Matira Beach: Bora Bora’s Best Public Beach

Matira Beach is Bora Bora’s iconic public beach and the island’s only real stretch of white sand open to everyone, free of charge. Set on the southern tip, it runs for about 1.2 miles and delivers one of French Polynesia’s most beautiful settings: blindingly white, fine sand, a lagoon that fades through every shade of turquoise, coconut palms lining the shore, and from certain angles, a straight-on view of Mount Otemanu. This guide covers everything you need to enjoy it fully — getting there, the best spots, nearby hotels, and things to do.

Bora Bora is famous for its overwater bungalows, turquoise water, and motu — but ironically, the main island itself has very few beaches the public can actually use. Most of the shoreline belongs to the big resorts and is reserved for their guests. Matira is the exception. It’s the island’s only genuine public beach, and it happens to be the best one too: powder-fine sand, shallow water stretching out for dozens of yards, a relaxed atmosphere, natural coconut palms, and enough length that you can still find a quiet stretch even during peak season.
Matira’s sand is genuinely unusual. It’s made of crushed coral fragments, which gives it that intense whiteness and soft texture you won’t find on every Pacific beach. The water is crystal clear and the slope is remarkably gentle — you can wade out several dozen yards and still only be waist-deep. That gradual entry is what makes Matira such a great fit for families, nervous swimmers, and anyone snorkeling on their own near the shore.
Matira is also the best public vantage point for photographing Mount Otemanu from sea level. White sand, palm trees, a turquoise lagoon, and the volcano’s silhouette in the background — this combination is Bora Bora’s postcard shot.

Matira Beach sits on the southern tip of Bora Bora’s main island, about 5 miles from Vaitape, the main village. Access is open and free, with no gates, no entry checks, and no set hours.
From Vaitape or the airport (boat transfer) — most travelers staying at a resort get there through their hotel’s transfer service, since the major resorts run regular shuttles to the main island. If you’re staying at a hotel on the main island itself (Maitai Polynesia, InterContinental Le Moana, or Royal Bora Bora), the beach is 5 to 15 minutes away by car or bike.
By rental vehicle — Bora Bora’s belt road, the main route that circles the island, runs right past Matira. Plan on about 15 minutes by car from Vaitape. Several outfitters rent cars, scooters, and e-bikes in Vaitape and at the hotels. E-bikes are a great option here: the road is flat and short, and the ride out to Matira is part of the fun.
On foot — if you’re staying at a hotel on the southern tip (like Maitai Polynesia or InterContinental Le Moana), Matira is just a few minutes’ walk from your room. Le Moana is actually built right on Matira Point, and its private beach is a direct extension of the public one.
Parking — there are several informal parking spots along the road that runs beside the beach. Nothing paid, no official restrictions. During peak season (July–August), aim for early morning if you want an easy spot close by.

Matira isn’t one uniform stretch of sand for its full 1.2 miles — each section has its own character. Here’s how to find your way around.
Matira Point — the southern tip of the island, where the beach curves into a point reaching out into the lagoon. This is the most photogenic and sought-after section, with a 180-degree view across the lagoon. It’s also the calmest part of the beach, with very little chop even in stronger wind, and the sand here is especially fine. InterContinental Le Moana occupies this point, and its private beach connects directly to the public one.
The central stretch — in front of Maitai Polynesia and running about half a mile north, this is the busiest and liveliest section. It’s where you’ll find most of the water activities (paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling), a handful of food trucks, and the most lively atmosphere. It’s also closest to the road, so it’s the easiest section to reach by car or bike.
The north end — the quietest and least crowded stretch, often used by locals. The sand is a touch coarser here, but the water is just as clear. This is the spot if you want peace and quiet during the day or a sunset without a crowd.
For swimming, every section works well — the water stays shallow for dozens of yards throughout, with no dangerous currents. For snorkeling, the central stretch and the southern point are the better picks, with richer marine life and small coral gardens you can reach straight from shore.

The big advantage of staying on Bora Bora’s main island rather than on a motu is direct access to Matira Beach. Three hotels stand out for how close they sit to the sand.

