Plage Snack Matira
French Polynesia, France
Bora Bora is one of the Society Islands, located 280 km southwest of Tahiti in French Polynesia. Known as the Pearl of the Pacific, the island has become a model for sustainable development in the region.
Quick Overview
Plan Your Visit to Plage Snack Matira
The key facts before you go
About the Beach
What is Plage Snack Matira?
Plage Snack Matira sits on the southern tip of Bora Bora, part of the Society Islands archipelago in French Polynesia, approximately 280 kilometers southwest of Tahiti. This east-facing beach looks out across the famous lagoon that has earned Bora Bora its reputation as the Pearl of the Pacific. Since 2000, this has been the only Blue Flag certified beach in the entire Pacific region, a distinction the island has maintained through serious commitment to environmental protection and water quality. The local government under Mayor Gaston Tong Sang has implemented comprehensive sustainability measures, including seawater desalination plants and a collective sewage treatment system serving hotels and residences. On an island of 7,500 residents where 35% are under twenty years old, the community balances tourism development with preservation of Polynesian traditions and cultural practices. The beach offers year-round swimming conditions with water temperatures ranging from 19.4°C to 21.3°C.
It sits alongside Blue Flag beaches in French Polynesia, part of a broader network of Blue Flag certified beaches across France certified annually by the Foundation for Environmental Education.
Sunrise, Sunset & Beach Direction
Plage Snack Matira faces E toward Atlantic Ocean. The best light for photography and swimming is typically in April, May, June. The beach's orientation determines when it catches direct sun — plan your visit around this to make the most of your time there.
Planning
When to Go — Month by Month
| Month | Air Temp | Water Temp | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 24°C | 21°C | Med |
| Feb | 24°C | 21°C | Med |
| Mar | 24°C | 21°C | Med |
| Apr | 24°C | 21°C | High |
| May | 24°C | 21°C | High |
| Jun | 23°C | 20°C | High |
| Jul | 23°C | 20°C | High |
| Aug | 22°C | 19°C | High |
| Sep | 23°C | 20°C | High |
| Oct | 23°C | 20°C | Med |
| Nov | 23°C | 20°C | Med |
| Dec | 24°C | 21°C | Med |
The best time to visit Plage Snack Matira is April, May, June. Air temperatures peak around 22.7°C in summer. Peak water temperature reaches 19.7°C in July.
How crowded does Plage Snack Matira get?What kind of atmosphere should you expect at Plage Snack Matira? The beach draws a mix of international visitors, many staying at the island's various resorts, alongside local residents who use this public beach space regularly.
Bora Bora's total population of 7,500 means even busy days feel different from crowded metropolitan beaches. The island receives significant tourist traffic, but the lagoon's expanse and the beach's length help distribute visitors across the space.
Peak season aligns with the warmer water months from February through April when temperatures reach 21°C and above. The Southern Hemisphere summer brings both optimal swimming conditions and higher visitor numbers. Travelers seeking quieter conditions might consider August through October when water temperatures drop to their annual low around 19.4°C to 19.7°C—still comfortable for most swimmers but coinciding with fewer visitors.
The cultural calendar affects local activity at the beach. Polynesian traditions remain active on the island, with religious and cultural events bringing community gatherings throughout the year. These occasions can shift the beach atmosphere toward family groups and local celebrations.
Morning hours see the beach at its most tranquil, with the east-facing shore catching early light. As the day progresses and resort guests make their way to the water, activity increases. The presence of lifesaving equipment rather than active lifeguard supervision suggests a beach where visitors take responsibility for their own safety—an indicator of the generally calm lagoon conditions that characterize this protected water.
Is Plage Snack Matira open year-round?The beach itself is accessible year-round, though staffed facilities including lifeguards typically operate only during the official season (01-01 – 31-12). The Blue Flag is displayed during the certification period only.
The Water
Swimming and Beach Life at Plage Snack Matira
Is Plage Snack Matira safe to swim?Plage Snack Matira is Blue Flag certified, which requires meeting strict bathing water standards set by the EU Bathing Water Directive. The beach does not have lifeguards stationed on the beach — swim with appropriate caution.
What is the water temperature at Plage Snack Matira?Peak water temperature at Plage Snack Matira reaches around <span class="inline-stat">19.7°C</span> in July, making it comfortable for swimming during the summer months. In winter (January), air temperatures average 23.7°C.
