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Shop the Holiday Edit
The Ultimate Bora Bora Day Pass Guide: Every Resort, Prices and What’s Included
The Edit: This guide covers every Bora Bora day pass available at the island’s major resorts, including exact pricing in XPF and USD, what’s included at each property, shuttle logistics, and who each one is best for. We compare the Westin Bora Bora, InterContinental Thalasso, St. Regis, Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts, Four Seasons, and Conrad so you can decide which Bora Bora resort day pass is worth your day and your money. Whether you’re on a cruise ship, staying on the main island, or simply want to experience Bora Bora’s most iconic resorts without the overnight price tag, this is your starting point.
Quick Facts About Bora Bora Day
| Quick Facts | Detail |
| Number of Bora Bora resorts with day passes | 5 active (Conrad open for stays, day passes paused until 2027) |
| Bora Bora day pass price range | 15,000 XPF ($135) to 43,000 XPF ($385) per person |
| What’s typically included | Shuttle, lunch or breakfast, pool and beach access, non-motorized water activities |
| How to book a Bora Bora day pass | Email or phone directly with each resort |
| Advance notice required | At least 24 hours; St. Regis books approximately 2 weeks out |
| Best season for availability | Low season: November through March, excluding holidays |
| Prices listed in | XPF and approximate USD |
The Secret Most Bora Bora Travelers Miss
Most people planning a trip to Bora Bora assume the overwater bungalow resorts are completely off-limits unless you’re booking a room. That assumption costs people a genuinely incredible experience.
Almost every major resort on the island offers a Bora Bora day pass. For a fraction of the overnight rate, you can spend the day at a five-star property on a private motu, have lunch with your feet practically in the lagoon, swim in the kind of pool you’ve only seen in travel magazines, and take the boat back to the main island by sunset. No room required.
Bora Bora resort day passes are one of the best-kept logistics secrets in French Polynesia, and once you know they exist, they completely change how you plan a trip here.
Who Bora Bora Day Passes Are Actually For
The honest answer is almost everyone. Cruise ship passengers with a single day in port get to experience a luxury motu resort rather than just the main island. Travelers staying in an Airbnb or budget accommodation on the main island can add a resort day as a standalone splurge. Couples who want to visit multiple Bora Bora resorts across one trip can mix and match without committing to multiple overnight rates. And solo travelers who can’t justify paying for a full room get access to the same pool, beach, and views as guests paying ten times more.
There’s one more question worth settling before you book, though: whether a day pass is the right move at all. We did both at the same resort on the same day, one of us on a day pass while the rest of us stayed overnight, and the cost per hour surprised us. If you’re on the fence, start with our Bora Bora day pass vs overnight breakdown.
How Bora Bora Resort Day Passes Work
Every Bora Bora resort day pass works slightly differently, but the general structure is the same. You book in advance by emailing or calling the resort directly, show up at the designated mainland dock at the scheduled departure time, ride the shuttle boat out to the motu, and spend the day. Return boats depart in the late afternoon, usually between 4:30 and 6:00 PM depending on the property.
A few things worth knowing before you go. Day passes are subject to availability and can sell out or be cancelled during high season when the resort is at capacity. Low season, roughly November through March outside the Christmas and New Year holiday windows, gives you the best shot at securing a pass. You also need to book at least 24 hours in advance for most properties, and the St. Regis only begins confirming reservations approximately two weeks before your date. If you’re staying at a resort on another motu, you’ll need to arrange your own boat transfer back to the main island first before making your way to the day pass dock.
St. Regis Bora Bora Day Pass
The St. Regis is the most iconic luxury resort in Bora Bora, and we’ve experienced it from every angle. Addison did the full St. Regis Bora Bora day pass and we stayed overnight in a beachfront villa with a private pool! So when we say the St. Regis day pass is worth it, that comes from full context at both levels.
The lagoonarium at the St. Regis is home to Moana, a large Napoleon humphead wrasse who has lived on the property for years and will swim right up to you while you snorkel. The grounds are meticulously maintained, the beach is stunning, and the champagne saber ceremony at 5:30 PM is one of those only-in-Bora-Bora moments that stays with you. Lunch at Aparima Bar, included in the St. Regis day pass, is genuinely good food in an exceptional setting.
