Bora Bora's main island sits like a jewel in the center of its legendary multi-colored lagoon, which is surrounded by offshore islets inside a protective necklace of coral. The view the island from the window of an Air Tahiti flight has been compared to that of "a tiny emerald in a setting of turquoise, encircled by a protective necklace of sparkling pearls".
The airport is built on a palm-fringed motu approximately 20 minutes by motor launch from the main village of Vaitape. The view of the main island from the motu is truly spectacular. As you travel across Bora Bora's world famous lagoon, you'll soon discover why it is the center of interest for most visitors to the island. Activities include island tours, glass bottom boats, guided reef walking excursions, motu picnics, sunset cruises, snorkeling, scuba diving and the popular shark feeding excursion - where from shallow water you watch as local divers feed the small 4' to 5' well fed and non-threatening lagoon sharks by hand.
Hotels Descriptions
Le Meridien Bora Bora
Le Meridien Bora Bora is approximately 20 minutes by private launch from the Bora Bora airport and five minutes by boat from the main island Bora Bora. Guests will need to fly into Papeete International Airport in Tahiti, then take a domestic flight to Bora Bora. Air transportation to this island may be made by contacting Air Tahiti at 011 689 86 4242. Built on the southern point of Motu Piti Aau, a six-mile islet on the coral reef, the hotel offers an unsurpassed view of the world-renowned Mount Otemanu. Across the lagoon stands the impressive Mount Pahia with the pretty village of Vaitape at its base. Guests can enjoy the game room, gardens, outdoor swimming pool, Le Tipanie (overlooking the interior lagoon), Le Te Ava (poolside), and Miki Miki Bar (designed like the prow of a ship, pointing toward Mount Otemanu) with live music. Outrigger canoeing, snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, windsurfing, shark and ray feeding, deep-sea fishing, jet-skiing, parasailing, and horseback riding can all be easily arranged. A unique feature of Le Meridien Bora Bora is its Turtle Sanctuary. A special program has been implemented to ensure the successful release of the turtles into the ocean. The hotel also offers 24-hour front desk and concierge services, airport courtesy bus and private boat transfer, babysitting service, bellman and porter, currency exchange, laundry service, room service, and a tour desk. The hotel has 85 over-water bungalows and 15 beach bungalows. All units have hairdryers, minibars, modem jacks, cable TV, safes, and tea and coffee-making facilities. The price includes the property*s resort fee.
Hilton Bora Bora Nui Resort and Spa
This exclusive resort offers hillside suites and thatched bungalows set over an islet lagoon northwest of Bora Bora. The Motu Mute airport is six miles away. Guests will need to fly into Papeete International Airport in Tahiti, then take a domestic flight to Bora Bora. Air transportation to this island may be made by contacting Air Tahiti at +(689) 86 42 42. (From the US, dial 011-689-864242) or visit their website at http://www.airtahiti.aero. During your visit, enjoy a half mile of white sand beach, the infinity swimming pool, fitness center and full Mandara Spa services. The resort's activities desk can arrange anything from private helicopter rides to four-wheel drive island tours. The hotel offers a 24-hour front desk, babysitting, boutiques, laundry and dry cleaning valet, concierge services, currency exchange, a business center, and a multilingual staff. For transportation from the Motu Mute airport, six miles away, speak to the resort's desk in the airport for boat transport or contact the resort before your arrival to make arrangements. Each room features crisp fabrics, marble bathrooms, rich hardwood floors and furnishings along with regional accents. In each room guest will find air-conditioning, dataport telephone, fax machine, minibar, hairdryer, iron, ironing board, CD player, French bathtub and private Lanai.
Le Taha'a Private Island & Spa
This traditional Polynesian style hotel located on Motu Tautau on the coral reef offers a tranquil setting with beautiful views.
InterContinental Le Moana Bora Bora
The InterContinental Le Moana Bora Bora is a luxury property situated beachfront on the south side of the island at Matira point, approximately four miles from downtown Vaitape and eight miles from Bora Bora Airport. Guests will need to fly into Papeete International Airport in Tahiti, then take a domestic flight to Bora Bora. Air transportation to this island may be made by contacting Air Tahiti at +(689) 86 42 42. (From the US, dial 011-689-864242) or visit their website at http://www.airtahiti.aero. Hotel amenities include 24-hour room service, babysitting, concierge, currency exchange, gift shop, ice machine, safe deposit box, secretarial services, fax/photocopying services, and business center. Guests may also enjoy the outdoor pool. Onsite drinks and dining are available at the Noa Noa and the Vini Vini Bar & Restaurant Terrace.Guest rooms feature bathrobes, CD players, satellite/cable TVs, coffeemakers, DVD players, hairdryers, high-speed Internet access, in-room safes, irons, ironing boards, mini-bars, telephones, voicemail, sofa beds, stereos, and work desks with lamps.
