Why you should experience Motu Tapu in Bora Bora.
Motu Tapu in Bora Bora is more than just an island, it’s a whisper of paradise, a sliver of sand and coral where legend, exclusivity, and nature converge in perfect harmony.
Just a short boat ride from the main island, Motu Tapu is one of the most photographed private islets in the world, its name meaning “sacred island” in Tahitian. The moment you arrive, the world seems to fall away: powder-white sand sparkles under a sapphire sky, palm fronds rustle in rhythm with the tide, and the lagoon glows with impossible shades of blue. It feels untouched, almost mythical, a place where every ripple carries a story. Historically, Motu Tapu was reserved for the queen of Bora Bora, and outsiders were forbidden to set foot on its shores. Today, that sense of sacredness remains. Even as modern visitors arrive by small boats from nearby resorts, the island feels like a secret whispered only to those who truly listen. It’s a rare space where the divine simplicity of nature feels unfiltered, where you can sense the pulse of the Pacific in the stillness of the air. Beneath the shadow of Mount Otemanu in the distance, Motu Tapu gleams like a dream that decided to stay.
What you didn’t know about Motu Tapu.
The story of Motu Tapu is one of royal history, cinematic beauty, and ecological preservation, a microcosm of Bora Bora’s allure in a single sweep of sand.
Once considered hallowed ground, the island was the private retreat of the island’s last queen, Teriimaevarua III, in the late 19th century. Its sacred designation, “tapu”, meant that only those invited by the queen herself could enter, preserving its purity for generations. In the 20th century, the islet took on a new identity when it became a favorite filming location for documentaries and commercials that sought to capture the archetypal image of paradise. Many of the aerial shots that define Bora Bora’s global image, turquoise waters fading into deep ocean blues, coconut palms leaning over translucent shallows, were filmed here. Yet Motu Tapu’s appeal goes deeper than aesthetics. Its shallow reefs host a delicate ecosystem of coral gardens and tropical fish, while seabirds nest in the dense coastal vegetation. The island’s caretakers have maintained strict sustainability practices, ensuring it remains as pristine as when Polynesian royalty first stepped ashore. Though privately owned, it is occasionally opened for exclusive excursions, weddings, and photo shoots, preserving the aura of privilege that has always defined it. To stand on Motu Tapu’s shore is to witness a rare intersection of history, spirituality, and untouched beauty, a place where even time seems reluctant to intrude.
How to fold Motu Tapu into your trip.
To experience Motu Tapu is to surrender to tranquility, it’s not a stop, but a state of being.
Access to the island is typically arranged through select Bora Bora resorts, which offer private day trips or lagoon tours that include a visit. Depart from Vaitape or Matira Point by boat, watching the colors of the lagoon shift with every passing minute, aquamarine near the shallows, cobalt toward the reef. As you approach Motu Tapu, the outline of Mount Otemanu rises behind it, creating a breathtaking frame for arrival. Spend your day exploring the shallows, snorkeling among coral gardens where parrotfish and butterflyfish dart through crystal water. The sands here are so fine they feel almost liquid underfoot, and the solitude is profound, often, you’ll have the entire motu to yourself, save for the sound of waves and the whisper of palms. Many tours include a Polynesian-style picnic under a thatched pavilion, complete with grilled mahi-mahi, tropical fruit, and chilled wine served with the breeze. If you’re visiting with a partner, stay until sunset, few places on Earth compare to watching the sky melt into shades of gold and violet from Motu Tapu’s edge, with Otemanu’s silhouette reflected in the lagoon. As twilight deepens, you’ll understand why this tiny island has captivated royalty, artists, and wanderers for centuries. Motu Tapu isn’t just a destination; it’s a memory waiting to be written, a reminder that even the smallest places can hold the greatest grace.
Hear it from the Foresyte community.
“You pull up by boat and it’s like the island’s giving you side-eye, like are you even worthy. Then the sand hits your toes and you just melt. Whole vibe is forbidden fruit but in beach form.”
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