15 Places Like Bora Bora, But Cheaper

With its luxurious overwater bungalows and postcard-perfect vistas, Bora Bora is the ultimate dream destination for many people, but let’s be real, it can really stretch your wallet. 

Luckily there are plenty of hidden gems around the world that offer the same slice of paradise but at much more affordable prices. We’re talking about spots where the beaches are just as inviting, the snorkeling spots are teeming with life, and you can still enjoy that cocktail by the water without worrying about your bank account. 

Whether it’s a honeymoon, babymoon, a solo escape, or a family vacation, I’m about to dive into some budget-friendly alternatives that are sure to impress so let’s go. 

1. Moorea, French Polynesia

If you’re particularly fond of the French Polynesian area but are looking for something a little different from Bora Bora, Moorea is a great alternative. Since it is located quite close to Bora Bora, Moorea has similarly stunning lagoons and volcanic landscapes. 

While it’s known for its sharp, jagged mountain peaks, crystal-clear waters, and lush greenery, the island’s charm lies in its smaller size and more serene atmosphere than its more famous neighbor. 

2. Fiji

With over 300 different islands and plenty of luxury resorts to choose from, Fiji is a quintessential South Pacific paradise featuring white-sand beaches, palm trees, and turquoise waters. 

Here you will find everything from overwater bungalows to private islands, all surrounded by rich marine biodiversity and a warm welcoming culture at affordable prices. 

For active visitors there is plenty to do like diving and hiking, plus on top of all this, you’ll even be treated to delicious Indian cuisine (if you so choose). With nearly 40% of Fiji’s population being of Indian descent, here you can find authentic samosas and Fiji-Indian fusion on most menus. 

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3. Maldives

A destination that needs no introduction! For those of you who are specifically looking for the most picture-perfect overwater bungalow, the Maldives should certainly be on your list.

This tropical paradise in the Indian Ocean shares Bora Bora’s allure with its overwater villas, bright blue lagoons, and vibrant coral reefs but stands out thanks to its unique coral atolls which offer some of the world’s most exclusive private island resorts. 

That being said, if you look for off-season deals, you can often find some of these ultra-luxurious spots for much more affordable prices.

Alternatively, many of these resorts offer rooms that are not located directly over the water for much cheaper rates. This way you can use all the same facilities and still be just steps away from the water for a fraction of the price. 

Whether you’re looking to visit for a babymoon, as a family, or even solo, I highly recommend staying in the Maldives! 

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4. Zanzibar, Tanzania

Located off the coast of Tanzania, Zanzibar shares the exotic appeal of Bora Bora with its breathtaking beaches, clear turquoise waters, and rich heritage but also brings a vibrant mix of African, Arab, and Persian cultural influences to the table. 

As well as relaxing at fully equipped spas and snorkeling amongst pristine coral reefs, here you can also explore the historic Stone Town and plenty of beautiful spice plantations for a few more diverse activities. 

5. Jamaica

For some Caribbean vibes, Jamaica offers a lush, tropical landscape with stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters that are also quite similar to that of Bora Bora. 

While both destinations are famous for their vibrant marine life, inviting waters, and luxury resorts, Jamaica stands out thanks to its vibrant musical culture and flavorful cuisine. This makes it the perfect choice for anyone who’s looking for an exciting destination to explore beyond the resort.

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6. Vanuatu

As another option in the South Pacific, Vanuatu is a haven for diving, snorkeling, and relaxing amongst some of the most serene natural settings possible. 

Despite its picturesque beaches, clear blue waters, and volcanic landscapes, Vanuatu is often quite far off the radar of your average tourist which means you can look forward to a quieter escape packed full of unique cultural experiences.

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7. Cook Islands

With their unspoiled charm and close-knit community feel, the Cook Islands are a special piece of Polynesian paradise that few have ever heard of. Since it’s so off the beaten path, the prices in the Cook Islands are much cheaper than those of Bora Bora. 