The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort
Located by a lagoon near Mount Otemanu, the St. Regis Resort in Bora Bora features villas-style accommodations, and is approximately six miles from Bora Bora Motu Mute Domestic Airport. Yacht and diving excursions can be arranged through the hotel.Hotel amenities include a 24-hour front desk, lagoon, spa, outdoor swimming pools, dry cleaning services, children's programs, 24-hour room service, currency exchange, babysitting services, secretarial services, tour services, laundry services, boutique shop, jewelry shop, tennis courts, business center, fitness center, and a 24-hour butler service. Dining options include two on-site restaurants, a sushi bar, and a swim-up bar.Guest rooms feature flatscreen TVs, terraces, irons and ironing boards, coffeemakers, minibars, CD players, DVD players, dataports, wireless Internet access, air conditioning, movies on-demand, hairdryers, and room safes.
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
On this mystical island with its necklace of white-fringed coral islets, Four Seasons elevates the excitement to redefine South Seas escape. Exotic over-water suites, and beachfront villas with pools, immerse you in ultramodern comforts and the spirit of French Polynesia. Culinary art embraces operatic sunsets over the island's primeval peaks. Introduce your family to sea turtles. Kite-surf across the impossibly blue lagoon. Spirit yourselves away in a spa by the rolling Pacific surf. Surrender to the liberating service of a luxury resort unmatched on Bora Bora.
Novotel Bora Bora Beach Resort
Beachfront Resort set amid palm tree-lined grounds on southern shore of island, 45 minutes by air from Papeete.
Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resort
Situated on curving Matira Bay, the fully renovated Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resort, has 64 luxurious bungalows, each with a private terrace and a choice of garden, beachfront or waterfront views. Facilities include 2 gourmet restaurants, a poolsid. e bar, day spa, water sports and spectacular infinity swimming pool overlooking the ocean.
Bora Bora Sites
The American author, James Michener, described Bora Bora as the most beautiful island on earth. We invite you to see for yourself what inspired the writer to make such a bold claim. Dominated by two towering volcanic peaks that are visible from any point on the island, Bora Bora is indeed awesome. As our frequent visitors will attest, sightseeing on Bora Bora is a seal-satisfying experience, Guests can inspect the World War II relics that dot the island, visit museums and art galleries, walk along beautiful Matira Beach, or simply examine the colorful flora that blooms around the island.
Whatever you choose, take it slow. In Bora Bora the locals believe in taking time to "smell the flowers".
Bloody Mary's
Few watering holes are so mythic that they merit inclusion on a list of historic sites, but this bar/restaurant is an exception. Bloody Mary's is a Bora Bora Institution, thanks to the many international celebrities who have passed through her doors. The restaurant's more famous e listed on a prominent sign inside the bar. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Marae Aehua-Tai
Resembling a wall of black slab tombstones, Marae Aehua-Tai is one of several ancient Polynesian temples on Bora Bora. From the stone site visitors are afforded an excellent view across the lagoon.
Marae Maratetini
Restored in 1968, this landmark was once the most important Polynesian temple on Bora Bora. According to the old religion, the "marae stones" here are associated with Mt. Otemenu. Nearby are a pair of tombs built for the Bora Bora royal family during the 19th century.
Maraw Taharuu
One of the more curious ancient "marae stones" in all French Polynesia, Marae Taharuu is a tall, thumb-shaped obelisk that juts from the earth. This vantage point also yields one of the finest views in Bora Bora.
Matira Point
A popular attraction with both locals and tourists, Matira Point is a pin-shaped parcel of land that is home to one of Bora Bora's finest public beaches. The Point is named after the 490-ton British ship, Mathilda, which wrecked in 1792. "Matira" is the Tahitian pronunciation of Mathilda.
Mount Pahia
This majestic volcanic peak is greatly admired for its imposing beauty. Depending on the weather and the time of day, visitors can see brilliant contrasts in light and color between the great peak and the ever-changing lagoon that surrounds it.
Mount Otemanu
Situated on the island's east coast, Mount Otemanu is the highest point on Bora Bora. Made of ominous black rock, this ramrod-straight peak dwarfs nearly everything on the isle
Marine Museum
Nautical enthusiasts are encouraged to visit this popular maritime museum. Among the exhibits on display are Mark II coastal defense gun and remnants of various vehicles and old vessels.
World War 11 Relics - In the wake of the 1942 Japanese raid on Pearl Harbor, Bora Bora was selected as a refueling base. Some remnants of the American military presence can still be observed on the island. On an elevation at Matira Point, visitors can see a World War II coastal defense gun installment. An even more impressive defense gun emplacement can be viewed at Tuivahora Point, On the very lip of Anau Village you will find a boat pier and seaplane ram still in use today, the pier's sloping concrete ramp was used as a seaplane base. Another kilometer up the road is an old vat like structure, which was initially built to accommodate submarines.
Activities in Bora Bora
Tour Info - Bora Bora's guided tours bring visitors closer to the people, sites and history of this world-famous island. Knowledgeable guides can tell you about the island's environment and ancient culture, as well as its strategic importance during World War II.
