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MAU destination photo
BOB destination photo

MAUBOB

Which side of the plane to sit from Maupiti Airport (Maupiti) to Bora Bora Airport (Bora Bora)?

Our Recommendation
9.8

Right Side of the Plane

The right side provides the most iconic views of Mount Otemanu and the expansive turquoise lagoon of Bora Bora during the approach, as well as a great look at Maupiti upon departure.

Right Side Highlights
9.8
⛰️

Mount Teurafaatiu

A stunning aerial view of Maupiti's central volcanic peak immediately after takeoff.

💎

Maupiti Lagoon Pass

Watch the turquoise waters swirl through the narrow Onaia Pass, the only entrance to Maupiti's lagoon.

🏔️

Mount Otemanu

The absolute highlight: the jagged basaltic remains of Bora Bora's ancient volcano rising 727 meters above the sea.

💧

Bora Bora Lagoon

A breathtaking palette of blues, from milky cyan to deep navy, dotted with coral heads and overwater bungalows.

🏖️

Matira Point

The southern tip of Bora Bora's main island, famous for its white sand beaches and shallow sandbanks.

The right side is essential for the classic 'Bora Bora' photo. As the flight is extremely short (approx. 20 mins), keep your camera ready from the moment of takeoff. Sit toward the back of the aircraft for the widest angle of the lagoon. Mid-day flights (10 AM - 2 PM) offer the most vibrant turquoise colors as the sun is directly overhead, minimizing shadows on the coral reefs.

Left Side Highlights
7.8
🏝️

Maupiti Northern Motus

View the thin strips of white sand and coconut palms flanking the northern edge of Maupiti's lagoon.

🌊

Pacific Blue Horizon

The deep indigo transition where the shallow lagoon floor drops off into the deep Pacific Ocean.

❤️

Tupai Atoll

On clear days, look north to spot the famous heart-shaped atoll of Tupai shimmering in the distance.

🚤

Bora Bora North Reef

The approach into BOB offers views of the northern reef barrier and the luxury resorts located on the northern motus.

Choose the left side if you are particularly interested in spotting Tupai (the heart-shaped island) which lies to the north of the flight path. For the best lighting, morning flights are preferable on this side to avoid glare. Ensure you have a window seat clear of the ATR-72's high-wing engines for unobstructed photography of the reef transitions.

Top Activities in Bora Bora
Route Information

Distance: 53 km (33 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 5 min

Departure: MAU (-16.42650032043457, -152.24400329589844)

Arrival: BOB (-16.444400787353516, -151.75100708007812)

Route Type: Domestic

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