The most photogenic of Bora Bora's reef islets, Motu Tapu is a tiny private island of white sand and coconut palms on the western side of the lagoon, with the peaks of Otemanu and Pahia rising dramatically across the water behind it. The view from the beach at Motu Tapu — turquoise lagoon in the foreground, jagged volcanic peaks behind — is one of the most reproduced images in French Polynesia.
The island is private and access requires arrangement with one of the boat tour operators in Vaitape, most of whom include a stop here as part of a lagoon excursion. The beach is idyllic, the snorkelling off the edges of the motu is excellent, and the spot appears in multiple film productions, most famously as a location in a 1990s Club Med advertisement that lodged the image of Bora Bora in international consciousness. Arrive early on lagoon excursions — by midday several boat tours converge here simultaneously.