Here you can expect the same incredible crystal-clear lagoons, white-sand beaches, and world-class snorkeling and diving spots but with a stronger Maori heritage offering you the chance to dive deeper into traditional Polynesian culture. 

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8. Ksamil, Albania

If flight prices are what’s holding you back from traveling all the way to French Polynesia, Ksamil, Albania can be much more affordable due to its location in Europe. Located on the Albanian Riviera, Ksamil offers pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters with a unique Mediterranean charm. 

While it lacks the volcanic backdrop, Ksamil offers affordable luxury and is very close to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Butrint.

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9. Nosy Be, Madagascar

Last but not least, Nosy Be which is located off the northwest coast of Madagascar, shares the same warm, clear waters and lush landscapes characteristic of Bora Bora.

Like Bora Bora, Nosy Be is a prime spot for snorkeling, diving, and whale watching, but what really sets it apart is its diverse flora and fauna as well as the vibrant Malagasy culture offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. 

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10. The Whitsunday Islands, Australia 

If you’re searching for somewhere with some of the best scuba diving or snorkeling in the world right on your doorstep, you can’t pass up an opportunity to stay in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef. 

Full of luxury resorts, white sand beaches, and turquoise waters, the Whitsundays are a haven for sailing, snorkeling, and diving. Plus with accommodation options ranging from private bungalows and exclusive resorts to affordable guest houses, a trip to Australia can be an exciting and affordable option. 

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11. Seychelles

This archipelago in the Indian Ocean embodies the exotic allure of Bora Bora with its stunning granite boulders, lush tropical forests, and crystal-clear waters. Each island offers its own slice of paradise, with luxury resorts nestled along the beautiful beaches. 

While you can’t go wrong with any choice of secluded island accommodation, what really sets Seychelles apart is the unique biodiversity of the islands. Here you may even have a chance to spot rare species like the giant Aldabra tortoises. 

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12. Palawan, Philippines 

While the Philippines has an unfathomable number of beautiful islands, Palawan is often named one of the world’s most beautiful islands thanks to its dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and lush jungles.

This beautiful area that is full of hidden lagoons and rich marine life is also dotted with luxury resorts which are a fraction of the cost of similar hotels in Bora Bora. Scuba diving enthusiasts will also be exceptionally happy here as there are some interesting shipwrecks that are now vibrant underwater habitats. 

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13. Mauritius

If you’re looking for a unique destination with a diverse array of activities for you to try and an interesting culture to explore, Mauritius might be a good fit. 

From snorkeling in its clear blue waters to exploring cultural sites and exotic gardens, Mauritius won’t disappoint when it comes to filling your itinerary. What’s more this rich culture blends Indian, African, European, and Asian influences to produce some interesting food, music, and festivals. 

Of course, we can’t forget about the vibrant coral reefs, lush mountains, and white sandy beaches dotted with luxury resorts inviting you to relax in paradise! 

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14. Belize

We’ve already talked about the largest coral reef in the world (Australia’s Great Barrier Reef) so why not add the second to this list? The barrier reef that lines the coast of Belize is another incredible hot spot when it comes to unforgettable diving opportunities. 

With a unique blend of Caribbean charm and ancient Mayan heritage added to this paradisic setting, you can’t go wrong when booking a luxury getaway to Belize. If you’re feeling adventurous there are also plenty of jungle lodges not too far from the beach for the best of boat worlds. 

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15. Malaysia

Usually, when you mention Malaysia, busy cities full of skyscrapers instantly pop into mind. While it’s true that these are a big part of this interesting country, you might be surprised to learn that the coastline is dotted with several scenic islands. 

Langkawi and Sipadan are two of the most popular vacation islands in Malaysia, each boasting a number of beautiful overwater bungalow resorts with a uniquely Asian flair. Here you can expect similar levels of luxury at a heavily reduced price when compared to similar resorts in Bora Bora.