Taking the Ferry to the St. Regis Bora Bora

To use the St. Regis Bora Bora day pass, you first need to get to the St. Regis mainland boat base in Anau on the main island.

When I arrived, I checked in and waited for the boat. If you arrive early, the staff will let you sit inside a small air-conditioned lounge, where there is water available while you wait for the boat to arrive.

Outside the lounge there’s also a small open-air hut where guests wait, and from there you can watch the resort boats traveling back and forth across the lagoon.

The 11:00 AM boat leaves right on time, so it’s a good idea to arrive about 10–15 minutes early. The staff lets the passengers from the previous trip step off first, and then day pass guests board.

From there, it’s about a 15 minute boat ride across the lagoon to the St. Regis Bora Bora, and the views as you approach the resort are incredible.

Arriving at the St. Regis Bora Bora

When the boat arrives at the dock, guests are welcomed onto the motu.

For the day pass visitors, there was someone playing the ukulele at the dock, which was a really nice touch and made the arrival feel special right away.

A staff member then meets the group and gives a short orientation of the resort, explaining which areas day pass guests are allowed to access and pointing out some of the highlights of the property.

Since my parents were already staying at the resort, they skipped the tour for me and we were able to get started hanging out together right away.

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St. Regis Bora Bora Day Pass Price and Whats Included

The St. Regis Bora Bora day pass costs 22,000 XPF per person, which is roughly $220 USD depending on exchange rates.

The day pass includes:

• Round-trip boat transfers from the St. Regis mainland base
• A two-course lunch at Aparima Bar
• Access to the main pool
• Access to the beach area
• Access to the lagoonarium
• Use of non-motorized water activities

Lunch includes either an appetizer and main, or a main and dessert. Drinks and extras are not included.

There is also a Spa Day Pass option, which costs more but includes a spa treatment and access to the spa facilities.

Then Villas at the St. Regis Bora Bora

After lunch, I was able to see the villa where we were staying, and it was massive.
The villa had a huge bedroom, indoor and outdoor showers, a bathtub, and a private plunge pool with direct access to the lagoon. There was also direct access to a private stretch of beach from the pool area.
Of course, day pass guests do not get access to the villas or private beach areas. I was only able to see the room because we were staying there and were overnight guests.

Swimming in the St Regis Bora Bora Lagoonarium

One of the coolest parts of the resort is the lagoonarium, which is basically a protected lagoon filled with marine life.

When you swim there, you’re surrounded by fish almost immediately. Many of them are curious and swim right up to you while you’re snorkeling.

There’s also a giant fish named Moana who lives in the lagoonarium. She’s what the resort is pretty well known for.

Moana is a Napoleon humphead wrasse, and she’s huge. The first time she swims up to you it’s a little surprising, but she’s actually very calm and used to people.

There’s even an eel that lives in the lagoon, which definitely startled Addison the first time she noticed it.

Lagoonarium Cultural Walk

One of the things I really liked was the Lagoonarium cultural walk. As you walk around the lagoonarium area, there are stops where you can learn a little about Polynesian culture, traditions, and the way of life on the islands. It’s a pretty walk too, with tropical landscaping, water views, and little spots to stop and look around. It’s a simple experience, but it’s a nice way to slow down and learn a bit about the culture while exploring the resort.

The Beach at The St. Regis

The beach area is surprisingly large, with plenty of loungers and shaded areas to relax.

The water here is very calm and shallow, making it perfect for swimming or just wading around in the lagoon.

The beach attendants walk around offering fresh fruit during the day, which was a fun little surprise.

There’s also a beach stand where guests can grab ice water, sunscreen, and cooling cream, which is a really nice touch after spending time in the sun. The resort provides Sun Bum sunscreen and Coola recovery cream for guests to use.

If you order food or drinks from Aparima, the staff will even bring them down to the beach so you can stay right by the water.

The Swimming Pool at the St. Regis

The main swimming pool sits right next to Aparima Bar, and it’s one of the main areas day pass guests spend time.

The day pass only includes access to the main pool, not the adults-only pool or smaller private pools around the resort.

Even so, it’s still a beautiful pool area and easy to go back and forth between the pool and the beach, which are right next to each other.

The Swim-Up Bar

Within the main pool there’s a swim-up bar, which is a really fun spot to hang out for a bit. It’s especially nice to sit here in the shade while still being in the water. When you order drinks, the bartenders will sometimes bring out small snacks to enjoy as well.

Audrey loved this area and ended up ordering a few kids smoothies, which made it feel like a little vacation moment just for her.

The pool area has lounge chairs all around it with beautiful views looking out toward the lagoon, so it’s easy to spend a couple hours here just swimming, ordering a drink, and relaxing.

The Champagne Saber Show

Later in the afternoon we watched the 5:30 PM Champagne Saber Show, which is a tradition at the St. Regis. Since my mom was staying at the resort, she asked the butler service if I could join some of the cultural activities during my day pass. They kindly said yes, but this isn’t normally included for day pass guests and was an exception because she was an overnight guest. However it is open and you could have time to see it before your departure if you wanted to watch. You just wouldn’t be able to participate in enjoying the complimentary champagne.

