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Matira Beach

Matira Beach is a mile of exquisite white sand at the southern tip of Bora Bora Island. 

When you visit Matira Beach, you will understand why it is Bora Bora's most popular public beach. It stretches from Hotel Bora Bora (currently closed) to Matira Point for close to 1.5km (2 miles), and is framed from behind by lush palms and green hills. To each side there are more long strips of privately owned beaches.

On the eastern side, several 3 & 4 star Bora Bora hotels nestle along the other side of Point Matira and have great views of the Beach.


 Le Moana Intercontinental Bora Bora resort is just across the road. It's authentic Polynesian charm also offers the freedom of easy walking to this great beach and the nearby shops and cafes. The luxurious Intercontinental Resort & Thalasso Spa has it's dock here, so their guests can ride across the lagoon to visit.

Point matira, with the Intercontinental Le Moana on the East side.

Often described as the most beautiful beach in the world, Matira Beach is actually the only public beach on the main island. Everybody is welcome on this expanse of sand. There is a fun atmosphere that offers natural shade from palm trees, safe swimming and easy snorkeling. It is so gorgeous that it is in our list of best things to do in Bora Bora

The white sand slopes gently into calm, sandy bottomed lagoon so the water is warm and shallow. The floor is flat and has a sandy, coral-free bottom to walk on. I have not seen any children there, but if you are traveling with your family, this would be a wonderful place for children to swim and play.

DSC_3397bora-bora-matira-beach-pensions.jpgMatira Point

During low tide, you can wade from Matira Point, across the shallows, out to the barrier reef. 

Getting to Matira Beach

Matira beach is at the southernmost point of Bora Bora's main island. From the main town of Vaitape it is 8km down the road. Cruises dock in Vaitape and so does the Air Tahiti airport ferry. 

walk-from-matira-beach2-tall

The circle island road around Bora Bora is a scenic drive as the road follows the coastline and because it is so flat, it is also easy to get around by bicycle. Electric bikes, buggys and scooters are also available to hire as well as a standard car. Whichever side of the island you are staying, as long as you take the road south, you will find Matira beach. There is parking at each end of the beach, near the Intercontinental Le Moana, and also at the other end where there is a small stone wall.

Taxis will take you to Matira beach from Vaitape for around USD$20 or 2000 XPF.  It is also possible to walk to Matira beach from Bloody Mary's restaurant, which we did when we were visiting the island on a cruise. We took the taxi from Vaitape warf to Bloody Mary's, had lunch and then strolled around the corner to Matira Beach. This saves on taxi fares and waiting!  Matira Beach is a perfect way to spend the afternoon in Bora Bora.

Don't expect many beach facilities at Matira beach. This is not like the Mediterranean where thousands of tourists pass by and you can rent a sun lounge or umbrella. Nor is this Hawaii where the resort fills the beach with comfortable lounge chairs. This is a quiet beach which has remained untouched from development. Enjoy the tranquility of a beach that is closer to nature and the relaxed island vibes. There are trees to find shade under as well as a large Polynesian pavilion. Make sure you bring any beach items, like a towel and sunscreen with you.

matira-beach-park-bora-bora.jpgThe pavilion provides shelter from sun and rain on Matira beach

Stay near Matira Beach

You can stay right on the beach in an AirBNB. The Intercontinental Le Moana is on the other side of Point Matira, so is a short stroll across the road to Matira Beach. The Le Moana has its own beautiful private white sand beach also, and has views down to Mt otemanu.

Hotel Matira on Matira Beach

What to do at Matira Beach?

Wondering what there is to do here? Here are the activities and tours that are available at Matira Beach, including where to find the best snorkeling.

Eat at Matira Beach

You can eat and drink right on the Beach at a couple of casual cafes. Heading toward Le Moana you will find Le Matira Roulette and Fare Manuia with serves up delicious wood fired pizzas. For finer dining, stroll down to the beautifully positioned Matira Beach restaurant.  It is open for lunch and dinner daily (closed on Monday), specializing in sushi and Tahitian specialties. Here's information on all the places to eat near Matira Beach.

Enjoy a cold drink or a meal right on the beach at one of the Matira Beach cafes

Sunset at Matira Beach

This western-facing beach is renown for beautiful sunsets. Last time I was on Bora Bora I discovered this for myself. We swam and snorkeled in the afternoon and lingered to appreciate the glowing, orange orb scatter a myriad of colors across the sky. As the sun sank slowly into the lagoon, we sat at a cafe and slowly sipped drinks. And lost all sense of time.

It was past public transport hours and no taxis came by, so we started walking along the road to 'Bloody Mary's'. In the dusk we could see the silhouettes of the palm trees above the lush vegetation that lined the road. The island air was fragrant and warm. Even though we were stranded there was magic in the moment and we felt so happy. A French man stopped to offer us a ride. The only words of ours he could understand were 'Bloody Mary's'. Soon we were walking in through the welcoming door. From here it was easy to catch a taxi back to our cruise ship. On Bora Bora taxi fares go up after 7pm. But the sunset moments were worth it.

› Matira Beach

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