Bora Bora Alternatives: 10 Tropical Destinations To Consider Instead
If you’re longing for a dream vacation to the bright blue waters of Bora Bora, but can’t stomach the five figure cost of a trip, then you need to consider one of these amazing Bora Bora alternatives.
Set in lush tropical paradises and surrounded by crystal blue water, these Bora Bora alternative destinations are easier on the wallet without sacrificing luxury or beauty.
Whether you are looking for overwater bungalows near the US or destinations with the bluest water, keep reading for these amazing alternative tropical destinations.
More Affordable French Polynesia: Moorea
If you are set on visiting French Polynesia but need a more affordable option, then don’t miss the island of Moorea.
Moorea is an excellent tropical destination for adventurous travelers who enjoy outdoor adventures like hiking and riding ATVs. The island is easily accessible by car or bike, and travelers can reach Moorea by a short 30-minutes ferry ride from the main island of Tahiti. Unlike the local flights to Bora Bora that costs hundreds, the ferry is only $15 each way.
Lower priced accommodations are abundant in Moorea, including Airbnbs and guesthouses. Moorea even has overwater bungalows! On Moorea these suites can be found at significantly lower rates than in Bora Bora at the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and the Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort.
Overwater Bungalows Near the US: Jamaica
Did you know you can find overwater bungalows in the Caribbean island nation of Jamaica? That’s right, you don’t have to travel halfway around the world to stay in this iconic style of accommodation.
Overwater bungalows can be found at two adults only, all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica: Sandals South Coast and Sandals Royal Caribbean. These all-inclusive resorts are for couples only and are perfect for a romantic getaway or dreamy honeymoon.
While the cost of these bungalow suites do not come cheap, you’ll find significant savings on both travel time and flight costs if you are traveling from the US. Plus, the cost of food and alcohol is already included in your room rate at an all-inclusive. And the best part is Sandals offers convenient monthly payments to finance your trip.
Lesser Known South Pacific Paradise: Cook Islands
The Cook Islands are located in the South Pacific, just west of Bora Bora and French Polynesia. This also happens to be our favorite place in the entire world! While you may not have heard of the Cook Islands, you won’t want to miss this hidden gem.
Because the Cook Islands are lesser known than French Polynesia, you’ll find a more affordable and authentic experience visiting the Cooks. Resorts are locally owned, so you’ll find boutique accommodations for every price point as well as fewer crowds and unspoiled beaches.
The main island of Rarotonga is easily accessibly by car, so you can be free to enjoy local cuisine and activities like hiking and island cultural show. And just a short flight from Rarotonga is the island of Aitutaki, where you’ll find a stunning lagoon with waters that rival Bora Bora’s. The Cook Islands’ only overwater bungalows can be found here at Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort for a quite reasonable rates.
A Hot Competitor: The Maldives
Located in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is an exotic chain of more than 1,000 coral atolls also known for its blue lagoons and overwater bungalows.
Similarly to Bora Bora, you’ll find overwater bungalows here as well as picturesque teal waters. Most of the resorts are even located on their own private atolls. Many vacations consider The Maldives to be the only true comparable for Bora Bora.
As there are over a hundred resorts in competition with one another, accommodation costs are significantly lower than in Bora Bora. Overwater bungalows are available at many different price points, and can be surprisingly affordable. Plus, it’s easy to find all-inclusive resorts in the Maldives, so you don’t have worry about the cost of food and beverages.
No Passport Required: Hawaii
You don’t need to leave the US to visit paradise. Have you considered an amazing trip or honeymoon to the islands of Hawaii? There’s no passport needed to visit this stunning island chain in the Pacific.
The Hawaiian islands include four main islands for vacation destinations: Maui, Oahu, Kaua’i and the Big Island. Each island offers a different vibe and experience. Explore black sand beaches in Maui, stay in a high rise on iconic Waikiki Beach on Oahu, hike the rugged terrain in Kaua’i, or even visit an active volcano at the Big Island.
