Bora Bora vs Maldives: Which is More Affordable for Indian Travelers?

Planning a dreamy beach getaway but worried about the price tag? Two of the world’s most photographed islands-Bora Bora is a South‑Pacific jewel known for its turquoise lagoon and over‑water bungalows and Maldives is an Indian‑Ocean archipelago famous for its coral reefs and luxury resorts-often appear side by side in travel‑inspired Instagram feeds. For Indian travelers, the big question is simple: which one fits a tighter budget without sacrificing the wow factor?

How Indian Travelers Usually Spend on a Beach Vacation

Before we start comparing the two islands, it helps to understand the typical cost buckets for any overseas beach trip from India:

• Airfare - the biggest upfront expense, especially when flying from major hubs like Delhi or Mumbai.
• Accommodation - from budget guesthouses to ultra‑luxury over‑water villas.
• Meals & drinks - whether you go all‑inclusive or eat locally.
• Activities - snorkeling, spa treatments, island tours, etc.
• Visa & travel insurance - mandatory paperwork and peace‑of‑mind coverage.
• Currency exchange - converting INR to local money (Euros for Bora Bora, Maldivian Rufiyaa for Maldives).

Airfare: The First Big Decision

When you search for round‑trip tickets from India, the average price in October 2025 looks like this:

• Delhi/Mumbai → Papeete (Tahiti) → Bora Bora: INR 85,000 - INR 120,000, depending on airline and layovers.
• Delhi/Mumbai → Male (Maldives) → Maldives resorts: INR 45,000 - INR 70,000.

Why the gap? Bora Bora requires a long‑haul flight to French Polynesia, usually involving a stop in Auckland, Los Angeles, or Singapore, while Maldives is just a 5‑hour hop over the Arabian Sea. For a family of four, the airfare difference can easily total INR 200,000.

Accommodation: From Budget to Luxe

Both islands are famous for over‑water villas, but each has a range that suits different wallets.

• Bora Bora budget options: guesthouses on the main island start at INR 8,000 per night. Mid‑range resorts hover around INR 25,000 - INR 40,000. Luxury villas top out at INR 150,000+ per night.
• Maldives budget options: local island guesthouses cost INR 5,000 - INR 9,000 per night. Mid‑range resort rooms sit at INR 15,000 - INR 30,000. High‑end water villas range from INR 70,000 to INR 200,000 per night.

For a 7‑day stay, a mid‑range resort in Maldives ends up around INR 150,000, while the same level in Bora Bora can push INR 250,000‑INR 300,000.

Meals, Drinks, and All‑Inclusive Packages

Food costs vary depending on whether you opt for an all‑inclusive deal or eat locally.

• All‑inclusive resorts in Bora Bora vs Maldives are generally pricier in Bora Bora. Expect INR 12,000 - INR 18,000 per person per day versus INR 9,000 - INR 14,000 in Maldives.
• Street food or local cafés on the main islands can bring the daily food budget down to INR 2,500 - INR 4,000 per person for both destinations.

If you plan to splurge on fine dining at a resort, add another INR 4,000‑INR 7,000 per meal.

Activities: What You’ll Actually Spend On

Snorkeling, scuba diving, sunset cruises, and spa treatments are the headline activities.

While the Maldives usually wins on price for each activity, the difference isn’t huge. Most travelers budget INR 20,000 - INR 30,000 for a full week of experiences.

Visa, Insurance, and Miscellaneous Fees

Indian passport holders get a free 30‑day visa on arrival for the Maldives, paying only a small processing fee of around INR 1,200. Bora Bora, being part of French Polynesia, requires a French‑Polynesian visa costing roughly INR 6,500, plus a mandatory travel insurance policy that typically runs INR 2,000 - INR 4,000 per person for a week.

Putting It All Together: Total Estimated Cost for a 7‑Night Trip

Below is a simplified budget for a couple traveling in October 2025, staying in mid‑range resorts, eating a mix of all‑inclusive meals and local cuisine, and doing a few activities.

Even with generous estimates, the Maldives comes out about INR 130,000 cheaper for a similar experience. That margin widens if you pick a budget guesthouse in the Maldives or a luxury villa in Bora Bora.

When Bora Bora Might Still Be Worth It

If your travel goal is to boast about staying in a world‑renowned over‑water bungalow that’s perched over a lagoon ringed by a dormant volcano, Bora Bora has that unique aura. It also draws fewer crowds, so you’ll often find more “private” moments. For honeymooners or Instagram influencers aiming for a distinct visual vibe, the extra spend can feel justified.

Tips to Keep Either Destination Within a Tight Budget

• Book flights during the shoulder season (late October to early December) to catch 10‑15% discounts.
• Consider staying on the main island of each destination rather than the resort islands; you’ll still have ferry access to the water‑activities.
• Use local guesthouses that offer half‑board plans - you get breakfast and dinner for a fraction of resort rates.
• Exchange INR to Euros or Rufiyaa in bulk before you travel to avoid steep airport rates.
• Look for package deals that bundle airfare, hotel, and a few activities; travel agents in Delhi and Mumbai often have exclusive rates for Indian travelers.

Bottom Line for Indian Travelers

If you measure a beach escape purely by the number on the bank statement, the Maldives is the clear winner. It delivers comparable luxury, better value on activities, and a smoother visa process. Bora Bora remains an elite, photo‑heavy option that’ll cost more, especially when you factor in long‑haul flights.

Which destination is cheaper for a family of four?

For a family of four, the Maldives typically saves INR 200,000‑INR 300,000 on airfare alone. Even with comparable mid‑range accommodation, the total budget stays lower than Bora Bora.

Can I find budget accommodation in Bora Bora?

Yes, there are guesthouses on the main island starting around INR 8,000 per night, but they lack the iconic over‑water experience that Bora Bora is famous for.

Do I need a visa for the Maldives?

Indian passport holders receive a free 30‑day visa on arrival, paying only a small processing fee of about INR 1,200.

What is the best time to visit to get lower prices?

The shoulder months of October‑November and late February‑early April offer lower hotel rates and fewer crowds for both islands.

Are there any hidden costs I should watch out for?

Currency conversion fees, resort taxes, and optional activities (like private boat tours) can add up quickly. Plan a buffer of 10‑15% of your total budget.