Getting to The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort works a little differently than arriving at most hotels, and understanding the transportation ahead of time can save you both confusion and money.

Because the resort sits on its own private motu in Bora Bora’s lagoon, you can’t simply drive up to the property. Every guest has to arrive by boat, and that transfer is arranged through the resort.

In this guide, I’m breaking down exactly how that works, including how we got there, what the ferry from Tahiti costs, the difference between airport and mainland dock transfers, and what to expect once you’re on your way to the resort.

Our Route to St. Regis Bora Bora

Our stay at The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort started a little differently than it does for most guests.

Instead of flying directly into Bora Bora and heading straight from the airport to the resort, we had already been living on the island for nearly two months while slow traveling through French Polynesia. By the time we checked in to the St. Regis, we were already staying on Bora Bora’s main island, which meant we used the resort’s mainland dock transfer instead of the airport transfer.

But before we ever got to that point, we first had to get to Bora Bora itself.

Taking the Ferry From Tahiti to Bora Bora

Instead of flying between islands, we originally arrived in Bora Bora via the passenger ferry from Tahiti.

For travelers planning a longer stay in French Polynesia, the ferry can be one of the most affordable and scenic ways to travel between islands. It takes longer, of course, but if you’re island hopping or slow traveling, it can actually be a really enjoyable part of the journey.

The ferry ride usually takes about 7 to 8 hours, depending on weather conditions and stops along the route. During our trip, ferry tickets were running between 13,000 and 18,000 XPF per person, which was roughly $120 to $165 USD.

That’s a big difference compared to flying, since flights between Tahiti and Bora Bora often land somewhere around $400 to $600 round trip per person.

Here’s the quick comparison:

So yes, the ferry is slower, but for the right kind of trip, it can save a lot of money.

If you want the full breakdown of that ride, we shared everything in our detailed guide to taking the ferry from Tahiti to Bora Bora.

Understanding Bora Bora Resort Transportation

One thing that surprises a lot of travelers is that most luxury resorts in Bora Bora are not located on the main island. Instead, they sit on small outer islands, or motus, around the lagoon.

That means you can’t just drive to your resort, even if you already have a rental car on Bora Bora. Resorts like the St. Regis operate their own transfer boats, and those boats pick guests up from either:

• Bora Bora Airport
• the St. Regis mainland dock

Which one you use depends entirely on how you arrived on the island.

The Airport Ferry Myth

One of the biggest pieces of misinformation we came across while researching Bora Bora transportation is the idea that anyone can use the airport dock and catch a resort boat from there.

That’s not actually how it works.

The airport dock is reserved for passengers who are arriving on or departing from flights at Bora Bora Airport. If you are already staying on the main island, you cannot just go to the airport and catch the resort transfer unless you have a same day airline ticket.

Because we were already on Bora Bora, we had to arrange our transfer from the St. Regis mainland dock instead.

Knowing that ahead of time makes a huge difference, because this is one of those little Bora Bora logistics details that can trip people up fast.

Coordinating Your Transfer After Booking

Once we booked our stay, we received an email from the St. Regis Bora Bora Liaison Team, which is the team that handles pre-arrival planning.

They’ll ask you to complete a travel planning form with details like your arrival information, transportation needs, dining requests, and any special occasions you’re celebrating. This is also where we mentioned Audrey’s birthday, which the resort later acknowledged during our stay.

After that, the liaison team followed up again to confirm our transfer schedule and arrival details.

If you need to contact them directly while planning your stay, their email is:

borabora.liaison@stregis.com

St. Regis Bora Bora Boat Transfer Prices

Because every guest has to arrive by boat, transfer pricing is something you’ll want to understand before you go.

For shared transfers, the cost depends on whether you’re arriving from the airport or from the mainland dock.

That’s a huge difference.

If you’re already staying on Bora Bora’s main island before your resort stay, using the mainland dock can save more than $130 per person compared to the airport transfer. For couples and families, that adds up fast.

Checking In at the Mainland Dock

Because we had been exploring Bora Bora by car, we drove our rental vehicle to the St. Regis mainland dock on the main island.

