Abstract The elastic scattering process for the nuclear reactions induced by the Radioactive Ion Beams ⁷Be and ⁸B on a ²⁰⁸Pb target was measured for the first time in the energy range around the Coulomb barrier. Extensive theoretical calculations within the framework of the optical model were performed. An excellent agreement between experimental data and theoretical predictions was achieved for the reaction ⁷Be + ²⁰⁸Pb, while a comprehensive understanding of the reaction dynamics induced by the more exotic projectile ⁸B is still far to be reached. Predictions of the cross section for the breakup for both systems will also be given.