Family vacations, especially those with small kids, are the most fun and the most stressful ones at the same time. They require a lot of research and organization, and there is an extra layer of planning to be done if you’re traveling to a place that isn’t specifically designed for kids. One such place is the wonderful island of Bora Bora. It is not far from being an absolute heaven on Earth, and it’s one of the top honeymoon destinations for newlyweds. A place anyone would want to enjoy, the crystal clear turquoise waters simply draw you in and make you forget about the busy world back home. So if you are planning a fun vacation with the kids to this small paradise, here are tips on how to make the most of it.
Traveling with Kids to Bora Bora – Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/sergiojoshua/28700222406/
Hit the beach
The first thing you will want to do when you arrive is get straight into the water. It is calm and very clear, so it might be a great place for your kids to learn how to swim if they don’t know how to already. However, make sure you keep an eye on them at all times, because there won’t be lifeguards on every beach you visit. If you want to be safe, Matira Beach is the main public beach of the island and it has calm waters and soft sand to enjoy. Bring some equipment to keep the kids occupied, like tools to make a sandcastle or a ball to throw around in the water. This is one of the few places that is completely kid-friendly, so expect to spend a lot of time here.
Go on tours
There is so much to see on the island, and you’re best off not wandering around alone. With a guide, you will not only make sure you don’t miss a crucial area, but you will also have someone local to explain to you everything you are seeing. A good tip is to book all of your tours in advance. This way, you will get the best prices and make sure that you have a spot on the tours that fit your schedule. When booking, make sure it’s a kid-friendly tour, and furthermore, that it has something that will actually be interesting for the kids. An endless walk through nature might not be the most exciting thing, especially when they get tired. Plenty of tours offer a children discount, so your kids might be able to come along at half the price, or even for free.
Bora Bora with Kids – Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/fotodju/5874181052/
Find the perfect accommodation
Getting good accommodation is crucial for a successful trip abroad, and this especially goes for islands such as Bora Bora. Not many places are kid-friendly, but there are some where you will find the perfect package. The gorgeous Le Meridien Bora Bora resort has an amazing beach villa with two separate bedrooms and a large shared space, perfect for a family stay. They even offer babysitting services, as well as snorkeling gear and child size windsurf boards. The best part? Kids that are sharing a room with their parents enjoy free accommodation and discounted meals, which sounds pretty perfect. You have to take into consideration the fact that kids don’t have as much energy as you, and they won’t be able to spend the whole day outside. This is why getting a beach villa or bungalow is a great way to stay close to nature and the action while still being able to rest up and regain energy. Make sure you book in advance and ensure the staff knows you are coming with children, because they might want to place you somewhere farther away from romantic couples so that you don’t have to worry about them having a problem with the noise your kids might make.
Bora Bora travel with Kids – Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/scalleja/570423907/in/album-72157600401239040/
Enjoy the culture
There is so much history and culture in all of Polynesia, and Bora Bora is no exception. And don’t worry, it’s not all museums and boring tours – your kids will absolutely love seeing traditional crafts and learning about history through fascinating myths and statues. There are places where your kids can try to do some crafts themselves, like dying and styling some pareos, traditional, brightly colored clothing. If that’s not their cup of tea and they want something more active, they can try to learn one of Bora Bora’s traditional dances, or simply watch a performance in the city at night.
Meet the local wildlife
If there is one thing you simply must see in Bora Bora, it’s the turtles. It will be fun to see all of the turtles and to hear some stories about them. The center is small, but lovely and the staff will answer any questions you have about the animals. The second thing you will love to see is the stingrays. You can actually get right there in the water with them to pet them and swim alongside them. That is an experience that you really can’t get in many places in the world, so make sure you don’t miss out on it while you’re here. If you want to see something bigger, there are tours that offer dolphin and whale watching. They are mesmerizing to see and will definitely be something you will all remember. And if your kids are over eight years old and don’t have experience with diving, then taking an underwater scooter is an ideal way to see the magic that goes on underwater while staying comfortably dry and safe.
Bora Bora travel with Kids – Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/lizsaldana/4370393208/
Bora Bora will certainly be a once-in-a-lifetime experience both for you and your children, so you might want to wait until they are old enough to be able to remember and appreciate it. Yes, you might have to do some digging to find plenty of activities to keep them from getting bored, but if they like spending time outdoors, they are sure to have a lot of fun. And don’t forget that it’s your vacation too so maybe use that babysitting service and have a relaxing drink at the beach to get a taste of paradise.
