Is it more expensive to go to the Maldives or Bora Bora?

Bora Bora is generally the more expensive of the two, especially for lodging, flights, food and activities. The Maldives has a wider price range, from mid-range resorts to ultra-luxury villas, so you can usually find something at a lower price point.

Is the Maldives worth it for a honeymoon?

Many couples think so: private resort islands, overwater villas and excellent snorkeling and diving. It suits couples who want seclusion and can travel between November and April, when the weather is driest.

What is the best month for the Maldives?

November to April is the dry season, with sunny skies and calm seas. May to October is wetter and windier but usually cheaper.

What is the best month for Bora Bora?

May to October is the drier, cooler season with the clearest skies. November to April is warmer, more humid and rainier.

How long does it take to fly to Bora Bora from the US?

There are no nonstop flights from the US. Most trips connect through Los Angeles or San Francisco to Papeete, Tahiti, then take about a 50-minute flight to Bora Bora, so plan for a full travel day.

Maldives vs Bora Bora for a Honeymoon: Cost, Flights, Best Months

The short answer

Choose the Maldives if you want a private resort island, the most price choice, and some of the best snorkeling and diving, and you can travel between November and April. Choose Bora Bora if you want dramatic volcanic scenery and more to do on land, you are traveling between May and October, and you are happy to pay more and spend longer getting there. Both are expensive honeymoon destinations, and both are far from the US.

Ask the concierge for live hotel prices Plan a honeymoon with a specialist

Side by side

	Maldives	Bora Bora
Best months	November to April (dry season, calm seas, best visibility)	May to October (drier and cooler)
Wetter months	May to October (southwest monsoon: more rain and wind)	November to April (warmer, more humid, frequent showers)
Getting there from the US	Most itineraries from the US connect through a hub in Europe, the Gulf or Asia, then reach your resort by boat, seaplane or a short domestic flight. Expect more than a day of travel.	No nonstop flights from the US to Bora Bora. Most itineraries connect through Los Angeles or San Francisco to Papeete (Tahiti), then a separate flight of about 50 minutes to Bora Bora. Plan for a full travel day.
Where you stay	Usually one resort per island, so it feels private; most resorts are small. There are also guesthouses on inhabited local islands for lower budgets.	Resorts sit on islets around the lagoon and reach the main island by boat; there are fewer budget options on the main island.
Overwater villas	Widely available, from entry-level to ultra-luxury.	The signature accommodation at the main resorts.
Best for	Snorkeling, diving, manta rays and whale sharks, house reefs, quiet days.	Mount Otemanu views, lagoon activities, 4x4 island tours and hiking, a mix of leisure and adventure.
Cost	Wider range: from mid-range to ultra-luxury, and some all-inclusive packages.	Generally higher, especially lodging, flights, food and activities, because the island is remote.

Cost is described in general terms on purpose: nightly rates swing with season, resort and villa type. For your dates, use our concierge for live hotel prices.

When to go

The weather splits the year almost exactly in half. The Maldives are at their best from November to April and Bora Bora from May to October, so the two destinations rarely compete for the same dates. April and November are shoulder months in both places, good if you accept some rain in return for lower prices. See the full month-by-month data on our Maldives and Bora Bora guides.

How to choose

Your dates: a December or February wedding points to the Maldives; a June or September one points to Bora Bora.
Your budget: the Maldives has more entry points; Bora Bora is usually the bigger splurge.
Your style: underwater life and seclusion favor the Maldives; mountains, lagoon and island exploring favor Bora Bora.
Your travel time: both are long trips; add a rest day at the start if you can.

Check the official advice for the Maldives and French Polynesia on Travel Live before you book.

Common questions

Is it more expensive to go to the Maldives or Bora Bora?: Bora Bora is generally the more expensive of the two, especially for lodging, flights, food and activities. The Maldives has a wider price range, from mid-range resorts to ultra-luxury villas, so you can usually find something at a lower price point.
Is the Maldives worth it for a honeymoon?: Many couples think so: private resort islands, overwater villas and excellent snorkeling and diving. It suits couples who want seclusion and can travel between November and April, when the weather is driest.
What is the best month for the Maldives?: November to April is the dry season, with sunny skies and calm seas. May to October is wetter and windier but usually cheaper.
What is the best month for Bora Bora?: May to October is the drier, cooler season with the clearest skies. November to April is warmer, more humid and rainier.
How long does it take to fly to Bora Bora from the US?: There are no nonstop flights from the US. Most trips connect through Los Angeles or San Francisco to Papeete, Tahiti, then take about a 50-minute flight to Bora Bora, so plan for a full travel day.

Sources and notes

Figures and timings are typical, not promises, and change year to year. Confirm with your operator or provider before you book.

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