What the St. Regis Bora Bora day pass doesn’t include is equally worth knowing. Bicycles are reserved for overnight guests, and the private beach areas attached to the villas are off-limits. But the main pool, beach, lagoonarium, and most resort areas are fully accessible.
St. Regis Bora Bora Day Pass Options and Prices
| Package | Price Per Person | What’s Included |
| St. Regis Day Pass | 22,000 XPF (~$200) | Roundtrip boat from Anau dock, 2-course lunch at Aparima Bar (starter + main OR main + dessert, beverages extra), beach, lagoonarium, main pool, non-motorized water activities |
| St. Regis Spa Day Pass | 43,000 XPF (~$385) | Everything above, plus one 60-minute spa treatment and access to spa facilities (sauna, hammam, jacuzzi, private beach)Package Price Per Person Whats Included St. Regis Day Pass 22,000 XPF (~$200) Roundtrip boat from Anau dock, 2-course lunch at Aparima Bar (starter + main OR main + dessert, beverages extra), beach, lagoonarium, main pool, non-motorized water activities St. Regis Spa Day Pass 43,000 XPF (~$385) Everything above, plus one 60-minute spa treatment and access to spa facilities (sauna, hammam, jacuzzi, private beach) |
Boat departs from the St. Regis mainland base in Anau at 11:00 AM. Return departs at 6:00 PM. Important: the return ferry leaves from a different dock than arrival. Confirm the return departure point with staff before 5:30 PM or you may miss it. Payment is by credit or debit card only. Children ages 5 to 12 are 50% off. Children under 5 are complimentary, though food and beverages are extra.
If you’d like to know exactly how to get to the Anau dock, read our St. Regis day pass logistics breakdown including taxi recommendations.
What is The Email For The St Regis Bora Bora?
To book the St. Regis Bora Bora day pass e-mail: borabora.liaison@stregis.com. The resort typically confirms within 24 hours but only begins accepting reservations approximately two weeks before your date.
St. Regis Bora Bora Day Pass vs. Overnight Stay
Cash rates at the St. Regis start well above $1,200 per night. The St. Regis Bora Bora day pass for two people runs approximately $400 USD before drinks. If you’re a Marriott Bonvoy member, the points redemption for an overnight stay is one of the most impressive values in luxury travel. For anyone who can’t swing the full stay, the day pass captures the most defining parts of the St. Regis experience.
The Westin Bora Bora Day Pass
We stayed overnight at the Westin and wrote a full review of the property, so we can tell you firsthand that this place delivers something genuinely different from every other resort on the island. The 2024 renovation and rebrand from Le Meridien transformed it into one of the most striking properties in Bora Bora, and the Westin Bora Bora day pass is an excellent way to experience it without the overnight rate.
The Westin sits closer to Mount Otemanu than any other resort in Bora Bora. That view from the saltwater pool is the one you’ve seen all over social media, and it looks exactly like that in person. The property is also home to one of the most thoughtful eco programs on the island, including a turtle rehabilitation center and Eco Center that you can visit as part of the Honu day pass tier.
The Westin Bora Bora day pass is the only tiered option on this list, which is genuinely useful because it lets you calibrate the experience to your budget and interests.
Westin Bora Bora Day Pass Options and Prices
| Package | Price Per Person | What’s Included |
| Manava (Relaxing Escape) | 15,000 XPF (~$135) | Breakfast at Tipanier Restaurant, one cocktail or mocktail at Varavara Restaurant / Te Ava, beach and infinity pool access, non-motorized water activities (kayak, paddle, snorkel gear) |
| Honu (Nature & Serenity) | 20,000 XPF (~$180) | Everything in Manava, plus Turtle Discovery activity at the Eco Center (starts 10:00 AM) |
| A’eto’erau (Wellness Ritual) | 38,000 XPF (~$340) | Everything in Manava, plus a 60-minute massage with full spa facility access |
Westin Bora Bora Day Pass Packages
Shuttle departs from the Westin mainland base at 8:30 AM and returns from the hotel at 5:30 PM. All prices include taxes and a 5% service charge. Must be booked at least 24 hours in advance.
