Bora Bora Honeymoon & Mini-Moon Guide: How to Plan Your First Trip to Paradise
Planning Your Bora Bora Honeymoon or Mini-Moon: What to Know Before You Go
We talk all the time about the amazing honeymoons and mini-moons our couples take—from beach resorts in Mexico to vineyard retreats in California, to driving road trips out west—but one of the most interesting (and unusual) escapes is heading all the way to Bora Bora. Why? Because it turns that post-wedding “Let’s just get away and breathe” trip into something truly unforgettable. You’ll see the turquoise water, over-water bungalows, and think “Yep—this is what’s up.”
Before we dive in, just so you know: popular honeymoon or mini-moon spots also include tropical favorites like the Maldives, the Bahamas, or a sophisticated resort stay in the Italian Riviera. But Bora Bora checks a unique box: remote, vibrant, exotic, tough to get to (so you feel like you earned it) and dripping with “this is our upgraded life” vibe.
So yeah—let’s break it down from zero: what you’ll need, where the heck Bora Bora is, how to get there (from Minnesota, no less), what you should do once you arrive, how long you should stay, and some smart tips so you don’t blow your budget or waste your time.
Pearl of the Pacific
Just a short 50-minute flight from Tahiti brings you to the crown jewel of French Polynesia—Bora Bora, often called the Pearl of the Pacific and one of the best places to travel!This island paradise is wrapped in white-sand beaches and a shimmering turquoise lagoon dotted with small, palm-covered motus (islets).
Whether you’re gliding across the lagoon in a kayak or paddleboard, snorkeling through coral gardens, or stretched out on the soft sands of Matira Beach, Bora Bora’s tranquility pulls you in. The dramatic silhouette of Mount Otemanu rises behind it all—a constant reminder that this isn’t just another tropical getaway. It’s paradise, perfected.
Photo credit: Tahiti Tourism (Official Travel Site for Bora Bora)
1. Passport and travel basics
First things first: if you don’t already have a valid U.S. passport, you’ll need one. Going international means: adult or first-time passport book required.
You’ll apply for your passport at a designated acceptance facility (such as post offices or county offices).
Routine processing time: about 4 to 6 weeks.
Expedited service: roughly 2 to 3 weeks, for an extra fee.
Apply early — delays happen, and if your passport isn’t ready, those flights are just expensive daydreams.
When you apply you’ll need: proof of U.S. citizenship (birth certificate or naturalization certificate), proof of identity (driver’s license), a passport photo, the application form, and the appropriate fees.
Pro tip: Make sure your passport will be valid for at least six months after your trip—some countries require it.
Once that’s done, you’re ready to plan your big escape.
Snorkeling in Bora Bora, one of the best places to travel!
2. Where is Bora Bora and what’s the vibe?
Let’s start with geography. Bora Bora is part of French Polynesia, in the South Pacific Ocean. It’s about 160 miles northwest of Tahiti, surrounded by a lagoon and a barrier reef.
Bora Bora belongs to the Society Islands archipelago.
The island’s centerpiece is Mount Otemanu, an extinct volcano rising out of the sea.
Resorts are either on the main island or on smaller islets called motus, often with jaw-dropping lagoon views.
Best weather: May to October (dry season).
Language: French and Tahitian are official, but English is widely spoken at resorts.
Currency: the French Pacific Franc (XPF), but major cards are accepted almost everywhere.
It’s a dream destination for honeymooners because it’s quiet, upscale, and unbelievably beautiful. You’re not going for nightlife—you’re going for serenity, ocean breezes, and that “we’re the only two people on Earth” feeling.
3. How to get there (yes, from Minnesota)
Here’s the reality: no, there aren’t direct flights from Minneapolis to Bora Bora (sadly). But the route isn’t complicated—just long.
Fly from Minneapolis–St. Paul (MSP) to a U.S. west coast hub—Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), or Seattle (SEA).
From there, catch an international flight to Tahiti (PPT), the main airport of French Polynesia. This leg runs about 8 hours nonstop from California.
Once you land in Tahiti, you’ll take a short 45-minute domestic flight (Air Tahiti) to Bora Bora (BOB).
From Bora Bora Airport (which is on a small motu), most resorts include a boat transfer to your final destination.
Expect 12 to 15 hours of total travel time depending on connections. It’s not a quick jaunt—but when you see that lagoon water from the plane window, you’ll forget all about the layovers.
What to expect:
Relaxation and pampering (this is the place to unplug).
Lagoon adventures: snorkeling, scuba diving, paddle boarding, jet skiing.
Cultural tours: visit local markets, try Polynesian cuisine, attend a Tahitian dance show.
Spa days, private dinners, and sunset sails.
4. How long to stay and what kind of vacation you’ll have
Because of travel time, most honeymooners stay 5 to 7 nights in Bora Bora. For a shorter “mini-moon,” try at least 4 nights to make the trip worth it.
What to Expect:
Relaxation and pampering (this is the place to unplug).
Lagoon adventures: snorkeling, scuba diving, paddle boarding, jet skiing.
Cultural tours: visit local markets, try Polynesian cuisine, attend a Tahitian dance show.
