5 Places like Bora Bora: Same Same But Different
Bora Bora is the kind of place that feels straight out of a postcard — and for good reason. With powdery white beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and Mount Otemanu dramatically towering in the background, it’s easy to understand why people never want to leave their overwater villa… well, maybe just for the world-class snorkeling.
But if you’re like me, as much as you love Bora Bora, there’s still a big, beautiful world out there to explore. And yes, there are other destinations that deliver those same jaw-dropping views and luxurious vibes — just with their own unique twist.
Here are my top 5 alternatives to Bora Bora that are absolutely worth packing your bags for.
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How I Compared Bora Bora Alternatives
Where we stayed: InterContinental Le Moana Bora Bora Beach at sunset
Before we dive in, let’s make sure we are on the same page.
What makes Bora Bora special?
✔️ Great beaches
✔️ Turquoise clear water
✔️ Overwater villas
✔️ Fantastic snorkeling (see my snorkeling tour review!)
✔️ Dramatic landscape
All of my 5 recommended Bora Bora alternatives will be compared based on the above criteria.
By the way, I have been to ALL these destinations, so this is NOT just another generic regurgitated list with stock photos!
01- Maldives
Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru: Our Overwater Villa with Pool
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How the Maldives Compares to Bora Bora:
✔️ World-class beaches
✔️ Turquoise clear water
✔️ Overwater villas
✔️ Fantastic snorkeling
❌ Dramatic landscape
Alright, this is an easy one to suggest. The Maldives is my #1 recommendation of a place most like Bora Bora. It is stunning and in my opinion, even has better beaches than Bora Bora!
Plus, you get to make a grand entrance in a seaplane, a quintessential Maldivian experience.
The color of the water looks almost unreal and is so clear you can see the colorful tropical fish from your overwater villa.
It has some of the best snorkeling in the world, and this is coming from someone who frequently plans “snorkations.”
One difference though is the Maldives is flat.
Each island = its own resort, and there are over 160+ resorts!
How do you pick? Well, if you love snorkeling, here are my top 6 Maldives resorts with the best house reefs (videos included)! All of my recommendations have overwater bungalows.
And if you want to know more about the differences between Bora Bora and the Maldives, here are the 9 factors to consider.
WHERE TO STAY: Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort
02- Maui
Posing at Secret Beach in Makena Cove in Maui
How Maui Compares to Bora Bora:
✔️ World-class beaches
✔️ Turquoise clear water
❌ Overwater villas
✔️ Fantastic snorkeling
✔️ Dramatic landscape
Not to be cheesy, but Hawaii holds a special place in my heart.
My hubby and I were married on a small beach at Makena Cove in Maui with just our immediate family and a lovely Hawaiian minister playing a ukulele. It does not get more romantic than that.
Each of the 6 Hawaiian islands have their own identity. We have been to 4 of the 6 Hawaiian islands (Hawaii Island, Kauai, Maui, and Oahu).
Maui is most similar to Bora Bora. It has towering mountains, gorgeous beaches (Makena Cove is my happy place. Shhh! Don’t tell everyone!), and amazing snorkeling in super clear water (love Black Rock and Honolua Bay).
No overwater villas, but there’s a great selection of fantastic beachfront properties with gorgeous views!
WHERE TO STAY: Hotel Wailea
03- St. Lucia
View of the towering Pitons mountains in St. Lucia
How St. Lucia Compares to Bora Bora:
✔️ Great beaches
✔️ Turquoise clear water
✔️ Overwater villas (one option: Sandals Grande St. Lucian)
✔️ Great snorkeling
✔️ Dramatic landscape
St. Lucia has the same dramatic landscape as Bora Bora with the towering Pitons as its backdrop.
And yes, my husband and I hiked Gros Piton (pictured in the background), which was probably the hardest hike I have ever done in my life! I could not sit for days. But the views at the top were breathtaking.
St. Lucia also boasts beautiful beaches and turquoise clear water. There are a few nice areas to snorkel (Anse Chastanet), but it does not have the variety as seen in Bora Bora.
There is one overwater villa option, but I would strongly consider the super swanky Jade Mountain. You will be paying safari prices but that view will be etched in your memory until you die.
WHERE TO STAY: Jade Mountain
04- Aruba
Arashi Beach in Aruba
How Aruba Compares to Bora Bora:
✔️ World-class beaches
✔️ Turquoise clear water
✔️ Overwater villas (one option: Aruba Ocean Villas)
✔️ Great snorkeling
❌ Dramatic landscape
If you want to experience a place that is Bora Bora-like, consider Aruba.
Surprised? Let me explain.
Aruba has some of the BEST beaches in the WORLD.
The water is super calm and clear, and there are several pockets of incredible snorkeling (like swimming with turtles at Tres Trapi and doing a drift snorkel over a sunken shipwreck at Mangel Halto).
It may not have the dramatic landscape like Bora Bora (Aruba is mostly flat), but it checks all the other boxes including overwater villas!
We have always stayed at the charming Boardwalk Boutique Hotel but may consider switching it up just to try out these gorgeous overwater bungalows.
The best part? If you live in the U.S., the flight could be as short as 3 hours depending on your departure city!
WHERE TO STAY: Aruba Ocean Villas
05- Belize
Blue Bayou at Secret Beach in Ambergris Caye, Belize
How Belize Compares to Bora Bora:
❌ World-class beaches
✔️ Turquoise clear water
✔️ Overwater villas
✔️ Amazing snorkeling
❌ Dramatic landscape
Ambergris Caye is the largest island of Belize, and it’s pretty special.
It is the jumping-off point to the world’s second-largest coral reef system, which is spectacular! Snorkel with nurse sharks, eagle and sting rays, barracudas, and loads of tropical Caribbean fish.
Plus, you get to drive around and discover everything in a golf cart, which is #8 on my favorite things to do in Belize list!
The turquoise water is crystal clear. While it does have a few pockets of nice soft sand beaches (my favorite is the not-so-secret Secret Beach), it is not known for sugary white world-class beaches.
But if you are looking for a laid-back tropical paradise that has a world-class underwater experience, Belize is it!
And yes, they also have overwater villas. Stay at Cayo Espanto, a beautiful boutique property located on a private island just three miles off the coast of Ambergris Caye.
WHERE TO STAY: Cayo Espanto
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, this carefully crafted selection sparks ideas for your next tropical getaway. Bora Bora undoubtedly is truly special. However, if you are looking to explore unique Bora Bora alternatives, these 5 exotic destinations are sure to hit the mark. Happy travels!
I’m Nichole, the author of all the blog posts on Enriching Pursuits. Think of me as your geeky discerning travel friend who dives deep (Google Page 20, forums, travel groups deep!) to uncover the best ways to enjoy exceptional outdoor adventures and foodie experiences.
My husband and I are experienced snorkelers, day hikers, and casual cyclists who also love delicious street food, an incredible glass of wine, and the occasional Michelin-starred meal.
Balancing full-time careers, we cherish every second of our vacation days and love sharing tips to help you do the same. If this sounds like your kind of travel, subscribe below or drop me a note with any questions. I’d love to hear from you!
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