Matira Beach is simply staggeringly beautiful. This paradisiacal stretch of powdery white sand meets absolutely stunning waters of ever-changing patterns of turquoise blue and deserves its reputation as the most beautiful beach in the world.
It posses of a unique natural beauty and sits in the world’s most stunning lagoon. It’s at the foot of the mystical Mt Otemanu. The beach is covered by the swaying of coconuts, covered by palm trees that offer shade, and more distant enticing motus (atolls).
People who live here speak of the beach’s compelling energy insisting that there is no other place like it on earth and we can agree as it’s one of the most scenic places we’ve visited!
Getting To Matira Beach
Matira Beach is a public beach on the southern shore of Bora Bora, the small island northwest of Tahiti in French Polynesia. It’s actually one of the only public beaches in all of Bora Bora since most of the beaches are on resorts.
Matira Beach starts from Hotel Matira in the north and ends at Matira Point.
The beach is close to the island’s largest city, Vaitape and can be reached by bicycle or taxi. Alternatively, you can drive if you’ve rented a vehicle in Bora Bora. Whichever option you choose, it’s a quick ride from the city center as it only took us 10 minutes to get here.
There is a large road near the coast that covers all of the island. Whether you’re coming in from the east or west, just take it south, and when you get to the beach, find a parking spot.
Facilities At Matira Beach
If you choose to drive to Matira Beach, you can find parking spaces near the InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort. We came here early in the morning on a weekday and didn’t find it too crowded.
Aside from outdoor public showers, there aren’t many facilities. Matira is a relaxed and decidedly uncommercialized beach, so there are no towels, lounge chairs, or umbrellas available to rent. But you can find shade under the numerous palm trees. Just bring any items you may need for the water.
That said, there’s plenty to do nearby and places to stay. For one, there are a number of beautiful resorts, including the Intercontinental Le Moana Bora Bora Resort which offers overwater bungalows. Hotel Matira is also quite right by it.
When you get hungry, there are several small cafes right on the beach serving quick eats like sandwiches, wraps, and smoothies. One of the island’s most popular bars, Bloody Mary’s, is just a short walk away from Matira Beach.
Otherwise, you can walk to Le Matira Roulette for fresh Mahi Mahi or Fare Manuia for a wood-fired pizza. If you’re in the mood for something fancier, make your way to the Matira Beach restaurant for a wide selection of Tahitian cuisine.
Things To Do At Matira Beach
If laying on the beach all day isn’t your idea of fun, you can try watersports like jet skiing, wakeboarding, water skiing, and paddle boarding. There are two places you can rent gear from and take classes, Bora Bora Water Sport and Kite Surf School Polynesie which are both farther down south.
Both companies offer similar services, except Kite Surf School provides kiteboarding and wing foil boarding lessons.
You can also go snorkeling at Matira Beach, although you might not see much sea life due to the relatively shallow waters. Although snorkeling isn’t ideal in this area, it’s a great family-friendly beach due to the shallow waters. For parents or any traveler, placing a towel and laying on the soft white sand is just beyond relaxing.
If you want to just go for a swim, you’ll be happy to know that the waters are just like the island’s temperature, warm.
If that doesn’t deter you, we recommend going to the southernmost point on the east side of the beach. From there, swim towards the northern part of the barrier reef. There, you’ll see lots of colorful coral and tropical fish.
Unsurprisingly, a lot of the events that take place in Bora Bora tend to occur at Matira Beach. The fire-dancing spectacle above up above was part of a ceremony for marriage. It was quite a sight to see and I advise to look wether there are any events going on at Matira during your visit here.
There are also outrigger canoe races and other events that take place, including the famous Hawaiki Nui Va’a race.
As if this gorgeous beach wasn’t enough to draw you in, the combination of the tasty nearby restaurants and exciting water activities make Matira Beach an unmissable stop on any trip to Bora Bora. If you come at the right time, the sunsets at Matira Beach give you a wonderful view you won’t find anywhere else in the world.