Spa days, private dinners, and sunset sails.
This is the kind of place where you wake up, look out at a lagoon glowing turquoise, and think, “We did it right.”
Snorkeling in Bora Bora after an Adler Ranch Wedding!
Adler Ranch is located two hours from both Minneapolis MN and Fargo ND, near Alexandria MN
5. Where to stay
Bora Bora is packed with jaw-dropping resorts, and is ranked as one of the best places to travel. Below are options for most budgets:
Luxury: The St. Regis Bora Bora, Four Seasons Bora Bora, and Conrad Bora Bora Nui—think over-water villas, private plunge pools, and spa treatments that ruin you for normal life.
Mid-range: InterContinental Le Moana, Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts—still stunning, just fewer frills.
Budget-friendly: Stay on the main island instead of a private motu. Guesthouses and boutique hotels give you local flavor and access to the same blue water.
Bora Bora, the ultimate honeymoon!
Photo credit: The Ultimate Travel guide to Bora Bora
6. What to do once you’re there
Must-dos:
Lagoon snorkel cruise: Swim with rays and (friendly) sharks.
Matira Beach: The island’s only public beach and easily one of the most beautiful in the world.
4x4 Island Tour: Explore the mountain viewpoints and local culture.
Sunset Cruise: You’ll never forget it.
Bonus ideas:
Scuba dive the coral gardens.
Take a cooking class or attend a Polynesian dinner show.
Visit the Bora Bora Turtle Center.
Book a couples massage overlooking the lagoon.
Jet Ski Tour in Bora Bora, a great way to celebrate your marriage and one of the best places to travel!
7. When to go & what it costs
Best months: May–October (dry, cooler, fewer mosquitoes).
Rainy season: November–April (warmer, more humidity).
Cost reality check: Bora Bora is a splurge destination. Expect flights from Minnesota around $1,800–$2,500 per person round-trip, depending on season. Resorts start around $500 per night for entry-level bungalows and climb quickly from there.
If that’s out of range, consider “shoulder season” (April/November) for better rates and fewer tourists.
8. Quick checklist
✅ Apply for passport early (4–6 weeks routine, 2–3 weeks expedited).
✅ Book flights: MSP → LAX/SFO/SEA → Tahiti (PPT) → Bora Bora (BOB).
✅ Reserve transfers and lodging in advance.
✅ Stay at least 4–7 nights.
✅ Pack lightweight clothing, swimwear, sunscreen, and a good hat.
✅ Bring a travel card with no foreign transaction fees.
Best time to visit:
Best months: May–October (dry, cooler, fewer mosquitoes).
Rainy season: November–April (warmer, more humidity).
9. Bringing it back home
Back at home, you’ll have the best kind of souvenir: peace, tan lines, and about 800 photos of the same turquoise water that somehow never looks the same twice. Whether you’re planning your wedding now or already married and itching for a break, a trip like Bora Bora reminds you that life after the “I do” is just as beautiful as the day itself.
More Information Resources
Here are some solid, reputable places for deeper reading and official info:
U.S. Passport Application (How to Apply)
Current Passport Processing Times
Expedited Passport Service
Tahiti Tourisme (Official Travel Site for Bora Bora)
The Ultimate Travel Guide to Bora Bora (detailed first-timer advice & itineraries)
A trip like this isn’t just about checking a destination off a list—it’s about stepping out of your everyday life and hitting pause on the chaos. Bora Bora has that rare ability to make time slow down; every sunrise over the lagoon feels like the start of something new. Whether you’re floating in clear water or sipping coffee on your bungalow deck, you’ll realize this isn’t just a vacation—it’s your first real exhale after the whirlwind of wedding planning. A moment to look at each other and think, “We did it.”
Adler Ranch Wedding Venue
Located two hours from both Minneapolis MN and Fargo ND, near Alexandria MN
Contact us today to schedule a tour and see why Adler Ranch is one of the best wedding venues in Minnesota for couples who want a seamless, beautiful, affordable and unique wedding day.
At Adler Ranch, we take pride in being an independently owned and operated wedding venue, nestled in the picturesque lakes area of Alexandria, MN. When you celebrate your wedding with us, you’ll experience the care, dedication, and attention to detail that only a family-run venue can offer. Every detail of your day is handled with the intention to make it as extraordinary as your love story. Hosting only a limited number of weddings each season allows us to provide the personalized attention and intentional moments that make your celebration unforgettable.
What truly sets Adler Ranch apart is our unparalleled collection of vintage signs—treasures we’ve lovingly gathered over 35 years. This carefully curated collection adds a unique charm, character and history to your wedding day, offering a backdrop like no other venue in the area. The signs tell their own story, creating the perfect setting for capturing memories that will last a lifetime and offering a setting for wedding photography like none other.
For more wedding inspiration, planning tips, and engagement advice, be sure to follow Adler Ranch on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok. Let’s make your dream day a reality! 💕Thanks for visiting! ~Marlys
Adler Ranch Wedding Venue
Everything You Need to Know About Bora Bora, Get the basics on passports, flights, travel time, and the best resorts for your honeymoon or mini-moon.
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