Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Bora Bora (Complete Guide)
Bora Bora offers some of the best fishing in the tropics. Understanding the best seasons and times to fish can greatly impact your success.
The best times to fish in Bora Bora are early morning and late afternoon when the fish are most active and the weather conditions are favorable.
Month | Bora Bora Fishing Location |
January | Teavanui Pass – Explore the depths of Teavanui Pass for a chance to reel in prized yellowfin tuna. |
February | Matira Point – Cast your line near Matira Point’s rocky structures to target the cunning snapper. |
March | Motu Piti Aau – Head to Motu Piti Aau and its surrounding waters for thrilling battles with powerful wahoo. |
April | Motu Tapu – Enjoy the beauty of Motu Tapu as you chase after acrobatic mahi-mahi. |
May | Teavanui Pass Drop-offs – Venture to the drop-offs near Teavanui Pass for thrilling encounters with dogtooth tuna. |
June | Motu Toopua – Set sail to Motu Toopua for exciting wahoo fishing in its abundant offshore waters. |
July | Motu Tevairoa – Test your skills against bonefish as you explore the flats near Motu Tevairoa. |
August | Motu Ahuna – Seek out snapper and barracuda near the shores of Motu Ahuna for an exciting catch. |
September | Motu Tofari – Visit Motu Tofari for action-packed fishing sessions targeting yellowfin tuna and mahi-mahi. |
October | Piti Aau Channel – Experience the thrill of battling giant trevally in the currents of Piti Aau Channel. |
November | Teavanui Pass Shallows – Explore the shallow waters near Teavanui Pass for thrilling bonefish and snapper encounters. |
December | Matira Channel – Cast your line in Matira Channel for exciting barracuda and snapper fishing adventures. |
In this article, we will discuss the best times and seasons to fish in Bora Bora. We will also talk about where some of the best fishing in the state is on a month-by-month basis.
Best Times: Saltwater Fishing in Bora Bora
Teavanui Pass (Marlin, Tuna, Mahi-Mahi) – Best months: May to October.
Matira Point (Snapper, Grouper) – Best months: April to November.
Motu Tapu (Mahi-Mahi, Barracuda) – Best months: November to March.
Teavanui Pass Drop-offs (Dogtooth Tuna, Sailfish) – Best months: June to October.
Motu Toopua (Wahoo, Bonefish) – Best months: April to June, September to November.
Motu Tevairoa (Bonefish, Grouper) – Best months: April to October.
Motu Ahuna (Snapper, Barracuda) – Best months: May to November.
Motu Tofari (Yellowfin Tuna, Mahi-Mahi) – Best months: May to September.
Piti Aau Channel (Grouper, Giant Trevally) – Best months: April to November.
Teavanui Pass Shallows (Bonefish, Snapper) – Best months: April to October.
Matira Channel (Barracuda, Snapper) – Best months: May to November.
Motu Mute (Wahoo, Mahi-Mahi) – Best months: November to March.
Tevairoa Lagoon (Bonefish, Snapper) – Best months: April to October.
Tapu Channel (Barracuda, Mahi-Mahi) – Best months: November to March.
Piti Aau Drop-offs (Grouper, Yellowfin Tuna) – Best months: April to November.
Motu Roa (Snapper, Barracuda) – Best months: May to November.
Matira Beach (Bonefish, Snapper) – Best months: April to October.
Otemanu Channel (Mahi-Mahi, Wahoo) – Best months: November to March.
Tapu Pass (Giant Trevally, Sailfish) – Best months: June to October.
Recommended Fishing Guides in Bora Bora
These Bora Bora-based charters are some of the best at putting you on great fishing action. The captains are knowledgeable and professional and are sure to put you on fish. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charter’s respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate.
Recommended Fishing Charters | Location |
Bora Bora Fishing Charters | Bora Bora, French Polynesia |
I recommend this Penn Pursuit Spinning Rod & Reel combo (available on Amazon) for inshore and nearshore fishing. It can handle everything from redfish to snapper and king mackerel. The Penn Battalion Series Spinning Rod and the Penn Battle Spinning Reel are fantastic if you want to create your combo.
Species Seasonal Breakdown
Marlin
The best times to fish for marlin in Bora Bora are typically during June to October when the water is warmer and the fish are more active. Marlin fishing is often done during early morning or late afternoon when the fish are more likely to be feeding near the surface.
Some of the best locations in Bora Bora for fishing marlin are the offshore waters near the Motu Piti Aau, the deep drop-offs near the Teavanui Pass, the channels around the Matira Point, and the areas near the Motu Tapu island.
Sailfish
The best times to fish for sailfish in Bora Bora are usually during May to September when the water is warmer and the fish are more active. Sailfish are often caught during early morning or late afternoon fishing trips while actively feeding near the surface.
Some of the best locations in Bora Bora for fishing sailfish are the offshore waters near the Motu Piti Aau, the drop-offs near the Teavanui Pass, the channels around the Matira Point, and the areas near the Motu Tapu island.
Yellowfin Tuna
The best times to fish for yellowfin tuna in Bora Bora are generally during May to September, when the water is warmer, and the fish are more active. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to try catching yellowfin tuna as they tend to feed near the surface during these times.
Some of the best locations in Bora Bora for fishing yellowfin tuna are the deep waters around the Teavanui Pass, the outer edges of the Motu Toopua area, the Piti Aau channel, and the waters near the Motu Tapu island.
Mahi-Mahi
The best times to fish for mahi-mahi in Bora Bora are usually during November to March when the water is warmer, and the fish are more plentiful. Mahi-mahi are often active throughout the day, but early morning and late afternoon are great times to catch them as they tend to be more active.
Some of the best locations in Bora Bora for fishing mahi-mahi are the waters around the Motu Tevairoa area, the Matira Point region, the outer edges of the Motu Piti Aau, and the offshore reefs near the Motu Toopua island.