What is the Westin Bora Bora Email?
The Westin takes three to four days to respond in my experience. So, it’s worth reaching out to them before you try and make any plans. The email for info on the day pass is: reservations2@westin.com
Westin Bora Bora Day Pass vs. Overnight Stay
A one-night cash rate at the Westin Bora Bora starts around $700 and goes up depending on room category and season. The Manava day pass at 15,000 XPF is the most affordable formal Bora Bora day pass on this list and gets you access to the same pool, beach, and breakfast for about one-fifth that price.
The Honu tier adds the Turtle Discovery program at the Eco Center, which is worth the extra $45 if wildlife is your thing. An overnight stay unlocks the overwater walkways at sunset, the hidden bar on the left side of the property, and the full turtle rehabilitation lagoon experience after hours.
Four Seasons Bora Bora Day Pass
The Four Seasons sits on 54 acres on Motu Tehotu and has what many consider the best infinity pool in Bora Bora. The views of Mount Otemanu from the pool and overwater villas are exceptional, and the on-site marine biologist-led snorkeling program is something you won’t find at any other resort on this list.
At 15,000 XPF per person, the Four Seasons Bora Bora day pass is tied for the most affordable on the island. The important thing to know going in is that boat transportation is not included in the day pass price and is arranged separately through the resort concierge, and lunch is not part of the package. Budget for both when calculating your actual cost.
Four Seasons Bora Bora Day Pass Price and What’s Included
| Quick Facts | Detail |
| Four Seasons day pass price | 15,000 XPF (~$135) per person |
| What’s included | Access to all public areas, beaches, and restaurants; complimentary watersports equipment (kayak, SUP, masks and snorkel); complimentary WiFi |
| Not included | Boat transportation (arranged separately through resort concierge at additional cost), food and beverages |
| Children | Under 12: 50% off. Under 5: complimentary. Quick Facts Detail Four Seasons day pass price 15,000 XPF (~$135) per person What’s included Access to all public areas, beaches, and restaurants; complimentary watersports equipment (kayak, SUP, masks and snorkel); complimentary WiFi Not included Boat transportation (arranged separately through resort concierge at additional cost), food and beverages Children Under 12: 50% off. Under 5: complimentary. |
What is The Four Seasons Bora Bora Day Pass Email?
The Four Seasons Bora Bora day pass email was hard to find, but luckily on my third try we managed to find it. The email is: prearrival.borabora@fourseasons.com and they also responded to the initial email within a day.
Four Seasons Bora Bora Day Pass vs. Overnight Stay
Cash rates at the Four Seasons start around $1,500 per night. Even accounting for the additional transportation and food costs on top of the day pass price, you’re still accessing one of the most stunning resort properties in the world for a fraction of the overnight rate.
Availability depends on resort occupancy. High season is difficult. Low season, November through March outside the holidays, is your best window.
InterContinental Thalasso Bora Bora Day Pass
We stayed overnight at the Thalasso and reviewed it in full, and the InterContinental Bora Bora day pass makes particular sense for a specific type of traveler. This is the wellness resort of Bora Bora. The only Thalasso spa in all of French Polynesia is here, which means deep seawater spa treatments you cannot access anywhere else on the island.
The lagoonarium at the Thalasso is one of the highlights of the property. The coral restoration work is visible and genuinely impressive, and the snorkeling inside the enclosed lagoon area has real variety. The InterContinental Thalasso day pass also runs one of the most structured booking programs in Bora Bora, which makes logistics simple.
One thing to note before you go: the shuttle departs from InterContinental Le Moana on the main island, not from Vaitape town center. Factor in travel time to Le Moana when planning your morning. If you want to read the full hotel review check it out here!
