I know that wedding and honeymoon preparations can be stressful. So, I would like to make one thing easier for you: packing. Here’s a complete list of exactly what to pack for your Bora Bora honeymoon.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If a product is purchased using one of the following links, I may earn a small commission from the brand at no cost to you.
Important Bora Bora Baggage Information
Before we begin, it’s important to know that airline baggage policies to Bora Bora are much stricter than suitcase requirements in other countries.
You’ll most likely be flying to Bora Bora on Air Tahiti through Tahiti. And you’ll likely be flying to Tahiti on Air Tahiti Nui. These two airlines have different baggage policies, and Air Tahiti is much stricter. It is advisable that you follow Air Tahiti’s baggage policies so you don’t run into any issues in the Tahiti airport.
(Heads-up: the airline check-in employees actually weigh your carry-on and personal items, unlike other more relaxed airlines.)
If you’ll be flying to Bora Bora on Air Tahiti, here are the baggage policies you should follow:
Carry-On Baggage
All passengers are allowed to carry on:
- 1 carry-on bag.
- 1 personal item.
- The carry-on and personal item must not exceed 11 pounds (5 kg) total.
- The baggage dimensions must not exceed 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.9 inches (55 x 35 x 25 cm) total.
Checked Baggage
If you booked a standard ticket (Y or S class):
- 1 bag with a maximum weight of 50 pounds (23 kg).
- The bag must not exceed a combined dimension (length + width + height) of 59 inches (150 cm), including wheels, side pockets and handles.
If you booked a ticket with higher weight allowance (Z class):
- 1 bag with a maximum weight of 100 pounds (46 kg).
Infants (0-23 months) are not allowed any checked baggage, except strollers and playpens — if included in the parents’ weight allowance.
Other Baggage
For other baggage policies, such as sports or medical equipment, visit Air Tahiti’s website here.
Now for the Bora Bora honeymoon packing list!
1. 3-4 Swimsuits
You will be swimming multiple times a day in Bora Bora, which means you’ll want multiple swimsuits. No one enjoys sliding into a half-wet bikini top.
Moreover, you’ll want to bring at least one one-piece suit for water activities like jet skiing, paddle boarding, snorkeling, etc. The rest of your swimsuits can be any style of choice: one-piece, bikini, tankini or even a wetsuit.
My favorite swimsuits are from Aerie and Victoria’s Secret. Aerie often has buy-one-get-one-half-off swimsuit sales. Likewise, Victoria’s Secret’s swimsuits are super cheap (cheaper than Target) during their semi-annual sale.
2. Flip Flops
Wondering what kind of shoes to wear in Bora Bora?
The boardwalks get excruciatingly hot when the sun is out. Do not attempt to walk barefoot on the boardwalks when it’s sunny. I actually thought I gave myself burn blisters from walking barefoot on the boardwalk. You only make that mistake once.
Therefore, flip flops are essential to walk around your resort property. These uniquely shaped, sustainable Old Navy flip flops are a cheap, cute and very packable option to protect your feet.
3. Water Shoes
Even though the Bora Bora lagoon is as clear as pool water with basically zero reef or rock, there are tons of spiky black sea urchin and sharp coral pieces.
We did not bring water shoes, but we wish we would have. Learn from our mistake. Protect your bare feet!
I love that these sleek water shoes look more like tennis shoes instead of traditional water shoes.
4. Beach Towel
Odds are that your resort and/or vacation rental will provide beach towels for you. In that case, don’t bother taking up your precious suitcase space with a bulking beach towel.
However, if your accommodations do not provide beach towels, a packable, quick-drying microfiber beach towel (like this one from Amazon) will be your best bet.
5. Beach Cover-Ups
Like towels, swim cover-ups are always a good idea. They look great in photos and give you a little extra coverage when walking from your room to the pool or beach.
Plus, they take up a lot less suitcase space than beach towels. I brought this two-pack of Amazon sarong wraps and they quickly became one of my new favorite beach essentials.
6. Lightweight Kimono Robe
Similarly, you will live in a lightweight kimono robe in Bora Bora if you pack one.