A staff member greeted us when we arrived, helped us find parking, and confirmed our reservation so the car could be tagged and tracked during our stay.

The dock itself has a small air-conditioned waiting lounge, and honestly, it was a nice place to wait. It had plush pillows, polished wood accents, and the same calm, understated luxury feel you see throughout the resort.

The shuttle arrived right on schedule.

Staff loaded luggage quickly, helped everyone board, and within minutes we were gliding across Bora Bora’s lagoon toward the resort.

And honestly, that short ride across the water is when the whole experience starts to sink in. As the boat approaches the resort and Mount Otemanu rises in the distance, it feels like the moment the trip shifts from logistics into vacation mode.

What to Expect if You Arrive From Bora Bora Airport

Most travelers staying at the St. Regis Bora Bora will arrive through Bora Bora Airport (BOB), so if that’s how you’re coming in, your experience will look a little different than ours.

Once your flight lands, you’ll walk from the small airport terminal toward the dock area where the resort boats are waiting. The St. Regis team typically meets guests there, helps with luggage, and guides everyone onto the shared transfer boat.

From the airport, the boat ride to the resort takes about 20 minutes and is honestly one of the most scenic arrivals in Bora Bora. You’ll pass over that bright, unreal turquoise water with Mount Otemanu in the distance, and this is often the moment people really feel like they’ve arrived.

One thing we noticed during our time on the island is that the airport transfer boats are usually the nicest boats the resort operates. Across several resorts, not just the St. Regis, it seemed like the most polished boats were reserved for airport arrivals.

That probably explains part of the price difference too.

If what you want is the full luxury arrival experience, the airport transfer definitely feels more elevated.

Shared vs Private Transfers

The St. Regis doesn’t just offer one type of arrival transfer. There are really three transfer paths travelers should think about:

Shared Transfers

The shared transfer is the option most guests will use.

If you’re arriving from the airport, it’s coordinated around incoming flights. If you’re arriving from the mainland dock, it follows the dock shuttle schedule.

This is the most cost-effective option and works perfectly well for most travelers.

That said, shared transfers do mean you’re moving on their schedule, not yours.

Private Boat Transfers

The private transfer option is where flexibility becomes the real selling point.

This option is available whether you’re arriving from the airport or the mainland dock, and what makes it different is that you are not tied to the resort’s shuttle schedule.

That means you can choose your own arrival and departure timing instead of working around the shared transfer windows.

For some travelers, that can be a major advantage.

A private boat transfer can let you:

• arrive earlier on check-in day
• stay on property longer on check-out day
• avoid waiting for scheduled shuttles
• enjoy a quieter, more exclusive ride

Even if your villa isn’t ready yet, arriving earlier still gives you more time on property to explore, settle in, and start enjoying the resort. The same goes for departure day. If you’re not locked into the shared shuttle schedule, you may be able to stretch out your final few hours at the resort a bit more.

Private transfers usually cost around double the shared rate, depending on where you’re coming from and how many people are traveling.

So while the shared option is the most budget-friendly, the private option can absolutely be worth it for travelers who value flexibility more than cost.

Airport vs Mainland Dock: Pros and Cons

During our time on Bora Bora, we got a feel for the differences between airport arrivals and mainland dock arrivals, and they really do offer two different experiences.

Here’s the clearest side-by-side comparison:

One of the biggest differences we noticed was the boat itself.

The mainland transfer boat was perfectly fine, but it definitely felt more functional. It didn’t have the same polished, luxurious feel that the airport boats tend to have. Across multiple resorts, we noticed that the nicest boats were usually saved for airport arrivals, while the mainland transfers seemed more geared toward practicality, staff movement, or day-use traffic.

So if the boat experience itself matters to you, that’s something to factor in.

If you want the most budget-friendly option and you’re already on Bora Bora, the mainland dock is a no-brainer. If you care more about the full luxury arrival moment, the airport route will feel more special. And if you want maximum flexibility, the private transfer is the clear winner.