InterContinental Le Moana Bora Bora Resort — Right on Matira Point

This is the only upscale resort built directly on Matira Point. Its grounds occupy the island’s southern tip, and its private beach is a direct extension of the public one. Expect overwater bungalows facing the lagoon and top-tier service, at a price to match — rates start around $800 a night. This is our pick for travelers who want the premium Bora Bora experience while staying at the best location on the main island.
Read our full review of Le Moana

Maitai Polynesia Bora Bora — Facing the Central Beach

Sitting right across from Matira’s central stretch, just a few minutes’ walk from the liveliest part of the beach. This is our pick for travelers who want easy access to Matira without paying overwater-bungalow prices. Rooms come as beach and garden bungalows, there’s an on-site restaurant, and the vibe stays relaxed throughout. Often the best value you’ll find in Bora Bora.
Read our full review of Maitai Polynesia

Royal Bora Bora — A Few Minutes’ Drive Away

About 5 minutes by car from Matira, on the island’s east coast. This is a simple, no-frills hotel with no overwater bungalows, but at a noticeably lower price than the other two options. It’s a good fit for travelers who don’t plan to spend much time in their room and would rather put the budget toward excursions and beach days.
Read our full review of Royal Bora Bora

For a full overview of every place to stay on the island, see our complete guide to Bora Bora hotels.

Swimming and snorkeling on your own — the water stays shallow for dozens of yards, which makes Matira an easy, low-stress place to swim. Bring a mask and snorkel: a few small coral gardens sit just yards from shore, with plenty of colorful fish to spot. Watch your footing around the occasional patch of hard coral.
Paddleboarding and kayaking — outfitters set up along the central stretch rent gear by the hour or the day. It’s a great way to explore the lagoon from Matira, with more experienced paddlers able to head out toward deeper water or the nearby motu.
A convenient starting point for excursions — several lagoon tour operators launch directly from Matira or pick up guests here. That makes it an easy jumping-off point for Bora Bora’s signature excursions: lagoon tours with a motu picnic, swimming with rays and reef sharks, and snorkeling on the coral gardens. See excursions departing from Bora Bora →
Sunset — Matira faces southwest, making it one of the island’s best public spots to watch the sun go down over the lagoon, with the motu silhouetted on the horizon.
Photographing Mount Otemanu — from Matira Point, the view of Mount Otemanu across the lagoon is spectacular. The best light comes early morning, when it’s soft and the beach is quiet, or late in the day, when sunset brings out warm colors.

The Matira area has enough going on that you can spend a full day at the beach without needing to head back to Vaitape.
Food trucks (roulottes) — several food trucks park along the road that runs beside the beach, especially in the evening. Expect simple, affordable Polynesian cooking: poisson cru (raw fish marinated in coconut milk), sashimi, grilled dishes, and takeout plates. Budget around $14 to $23 per person.
Bloody Mary’s — Bora Bora’s most famous restaurant, about 10 minutes by car north of Matira. It’s a relaxed, sand-floored spot where you pick your own catch from a display case, and its reputation reaches well beyond the island. Reservations are recommended during peak season.
Hotel restaurants at Matira — both Maitai Polynesia and InterContinental Le Moana have restaurants open to non-guests. Expect a more formal setting and higher prices, but consistently good food.
Small shops — there’s no supermarket right at Matira, though you’ll find a few small shops and informal bar-restaurants. Bring water and snacks from Vaitape if you’re spending the whole day here, especially if you’re headed to the quieter north end where options thin out.
For the full picture of dining on Bora Bora, see our guide to Bora Bora restaurants.

Best time of day to visit — early morning (7–10am) has the best light for photos and the fewest people around. Midday is great for swimming, with the overhead sun making the lagoon glow. Late afternoon through sunset is the most magical stretch, and also the busiest.
Sun protection is essential — the Polynesian sun is intense even under light cloud cover. Bring high-SPF sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and plan for shade, either under the coconut palms or with a lightweight tent. Protect yourself even if you’re only staying a couple of hours.
Keep valuables to a minimum — the beach is public and generally safe, but leaving a phone or wallet unattended is never a good idea. Bring only what you need, keep your things close, or stay nearby so you can go back and forth easily.
Restrooms and showers — public facilities along the beach are limited. If you’re staying nearby (Maitai, Le Moana, Royal), use your hotel’s facilities before and after. Some restaurants and bars will let you use theirs if you buy something.
Shells and coral — French Polynesia strictly bans taking shells, live coral, or sand home as souvenirs. Airport checks are common and fines are steep. Take a photo instead.
Respect the site — locals use this beach too, especially outside peak tourist season. Keep noise down, pack out your trash, and be considerate of other visitors. Polynesian hospitality goes both ways.

Where to Stay in Bora Bora by Budget — our comparison guide to the island’s 9 major hotels.
Things to See and Do in Bora Bora — every activity and excursion worth doing.

Bora Bora Weather — month-by-month conditions and the best times to visit.
How to Get to Bora Bora — flights, layovers, and transfers.

Restaurants in Bora Bora — our local team’s picks.