A lightweight, full-length kimono robe, like this one, provides the perfect amount of coverage when you want to lounge outside on your bungalow deck post-swim but don’t want to put actual clothes on.
(Unfortunately, the exact kimono I’m wearing in the above photo is unavailable, so I linked a similar one instead.)
7. Reef-Safe Sunscreen
The Bora Bora sun shines extremely bright, no matter the season. This can cause your skin a lot of damage in the long-run. You’ll need to bring reef-safe sunscreen.
After an embarrassing amount of hours researching sunscreens, I finally found this spray sunscreen that is not only reef-safe, but it is also completely non-toxic to humans unlike most drugstore sunscreens.
The best part? It performs just as well as toxic in-store brands. You just have to rub it in a little more than other spray sunscreens.
8. Aloe Vera
You might still burn, even after using sunscreen. Aloe vera heals sunburns naturally, making it an essential item on this what-to-pack-for-a-Bora-Bora-honeymoon list.
In addition, aloe vera also helps cool and replenish freshly waxed skin, preventing ingrown hairs and other wax-induced discomfort.
This travel size organic aloe vera gel is an Amazon bestseller and highly reviewed by its users.
9. Sunglasses
Just like you need to protect your skin, you need to protect your eyes. Bring a pair of sunglasses everywhere you go in Bora Bora.
The sun’s brightness in French Polynesia is incomprehensible until you experience it first-hand. In fact, the sun was so bright that there were times where I was squinting with my sunglasses on.
Zenni Optical has incredibly cute and cheap prescription (or non-prescription) sunglasses in every style frame imaginable (aviator, round, luxury square, classic and more). I swear by my rectangle pair of Zennis which are under $15 with a basic prescription
10. Loose Shirts & Blouses
Loose, lightweight blouses (short or long-sleeved) are perfect tops to pack for your Bora Bora honeymoon.
Not only are lightweight shirts and blouses practical for the warm-yet-breezy weather, but they can also act as either casual or dressy attire. Packing clothing items that match any outfit is a key factor in not overpacking.
11. Loose Linen Pants And/Or Skirts
Like the lightweight tops, loose fitting pants are a staple piece in Bora Bora, French Polynesia, year-round.
They are cool during the day. They are warm for breezy nights. And, they prevent inner-thigh chafing during those pleasant daytime beach walks (by the way, I love this anti-chafing stick from Amazon). I am not kidding when I say that loose linen pants are a must for Bora Bora.
12. Casual Dresses
Do you see a common theme here with the loose, flow-y clothing?
Trust me, you won’t want to wear your tight tanks and skinny jeans in this island climate. But, you probably want to look cute on your Bora Bora honeymoon still, right?
Just like loose fitting tops and bottoms, casual dresses are an essential Bora Bora honeymoon packing list item.
13. 2-3 Dressy Outfits For Nice Dinners
Furthermore, you’ll inevitably be splurging on some fancy dinners while you’re on your Bora Bora honeymoon. Dress the part!
I personally packed these two Amazon dresses on my Bora Bora honeymoon, and I am still obsessed with them.
Both of these options are perfectly priced for an elegant dress on a budget. The quality is great, and both will photograph beautifully against the crystal blue waters of Bora Bora.
14. Nice White Dress
Similarly, white dresses are a staple honeymoon closet piece. Whether you’re strolling outside your dreamy overwater bungalow at sunset or indulging in a five-star resort meal, a white dress will inevitably match every Bora Bora honeymoon vibe.
Bonus: White dresses that have a mesh overlay (like this one shown below), will catch the coastal sunlight perfectly for stunning photos.
15. Sun Hat (What To Pack For Bora Bora Honeymoon)
As mentioned earlier, the sun was so bright that even sunglasses didn’t provide enough shade.
I was planning on bringing this adorable, classic straw sun hat along, but I forgot it at home! Don’t take after me. Pack a sun hat for your Bora Bora honeymoon.
16. Waterproof Makeup
As a travel blogger and photographer, I have had my fair share of beach and underwater photoshoots.
Although you’re gorgeous without makeup (obviously!), you may be looking for affordable, proven waterproof makeup for your Bora Bora honeymoon — or even for your wedding day!