During the saber show staff use a sword to open champagne bottles and then pour glasses for the guests watching. The event itself isn’t very long, but it’s fun to see and feels very on brand for a luxury resort. Since the legal drinking age in Bora Bora is 18, I was able to try it as well.

Catching the Ferry Back to the Mainland

I almost missed the 5:45 PM ferry back, mostly because it didn’t leave from the same dock where I had arrived earlier. Instead it departed from another dock on the left side of the resort where several staff members were boarding.

It was still close and just down the way from the original dock, though. So as they went by my dad had to wave them over, but they were friendly and let me hop on.

Ask the concierge or dock staff at 5:30 PM exactly which dock the return ferry use. From my understanding if you do miss that one, there is also a 6:00 PM ferry, which is the last boat of the day, I just don’t know if there may be extra charges or not.

How to Experience the St. Regis Bora Bora Without Staying Overnight

If staying overnight at the St. Regis Bora Bora isn’t in your plans, there are still a few ways you can experience the resort.

The most common option is the St. Regis Bora Bora day pass, which allows visitors to spend the day at the resort with beach access, time in the lagoonarium, and lunch included. It’s a simple way to see the property and enjoy a few of the amenities without booking one of the overwater bungalows.

Another option is visiting the resort for dining or spa treatments. Some travelers choose to book a restaurant reservation or a spa experience, which may allow limited access to certain areas of the resort depending on the booking.

If you’re planning a Bora Bora trip and want to see multiple luxury resorts, a day pass can be a good way to explore different properties without committing to a full stay at each one. Just keep in mind that most activities and areas are reserved for overnight guests, so the experience will be more limited than staying at the resort.

Can You go for Lunch at The St. Regis?

Yes, it is possible to visit the St. Regis Bora Bora just for lunch, but it usually requires a reservation and arranging boat transportation to the resort. Since the property sits on its own motu (small island), you can’t simply walk in from the main island.

Many visitors choose to experience lunch at the resort through the St. Regis Bora Bora day pass, which includes a two-course meal at Aparima Bar along with access to the beach, lagoonarium, and pool areas.

In some cases, it may also be possible to book lunch at one of the resort’s restaurants directly, but you’ll still need to coordinate boat transfers with the resort ahead of time. Because access to the property is limited, it’s always best to contact the resort in advance if you’re hoping to visit just for a meal.

Can You go for Drinks at The St. Regis?

Yes, it is possible to go to the St. Regis Bora Bora just for drinks, but it usually requires planning ahead. Because the resort sits on its own motu, visitors can’t simply walk in from the main island. You’ll need to arrange boat transportation through the resort to access the property.

Some travelers choose to visit one of the resort’s bars, like Aparima Bar by the pool, where you can order cocktails, wine, or other drinks while enjoying views of the lagoon. Keep in mind that transportation to and from the resort may come with a fee, and reservations are often required.

For many visitors, the St. Regis Bora Bora day pass ends up being the easier option since it already includes the boat transfer along with lunch and access to the beach and pool areas.

What Type of Fish is Moana?

Moana is a Napoleon humphead wrasse, a large reef fish that’s commonly found in the waters around Bora Bora. She’s known around the St. Regis lagoonarium and has become a bit of a recognizable resident of the resort.

These fish can grow incredibly large, and Moana is definitely impressive in size, but she’s also very calm and friendly. Seeing her swim through the lagoonarium is one of the more memorable parts of spending time in the water at the resort.

Can I Buy The St. Regis Day Pass if I’m Staying at Another Resort?

Yes, you can purchase the St. Regis Bora Bora day pass even if you’re staying at another resort or hotel in Bora Bora. Many travelers staying on the main island or at other motu resorts use day passes as a way to experience different properties during their trip.

You’ll just need to arrange transportation to the St. Regis mainland boat dock in Anau, where the resort boat will take day pass guests over to the property. Once you arrive, the pass includes lunch and access to the beach, lagoonarium, and pool areas for the day.

Availability can be limited, so it’s a good idea to contact the resort ahead of time to check space and confirm the booking before your visit.

The e-mail to inquire about booking a Day Pass is: borabora.liaison@stregis.com

Is the St. Regis Better Than The Other Bora Bora Resorts?

The St. Regis Bora Bora is often considered one of the most iconic luxury resorts on the island, but whether it’s “better” than the others really depends on what kind of experience you’re looking for.

The resort is known for its large overwater villas, beautiful lagoon views, and the famous lagoonarium, which makes it a standout property in Bora Bora. The grounds are also very spacious, which gives the resort a more private and peaceful feel compared to some of the other motu resorts.

That said, Bora Bora has several incredible resorts, and each one offers something a little different. Some travelers prefer properties with larger pools, different dining options, or a more modern design, while others love the classic luxury feel that the St. Regis is known for.

In the end, the “best” resort in Bora Bora usually comes down to your travel style, budget, and what kind of amenities matter most to you during your stay.