both renowned tropical destinations known for their stunning natural beauty and pristine beaches. However, they are located in different parts of the world. Bora Bora is an island in French Polynesia, located in the South Pacific Ocean, while the Maldives is a nation comprised of 1192 islands located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka.
Your departure location could be a significant deciding factor on which destination you visit (time in the skies vs. time on the tropical islands!). The Maldives is more readily accessible from Europe, Asia and Africa while Bora Bora is easier to reach for travellers based in the USA, Australia and New Zealand.
Average flight times to Bora Bora (to Faa’a International Airport in Papeete):
- London - Papeete: from 23 hours+ (indirect)
- Paris - Papeete: from 22 hours+ (indirect)
- Los Angeles - Papeete: 8 hours
- Sydney - Papeete: 9 hours
- Auckland - Papeete: 5 hours
Upon arrival at Faa'a International Airport in Papeete, you'll board a 45-minute flight to Bora Bora.
Average flight times to the Maldives (to Velana International Airport in Malé):
- London - Malé: 10 hours 30 minutes
- Paris - Malé: 13+ hours (indirect)
- Los Angeles - Malé: 27+ hours (indirect)
- Sydney - Malé: 16+ hours (indirect)
- Auckland - Malé: 19+ hours (indirect)
Upon arrival, you'll have to arrange transportation to your resort which might be a speedboat ride or a seaplane.
Bora Bora vs The Maldives: Weather
Although Bora Bora and the Maldives experience different seasonality; both destinations can be visited year-round.
French Polynesia benefits from fantastic weather all year round but the best time to visit Bora Bora is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. Visitors can expect plenty of sunshine, minimal rainfall and warm temperatures. If you prefer fewer tourists and are willing to accept a slightly higher chance of rainfall but still enjoy warm weather, you may consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (April and November).
As with Bora Bora, the temperature in the Maldives doesn't change much through the year with most days seeing highs of around 30°C(86°F), but there are big fluctuations in rainfall, humidity and sunshine. With a chain of islands extending 500 miles there is some variation in weather depending on where you are in the country. The best time of year to go to the Maldives is from January to April, when the climate is drier and it's less humid. This is when the northern islands in particular see most sunshine and occasional showers.
Bora Bora vs The Maldives: Culture
The cultures of Bora Bora and the Maldives are distinct due to their geographical locations and historical influences. Bora Bora's culture reflects its Polynesian heritage. Tahitians today have inherited a rich, expressive culture from their ma’ohi ancestors, with a strong emphasis on dance, music, and traditional art.
The island environment and the surrounding seas have shaped the Maldivian culture and traditions. Their music and dance display strong influences of East Africa, Arabia and the Indian subcontinent. There is a rich tradition of Maldivian crafts passed down through several generations including lacquered wooden ornaments, finely woven reed mats, and coral carvings.
Bora Bora vs The Maldives: Accommodation
Both Bora Bora and the Maldives offer luxurious accommodations, with both featuring luxury resorts with overwater bungalows, lavish amenities and world-class services.
In Bora Bora, beyond luxury resorts, there are not too many choices. The Maldives on the other hand has a greater variety of accommodations and therefore more options available to suit a range of travel budgets.
Bora Bora vs The Maldives: Activities
Both Bora Bora and the Maldives offer a range of activities for visitors. Snorkeling and diving are popular in both destinations, as they boast vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Bora Bora is famous for its lagoons and offers activities such as jet skiing, paddleboarding, and sailing. The Maldives, with its numerous islands, offers opportunities for island hopping, water sports, fishing, and exploring local communities.
Now let's talk about things to do. Both of these destinations are amazing for watersports, we have some of the best snorkelling in the world. As far as life goes. They have pretty similar animals in both locations. However, we did get a chance to see whale sharks while we are in the Maldives, and that was really incredible. Bora Bora is known for some of the best coral reefs in the world. It is really popular for whale sharks and manta rays. One big difference between these two destinations is the Bora Bora has mountains if you're into hiking or ATV or more adventure activities, Bora Bora has a lot more to offer than the Maldives. The highest point above sea level in the Maldives is six feet. So there really isn't much landscape to play with. It's all about the water and the relaxation there. So it really just depends on what you're looking for.
Another difference between the Maldives and Bora Bora is the ‘quality’ of the beaches. While beautiful and incredibly picturesque, the resort beaches in Bora Bora are composed of coral sand (which is not very soft) and have some rocky parts along the shoreline. The Maldives on the other hand has some of the whitest and softest sand in the world, which will leave you spellbound.
Bora Bora vs The Maldives: Food
Both Bora Bora and the Maldives present a wide range of culinary delights, including international and traditional local cuisine reflecting the unique flavours of their respective regions.
The breadfruit plant, the coconut, varieties of bananas and various root vegetables make up the basis of Bora Bora's cuisine. The typical Polynesian menu will always feature fish ranging from perch, mahi mahi and parrot fish. They are often eaten raw, sometimes marinated in lime juice and coconut milk. Fresh tropical fruits such as papayas, mangos and pineapples are in abundance for a sweet treat!
The traditional Maldivan cuisine is heavily based on fish and coconut. This duo forms the backbone of traditional Maldivian dishes – garudhiya, is a miso-like broth with chunks of smoked tuna, garlic, onion and chillies, served with roshi or plain rice, and it’s a staple for locals’ breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Bora Bora vs The Maldives: The cost
Both the Maldives and Bora Bora are expensive luxury destinations.
Travelling to the Maldives can be a more cost-effective option compared to Bora Bora. The Maldives offer top-rated 3-star accommodations, while Bora Bora mostly consists of expensive 5-star luxury resorts. Plus, dining in Bora Bora tends to be pricier due to the majority of restaurants being located within luxury resorts.
Ultimately, Bora Bora and the Maldives are both beautiful tropical islands so the choice between them depends on your personal preferences and your budget!