I have personally tested these waterproof beach makeup products, and they are tried and true for surviving even the wettest conditions. Seriously, I used all of these products on my own wedding day (I did my own makeup), and didn’t have to touch up once, even after crying, dancing and sweating.
17. Pony Tails & Extra Hair Product (What To Pack For Bora Bora Honeymoon)
With your dream tropical honeymoon comes humidity, unfortunately.
Although the humidity isn’t too noticeable when you’re lounging outside or swimming, it is definitely noticeable after you have done your hair.
If you have wavy-curly hair like me, I highly suggest bringing the OGX Extra Strength & Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco to help tame frizz.
18. Beach Bag
You won’t want to lug your carry-on backpack with you from your resort room to the beach.
It may be worth packing this small, packable, beach-y purse so that you have a bag to keep your phone, room key and sunglasses stored while you swim.
Or, if you don’t mind carrying a beach bag through the airport, you could also use this full-size woven beach bag as your airplane personal item.
19. Waterproof Phone Pouch (What To Pack For Bora Bora Honeymoon)
I am probably the only travel blogger/photographer who will admit this, but GoPros are overrated.
Unless you are an aspiring travel videographer, you are much better off purchasing a waterproof phone pouch over a GoPro. Today, smartphone cameras have incredible technology that will produce photo and video content that is just as good (if not better) than a GoPro.
Even if you are an aspiring travel videographer, you should invest in underwater housing for your DSLR or mirrorless camera instead of spending several hundred dollars on the newest GoPro.
This waterproof phone pouch will keep your phone safe, dry and usable during all of your underwater adventures.
20. A Book You’ve Been Meaning To Read
We all have a stack of books waiting to be read.
I read Atomic Habits by James Clear over my honeymoon in Bora Bora, and it completely transformed my perspectives of habits, goals and work-life balance. It helped me recharge while I was on vacation so that I was actually excited to return to work when I got back home.
Though, I don’t think I could ever be excited to leave Bora Bora, haha!
21. Snorkel Gear (What To Pack For Bora Bora Honeymoon)
Like beach towels, most resorts will have complimentary snorkel gear rentals. However, it is worth researching, as you will not want to miss snorkeling with Bora Bora’s tropical array of rainbow fish, puffer fish, angel fish and stingray.
If you need to pack snorkel gear, this Amazon snorkel gear set is the absolute best: no flukes, no fogging.
Pair this snorkel set with these travel-friendly snorkel fins to really immerse into the oceanic habitat.
22. Food & Alcohol
If you’re looking to visit Bora Bora on a budget, you will absolutely want to pack food with you. Groceries stores are practically inaccessible from most resorts, and expensive resort restaurants can cost several hundred dollars per day.
Similarly, alcoholic beverages in Bora Bora cost $20 USD per drink on average. If you plan on drinking frequently while on your honeymoon, I suggest purchasing duty-free alcohol in the Tahiti airport. (Again, you will go through the Tahiti airport to get to Bora Bora.)
For more information on how to do Bora Bora on a budget, click here.
23. Lingerie (What To Pack For Bora Bora Honeymoon)
Ladies, you do not want to forget lingerie on your honeymoon.
If you want to pack lingerie from Victoria’s Secret for your Bora Bora honeymoon but don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars, wait to purchase your lingerie until the store’s semi-annual sale.
Their semi-annual sales typically run twice a year: once in the winter and once in the summer. I was able to buy a whole new wardrobe of bras, panties and multiple lingerie sets for only around $100 USD during their summer semi-annual sale.
(To put it into perspective, a single lingerie set can cost $100 USD at Victoria’s Secret.)
24. Birth Control
Likewise, you do not want to forget your birth control.
Remember, grocery stores and pharmacies are practically inaccessible from most Bora Bora resorts. So, talk to your fiance about which birth control option is best for you, and don’t forget to pack it.
If you’re looking for an all-natural, non-hormonal form of birth control, I recommend Natural Cycles. It’s an FDA-cleared fertility tracker that detects your ovulation based on your daily basal body temperature. Plus, on days when you are fertile, you can simply use protection to avoid pregnancy.
