Are you wondering what to wear in Bora Bora and looking for the perfect Bora Bora Packing List? Then look no further. In this guide we round up the Bora Bora dress code including what to wear in Bora Bora at night ending with the ULTIMATE Bora Bora Packing List.
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Bora Bora Packing List Warning
Bora Bora is a beautiful but relatively difficult place to get to. To get to Bora Bora you will first have to fly into Tahiti and from Papeete you will need to transfer onto an Air Tahiti flight to Bora Bora.
This is not a problem but our warning to you is regarding luggage requirements. This flight has very strict weight restrictions so even if you have 40kgs on your flight into Tahiti do not use it as you can only have 23kg of luggage on your Tahiti to Bora Bora flight.
If you are traveling to other parts of French Polynesia as well as part of your trip don’t forget this. Also why not check out some of our other French Polynesia posts such as what to pack for Moorea or check out our ULTIMATE Tahiti Packing List.
The other thing to consider when packing for Bora Bora is that it is very hot and can get humid depending on what time of year you are traveling. Therefore when you are packing for Bora Bora we recommend
What to Bring to Bora Bora Tips
How to Pack for Bora Bora / Luggage Allowance
As the weight restrictions on your Bora Bora flight are so strict we advise picking your luggage very carefully.
As you can only have 23KG you don’t want to have a heavy suitcase with you. We therefore advise you purchase a very lightweight case if you don’t already have one.
A lightweight case will mean that you can make the most of your weight limit with clothes and souvenirs rather than the case itself taking much of your allowance.
Click here to shop light weight luggage
Bora Bora Dress Code
On of the great things about visiting French Polynesia is that the Bora Bora dress code isn’t too formal. As most people who travel to Bora Bora are doing so to visit some of the amazing Bora Bora resorts the dress code in the day is relatively casual / resort wear.
And at night you won’t find a formal dress code. Even at the most high end Bora Bora dress code the strictest the dress code will ever be is smart casual which definitely helps when trying to pack light for Bora Bora.
What to Wear to Bora Bora
What to Wear in Bora Bora for Women
Swimwear
As you will be most likely spending most of your time in Bora Bora at the resort around the pool and on the beach the number one thing you will be packing for Bora Bora is swimwear.
As swimwear is light and you will be wearing a lot of it on your Bora Bora vacation we recommend taking two or three swimming costumes.
If you are worried about tan lines then be sure to pack swimwear that has different straps / cuts to get a more even all over tan.
And if you are wearing “Can you wear a bikini in Bora Bora?” you absolutely can. I would say pick the swimwear that you feel most comfortable in. However on top of your bikini or one piece I would advise you pack
Rash Vests
The sun in Bora Bora is the strongest I ever felt. And I find that many people who go snorkeling tend to suffer from sunburn more than those relaxing on the beach.
If you plan on indulging in water sports in Bora Bora then be sure to take a rash vest. This will protect you from sunburn and also will add another layer of protection against coral.
Beach Cover
And although Bora Bora is relatively casual in the day, you will be expected to not wear swimwear in bars, restaurants and around the resort. We therefore recommend packing a beach cover with you for these occasions.
Sarong
In addition we recommend packing a sarong as they take up virtually no space in your luggage but are so versatile and easy to use. And even better they don’t crease easily. All in all, sarongs are the perfect addition to any Bora Bora packing list.
Sun Hat
Given the strength of the sun in Bora Bora you should make every effort to protect your self from the sun. One way to do this is with a wide brimmed sun hat.
I recommend something like this sun hat although you could go for whatever style you feel most comfortable in.
Maxi Dresses
Maxi Dresses are my number one pick for what to wear in Bora Bora at night. They are also great for day to night transitions. However as the air conditioning can be strong in some places we also recommend packing a
Pashmina
As this will act as an additional layer if you get chilly
Flip Flops
As Bora Bora is a casual place with most time being spent on the beach or around the pool a pair of flip flops are the best shoes for Bora Bora
Sandals
However for those who like to dress up a bit more in the evening you may want to pack a slightly dresser pair of sandals.
Now my normal go to shoe for a tropical vacation is a wedge. However these can be heavy and I would therefore add wedges to my what not to pack for Bora Bora list. Instead I would pack a light pair of dressier sandals like these.
What to Bring in Bora Bora for Men
Swimwear
As with my Bora Bora packing list for women, I would put swimwear at the top of my men’s Bora Bora packing list too.
As you spend most time in Bora Bora around water you will want to pack a couple of pairs of swimming trunks with you.
Click here to shop swim trunks.
RAsh Vest
Rash vests are important for keeping yourself sun safe at any tropical destination but even more so in places like Bora Bora.
Click here to shop rash vests for men.
T Shirt
As you can’t wear swimwear in restaurants and bars have a few t shirts with you for during the day.
Shorts
Shorts can be worn in Bora Bora at night and during the day. We recommend having a mix of more casual and some more tailored chino types.
Sun Hat
Again wide brimmed sun hats are best as they offer the most protection but if you prefer there is no reason you can’t wear a baseball cap in Bora Bora.
Short Sleeved Shirts
Collared short sleeved shirts are for me the answer to what to wear in Bora Bora at night for men.
