Land at Motu Mute (Bora Bora Airport) and take the scheduled boat transfer to your resort or guesthouse—a scenic 15–40 minute transfer depending on location. Get settled and orient yourself to the motu/village layout.
If you’re hungry on arrival, Bloody Mary's (popular local spot in Vaitape) is great for a casual seafood or burger lunch and a first taste of Polynesian hospitality; it typically opens around 11:30am. Alternatively, hotel lunch is convenient and quick.
Spend the afternoon at Matira Point—the island’s best public beach for swimming, shallow snorkelling and a relaxed tropical walk; the beach is open 24 hours and is perfect for easing into island time.
Return to your hotel to freshen up; plan to watch sunset from Matira Point or your resort—sunset in January is around 6:50pm–7:05pm, so arrive early for the best light.
For a special first-night dinner, reserve La Villa Mahana—renowned, intimate fine-dining with a Polynesian-French tasting menu; dinner service typically begins around 6:30pm and reservations are essential.
Depart for a classic lagoon tour that circles prime snorkel sites including coral gardens, the famous shark & ray feeding area and the lagoonarium; tours typically depart between 8:00am–9:00am and last about 4–6 hours. This is the best way to see the marine life and iconic turquoise lagoons.
Most full-day lagoon tours include a beach picnic or lunch on a motu—fresh fish, salads and tropical fruit—so you can eat while enjoying the sand and water.
Return to a quieter lagoon spot or your resort for more swimming, snorkelling or lounging; January water temps are warm and visibility is excellent for reef viewing.
Treat yourself to a Polynesian massage or spa treatment at your resort (book ahead), a soothing way to recover from a full day on the water; many spas run until late afternoon (check specific resort hours).
Enjoy an evening seafood meal with lagoon views at the Yacht Club—casual, good for fresh fish and sunset ambience; most island restaurants open for dinner from about 6:00pm–9:30pm.
Have breakfast then stroll Vaitape’s morning market and bakeries for local pastries and fresh fruit; most shops and market stalls open around 7:00am–8:00am.
Take a guided 4x4 or island circle tour to visit cultural sites (marae), WWII relics, and panoramic viewpoints of Mount Otemanu; tours run in the morning and last about 3 hours and give inland perspective beyond the lagoon.
Dine at a local eatery in Vaitape for home-style Polynesian dishes and grilled fish—an opportunity to taste local flavours and support small businesses.
Spend the afternoon browsing black pearl shops, handicrafts and souvenirs in Vaitape; most boutiques operate roughly 8:00am–5:00pm, so use the afternoon for last-minute purchases.
Take a 1–1.5 hour sunset cruise for lagoon views of Mount Otemanu and a relaxed end to the day—most cruises depart around 5:00pm to 5:30pm to catch sunset.
Finish the day with dinner at a well-regarded island restaurant—book ahead as January can be busy; many restaurants begin dinner service at 6:00pm and run until about 9:30pm.
Leisurely breakfast at your hotel, final packing and checkout preparation—confirm your boat transfer time with reception (many transfers depart 2–3 hours before flight).
Squeeze in a final swim or snorkel session at Matira Beach or your resort’s house reef—short, refreshing and a good photo opportunity before you leave.
Check out and take the scheduled boat transfer back to Motu Mute Airport—allow time for transfer and airport check-in; typical transfer windows are mid-morning to early afternoon depending on flight schedule.
If you have a later flight, use spare time for last purchases or a quick café stop in Vaitape; shops generally close by 5:00pm but mornings and early afternoons are best.
Board your flight from Bora Bora back to Tahiti or onward—plan to arrive at the airport at least 60–90 minutes before inter-island flights. Safe travels!