25. Socks & Underwear (What To Pack For Bora Bora Honeymoon)
This Bora Bora packing list item is the most basic but also the most forgotten. Remember to pack enough socks and underwear for the number of days you’ll be honeymooning in Bora Bora. Maybe even bring a few extra pairs of underwear… It is your honeymoon after all.
To keep your suitcase organized (and to prevent a nightmare of underwear falling out of your suitcase at baggage claim), I suggest using these packing cubes to store all of your unmentionables.
26. Activewear
If you’re more of the beach-only type of traveler, you can keep scrolling.
But, if you are up for a rewarding main island hike, resort yoga flow or beach run, you may want to consider bringing a workout outfit or two.
My all-time favorite athleisure leggings are from Victoria’s Secret. They don’t lose their shape, they aren’t see-through, they’re flattering and they’re ridiculously soft.
27. Toiletries (What To Pack For Bora Bora Honeymoon)
Another obvious but frequently forgotten packing list item for your Bora Bora honeymoon? Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, face wash, moisturizer, etc.). Here’s your second reminder to pack reef-safe high SPF sunscreen!
I use a hanging toiletry bag for all of my trips.
Not only will a hanging toiletry bag keep all of your little bottles packable and organized, but it will also allow you to hang your bathroom necessities on the mirror, shower rod or towel rack to save precious hotel counter space.
28. Neck Pillow
I have a confession. I hated neck pillows up until our long-haul flight to Bora Bora. Before this flight, I thought neck pillows were stocky, uncomfortable and more harmful for my neck than beneficial.
However, my husband convinced me to try one again on our eight-hour flight from LAX to Tahiti because I can “never” sleep on flights.
I hate to admit it, but I slept better on those flights than I ever have on a flight before. I think I have to credit this basic neck pillow for the bettered sleep.
29. Outlet Adaptor (What To Pack For Bora Bora Honeymoon)
Did you know that not all countries use the same shape of outlet?
Obviously, this poses a bit of a problem when traveling internationally. In Bora Bora, you will need this Type E outlet adaptor to use and charge your electronics. Most resorts will have universal outlets built into their walls, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
Pro tip: If you bring a power strip, you will only need to purchase one outlet adaptor to charge all your devices at once. This power strip has a retractable cord, so it won’t get tangled or take up extra space in your suitcase.
30. Fun Floaties (What To Pack For Bora Bora Honeymoon)
As you already know, the water in Bora Bora is simply spectacular. It’s even better in person than in photos.
Sometimes, you’ll want to just relax and float in the water without having to swim, paddle or otherwise exert energy.
A cheap pool floatie for each of you would be more than worthwhile to pack. You could even milk the honeymoon theme with this engagement ring floatie or have fun with this llama pool floatie!
31. Faux Flower Crown For Photos
If you want to step up your Bora Bora honeymoon photos, purchase a real, local-made flower crown. If you’re looking for a cheaper and more sustainable option, buy a faux flower crown prior to your trip.
I’m wearing this flower crown and bracelet set off of Amazon in the photo above.
32. Travel Camera Gear (What To Pack For Bora Bora Honeymoon)
You want your honeymoon to be as memorable as possible, so I highly suggest bringing a nice camera with you.
For all of the best budget camera gear for travel photography, click here.
Should I wear my engagement and wedding rings in Bora Bora or leave them at home?
In terms of theft, it is totally safe for you to wear your wedding rings in Bora Bora if you’re staying at a major resort.
However, do not wear your rings while swimming in the ocean. Your rings could easily get lost in the water. And, although shark attacks are extremely rare in Bora Bora, shiny jewelry is known to attract sharks.
But, besides swimming, feel free to show off your new rings in Bora Bora.
Looking to honeymoon in Bora Bora on a budget? Check out my guide to finding cheap overwater bungalows in Bora Bora here.
More Bora Bora Honeymoon Guides
How To Score Cheap Overwater Bungalows In Bora Bora
How To Do Bora Bora On A Budget
Bora Bora Vs Tahiti: Which Is Better?
Bora Bora Vs Hawaii: Complete Guide To Your Dream Trip
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[…] course, some airlines have smaller personal item size regulations (we learned this the hard way in Bora Bora), but, for the most part, a personal item can be as large as a standard sized […]