InterContinental Thalasso Bora Bora Day Pass Options and Prices
| Package | Price Per Person | What’s Included |
| Half Day Pass | 19,500 XPF (~$175) | Roundtrip shuttle from Le Moana, 2-course lunch at Sands Restaurant (coffee and water included), one cocktail at Sands Bar, beach and pool access, kayaks, paddleboards, ping-pong, snorkel gear |
| Full Day Pass | 25,000 XPF (~$225) | Everything in the Half Day, plus breakfast at the Reef Restaurant (served 6:30–10:30 AM) |
Half Day shuttle: departs Le Moana at 12:45 PM, returns from resort at 5:00 PM.
Full Day shuttle: departs Le Moana at 8:45 AM, returns from resort at 5:00 PM.
Note: the Thalasso spa itself is not included in either pass. If spa access is your goal, contact the resort about spa day arrangements when you book.
What is the IHG Intercontinental Bora Bora Email?
The IHG got back to me a day after I emailed asking about their day pass, so they’re pretty quick! The email for the IHG is: concierge.boraboraspa@ihg.com
InterContinental Bora Bora Day Pass vs. Overnight Stay
Cash rates at the Thalasso start around $900 per night. The full day pass at 25,000 XPF gives you breakfast, a two-course lunch, a cocktail, and full activity access for roughly a quarter of that. For IHG points holders, an overnight stay here is one of the better redemptions in French Polynesia. For cash travelers primarily interested in the lagoon and beach experience, the InterContinental Bora Bora day pass math is very strong.
Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts Day Pass
Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts is a Relais & Chateaux member and one of the most traditionally Polynesian-designed properties on the island. The grounds are lush and expansive, with lily ponds, a coconut grove, and the Bob Cat WWII Museum on site, which puts the cannons and American military presence in Bora Bora into real historical context.
The pool here delivers one of the most photographed views in Bora Bora: Mount Otemanu reflecting in the water while you sit at the circular swim-up bar without ever leaving the pool. The beach is postcard-level. The boutiques on property include the only Hinano Life location in Bora Bora outside of Papeete. And the Miki Miki restaurant, where Le Bora Bora day pass lunch is served, sits right next to the pool with unobstructed mountain views.
Le Bora Bora Day Pass Price and What’s Included (Pass Mahana)
| Quick Facts | Detail |
| Package Name | Pass Mahana |
| Price | 18,000 XPF (~$160) per person, taxes and service included |
| Shuttle departs | 9:45 AM from Chancelade dock |
| Returns | 4:30 PM from resort |
| Pool and beach access | 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Lunch | 2-course at Miki Miki Restaurant (starter + main OR main + dessert) with water or soft drink |
| Spa discount | 10% off (subject to prior reservation) |
Reservation required. Subject to availability. Low season gives you the best chance of securing a spot.
What is The Le Bora Bora Email?
The email for the Le Bora Bore is: laika.teihodoom@leborabora.com. They answered next day too, so they’re relatively quick and easy to communicate with!
Le Bora Bora Day Pass vs. Overnight Stay
Overwater bungalows at Le Bora Bora start around $600 per night, making it one of the more accessible motu resorts on a cash basis relative to the other properties on this list. At 18,000 XPF the Le Bora Bora day pass is one of the best value options here, sitting below the St. Regis and IHG full day tiers while offering the same lunch-included format and genuinely beautiful grounds large enough to spend a full day exploring.
Conrad Bora Bora Nui Day Pass
Update (late July 2026): We called the Conrad Bora Bora Nui again. The resort has reopened for overnight stays, but staff confirmed day passes will not resume until 2027. We’ll update this section as soon as we learn more.
The Conrad was originally slated to reopen May 1st after an extensive renovation, and for a while their website wouldn’t take bookings at all. Now that we’ve reached someone, the picture is clearer. The relaunch is taking longer than planned, and day passes are on hold until the work wraps. So if a Conrad day pass was on your Bora Bora wish list, you’ll want to keep this resort bookmarked for 2027.
Here’s why it’s worth the wait. Once fully open, the Conrad is set up to be one of the most immersive resort experiences on the island. It’s the only property in French Polynesia with four distinct beaches, including a half mile stretch of white sand perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or just staring at the lagoon and pretending you live there. The oversized infinity pool has sunset views and a swim-up bar called Tarava, and beach cabanas are available if you want to settle in for the day.