What is the beach like at Plage Snack Matira?What makes Plage Snack Matira different from other tropical beaches? The answer lies not just in its natural beauty but in the documented environmental standards that have earned it Blue Flag certification since 2000—the first and only beach in the Pacific to achieve this recognition.
The beach faces east, catching morning light across the lagoon waters. Swimming season officially runs from February through December, though the water remains accessible year-round with temperatures that stay remarkably consistent. January sees averages around 20.7°C, warming slightly to peak at 21.3°C in March before cooling to their lowest point of 19.4°C in August. These temperatures reflect the Southern Hemisphere's reversed seasons, with cooler waters arriving during what Northern Hemisphere visitors consider summer months.
Air temperatures follow a similar pattern. January averages 23.7°C while July through September sees slightly cooler conditions at 22.4°C to 22.7°C. The difference between seasons remains subtle—visitors from temperate climates will find conditions warm throughout the year.
Who should consider Plage Snack Matira for their next trip? Anyone who values water quality should take note. The island's infrastructure investment goes beyond marketing claims. Bora Bora has installed seawater desalination units to provide potable tap water throughout the island, addressing both local and tourist demand. More significantly for beach water quality, a collective sewage system collects wastewater from hotels and residences, routing it to two treatment stations before any discharge. These systems directly protect the lagoon that makes the beach worth visiting.
The beach does not have lifeguards on duty, but lifesaving equipment is available on site. This arrangement suits the generally calm lagoon conditions but means swimmers should exercise appropriate caution and self-awareness, particularly those unfamiliar with ocean swimming.
The Blue Flag certification requires meeting strict criteria for water quality, environmental management, safety, and services. Maintaining this status for over two decades demonstrates consistent commitment rather than a one-time achievement. Regular testing ensures the lagoon waters meet health and safety standards that many famous beaches cannot match.
Bora Bora covers just 38 square kilometers, making Plage Snack Matira easily accessible from anywhere on the island. The beach's location on the southern tip means it captures different light throughout the day, with the eastern orientation providing direct morning sun and softer afternoon conditions.
Local authorities have balanced development with cultural preservation. The island maintains traditional Polynesian practices alongside modern tourism infrastructure. Religious and cultural events continue to mark the calendar, giving visitors who time their trips accordingly the opportunity to experience authentic island life rather than purely resort-based tourism.
The 7,500-person population includes a significant youth demographic, with 35% under twenty years old. Investment in education and training programs aims to prepare younger residents for careers in sustainable tourism and other industries, ensuring the community's future remains tied to maintaining the environmental standards that earned the Blue Flag in the first place.
Does Plage Snack Matira have good facilities?As a Blue Flag certified beach, Plage Snack Matira meets the Foundation for Environmental Education's standards for facilities and services.
Plage Snack Matira sits on the Atlantic Ocean — explore all Blue Flag beaches on the Atlantic.
Planning a trip to France? Blue Flag Beaches France — our editorial guide to certified beaches across the country.
While You're Here
Beyond Plage Snack Matira
Bora Bora extends across 38 square kilometers, offering exploration opportunities beyond Plage Snack Matira's shoreline. The island's volcanic origins created the dramatic topography that frames the lagoon, with Mount Otemanu providing the distinctive silhouette visible from the beach.
Bora Bora extends across 38 square kilometers, offering exploration opportunities beyond Plage Snack Matira's shoreline. The island's volcanic origins created the dramatic topography that frames the lagoon, with Mount Otemanu providing the distinctive silhouette visible from the beach.
The lagoon itself supports various water-based activities. Snorkeling conditions benefit directly from the water quality measures that earned Blue Flag status—the sewage treatment infrastructure and environmental monitoring create clear conditions for underwater visibility.
The lagoon itself supports various water-based activities. Snorkeling conditions benefit directly from the water quality measures that earned Blue Flag status—the sewage treatment infrastructure and environmental monitoring create clear conditions for underwater visibility.
Cultural experiences connect visitors to Polynesian traditions that the local government actively preserves. Religious and cultural events occur throughout the year, offering authentic encounters with island life beyond resort programming. The community maintains these practices as living traditions rather than tourist performances.
Cultural experiences connect visitors to Polynesian traditions that the local government actively preserves. Religious and cultural events occur throughout the year, offering authentic encounters with island life beyond resort programming. The community maintains these practices as living traditions rather than tourist performances.
