How to get to the InterContinental Thalasso Bora Bora from the Airport

Getting to your hotel or resort hotel takes some planning ahead before your trip. If you’re willing to take a few detours, you can save hundreds of dollars (more money for excursions!). A week before your reservation date at the InterContinental Thalasso Bora Bora, a member from guest services will email you about options to get to the resort. Prices in this post are accurate as of July 2018.

Option 1: Direct Boat Transfer

The direct, but more expensive option is a direct pickup at the Bora Bora airport. All you have to do after arriving a the airport is to find the InterContinental desk, and they'll assist you with your luggage onto the hotel's boat.

• Cost: 14 238 xpf/person, roundtrip fare = USD ~$149

• Total: 28 4876 xpf for 2 people = USD ~$300 Round-trip

The cost will be charged to your room account to settle at check-out time.

Option 2: Public Transportation

The cheaper alternative is to take a free public transfer to the village of Vaitape, Bora Bora. From there, you'll have to hail a taxi to the InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort. After you arrive at Le Moana, you can hop on the InterContinental's shuttle boats to Thalasso.

• Costs:

  • Air Tahiti Shuttle from the airport to Bora Bora, Vaitape: Free

  • One-way taxi from Vaitape to InterContinental Bora Bora Le Moana: ~2 500 xpf = USD ~$25

  • One-way boat shuttle from Le Moana to Thalasso: 2 712 xpf per person = USD ~$27

  • Total: 7 925 xpf for 2 people = USD ~$80 One-way ($160 round-trip)

You'll need to withdraw cash from an ATM at the airport to pay the taxi fare. The shuttle boat transfer can be billed to your room at Thalasso.

The Air Tahiti Shuttle is a complimentary shuttle boat that departs from the Bora Bora Airport. Follow the “Transfer” sign to find the boat dock. The shuttle takes ~15 minutes to arrive at Vaitape.

Air Tahiti Shuttle

On the shuttle

Once you arrive at Vaitape, you’ll find a Bora Bora Visitor Center. You can store your luggage there (at your own risk) while you explore the town or find the ATM. Walk a few hundred more feet to find the ATM.

Pro-tip: Book your excursions directly at the Bora Bora Visitor’s Center to avoid paying hotel commission fees. The Visitor Center has a book of excursions from various third-party tour companies, and they can help you book the packages. When you book through the hotel concierge, the same tours are often more expensive because you’re also paying the hotel commissions. If you book directly, be sure to withdraw enough cash to pay the tour company.

Bora Bora Visitor Center

Bank

Once you’re ready to head to the IHG Thalasso, hail a taxi from the Visitor’s Center to Le Moana. The taxi should cost USD ~$25, cash only. After you arrive at Le Moana, they’ll point you in the direction of the boat dock where the shuttle is.

IHG shuttle at Le Moana

IHG shuttle at Thalasso

Bottom line

If you want to save a few bucks and explore the town, take the economic route, especially if your flight arrives before the resort check-in time. Take the money you saved on transportation and spend it on an excursion or a fancy meal. On the other hand, if you want a seamless and easy experience (along with the price tag), take the direct route via resort shuttle at the Bora Bora airport.

Which route do you plan on taking? Let me know in the comments below!