Shuttle Boat Schedule Between St. Regis and the Main Island

In addition to the airport and arrival transfers, the St. Regis Bora Bora also operates a scheduled shuttle boat between the resort and the main island of Bora Bora.

This shuttle allows guests to visit the main island for restaurants, shops, excursions, or activities before returning to the resort later in the day.

One thing many travelers don’t realize is that the shuttle runs on a fixed schedule, so planning around those departure times is important if you want to explore outside the resort.

Below is the current shuttle schedule provided by the St. Regis.

St. Regis Bora Bora Shuttle Boat Schedule

1. Complimentary shuttle service Monday through Saturday, reserved exclusively for in-house guests, and cannot be used on the day of check-in or check-out. No complimentary shuttles are offered on public holidays.
2. On Saturdays and Sundays, the 4:40 PM shuttle departs at 5:00 PM instead.
3. Daily shuttle service for dinner reservations. The boat transfer is 3,500 XPF per person, and ground transportation is arranged by the restaurant on the main island.

Shuttle Pricing

• 3,500 XPF per person round trip
• Approximately $32–$35 USD per person

In some cases, the shuttle may be complimentary if an activity is booked through the resort concierge, though policies can vary depending on the excursion.

Important Shuttle Notes

A few details from the resort schedule are worth knowing before planning your trip:

• The shuttle operates Monday through Saturday only and is reserved for guests staying at the resort.
• The shuttle cannot be used on the day of check-in or check-out.
• No complimentary shuttle runs on public holidays.
• On weekends, the 4:40 PM return shuttle departs at 5:00 PM instead.

The 9:00 PM return shuttle is typically used by guests who leave the resort for dinner on the main island.

Restaurants often arrange ground transportation from the dock once you arrive, making it possible to enjoy dinner off property before returning later that evening.

A Strategy Some Travelers Use

One strategy that can work really well, especially for longer stays, is spending a few nights on Bora Bora’s main island first before transferring to a luxury resort like the St. Regis.

That lets you:

• explore the island by car
• eat at local restaurants
• experience more of mainland Bora Bora
• cut down on transfer costs before your resort stay

Then once you transfer to the resort, you can fully settle into the overwater and lagoon version of Bora Bora.

What Happens After You Arrive

Once your boat pulls up to the St. Regis dock, the trip shifts quickly from transportation mode into resort mode.

Guests are welcomed with leis and drinks before beginning the check-in process and being introduced to their villa and butler service.

But the arrival is really just the beginning.

If you want to see what the full stay at the resort is actually like, including our beachfront villa, dining prices, activities, and what it was like visiting with kids, we shared everything in our full guide.

Read our full St. Regis Bora Bora Resort Review here!

More From Our St. Regis Bora Bora Guide

Planning a stay at the St. Regis Bora Bora? We spent two months slow traveling Bora Bora and stayed at multiple resorts on the island. These five posts cover everything you need to know before you book.

• St. Regis Bora Bora Resort Review: Every Detail You Need Before You Book
• St. Regis Bora Bora Boat Transfer Guide: Airport vs Mainland, Prices & Shuttle Schedule
• St. Regis Bora Bora Dining Guide: Restaurants, Real Prices and What to Expect
• Is St. Regis Bora Bora Actually Family Friendly? What It’s Really Like With Kids
• St. Regis Bora Bora Day Pass: Everything You Need to Know
• How to Stay at the St. Regis Bora Bora for Free: Our Points and Loyalty Strategy

St. Regis Bora Bora Transfer FAQ

Bora Bora transportation can feel confusing the first time you plan it, especially when resorts are located on private motus. This quick FAQ covers the most common questions about St. Regis Bora Bora boat transfers, costs, and arrival logistics.

Do you have to take a boat to get to the St. Regis Bora Bora?

Yes. The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort sits on its own private motu in the lagoon, so it cannot be reached by car. All guests arrive by resort boat transfer.

How much is the St. Regis Bora Bora boat transfer?

Here’s the quick breakdown:

The airport transfer takes about 20 minutes, while the mainland dock transfer takes about 10 minutes.

Can you take the airport ferry if you are not flying?

