Pointe Matira (Bora Bora)
- Freeride, Foil
- Best for
- Beginner to Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat, Shallow
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Pointe Matira is a well-known, touristic kitesurfing location at Bora Bora’s southern tip, offering crystal-clear lagoon water over sand. The water is generally shallow and flat overall, with small-beach lagoon access that can suit a range of progression, though the exact depth changes quickly as you approach the reef edge. Wind is dominated by trade winds, commonly from the east and southeast (with an additional northerly option mentioned). The best window is May through October, when the trade wind season is described as reliably strong. Locally, the Mara'amu trade breeze is reinforced from the southeast, and afternoon conditions can be slightly reinforced by land heating. Safety considerations are central at this spot: corals and scattered coral heads (patates) are present in the lagoon, and currents near the point can be challenging. Expect additional interaction with boat traffic and swimmers, and note that the launch area can be tight between beach activity and surrounding features—so launching and riding lines should be chosen carefully to avoid restricted swimming zones. Because the area is heavily used by tourists year-round, peak-season hours may come with limited sport zones and higher congestion around the public beach. Rescue is described as limited, and there is no dedicated lifeguard presence noted, so riding with appropriate safety margins and keeping contact with local school guidance is important. The overall experience is frequently described as a bucket-list lagoon spot, with strong wind consistency in the main season and high-quality visibility for the water and rider environment.
- Iconic, crystal-clear lagoon kitesurfing at Bora Bora’s southern tip
- Reliable trade winds in May–October
- Small sandy launch area with easy self-launch described, though can be tight
- Nearby tourism infrastructure and amenities
- Crystal-clear, small-beach lagoon setting with flat water overall.
- Reliable trade winds in the main season (May to October).
- Generally progression-friendly for kitesurfing within the shallow areas, with deeper options toward the reef for more advanced riding.
- Corals/coral heads (patates) in the lagoon require careful routing.
- Strong (or notable) currents near the point can catch less-experienced riders off guard.
- Launch area can be tight/narrow with swimmers and resort beach activity.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- E, ESE, NW
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade winds (southeast trades / Mara'amu noted locally).
- Reliability
- High during the winter trade wind season.
- Gust Factor
- Steady
- Best Months
- May, June, July, August, September, October
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 9–15 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Shallow
- Beach
- Sand
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Flat — Generally flat water in the protected lagoon.
- Chop Level
- Light chop — Trade-wind lagoon conditions with shallow-area chop.
- Launch
- Small — Small sandy beach at the point; self-launch possible though launch can be tight between palm trees and tourists.
Through the year
Low off-season (November–April), moderate-to-high in peak season (May–October).
November to April (humid season; higher chances of rain and less reliable winds).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Iconic, shallow and flat lagoon-area kitesurfing with crystal-clear water and reliable trade winds (E/ESE; locally also NW noted). Lagoon depth is generally progressive—waist- or knee-deep nearshore in many areas, with deeper outer edges closer to the reef for powered sessions. Watch for coral heads (patates) and changing currents near the point.
- Kite Sizes
- 9–15 m²
Possible in the lagoon for freeride and slalom, but shallow areas and coral heads require extra vigilance.
- Sail Sizes
- 5.5–7.5 m²
Increasingly popular in the lagoon; however, very shallow sections and coral heads at the point require careful navigation and a shorter mast.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly in the lagoon when riders avoid the shallowest reef patches.
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Pointe Matira (Bora Bora) in the full forecast view.
Pointe Matira (Bora Bora) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 14–20 ktsGusts 24 kts
- Direction
- ESE121°
- Strongest day
- Fri, Oct 2320 kts
- Windy days
- 7/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.7–3.1 m12s period
- Temperature
- 24–27 °C
Over the next 7 days, Pointe Matira (Bora Bora) is forecast for daytime winds of 14–20 kts, peaking around 20 kts on Friday, October 23 with gusts to 24 kts. The prevailing direction is ESE. Waves run 1.7–3.1 m with a period of about 12s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Corals
- Scattered coral heads (patates)
- Strong currents on the point
- Boat traffic
- Swimmers
- Narrow launch area
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue availability is described as limited (no dedicated public kite-rescue service noted).
- Emergency Info
- For serious emergencies, use local emergency services via Vaitape/nearest hospital (context mentions Hospital of Bora Bora in Vaitape and primary emergency medical services).
Rules of the spot
Respect designated swimming zones and avoid launching directly in front of crowded hotel beach areas. Check local regulations before kitesurfing.
- Sport zones may be limited during peak tourist hours.
- May require special permit or membership from local kite organization.
- Strong currents on the point can be challenging for some riders.
- For foilers, a short mast is recommended due to shallow reef patches.
- A narrow, tight launch can require extra care between palm trees and beachgoers.
- Check whether kitesurfing is allowed and whether a special permit or local kite organization membership is required.
- Trade wind Mara'amu is strongest from the Southeast.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Vaitape
- Nearest Town
- Vaitape
- Nearest Airport
- Bora Bora Airport (BOB)
- Parking
- Parking available, though can be limited near public beach access/along the road.
- Public Transport
- Limited; buses (Le Truck), taxis, and boat shuttles between the airport motu and the main island
- Access
- Go to Matira Beach (in front of Hotel Le Moana), follow the small road until to the point. Alternatively, follow the road past Matira Beach toward the southern tip; the point is near the InterContinental Le Moana Resort.
- Cost Level
- Luxury
- Local Language
- French, Tahitian
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Many high-end resorts are located directly on or near the point.
- Food & Drink
- Food and drink options are available nearby, including restaurants and bars within walking distance.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available through local schools; advance booking recommended.
- Gear Storage
- Offered by some schools and major resorts for guests; not consistently available across the public access.
- Gear Repair
- Very limited; best to bring spare parts and a repair kit.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A public beach area noted as one of the most beautiful in French Polynesia.
The iconic volcanic peak that dominates Bora Bora’s skyline, accessible via guided hikes or 4x4 tours.
Ancient Polynesian stone temples scattered around the island.
Guided lagoon tours for marine life viewing in shallow lagoon waters.
Morning outrigger canoe excursions for marine-life sightings.
A world-famous sand-floor restaurant and bar known for fresh seafood and celebrity visitors.
Snorkeling entry point (snack).
Snorkeling entry point (snack).
A natural aquarium where families can observe and interact with marine life in a controlled environment.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Pointe Matira (Bora Bora)?
The best overall months at Pointe Matira (Bora Bora) are May, June, July, August, September, October.
Which wind directions work at Pointe Matira (Bora Bora)?
Pointe Matira (Bora Bora) works with E, ESE, NW winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Pointe Matira (Bora Bora)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Pointe Matira (Bora Bora): Kitesurfing: 9–15 m² · Windsurfing: 5.5–7.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Pointe Matira (Bora Bora) suitable for?
Pointe Matira (Bora Bora) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.