Aerial Tours- "Flight seeing" excursions over Bora Bora are possible via Heli Inter-Polynesie and Heli-Pacific. Passengers fly to the top of Mt. Pahia, and have the option of hiking back down on foot or returning by chopper. The air service also charters flights to other islands.
Drive Tours - Drive tours of Bora Bora come highly recommended, especially for World War II buffs, who will marvel at the old ammo dumps, defense gun emplacements and radar stations around the island. Among the other sights passenger can expect during their four-wheel-drive expeditions include ancient Polynesian temples, Quonset huts, luxury hotels, volcanoes and estates. Choose between two- or three-hour tours.
Hiking Tours - In Bora Bora, the locals kindly advise visitors "take a hike"! Our guided walking tours allow you to roam a "motu" islet, explore the ocean side reef, take in majestic views of Raiatea and Tahaa Islands and enjoy breathtaking vistas of the lagoons encircling the main island. Half-day and full-day excursions are available.
Lagoon Tours - Bora Bora's lagoon tour packages are loaded with activities. Enjoy sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, fish feeding and reef walking. Many excursions include picnic lunch. Half-day and full-day tours are available. Transportation options include glass-bottom outrigger canoe.
Land Activities
Unlike some larger islands, which require several days to tour, Bora Bora can be traversed well within a day. This makes the island a good choice for such land activities as biking, hiking and horseback riding.
Biking - A bicycle is ideal for shopping or sightseeing around Bora Bora. It's well worth renting a bike for your own personal round-the-island jaunt.
Hiking - Hikers in Bora Bora can choose between simple scenic routes, or more challenging guided climbs up the peaks of Mt. Pahia. On the trek from Nunue to Anau hikers can see the Television Transmission Tower, catch a panoramic view of Motu Pitiaau islet, and glimpse Neighboring Raiatea and Tahaa. Hikers who opt to climb Mt. Pahia will be rewarded for their stamina with a sprawling, peak-top view of the island. Bring a pair of good shoes, a day's supply of water and a conquering attitude.
Horseback Riding - Ride fine New Zealand-bred horses along the white sand islets of Bora Bora. Some ranches on the island offer moonlight rides on request.
Motu Picnic - Imagine spending the day on your very own island. The resort hotels in Bora Bora can arrange to take you and a loved one to a private motu (islet) for a secluded picnic. This is a true Tahitian experience that is not to be missed.
Water Activities
French Polynesia is known the world over as an aquatic Neverland, but the waters around Bore flora are exceptional even by Tahitian standards. Harp Bora Bora's translucent lag beaches are so calm and pristine, they have been compared to well-maintained pools. Indeed, most of the hotels on the island don't even feature swimming pools. To have them would simply be redundant. Such conditions make for a superb water sport environment. Bora Bora's iridescent waters are alive with tropical fish and undersea plant life, and its easily accessed lagoon is ideal for novice scuba divers and snorkelers.
Diving - Bora Bora's lagoon is home to the large manta ray, which makes this area popular among divers. Indeed, many of the island's most popular diving sites are named after the creatures, including Manta Bay, Manta's Reef, Manta Ray Channel and Manta Ray Pit. Mantas aren't the only sea life on Bora Bora, divers can also see Moray eels, turtles, barracudas and grey shaft. Inexperienced divers can contact either the Bora Bora Diving or the Calypso Club for instruction.
Fishing - The best sports fishing in Bora Bora can be enjoyed just outside the island's reef. Here, fishers can hook blue marlin, mahi-mahi, sailfish, wahoo and yellowfish. The island is served by a number of charter boats agencies, which offer friendly, knowledgeable service.
Sailboat - Set sail for neighboring islands, or simply circle Bora Bora, Whatever you choose, sailing in Bora Bora is an enchanting experience. Most of the cruise companies on island can arrange day trips on request, and are similarly amenable to extended charters. Hop aboard a catamaran or motorized canoe and enjoy shark feeding, snorkeling, reef walking or beachcombing.
Snorkeling - Many of Bora Bora's hotels and pensions offer snorkeling as part of their excursion programs. Located the south tip of Motu Roa, Coral Garden is considered to be one of the best snorkeling sites on the island. The waters around Hotel Bora Bora veritably abound with fish, but visitors are advised to ask permission before snorkeling.
Water Sports - Every hotel on Bora Bora can organize water sport excursions. Most offer free snorkeling gear and outrigger canoes. Or for a fee, try scuba diving, jet skiing, shark feeding, and windsurfing--you name it!
Night Life
When night falls on Bora Bora, the city slows to a quiet crawl. But the island is so beautiful that even a mundane activity like walking takes on wondrous new resonance. Take a night stroll along one of while-sand beaches, or relax over drinks at a beachfront resort. Though the island offers relatively little in the way of wild revelry, night owls do have a few options here. Take in the nightly variety show at the Club Med resort, or boogie at Le Recif, the island's only disco and after-hours club.