Transport
Getting to Plage Snack Matira
How do I get to Plage Snack Matira by car?Plage Snack Matira is approximately 0.67 km from Bora-Bora. Follow local road signs to the beach. Check Google Maps or a local map for the most current directions.
What is the nearest airport to Plage Snack Matira?The nearest airport is Bora Bora Airport (BOB) (BOB), approximately 6.3 km away. Bora Bora Airport (BOB) provides the only practical access point for most visitors. Located approximately 6.3 kilometers from Plage Snack Matira, the airport sits on a motu (small island) in the lagoon rather than on the main island itself. This means all arriving passengers transfer to boats for the final leg to their accommodations or the main island. Flights to Bora Bora connect primarily through Tahiti's Faa'a International Airport, with Air Tahiti operating regular inter-island services. International visitors typically route through Papeete, adding a domestic connection to reach Bora Bora. Flight time from Tahiti runs approximately 50 minutes. The boat transfer from the airport motu adds travel time but offers immediate immersion in the lagoon environment that defines the island experience.
Can I get to Plage Snack Matira by public transport?Public transport options vary by season. Check local transport authority websites for current bus and train schedules connecting to Bora-Bora.
Practical Details
Practical Information
| At the Beach | |
| Entry | Free — no charge to access the beach |
|---|---|
| Lifeguards | ✗ |
| Disabled Access | Contact local authority for details |
| Showers | ✗ |
| Toilets | ✗ |
| Official Season | 01-01 – 31-12 |
| Beach Type | Sandy beach |
| Visiting Information | |
| GPS Coordinates | -16.5004°N, 151.7415°W |
| Blue Flag Operator | Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) — France |
Frequently Asked Questions
Plage Snack Matira FAQ
Is Plage Snack Matira worth visiting?
Plage Snack Matira holds unique distinction as the only Blue Flag certified beach in the Pacific, maintaining this status since 2000. The certification reflects documented water quality, environmental management, and safety standards rather than subjective appeal. Bora Bora's investment in sewage treatment and desalination directly protects the lagoon waters where you swim. For travelers who prioritize verified environmental standards alongside natural beauty, the beach offers documented quality that most tropical destinations cannot match. The east-facing orientation and year-round swimming temperatures between 19.4°C and 21.3°C provide reliable conditions.
How do I get to Plage Snack Matira?
Reach Bora Bora via the island's airport (BOB), located 6.3 kilometers from the beach on a separate motu in the lagoon. Most international visitors fly through Tahiti's Faa'a International Airport, then connect on Air Tahiti's domestic service—approximately 50 minutes flight time. Upon landing at Bora Bora Airport, boat transfers take passengers to the main island since the airstrip sits on a lagoon islet. From accommodations on the main island, the beach's location on the southern tip makes it accessible from anywhere within the 38-square-kilometer island.
What is the best time of year to visit Plage Snack Matira?
Swimming season runs February through December, with water temperatures peaking at 21.3°C in March. The Southern Hemisphere summer months of January through April offer warmest conditions, with air temperatures averaging 23.7°C in January. August and September bring the coolest weather and water—19.4°C water temperature and 22.4°C air temperature—though these remain comfortable for most visitors. This cooler period may offer lighter crowds. Cultural and religious events occur throughout the year, adding local atmosphere regardless of when you visit.
What facilities are there at Plage Snack Matira?
The beach provides lifesaving equipment though active lifeguard supervision is not available. The Blue Flag certification requires meeting specific facility and safety criteria, which the beach has maintained since 2000. Potable water infrastructure serves the entire island, with desalination plants ensuring reliable supply. The collective sewage treatment system protects water quality by processing wastewater from hotels and residences through two treatment stations before any discharge reaches the lagoon. Specific amenities beyond safety equipment would depend on nearby establishments.
Is Plage Snack Matira suitable for families?
The calm lagoon waters and east-facing orientation create conditions generally appropriate for family swimming during the February through December season. Water temperatures remain mild year-round, never dropping below 19.4°C. However, families should note that no active lifeguard supervision exists—only lifesaving equipment is available on site. Parents must supervise children directly. The Blue Flag water quality standards provide documented assurance about swimming conditions. The island's emphasis on preserving cultural traditions and its significant youth population suggest a community-oriented environment.
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