Paradise Found: The Untold Magic of Matira Beach in Bora Bora
A beach where public means perfect
Tucked away at the southern tip of Bora Bora (16.5417° S, 151.7417° W), Matira Beach stands as French Polynesia’s crown jewel – and remarkably, it’s the island’s only public beach. While most of Bora Bora’s shoreline belongs to exclusive resorts, this powder-soft stretch remains blissfully accessible to all, offering the same postcard-perfect views without the premium price tag.
The lagoon that defies photography
No filter can truly capture Matira’s waters. The beach slopes gently into a lagoon where at least seven distinct shades of blue dance beneath the tropical sun. Snorkelers find themselves suspended in liquid crystal, drifting over coral gardens teeming with parrotfish, angelfish, and occasional visits from gentle rays. The water clarity rivals that of Lake Baikal’s famous transparency, though with a decidedly warmer embrace.
Mount Otemanu: The ancient guardian
Dominating every photo from Matira’s shores is Mount Otemanu, Bora Bora’s jagged volcanic remnant rising 2,385 feet above the lagoon. Local legend says the mountain houses the spirits of ancient Polynesian warriors. At sunset, when Otemanu’s silhouette darkens against a blazing sky, it’s easy to believe such stories.
“When the mountain turns gold at sunset, the old ones say Otemanu is receiving messages from the gods,” explains Tehani, whose family has lived on Bora Bora for generations. “This is when the island feels most alive.”
The secret of seasonal timing
May through October delivers Matira’s most glorious days – lower humidity, calm seas, and temperatures hovering around a perfect 80°F. During these months, the beach adopts a rhythm: peaceful mornings for snorkeling, midday for sunbathing, and evenings for unforgettable sunsets that rival those over Rio’s iconic Christ the Redeemer.
Beyond the beach: Matira’s hidden treasures
The coral garden at Point Matira remains the beach’s best-kept secret. This sheltered cove at the southern tip harbors an underwater paradise accessible even to novice snorkelers. Early mornings bring gentle currents and maximum visibility – plus you’ll likely have the spot to yourself.
“Many visitors miss the coral gardens because they don’t walk to the point,” says Philippe, a local dive instructor. “It’s the best snorkeling on the main island, completely free and rarely crowded.”
From sea to table: Matira’s culinary delights
Ben’s Place, a beloved snack bar, serves arguably the island’s best poisson cru – fresh tuna marinated in coconut milk and lime. For sunset cocktails, follow locals to Bloody Mary’s, a legendary thatched-roof restaurant where celebrities and sailors rub shoulders over mai tais and grilled mahi-mahi.
Where to rest your head
While Matira lacks the overwater bungalows that made Bora Bora famous (those are found on surrounding motus), modest pensions and boutique hotels line the beach area. Budget travelers find excellent value at Hotel Matira or Sunset Hill Lodge, both offering million-dollar views without the resort price tags.
Photography tips for capturing paradise
Matira’s most magical light arrives 30 minutes before sunset, when the lagoon transforms into a mirror of molten gold. For underwater enthusiasts, the morning hours between 9-11am provide optimal visibility for capturing the vibrant marine life – a spectacle as colorful as Galapagos’ famous evolutionary playground.
Getting there: Easier than you might think
From Vaitape (Bora Bora’s main town), a $20 taxi or the island’s casual “Le Truck” bus delivers you to Matira in minutes. Rental bicycles offer a more scenic route, following the coastal road with frequent stopping points for photos of views as impressive as France’s Verdon Gorge, though in a tropical palette.
The beach that rivals Whitehaven
Matira’s powdery white sand comes from crushed coral, creating a texture so fine that locals joke it polishes their feet. The sand’s pristine quality rivals Australia’s famous Whitehaven Beach, with grains so pure they’re said to polish jewelry if gently rubbed.
As the stars emerge above Matira’s quiet shores, it becomes clear why this stretch of sand represents paradise in its purest form. Here, nature’s extravagance remains democratically available – a place where the world’s most beautiful beach welcomes all comers with equal generosity, no resort key required.