a person in a cockpit of an airplane
The Most Beautiful Flight - Air Tahiti to Bora Bora

Trip Report: The Most Beautiful Flight – Air Tahiti to Bora Bora

After arriving in Tahiti on the most exotic and colorful B787, I traveled on Air Tahiti domestically to explore the beauty of the French Polynesian islands.

My flight was from Papeete to Bora Bora with a stop at Huahine and back. This turned out to be one of the most beautiful flights I've taken.

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My Flight VT478 departed at 7:15am. There are frequent flights to Bora Bora and other popular islands. Boarding starts approximately 15 minutes before departure time.
a white airplane with red and white design on the side
My flight is operated by Air Tahiti ATR72-600 F-OVRT
rows of seats in an airplane
There is no assignment on seating. It is free seating on Air Tahiti flights.
a woman in a dress standing in an airplane
The seats look like honeymoon pair seats, they are slim but comfortable for an hour's flight as you're distracted by the amazing views throughout the flight.
a woman in a yellow raincoat reading a book in an airplane

I was invited to fly in the cockpit jumpseat on Air Tahiti ATR72-600.

Our first leg from Papeete to Huahine took about 30 minutes flying at 12,000 ft.

two men in a cockpit of an airplane
a group of pilots in a cockpit
two men in the cockpit of an airplane
an aerial view of a large island
We had a clear view of the island of Moorea on the way to Huahine.
a woman holding a tray of food
A free juice is served on the 30 minute flight.
a blue ocean with islands and clouds
Approching Huahine
the cockpit of an airplane with a view of land and water
a group of people in a cockpit of an airplane
a cockpit of an airplane
two men in a cockpit of an airplane

Watch the landing into Huahine on my video below:

Video

Huahine

John Steinbeck House with a few people in front of it

Huahine is an island located among the Society Islands. Our flight brings in locals, tourists and daily supplies. After 50 passengers got off, another 50 joined our flight to Bora Bora.
two men in a plane
A selfie with first officer Tetu, "gifted son from Moorea".

After a 20 minute stop, 50 new tourists came onboard, we were ready to depart to Bora Bora.

Flying time to Bora Bora was just 15 minutes, at 4,000 ft.

two people in the cockpit of an airplane
Captain Quith Cowan has served the island for over 20 years as a pilot, dedicating his career to the islands instead of flying abroad.
a aerial view of a beach and land
Huahine view from departure
a rainbow over a beach
We flew past Raiatea and Tapaa, with a rainbow over the horizon!
an island in the ocean
an aerial view of a beach

The weather had become clear and I can see the turquoise-blue ocean and crystal-clear lagoon.

a view of a island from a plane
an island in the ocean

The scenery was out of this world and it was one of the most beautiful flights I’ve taken.

an aerial view of a land and ocean
We flew around the island of Bora Bora and line up for runway 11 approach.
a person in a pilot's cockpit
a person in a cockpit of an airplane
a star shaped structure on a beach
an aerial view of a beach with houses and a body of water
two men in a cockpit of an airplane
a person in a cockpit of an airplane
a person in a pilot's uniform in a cockpit

Watch the landing on my video below:

Video

Bora Bora Airport

There are no roads and no cars at Bora Bora airport. The only transportation is by boat to the main center or hotel.

a building in the middle of a road
a boat on a beach
a dock with people walking by it
a group of people standing in front of a plane
a group of people standing in front of an airplane

After 20 minutes, I hopped on the island hopper again, this time departing Bora Bora back to Papeete.

My flight back to Papette was equally as scenic, we flew low over some Tahitian overwater bungalows.

a aerial view of a mountain and blue water
an island with a body of water and Bora Bora
an airplane flying over an island
an aerial view of an island
an aerial view of an island
a can of beer and a paper cup and napkins
Having a Hinano Beer to top off the island hopping experience!
a group of people standing in front of a plane
A farewell photo to the excellent crew of Air Tahiti. In particular thanks to Captain Quith Cowan and F/O Tetu

Conclusion

Aviation plays an important role in transporting travelers and cargo supplies to these islands. The scenery on the flight was simply out of this world and it was one of the most beautiful flights I’ve taken.

Air Tahiti has some island passes for those who like to visit more islands. Details are on their website.

Video