One of the most beautiful holiday destinations in the South Seas is the atoll of Bora Bora, which is located about 260 kilometres north of Tahiti . The mountainous island, which has a volcanic origin, is part of French Polynesia and belongs to the Society Islands. It is surrounded by numerous coral islands.
Bora Bora – Polynesian South Sea Pearl
Tourism is now the main source of income. So it is not surprising that the atoll is one of the best developed holiday areas in the South Pacific and offers many luxury hotels. However, Bora Bora is also among the most expensive destinations in the world.
A special attraction are special overwater bungalows. They were built on stilts in the lagoon. Glass table tops allow you to marvel at the numerous colorful fish that cavort around the island. In addition, the atoll is a popular destination for cruise ships that bring their passengers ashore for a while.
How to get to Bora Bora?
Reaching the atoll requires a certain amount of effort. For example, about 36 hours must be calculated for the journey. In addition, the island has only one smaller airport that serves domestic flights. For this reason, a flight to Papeete-Tahiti Airport is required first. From there, a national airline takes passengers to the airport, which is located on the island of Motu Mute.
From the local airport, guests can finally reach their hotel by a boat ride of around three hours. An entry visa is not necessary for German citizens.
There is also a harbor on Bora Bora, but it can only be docked by smaller ships. Larger cruise ships anchor in the lagoon and transport passengers ashore by boat. There are also various shops in the port of Vaitape.
The best time to visit Bora Bora
The best period for a trip is considered to be the months of June to September. During this period, the temperatures are more pleasant and the weather is mostly dry. But a pleasant holiday on the atoll is also possible in April, May or October. Between November and March, however, high humidity and extreme heat must be expected.
Getting around the atoll
One of the most important means of transport in Bora Bora is the bus (Le Truck), which circumnavigates the island on a ring road in about an hour. There are no bus stops. This way, the bus simply stops where the passengers want to get off.
Minibuses and taxis are also often found waiting in the port of the main town of Vaitape. Fares can usually be negotiated.
Bicycles, scooters and mopeds, which are an optimal means of transport, are also very popular with tourists. Some hotels also offer a shuttle service. With a private helicopter, sightseeing flights around the island are also possible.
The sights of Bora Bora
The biggest highlight of the atoll is the lagoon of the atoll with its fascinating underwater world, which is still largely intact. The best way to explore the attractions of the underwater region is by diving and snorkeling. Furthermore, a glass-bottom boat is available, from which the countless beautiful coral fish can be observed.
Hiking on Mont Otemanu
Another attraction is Mont Otemanu, which is the highest elevation of Bora Bora at 727 meters. It was once part of the central volcano from which the Polynesian archipelago was formed.
At the foot of Mont Otemanu lies the dense jungle. Isolated monoliths create an amazing landscape. If you want to visit the area through a hike, you should definitely get a local guide. From the mountain, the hiker gets a wonderful view.
Swimming at Matira Beach
Friends of beach holidays will get their money’s worth at Matira Beach in the south of Bora Bora. There, visitors can expect enchanting, white sandy beaches, azure blue water for swimming and romantic coconut palms. The sunrises and sunsets are an unforgettable experience. Finally, you can also do excellent water sports at Matira Beach.
Bora Bora Exotic Lagoonarium
A lagoonarium is an extensive underwater museum or aquarium. There you can admire the flora and fauna of Bora Bora without disturbing their habitat.
In terms of its spread, the somewhat remote Exotic Lagoonarium is the largest underwater museum in the entire Pacific Ocean. It is located in the east of the atoll between two luxury hotels in front of the Motu Taufari ́i and can be reached via a guided tour.
Wonderful photo opportunities in Pofai Bay
Pofai Bay on the west coast is considered a classic photo motif. Paradisiacal beaches with their romantic palm trees and enchanting water await you there. Of course, the bay with its shallow beaches is also an ideal location for swimming. You can also take a detour to the pearl farms.
Shopping in Bora Bora
Black pearls are one of the typical souvenirs of Bora Bora. They are offered in Vaitape in all possible price ranges. There are also colourful scarves and exotic fruits. For art lovers, there are smaller galleries that present the typical style of the South Seas.
The restaurant Bloody Mary ́s
The wooden house “Bloody Mary ́s” with its canopy, which can be found in the southwest of Bora Bora about 5 kilometers south of Vaitape, is a well-known restaurant. “Bloody Mary ́s” is particularly popular with celebrities. Many of their names are listed at the entrance.