Whether you prefer active adventures like surfing and hiking, or are looking for a relaxing vacation, Hawaii is an amazing option. You’ll find every type of accommodation in Hawaii, from private Airbnbs to large four and five star resorts to high rise beachfront hotels.
Caribbean Blue Waters: Turks & Caicos
The Turks and Caicos islands offer vivid blue waters just a quick and inexpensive plane ride from the United States. The islands are perfect for a romantic getaway or even a family trip, and Turks and Caicos are even a favorite of celebrity vacationers.
Turks and Caicos is home to iconic Grace Bay Beach, one of the top rated beaches in the world, as well as the second largest Barrier Reef in the Atlantic Ocean. While hotel and food costs are high here, you’ll save both time and money on airfare compared to visiting the South Pacific. Plus, you can enjoy a plethora of activities like horseback riding, snorkeling, diving, and catamaran boat cruises.
Accommodations on the island range from five star resorts to private villas and Airbnbs, so there is something for everyone. And if you are looking for a top-of-the-line experience closer to home, you won’t want to miss luxury resorts like COMO Parrot Cay and Ambergris Cay located on private islands.
Exotic and Dreamy: Fiji
A dreamy destination for romance and seclusion as well as the film location for Tom Hank’s Castaway, Fiji is considered one of the most romantic destinations.
Hotel options are plentiful, from resorts conveniently located options on the main island to secluded private island resorts a boat ride away. For overwater bungalows in Fiji, try locally owned Likuliku Lagoon Resort for a stay in an authentic Fijian overwater bure or the overwater bures at the brand new Fiji Marriott Momi Bay.
And a visit to Fiji wouldn’t complete without a day trip to Cloud 9, a floating bar and restaurant in the middle of the ocean. A Fijian honeymoon or vacation would certainly be one to remember, for a much lower cost than Bora Bora.
Cultured and Affordable: Zanzibar, Tanzania
The Tanzanian island of Zanzibar in East Africa is one of the most stunning island destinations in Africa. Wholly exotic but surprisingly affordable, here you can enjoy a resort experience set along insanely blues waters.
Stay on pristine white sand beaches on the north side of the island or experience the magic of the tides on the island’s east coast. Snorkeling, diving, and even swimming with turtles are popular activities. And for adventurous travelers, you’ll want to add at least a night soaking up the culture in historic Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
For accommodations, you’ll have a wide range of luxurious all inclusive resorts and romantic boutique hotels that average around the $300-$400/night range, making the cost of a trip to Zanzibar quite affordable. And if you’re looking to splurge, don’t miss Zanzibar’s only underwater floating hotel room at The Manta Resort.
Snorkeler’s Paradise: Belize
Belize is an English-speaking country located just south of Mexico’s border that offers quite a bit of bang for the buck. Belize features amazing opportunities for snorkeling, diving, and even very affordable overwater bungalows.
A snorkeler’s and diver’s paradise, you’ll be amazed by the underwater life you’ll see in Belize’s crystal clear waters. Plus, you won’t want to miss the famed Great Blue Hole. If you aren’t a diver, consider splurging on a aerial helicopter tour!
And make sure you check out the overwater bungalows at Thatch Caye Resort. While basic, these affordable overwater bungalows are actually set on a private island and with a heavy focus on conservation. Plus, they’re just a fraction of the cost of Bora Bora’s!
The Ultimate Honeymoon: The Seychelles
The Seychelles is a stunning chain of 115 islands off the coast of West Africa in the Indian Ocean. This destination is just as, or even more, exotic than Bora Bora. In fact, it is one of the most coveted, though lesser known, honeymoon and wedding destinations in the world.
Here you’ll find dramatic landscapes, lush tropical rainforests, picture-perfect white sand beaches, and some of the bluest waters you will see. The Seychelles is the perfect escape for utter seclusion and serenity if you are looking to relax, enjoy an exotic honeymoon, or plan an unforgettable destination wedding.
While there are no overwater bungalows, you will find upscale to ultra luxe resorts here tucked among the limestone boulders. For those with the means, you won’t want to miss the famous Six Senses Zil Payson or celebrity favorite North Island.
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