Maldives or Bora Bora, Which is Better For Travellers?

Maldives vs Bora Bora, confused to make a choice of an island to get the best thrilling vacation experience? The similarities between these vibrant islands make it difficult for most travelers to choose.

So, in this current blog, we are going to compare all the considerable factors that help you in deciding your next island spot between Maldives and Bora Bora.

Maldives Vs Bora Bora: Which Island Offers Better Vacation Experience?

Before we take  an in-depth look at the similarities and differences between Maldives and Bora Bora, here’s a quick overview – 

Now let’s understand the significant differences in detail before choosing an island destination between Maldives and Bora Bora.

Location & Accessibility of Maldives Vs Bora Bora

Maldives is an archipelagic country situated in the Indian Ocean, Southern Asia. Located in the southern side of Sri Lanka, Maldives has about 1192 coral islands. Maldives is easily accessible through direct flights from many countries

Bora Bora lies in the central South Pacific Ocean in the island group of Leeward islands. This is located in the northwest of Tahiti in French Polynesia. To reach Bora Bora there are direct flights to Tahiti from many countries. Then from Tahiti to Bora Bora you can take a domestic flight or ferries.

Maldives Vs Bora Bora: Best time to Visit & Weather 

Maldives witnesses maximum rainfall between June to November due to the Monsoon season. In Maldives you experience tropical weather with the temperatures remaining between  23°C to 32°C throughout the year.

The best time to visit Maldives is November to April. But you should book your tickets early as this is considered as the peak season for tourists in Maldives.

Bora Bora remains warm. throughout the year The weather here is characterized by wet and dry seasons.  It experiences dry season from May to October with temperature between 23°C to 29°C. From December to March it’s the wet season with rainy conditions.

The best time to visit Bora Bora is from May to October. This is also the peak season for travelers. If you want to experience both the wet and dry climate of Bora Bora then April and November months are the best.

How Many Days Are Enough to Explore Maldives Vs Bora Bora?

You can explore Maldives in 4 to 5 days. These are limited attractions in Maldives as this is a small country.

3-4 Days are enough to explore Bora Bora as this is also a small island with limited number of things to do and see. 

VERDIT: Both Maldives and Bora Bora can be covered in under 5 days.

Maldives Vs Bora Bora: Which is Cheaper for Travellers? 

Travelling to Maldives for a week costs you anywhere between 2500 to 8000 USD (for two). Maldives is one of the top luxury travel destinations when it comes to islands. 

The cost breakdown of Maldives-

Travelling to Bora Bora can cost you anywhere between 3000 to 9000 USD for two for a week. Bora Bora is also one of the most luxurious island destinations.

The cost breakdown of Bora Bora-

VERDIT: Although both Maldives and Bora Bora are expensive, in Bora Bora, you will have to shell out more cash.  

Maldives Vs Bora Bora– The Better Beach Destination 

You can find white sandy beaches with clear and clean water at Maldives beaches. Maldives has some of the world’s most popular and exquisite beaches. 

Awe-inspiring turquoise waters are something that travelers love about Bora Bora. You can find many shades of blue in the Bora Bora beaches and it they are all truly magical.

VERDIT: Both Maldives and Bora Bora have beautiful beaches.

Maldives Vs Bora Bora– Which One Has More Sightseeing Opportunities?

People visit Maldives to relax and enjoy the luxury of resorts, explore water activities and whales, turtles, different types of fishes and dolphins. But Maldives lacks diversity when it comes to sightseeing opportunities.

Bora Bora also offers beautiful beaches and water activities. But just like Maldives, there are not many sightseeing opportunities in Bora Bora as it is a small island with limited attractions.

VERDIT: Both Maldives and Bora Bora have limited attractions. 

Which is More Suited for Adventurous Travellers – Maldives Vs Bora Bora? 

Maldives offers many adventure sports like scuba diving, snorkelling, and catamaran sailing.  Along with these activities there are incredible spa services that tourists love to visit and feel relaxed from their sessions.

Bora Bora also offers many adventurous water activities like scuba diving, snorkelling etc. Also, one can enjoy visiting marine life at Leopard Rays Trench and visit Mount Otemanu, where you can see an ancient volcano .

VERDICT: Maldives and Bora Bora, both offer similar adventurous activities.

Comparing the Unique Food Culture of Maldives Vs Bora Bora

In Maldives, fish is the main staple food. The cuisine of Maldives is a fusion of Indian and Sri Lankan cuisines. 

Best Foods to Try in Maldives are-  Fish curry, Garudhiya (Fish soup), Coconut cake, Masroshi, Bis Keemiya, Maldivian live lobster, Fried Yams, Sago Pudding.

The cuisine of Bora Bora is a fusion of traditional South Pacific cooking with French, Japanese and Italian influences. Most of the food cooked here is in traditional pit ovens.

Best Foods to Try in Bora Bora are – Sushi, Rotisserie Pork,  Foie Gras, Mahi Mahi dish, Tahitian Vanilla Panna Cotta,  Banana or Papaya Puree, Poisson Cru.

VERDICT: Both Maldives and Bora Bora offer diverse food cultures. 

Which Has A More Exciting Nightlife – Maldives Vs Bora Bora?

Maldives has the world’s first underwater nightclub, which is known as Subsix. Also, there are many resort bars to enjoy. Along with this you must visit ‘Glow in the Dark Beach’ at night.

Some of the best nightclubs in Maldives – Kurumba, Subsix, 15 Below, Babuna bar, Madh bar and restaurant. All these clubs are located within the islands.