When the day pass does return, it’s expected to include pool and beach access, water sports, lounge chairs, an à la carte lunch, and the boat shuttle. Subject to availability with 24 hours’ advance booking. For now, the best move is to call +689 40 60 33 00 or email reservations.bora@conradhotels.com to ask where things stand.
Which Bora Bora Day Pass Is Right for You?
All Bora Bora Day Pass Comparisons: All Major Resorts at a Glance
| Your Goal | Best Bora Bora Day Pass |
| Most affordable Bora Bora day pass | Westin Manava or Four Seasons, both from 15,000 XPF (~$135). Note: Four Seasons transport is extra. |
| Best Bora Bora spa day pass | InterContinental Thalasso, the only Thalasso spa in French Polynesia |
| Most iconic Bora Bora resort day pass | St. Regis, for the lagoonarium, Moana the Napoleon wrasse, and the champagne saber ceremony viewing (can’t participate on Day Pass) |
| Best Bora Bora day pass for photos | Four Seasons (infinity pool) or IHG Thelasso (Mount Otemanu pool reflection) |
| Most traditional Polynesian feel | Le Bora Bora by Pearl, Relais & Châteaux, lily ponds, and the BobCat WWII Museum on site |
| Best turtle experience | Westin Honu tier, Turtle Discovery at the Eco Center included |
| Best Bora Bora day pass for families | Westin (tiered options, turtle program) or St. Regis (50% off for children under 12) |
| Longest private beach | Conrad Bora Bora Nui |
One thing worth knowing: a resort day pass and a lagoon tour solve different problems. A day pass gives you the resort experience — the pool, the beach, the lunch, the lagoonarium. A lagoon tour gets you out into the open lagoon to snorkel with sharks, rays, and reef life that no resort can match. If you’re trying to choose, or planning to do both on the same trip, our full guide to snorkeling in Bora Bora breaks down every lagoon tour operator we vetted firsthand, including which ones pick up directly from resort docks if you’re already on a motu for the day.
What to Know Before Booking a Bora Bora Day Pass
Getting to the right dock. Every Bora Bora resort day pass shuttle departs from a different mainland location. The St. Regis departs from Anau, the Westin from their mainland base, Le Bora Bora from Chancelade dock, the Four Seasons through private boat arrangement, and the IHG from Le Moana. None of these are in the same spot. Factor in transit time from wherever you’re staying. For St. Regis logistics specifically, our transportation guide breaks down every option including taxi recommendations and full shuttle schedules.
What to bring on a Bora Bora day pass.
Swimsuit, (don’t need sunscreen as the resorts provide it), a hat, polarized sunglasses, a dry bag for your phone, and a credit or debit card for drinks and extras. Most resorts provide towels. The luxury resorts also has complimentary Sun Bum sunscreen available at the beach stand.
The photo detail most people forget.
Arriving in a flower crown completely transforms resort photos. Bora Hei in Vaitape makes them to order for around 3,000 XPF (~$30), and they are consistently the most asked about detail in every photo from across the island.
Budget for drinks separately.
No Bora Bora day pass includes an open bar. Cocktails run approximately 3,000 to 4,000 XPF each (~$27 to $36) at most properties, so plan accordingly.
Tipping at Bora Bora resorts.
French Polynesian service culture does not operate on the American tipping model. Some restaurants now add an automatic 5% service charge, but a tip line on the bill is not standard.
Bora Bora day pass availability in high season.
Day passes can be cancelled or unavailable when a resort is at full capacity. If you’re traveling June through October, contact resorts well in advance. November through March outside the holiday windows is your easiest window for availability at any property.
Frequently Asked Questions: Bora Bora Day Passes
Still have questions about Bora Bora day passes? You are not alone. Below we have answered the most common questions we see from travelers planning a day at one of the island’s motu resorts, from cruise ship passengers figuring out logistics to couples trying to decide if a day pass is worth it versus booking a room. If your question is not covered here, drop it in the comments and we will answer it.