Wahoo
The best times to fish for wahoo in Bora Bora are usually during the months of April to June and September to November, when the water is warmer and the fish are more active. Wahoo are known to be fast swimmers and are often caught during early morning or late afternoon fishing trips.
Some of the best locations in Bora Bora for fishing wahoo are the drop-offs near the Teavanui Pass, the deeper waters around the Motu Piti Aau, the offshore reefs near the Matira Point, and the channels near the Motu Toopua.
Swordfish
Swordfish fishing in Bora Bora is best during December to March when the water is warmer and the fish are more active. Swordfish are usually caught during nighttime fishing expeditions when they come up to the surface to feed.
Some of the best locations in Bora Bora for fishing swordfish are the deeper offshore waters, the areas near the Motu Piti Aau, the drop-offs near the Teavanui Pass, and the channels around the Matira Point.
Barracuda
The best times to fish for barracuda in Bora Bora are typically during the months of June to September when the water is warmer and the fish are more active. Barracuda are known to be most active during the early morning and late afternoon when they hunt for prey near the surface.
Some of the best locations in Bora Bora for fishing barracuda are the reefs near the Motu Tevairoa, the channels around the Motu Piti Aau, the rocky areas near the Matira Point, and the drop-offs near the Teavanui Pass.
Giant Trevally
The best times to fish for giant trevally in Bora Bora are typically during the months of May to October when the water is warmer and the fish are more active. Giant trevally are known to be aggressive predators and can be caught throughout the day.
Some of the best locations in Bora Bora for fishing giant trevally are the reefs near the Motu Tevairoa, the drop-offs near the Motu Piti Aau, the channels around the Matira Point, and the deeper waters near the Teavanui Pass.
Grouper
The best times to fish for grouper in Bora Bora are generally during June to October when the water is warmer and the fish are more active. Grouper are often more active during the early morning and late afternoon when they come out to feed.
Some of the best locations in Bora Bora for fishing grouper are the coral structures near the Motu Tevairoa, the deeper drop-offs near the Motu Piti Aau, the rocky areas around the Matira Point, and the submerged ledges near the Teavanui Pass.
Snapper
The best times to fish for snapper in Bora Bora are typically during the months of April to November when the water is warmer, and the fish are more active. Snapper are often more active during low-light conditions, so early morning or late afternoon can be great times to catch them.
Some of the best locations in Bora Bora for fishing snapper are the reefs near the Motu Tevairoa, the outer edges of the Motu Piti Aau, the coral structures near the Matira Point, and the submerged rocks near the Teavanui Pass.
Bonefish
The best times to fish for bonefish in Bora Bora are generally during May to October when the weather is warm and the fish are more active. Early morning and late afternoon are ideal for bonefishing as the fish tend to be more active during these cooler parts of the day.
Some of the best locations in Bora Bora for fishing bonefish are the flats near the Motu Piti Aau, the lagoon around the Motu Tapu island, the shallows near the Teavanui Pass, and the sandy areas around the Motu Toopua.
Dogtooth Tuna
The best times to fish for dogtooth tuna in Bora Bora are during April to October, when the water is warm, and the fish are more active. Early morning and late afternoon are the ideal times to go fishing as the fish often feed near the surface.
Some of the best locations in Bora Bora for fishing dogtooth tuna are the deep drop-offs near the Teavanui Pass, the waters around the Motu Toopua area, the Piti Aau channel, and the Motu Tapu island.
Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Mauritius. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Indonesia. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Phuket. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in French Polynesia. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Japan. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Vanuatu.
Best Fishing in Bora Bora on Seasonal Basis
Winter (June-August)
- Teavanui Pass for Yellowfin Tuna: Head to Teavanui Pass and its surrounding waters to target the mighty yellowfin tuna.
- Matira Point for Snapper: Explore the reefs and rocky areas near Matira Point to find the cunning snapper.
- Motu Tevairoa for Bonefish: Visit the flats near Motu Tevairoa to pursue the elusive bonefish.
- Motu Piti Aau for Mahi-Mahi: Set sail to Motu Piti Aau and its nearby waters to target mahi-mahi.
Spring (September-November)
- Motu Tapu for Barracuda: Visit Motu Tapu and its nearby waters to reel in the fierce barracuda.
- Teavanui Pass for Dogtooth Tuna: Head to Teavanui Pass, where the strong currents attract the powerful dogtooth tuna.
- Matira Point for Grouper: Explore the rocky areas around Matira Point to target the elusive grouper.
- Motu Toopua for Wahoo: Set sail to Motu Toopua and its surrounding waters, known for the abundance of wahoo.
Summer (December-February)
- Teavanui Pass for Blue Marlin: Head to Teavanui Pass, where the warm currents attract the mighty blue marlin.
- Matira Point for Mahi-Mahi: Visit Matira Point’s crystal-clear waters to reel in the mahi-mahi.
- Motu Piti Aau for Yellowfin Tuna: Set sail to Motu Piti Aau and its surrounding areas to target the speedy and strong yellowfin tuna.
- Motu Tevairoa for Bonefish: Explore the shallow flats near Motu Tevairoa to discover the elusive bonefish.
Fall (March-May)
- Matira Point for Bonefish: Head to Matira Point’s shallow flats and lagoons to try your luck with bonefish.
- Teavanui Pass for Giant Trevally: Visit Teavanui Pass, where strong currents bring in a bounty of baitfish, attracting the mighty giant trevally.
- Motu Toopua for Wahoo: Set sail to Motu Toopua and its surrounding waters, known for their abundance of wahoo.
- Motu Tapu for Mahi-Mahi: Don’t miss the chance to catch mahi-mahi near Motu Tapu.