Matira Beach takes its name from a whaleboat called the 'Matira' that arrived in French Polynesia in 1790, though local oral tradition suggests the name may derive from 'Matilda,' adapted into Tahitian language over generations. Located on the southern tip of Bora Bora island in the Society Islands of French Polynesia, this beach occupies a sandy peninsula that formed over centuries from broken coral and shells accumulating along the volcanic island's fringing reef. Ancient Polynesian navigators who settled Bora Bora approximately 3,000 years ago used Matira Point as a strategic lookout and safe landing site along the protected lagoon. The island itself formed 3 million years ago when a massive volcano erupted from the Pacific seafloor, creating the dramatic central peak that now rises 727 meters above sea level. During World War II, American forces established a major military base on Bora Bora, constructing coastal guns and facilities that transformed the island's infrastructure. The beach gained international prominence in the 1960s and 1970s as French Polynesia became a premier luxury tourism destination, with Matira emerging as the island's only true public beach accessible to all visitors rather than restricted to resort guests.
Matira Beach extends approximately 2 kilometers along Bora Bora's southwestern shore, creating the largest continuous stretch of public beach on the island. The powdery white sand beach slopes gently into calm turquoise waters protected by the outer barrier reef, with depths remaining shallow—typically 1-2 meters—for 40-50 meters from shore, ideal for swimming and families with children. The western-facing orientation provides spectacular sunset views year-round, drawing crowds each evening who gather along the beach to watch the sun disappear behind neighboring islands. Snorkeling opportunities exist near coral patches along both sides of the peninsula, where tropical fish including parrotfish, butterfly fish, and blue-green chromis inhabit the reef formations. Water sports operators along the beach offer jet ski rentals, kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals, and glass-bottom boat tours of the surrounding lagoon. Palm trees and ironwood pines provide natural shade along portions of the beach, while facilities including restrooms, outdoor showers, roadside parking, and several snack bars serve visitors throughout the day. The beach remains free and open to everyone, distinguished from Bora Bora's numerous resort beaches that restrict access to hotel guests. Early morning visits (6:00-8:00 AM) offer the most peaceful experience before tour groups and cruise ship passengers arrive mid-morning.
Matira Beach's dining options reflect Bora Bora's French Polynesian culinary fusion. Snack Matira, a casual beachfront eatery open daily 10:00 AM-4:00 PM, serves fresh poisson cru au lait de coco (raw fish marinated in lime juice and coconut milk) for 1,800 XPF, alongside wood-fired pizzas including Polynesian pizza topped with local ham and pineapple for 1,600 XPF. Bora Bora Beach Club offers relaxed lagoonfront dining with grilled mahi-mahi in vanilla sauce for 3,200 XPF and coconut-crusted shrimp with passion fruit chutney for 2,800 XPF, served in a toes-in-the-sand atmosphere with tables directly on the beach. Restaurant Matira Beach provides upscale dining with Japanese-French fusion cuisine including tuna nigiri and sashimi platters for 4,500 XPF, teppanyaki grilled lobster with garlic butter for 7,200 XPF, and traditional French duck confit with taro puree for 3,600 XPF, operating 11:30 AM-2:30 PM and 6:30-9:30 PM except Mondays. Moi Here features an outdoor bar setting with local favorites like chao mein with vegetables and prawns for 1,900 XPF and steak frites with béarnaise sauce for 2,600 XPF. Otomana serves casual lunch fare including burgers with sweet potato fries for 1,500 XPF and panini sandwiches with local cheese and tomatoes for 1,200 XPF, complemented by ice-cold Hinano beer, French Polynesia's signature lager, for 600 XPF .