Yes. Most of the major overwater bungalow resorts in Bora Bora offer a formal day pass that gives non-guests access to the beach, pool, lagoon, and lunch. The Westin, InterContinental Thalasso, St. Regis, Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts, and Four Seasons all offer day pass programs. You book in advance by contacting the resort directly, then take their shuttle boat out to the motu for the day.
Prices range from 15,000 XPF (approximately $135 USD) per person on the low end up to 43,000 XPF (approximately $385 USD) per person for spa-inclusive passes. Most lunch-included passes fall between 18,000 and 25,000 XPF per person. The Four Seasons day pass is 15,000 XPF but does not include food or transportation, so budget for those separately. All prices are per person and subject to change, so confirm directly with each resort before booking.
Most resorts require at least 24 hours notice. The St. Regis is the exception: they only begin confirming reservations approximately two weeks before your requested date. For any resort during high season (June through October), the sooner you reach out the better, as day passes are subject to availability and can be cancelled if the resort is at capacity.
They are available year-round but availability varies significantly by season. Low season, roughly November through March outside the Christmas and New Year holiday windows, gives you the best chance of securing a pass at any property. During high season when resorts are full, some properties will not offer day passes at all. Always contact the resort directly to confirm before making plans.
For most travelers, yes. A day pass gives you access to the same pool, beach, and lagoon as overnight guests for roughly one-fifth to one-tenth the overnight rate. The experience of arriving by boat to a five-star motu resort, swimming in the lagoon, and having lunch with your feet in the water is genuinely hard to replicate elsewhere. If you’re on a cruise ship with only one day in port, or staying on the main island and want to experience a motu resort without the overnight cost, a day pass is one of the smartest decisions you can make in Bora Bora.
The InterContinental Thalasso Full Day Pass at 25,000 XPF includes breakfast, a two-course lunch, a cocktail, beach and pool access, kayaks, paddleboards, ping-pong, and snorkel gear, making it the most food-inclusive pass on the island. The Westin’s Honu tier at 20,000 XPF adds a Turtle Discovery activity at the Eco Center, which is unique to that property. The St. Regis Spa Day Pass at 43,000 XPF is the most comprehensive overall, adding a 60-minute spa treatment and full spa facility access.
Most do. The Westin, InterContinental Thalasso, St. Regis, and Le Bora Bora by Pearl all include roundtrip shuttle boat transfers in the day pass price. The Four Seasons is the exception: transportation is arranged separately through their concierge at an additional cost that varies based on your location on the main island.
Each resort uses a different mainland dock, and none of them are in the same location. The St. Regis departs from their base in Anau. The Westin departs from the Westin mainland base. Le Bora Bora by Pearl departs from Chancelade dock. The InterContinental Thalasso departs from InterContinental Le Moana. The Four Seasons coordinates private boat pickup from wherever you are staying. Le Moana does not need a boat transer. Factor in taxi time from Vaitape to whichever dock you need.
Yes, and it is one of the best uses of a single day in port. The InterContinental Thalasso is particularly popular with cruise passengers and is sometimes offered as an official shore excursion through cruise lines. The key logistical note is that you need to get yourself from the cruise ship tender dock in Vaitape to the specific resort’s mainland boat base, which requires a taxi. Build that transit time into your morning so you don’t miss the scheduled shuttle departure.
No resort day pass includes an open bar. The Westin passes include one cocktail or mocktail. The InterContinental Thalasso passes include one cocktail at the Sands Bar. Le Bora Bora includes water or a soft drink with lunch. The St. Regis and Four Seasons do not include any beverages beyond water at the beach stand. Budget separately for cocktails, which typically run 3,000 to 4,000 XPF each at resort properties.
Yes, and several resorts offer discounted rates for children. The St. Regis charges 50% of the adult price for children ages 5 to 12, and children under 5 are complimentary (food and beverages are extra). The Four Seasons also charges 50% for children under 12, with children under 5 complimentary. The Westin’s tiered passes make it particularly family-friendly since you can choose a tier that suits what your kids will actually enjoy, including the Honu pass with the Turtle Discovery activity.
