Bora Bora: 4x4 Island Safari Tour with Artist Visit & Fruit Tasting

Summary

Exclusive 4x4 adventure in Bora Bora with local flavors and art

You’ll meet local artists in their home studio, taste fruit straight from the trees in Faanui Valley, bounce along hidden tracks by 4x4 with your guide sharing stories, and pause at an exclusive panoramic lookout over Bora Bora’s lagoon. Expect laughter, real conversation, and moments that stick with you long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Jacqueline met us at the door, her hands still streaked with paint. I was trying to remember how to say “hello” properly in French Polynesian, but just ended up smiling too wide — she laughed anyway and waved us inside. The workshop smelled like wet earth and something sweet, maybe mangoes? Emmanuel was busy swirling color onto a pareo, humming along to some old song on the radio. It felt like we’d stumbled into someone’s afternoon, not a tour.

The ride up to the viewpoint was bumpier than I expected — our guide Manu kept making jokes about the “Polynesian massage” from the 4x4 seats. I could see Mount Otemanu getting closer through the window, green and jagged against this wild blue sky. At the top, everyone went quiet for a second. You can see Raiatea and Tahaa way out there, almost floating. The lagoon below looked unreal, all those shades of blue you never quite believe in photos. I tried to take a picture but honestly it didn’t catch it right.

We stopped in Faanui Valley where everything seemed to grow at once — bananas hanging heavy, grapefruit bigger than my head. Manu handed me something called “pomme étoile,” star apple? It was sticky and sweet and made my fingers smell like summer for hours after. There were chickens running around underfoot and Jacqueline showed us how she ties up her pareos before painting them. She let me try one brushstroke (I messed it up completely). She just grinned and shrugged — “C’est la vie.”

I keep thinking about that view from the top and how quiet it got for a minute up there, even with all of us together. If you want a day trip in Bora Bora that feels more like visiting friends than ticking boxes — well, this is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bora Bora Tupuna Safari 4x4 Tour

• Begin Tupuna Safari 4x4 tour
• Ascend to 360° panoramic viewpoint
• Explore Faanui Valley and plantations
• Visit artist Emmanuel Masson's home and atelier
• Taste seasonal tropical fruits
• Learn about Bora Bora's culture and history

Top questions

How long is the Tupuna Safari 4x4 tour in Bora Bora?

The guided tour lasts approximately 3.5 hours.

Is hotel pickup included for this Bora Bora safari?

Yes, pickup is offered on the main island of Bora Bora.

What will I see on this day trip in Bora Bora?

You’ll visit panoramic viewpoints, Faanui Valley’s plantations, and a local artist’s home atelier.

Are fresh fruits provided during the tour?

Yes, seasonal tropical fruits like mangoes, grapefruit, bananas, coconut, and pomme étoile are included.

Is this 4x4 island safari wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Can pregnant travelers join this tour?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Will we have a local guide on this safari?

Yes, knowledgeable local guides lead the experience throughout.

What’s included

Your half-day includes pickup from your hotel on the main island of Bora Bora (if needed), water to keep cool along those bumpy tracks, plenty of fresh fruit tastings straight from valley plantations—and time spent with welcoming locals who open their home studio just for your group before heading back down again together.