Bora Bora is a small island in the center of the Pacific Ocean, belonging to the islands of French Polynesia. It is located about 260 kilometers north-west of Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia, with a population of about 7,500, and its main settlement is Vaitape.
Over the years, Bora Bora has earned a reputation for being a meeting place for movie stars, European nobles, wealthy tycoons and heirs. The name “Bora Bora” is derived from the expression “Pora Pora” – which means “first born” Polynesian legend – after being the first island to appear in the ocean when the god Taaroa pulled it out of the water after creation. It is called fruitful and fruitful because in the Tahitian language the letter B is not pronounced, but the European conquerors disrupted the name, which is why it is called Bora Bora. Island is chosen several times by tourist magazines are considered the island of the most successful resort in the world and the best tropical island in the world.
The surface of Bora Bora is mountainous. Its highest peak, rising to a height of 727 meters above sea level, is a dormant volcano. The tiny island (about 40 square kilometers in total) surrounds a coral reef in the form of a ring called the Atoll, which spans a lagoon lined with sand, which originates in chalk produced by corals and other organisms.
The water between the reef and the main island is a quiet lagoon all year round (like a huge swimming pool) in stunning turquoise colors, all this beauty surrounded by a backdrop of green mountains with rich tropical vegetation.
Attractions
Matira Beach – Beach in Bora Bora
Bora Bora’s only real beach, this stunning stretch of snow-white sand and pinch-me-I’m-dreaming turquoise sea is perfect for sunbathing and swimming (but less so for snorkeling). Matira Beach graces both sides of Matira Point, a narrow peninsula that extends south into the lagoon.
Shark & ray feeding
Swim with dolphins or scuba diving lessons. The Polynesian islands will offer you some unique underwater encounters: Sharks of many different species, sea turtles, manta rays, dolphins, schools of jackfish or barracudas, and much more.
Mt Ohue & Mt Pahia – Hiking in Bora Bora
Location of Mt Ohue & Mt Pahia on map© Mapbox© OpenStreetMap contributors
If you’re really fit, you can try the arduous climb up to Mt Ohue (619m) and Mt Pahia (661m), two of Bora Bora’s iconic summits. It’s a six-hour hard-going return hike from Vaitape, with some difficult uphill scrambles and a few treacherous sections, but the panoramic views will be etched in your memory forever.
Never attempt to do this hike on your own because there have been instances of walkers getting lost and injured along the way.
Coastal Defence Guns – Historic Site in Bora Bora
Coming from Faanui Bay, continue until you reach the quay of the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa on your left. Walk for another 50m, and you’ll see a steep track on your right. It climbs up to two WWII coastal defense guns, one of which is very well preserved.
Accommodation
Bora Bora has become synonymous with overwater bungalows. Many of these lavish floating villas have glass floors that supply a window to the lagoon life below. This locale is unique in the fact that most Bora Bora resort hotels are built on their tiny island, or motu, and visits elsewhere must be arranged by boat transfer. Not to worry, though, you will hardly need to leave your bungalow let alone the resort. From lounging on your private deck and receiving room service via outrigger canoe, to indulging in a rejuvenating spa treatment, you will pass the time in quiet seclusion and opulent luxury.
Restaurants
LA VILLA MAHANA Restaurant
Romance, decadence and quality, all perfect descriptors for the epicurean experience you will find when dining at La Villa Mahana restaurant in Bora Bora, French Polynesia. The ambiance makes you feel like you have been swept away to a home in Tuscany instead of an island getaway. With dim lighting, romantic music, and only seven tables in the outside dining courtyard makes for a pleasant and calm evening night in paradise. More details and review here.
Visit Website
Restaurant Matira Beach
This breezy, open-air restaurant provides an enchanting dining experience with delectable food. It’s well known for its Japanese cuisine (sushi, nigiri, teppanyaki) as well as well-executed French and Polynesian dishes. Salads and burgers are also available at lunchtime. Another clincher is the gorgeous setting, with an agreeable deck overlooking the beach. Free shuttle at dinner
Transportation
The airport is located in the northern part of the island. To get from there to your hotel, you need a boat. If the hotel is on one of the reefs, they will send their boat to fetch you, and it will cost you $ 70 each that also includes a flower necklace to be awarded to you.
But if your hotel is on the main island do not be tempted by the hotel’s boat. Air Tahiti, which flies you to Bora Bora, also operates a free shuttle boat from the airport to the pier at Vaitape (the capital city of Bora Bora on the main island). From there, a ceremonial hotel that can take four people will cost only $20 or a drop more.
NexTravel Secret Bora Bora Tips
- Bora Bora rainy season is from mid-November to mid-March, which doesn’t mean that it rains every day, but it is riskier to take your umbrella out during your vacation. During April, May, and November, you can expect ideal temperatures, and enjoy low to mid season rates for flights and hotels.
- The famous Polynesian hospitality is matched by the diversity and beauty of its landscapes. Do not hesitate to combine your stay between lush islands (such as Moorea & Bora Bora)and wild atolls (Rangiroa & Fakarava like).
- Seating is unassigned on the small inter-island flights to Bora Bora. So listen to this Bora Bora travel tip and get to the airport early to be one of the first ones on the plane. When boarding, secure a left-hand side seat then sit back, relax and get ready to enjoy the views as you descend into Bora Bora!
- If you head to the main island of Bora Bora before going to your resort, be sure to stop at a local supermarket to stock up on snacks, drinks, and alcohol. If you go straight to your resort from the airport (which most of your will) be sure to head to the main island early on in your trip to visit a local market. The price you will pay for beer, wine, water, and snacks will be much less than at your resort, and you can enjoy them on your beautiful bungalows deck.