The Four Seasons infinity pool facing Mount Otemanu is one of the most photographed spots in Bora Bora and a major draw for the day pass there. The InterContinental Thalasso offers the iconic pool reflection shot of Mount Otemanu from the swim-up bar. The St. Regis lagoonarium, overwater hammocks near the main pool, and the resort’s immaculate grounds also photograph beautifully. If arriving in a flower crown, all of these properties become even more photogenic.
Pack a swimsuit, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, polarized sunglasses, a waterproof bag or dry bag for your phone and camera, and a credit or debit card for drinks and extras. Most resorts provide beach towels. The St. Regis has complimentary Sun Bum sunscreen at the beach stand. Wear or bring whatever you plan to change into after swimming, and if you’re heading back on a long taxi ride, a light coverup is useful. Leave valuables at your accommodation.
There is no formal dress code for day pass beach and pool access. Resort casual is appropriate for lunch, meaning a coverup or light shirt over your swimsuit. Fine dining restaurants like Lagoon by Jean-Georges at the St. Regis are not typically accessible on a day pass, so you are not dining in a setting that requires formal attire.
Absolutely, and it is one of the best ways to compare properties if you are deciding where to book an overnight stay on a future trip. Many travelers staying on the main island for a longer period do multiple day passes across their trip, spacing them out on different days. The Westin and Le Bora Bora by Pearl are a natural pair since they have different aesthetics and price points. The St. Regis and Four Seasons are a natural comparison for those interested in the top-tier properties.
French Polynesia does not have an American-style tipping culture. It is not expected and not standard. Some resort restaurants now include an automatic 5% service charge on the bill, but a separate gratuity line is not typical. You do not need to tip your shuttle boat crew or beach attendants.
The St. Regis does not allow walk-in access without a reservation. You can book a day pass, make a dining reservation at one of the restaurants (which requires coordinating your own boat transport to Anau dock and back), or book the spa with a spa day pass. The airport shuttle boat is only for guests arriving or departing on flights that day, not for day visitors traveling from the main island.
The main differences are time, access, and price. A day pass typically gives you six to nine hours on the property, while an overnight stay gives you 24 to 32 hours depending on check-in and checkout timing. Day pass guests generally have access to the main pool, beach, and dining, but not private beach areas attached to villas, bicycles, or the full range of butler and concierge services available to overnight guests. The overnight experience also includes sunset and evening on the property, which is arguably when these resorts are most magical. That said, at a fraction of the overnight rate, a day pass captures the defining elements of each property and is the smarter financial decision for most travelers who are not planning a longer stay.
No, in 2026 they do not, however in 2027 when the renovation is complete they will. We will update with new information once that happens.
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Just have to thank you for compiling all of this information! Excellent content and organization! The only aspect missing is for sailors visiting the islands- specifically transportation to the resort. No worries though; you give enough detail that we can make those arrangements through each resort concierge. Also- thank you for your service!!
Thank you so much, Melissa! 🫶🏼 So glad it was helpful! Great question on the sailor angle, since I know that community well. The good news is the post actually does cover it. Sailors anchored in Vaitape or off the motus follow the same ground transport steps as anyone else once on island. From your dinghy dock, you’d grab a taxi or rental car to whichever resort dock matches your day pass (Anau for St. Regis, Le Moana for InterContinental Thalasso, Chancelade for Le Bora Bora, the Westin’s mainland base for the Westin), or arrange the private pickup for Four Seasons. The only section that wouldn’t apply is the airport ferry (that’s for everyone who didn’t arrive by plane), since you’re not flying in.
If you’re hoping to dinghy directly to a resort, that’s a separate conversation to have with each property when you book your day pass, since most motu resorts don’t allow outside dinghies at their docks. Best bet is to ask during booking, and if it’s a no, Bora Bora Yacht Club offers daily rates to leave your dinghy and grab a taxi from there (we’ve eaten there several times these last few months and have a full review coming).
We’ve got dedicated transport guides up for St. Regis and Thalasso, Westin coming next, plus a full how to get to Bora Bora guide dropping soon ✨