No. The airport dock is reserved for passengers arriving or departing on flights. If you are already staying on the main island, you’ll need to use the mainland dock transfer instead.

Is there a private transfer option?

Yes. The St. Regis offers a private boat transfer option from either the airport or the mainland dock. The biggest benefit is that you are not tied to the shared shuttle schedule.

Do I take the St. Regis boat for a day pass?

Yes, you do. Although the boat is a little different and you don’t get all of the same things as a day passer as you would if you were a guest. For everything you need to know about the day pass, including what’s included, pricing, and what to expect, read our full St. Regis Bora Bora Day Pass post.

Is the airport transfer nicer than the mainland dock transfer?

From what we observed, yes. The airport boats generally feel more polished and are part of the luxury arrival experience. The mainland dock boats are more practical and basic.

Is it cheaper to stay on the main island first?

It can be. Some travelers spend a few nights on Bora Bora’s main island before transferring to a resort, which allows them to explore more of the island and save money on transfer costs.

Is there a free boat shuttle from St. Regis Bora Bora to the main island?

The shuttle is complimentary only Monday through Saturday for in-house guests and cannot be used on check-in or check-out day, or on public holidays. The complimentary window is limited. The free departure from the resort is at 10:30 AM with a return from the mainland base at 2:30 PM. Outside of those times, the shuttle costs 3,500 XPF per person round trip. For a private boat outside the scheduled times, that jumps to 6,800 XPF per person round trip. There is also a daily dinner shuttle at 6:00 PM returning at 9:00 PM, but that carries the standard 3,500 XPF fee as well. The free window is perfect for a quick trip to see the main island, but for anything beyond that, factor in the transfer costs.

Can you leave the St. Regis in the evening to go to restaurants on the main island?

The resort runs a dedicated dinner shuttle that departs the St. Regis dock at 6:00 PM and returns from the mainland base at 9:00 PM, costing 3,500 XPF per person round trip. Once you arrive at the Anau mainland base, ground transportation to Vaitape or a specific restaurant is usually arranged by the restaurant directly, though it’s worth confirming with the concierge when you book. If you need to leave or return outside that 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM window, a private boat transfer through your butler will be required, starting around 6,800 XPF per person. One thing worth knowing is that if you book an excursion or dinner package through the concierge, the boat transfer is often included in the activity price, so always ask before paying separately.

Can you use the shuttle boat if you arrive early before check-in?

If you’re arriving from the airport before the standard 3:00 PM check-in, you can take your pre-booked airport boat transfer immediately. The resort will hold your luggage and you’re welcome to use the pools, restaurants, and Lagoonarium while you wait for your villa. If you’re arriving from the mainland, the boats run on a set schedule, so if you arrive at the dock at 9:00 AM you’ll need to wait for the next scheduled departure, typically around 10:30 AM, unless you arrange a private water taxi. For very early morning arrivals, the St. Regis does offer a guaranteed early check-in option for a fee on select villa types, which is worth looking into if you don’t want to wait in travel clothes for several hours. And regardless of how you arrive, keeping a day bag with your swimsuit, sunscreen, and a change of clothes easily accessible makes the early arrival experience much smoother since your main luggage will go straight to storage.

Can the St. Regis shuttle take you to other resorts?

Not directly. The complimentary boat shuttle typically runs between the St. Regis and the main island dock, not between resorts.

If you want to visit another resort for dinner or drinks, transportation usually needs to be arranged through private boat transfers coordinated by the concierge.

Can restaurants or tours pick you up directly from St. Regis by boat?

Yes. Some tours and excursion companies in Bora Bora offer boat pickup directly from resorts, including the St. Regis. This is common for activities like lagoon snorkeling tours, shark and ray excursions, sunset cruises, and whale watching tours during seasonal months. When booking excursions or restaurant reservations, always ask whether resort boat pickup is included or if an additional transfer fee applies.

Most restaurants offer complimentary pick-up from the resorts base location on the main island. Generally you can confirm this and finalize details at the time of booking your reservation. Concierge service at your resort can also arrange this for you.