Click here to shop short sleeve shirts
Sandals and Flip Flops
As with our Bora Bora female packing list we recommend that men take a pair of flip flops and one more dressier sandal with them.
What to Wear in Bora Bora at Night
Are you wondering what to wear in Bora Bora at Night? Or perhaps you are concerned about what to wear in Bora Bora for dinner with the restricted luggage allowances.
Well this really shouldn’t be a concern as in most places you will find a casual to at most a smart casual dress code.
For women I recommend packing and wearing a Maxi Dress and a Pashmina at night in Bora Bora. While for men wondering what to pack for Bora Bora at night I would recommend a pair of tailored chino shorts or linen trousers paired with a collared short sleeve shirt.
Bora Bora Parking List / What to Bring to Bora Bora (Non Clothing)
Sunscreen
I have never felt sun as strong as I felt through French Polynesia. You will want to be bring to Bora Bora lots of Sunscreen as although it is available locally it is expensive and you will use a lot.
Make sure the sunscreen you bring to Bora Bora is a high SPF – we recommend going with no less than an SPF 50 but am SPF 70 is even better.
But please when snorkelling please apply coral safe sunscreen. The reefs around Bora Bora are beautiful but do need protecting. Do your bit by buying sunscreen that will help protect the beautiful oceans around Bora Bora.
Aloe Vera
Although I would love for no one to get sunburnt on their visit to Bora Bora but the truth is that the sun is so strong in Bora Bora that sunburn can happen easily, even with the most cautious sunbather.
If you do get sunburn you will be wanting aloe vera to offer some burn relief. You can purchase this when you are in Bora Bora but you will pay a premium for this. We recommend taking some with you just in case.
Click here to shop our favorite aloe vera for sun burn relief.
Bug Spray
As with many tropical locales, mosquitos are commonplace in Bora Bora. We recommend having at least one bottle of bug spray with you for Bora Bora.
Click here to shop our favorite bug spray for tropical vacations
Anti Frizz Hair Products
I don’t know about your hair type but my hair gets frizzy when I travel to the tropics. If this happens to you and you want to keep your hair under control take some anti-frizz hair products with you.
But this is a personal decision and I don’t think anyone will be looking at you if you have slightly frizzy hair with the humidity.
Click here to shop our favorite anti frizz hair products for tropical vacations
Good quality Conditioner
Although most luxury resorts in Bora Bora will have shampoo and conditioner in their rooms I recommend bringing a small travel sized container of conditioner. Your hair will be under a lot of stress in Bora Bora with sun damage, salt water from snorkelling and potentially chlorine from the pool.
I recommend bringing a small amount of good quality conditioner that will protect your hair, especially if you have dyed hair that is more easily affected.
Snorkel Gear
Snorkelling is one of the highlights of a trip to Bora Bora for me. Now there are plenty of places to hire snorkel gear but IF you have room in your case I would recommend bringing your own.
Your own gear is usually better quality fits you better and will in the long run be more cost effective but only do so if you have enough weight allowance.
Click here to shop snorkel gear for Bora Bora
Water Shoes
I’m often asked “Do you need water shoes in Bora Bora?” and my answer is always the same. Yes! Absolutely you need water shoes for Bora Bora.
I would never go to Bora Bora without water shoes as there are rock fish that can injury you and pieces of coral can be found broken off in the sand which again can cause serious injury and will end the time you can swim in the sea in Bora Bora.
Water shoes do not have to be expensive but they can save your holiday.
Click here to shop affordable water shoes.
Go Pro or Underwater Camera
As I said, snorkelling is one of the top activities at Bora Bora. You will definitely want to capture these underwater memories so be sure to pack a go pro or other underwater camera with you.
Click here to shop underwater camera for Bora Bora
Inflatable
If you like to use an inflatable in the pool be sure to pack one to bring with you.
Reusable Water Bottle
It is important to reduce plastic waste wherever you are in the world but you are reminded of the damage plastic and climate change can do tot he oceans in places like Bora Bora.
Therefore do your bit to reduce plastic waste by traveling with a reusable water bottle. We love these travel themed ones.
Travel First Aid Kit
We always travel with a travel first aid kit wherever we go however in a place like Bora Bora I think it is even more important especially if you plan to do waterspouts and other outdoor activities.
While you hope you will never need one it is good to have one just in case.
Click here to shop our favorite travel first aid kit.
FAQs About What to Pack for Bora Bora
Do you need a jacket for Bora Bora?
If you are traveling to Bora Bora in Winter it may be useful to have a wind break with you. And if you are traveling to Bora Bora in the rainy season then a waterproof could be handy if you are planning to do some outdoors activities.
What do you wear to Four Seasons Bora Bora?
Although the Four Seasons Bora Bora is undoubtedly the creme de la creme of luxury Bora Bora resorts. However guests at the Four Seasons Bora Bora will not dress anymore smartly than elsewhere on Bora Bora and shorts, t shirts, swimwear and covers are fine during the daytime. Though maxi dress and smart shorts would be perfect for Bora Bora at night.
Have you been to Bora Bora? What would you add or take off this Bora Bora packing list – leave us a comment.