Bora Bora becomes quiet after sunset. There are only a few bars that stay open at night. ‘The Recif’ is the only nightclub that attracts the most travelers. Here you can find karaoke and wild disco at midnight.

Some of the best bars and places to enjoy nightlife in Bora Bora – The Recif, Bloody Mary’s restaurant, The Lucky House, Hotel Sofitel Marara.

VERDICT: Maldives is a better place to enjoy nightlife when compared to Bora Bora.

Comparing the Cultural Experience in Maldives Vs Bora Bora

Maldives is influenced by Indian, Sri Lankan, Arab and African cultures. However, getting a true cultural experience can be quite challenging.  

There are a few things that can count as local experiences like going fishing with local people, watching the traditional dance Bodu Beru (Big Drums) performances at resorts. You can also visit the homes of artisans to see them make coir rope, exquisite wooden souvenirs, etc.

Local people of Bora Bora are very friendly. In Bora Bora the culture is the fusion of French and Polynesian cultures.

To experience Bora Bora culture you can find some places like – Alain Despert Studio, Art Du Pacific, Marine Museum. Here you can see different local artwork. Also, in the Marine Museum you can see ancient canoes and fishing boats, legendary ships, and Polynesian navigation tools.

VERDICT: It is quite challenging to explore cultural experience in Maldives and Bora Bora.

Where Do You Get Better Accommodation Options – Maldives Vs Bora Bora

Most of the islands in Maldives are privately owned and have one resort in each island. You can get luxury accommodation options like water villas and overwater bungalows. The cost of an overwater bungalow per night starts around 300 USD.

There are ‘garden villas’, which are economy rooms as these are situated in the middle of the island and not on the beach. But they offer these villas only if the resort is full. So, the cost of staying depends on the option that you choose.

In Bora Bora you can find many luxurious accommodation options. You can get many options for your stay like – Resorts, vacation rentals, overwater bungalows, guest house, pensions.

There are 3-star hotels, 4-star hotels and 5-star hotels where you can stay. The average cost per night in a 3-star hotel is 350 USD. 

VERDICT: Maldives and Bora Bora both offer different accommodation options. In Bora Bora, accommodations can be a bit more expensive. 

Ease of Travel: Maldives Vs Bora Bora

Maldives offers a hassle free internal transportation system with many options. Taxis, bicycles, bus, ferry are some of the easily accessible options here.

Public ferries are an economical option to explore Maldives. Whereas, Yachts and seaplanes are very expensive. But if your budget allows you, then you can get a unique and once in a lifetime experience through such luxury transportation.

Bora Bora provides rental-bike options to explore the local areas. This is the best and convenient option for travelers. Well, there are also other transportation options like taxis and water taxis but they are quite costly.

There is also a local bus system called ‘Le Truck’ which is very economical. 

VERDICT: Maldives is easier to explore with many accessible transportation facilities.

Maldives Vs Bora Bora: Which Offers Better Shopping Experience?

There are many exciting street markets in Maldives. Male local market and Majedhee Magu are the best and popular street markets in Maldives. You can also find malls and superstores like STO Trade Centre.

You can buy bottled local pickles, coconut products, Maldivian sarongs, local handmade jewelry and cosmetics in Maldives and many more things.

In Bora Bora there are some specialty boutique shops in the main town of Vaitape.

Black pearls, wood carvings, coconut and tiare soaps, woven hats and baskets, monoi oil, vanilla beans, shell leis, and the colorful pareo fabric are popular items that you can buy in Bora Bora. 

VERDICT: You can buy some really unique souvenirs in Maldives and Bora Bora 

Which is Safer As a Travel Destination: Maldives or Bora Bora

Maldives is safe for tourists. However, be careful about petty crimes and thefts. There are no such widespread diseases. But in Maldives there is a risk of Zika virus. Pregnant women should especially be careful.

Bora Bora is considered to be one of the safest places for travellers. However, staying alert doesn’t hurt. Just don’t leave your things unattended in crowded areas. 

VERDICT: Maldives and Bora Bora, both are safe for travellers.

Which is Best For Family Vacation – Maldives Vs Bora Bora?

Maldives is suitable for family vacation and this nation is resort centric. Your entire family can enjoy holidays in resorts and get relaxed. Some resorts have tennis courts, football fields, tricked-out kids’ clubs, climbing walls and other family-friendly activities.

Bora Bora resorts are family-friendly and also offer many kid-friendly activities. Even larger families can enjoy and spend good time with spacious accommodation facilities. Your entire family can have fun with water sports activities and kids can also swim with safety.

VERDICT: Maldives and Bora Bora both are suitable for family vacation with kids.

Maldives Vs Bora Bora– The Dreamy Destination for Honeymoon Couples

Maldives is the best when it comes to private island experience with its concept of ‘one island one resort’ when compared to any other island nations. Maldives is a peaceful and relaxing destination which is perfect for honeymoon couples.

Bora Bora is a romantic place for couples to spend time at the blue lagoons with charming nature. Here also couples can book a private island to spend perfect “me time”.

VERDICT: Maldives and Bora Bora both are the best islands for honeymooners. However, in Maldives there are many private island options than in Bora Bora.

Maldives Vs Bora Bora: The Verdict

Maldives and Bora Bora, both are splendid vacation destinations. However, if you want to save some dollars on your trip choose Maldives. If you want to spend vacation with a large family then Bora Bora is the best choice for you.

We hope now you are clear about your next island destination with a lot of excitement. Let us know which one is your personal choice- Maldives or Bora Bora?

Happy Wayfaring!