Where is Bora Bora: the dream island of French Polynesia
It is one of the most beautiful places in the world, in the South Pacific. Where is Bora Bora, how to get there and what are its attractions.
If paradise has any headquarters, it will most likely look a lot like French Polynesia. At least that's what those who have the privilege of visiting and coming face to face with the islands that make up this incredible place in the Pacific Ocean say. We tell you where Bora Bora is, how to get there, which are its most famous hotels and why it is one of the most exclusive tourist places in the world.
In the heart of the South Pacific, Bora Bora is the jewel of French Polynesia, an island located a 50-minute flight from Papeete, in Tahiti.
In this note you will find:
- Where is Bora Bora: paradise awaits you in Polynesia
- Travel to Bora Bora: its tourist charms
- One of the most expensive destinations in the world
- Things to do in Bora Bora
Bora Bora Safaris
ceremonial sites
- Best beaches in Bora Bora
- Weather in Bora Bora
Where is Bora Bora: paradise awaits you in Polynesia
Bora Bora is a small island in the South Pacific, located northwest of Tahiti, in French Polynesia. It is one of the so-called Leeward Islands, which at the same time make up the archipelago of the Society Islands, in the southern part of the Pacific Ocean.
They are islands that belong to or depend on France. They are not autonomous states, but are administered by the European country.
Called "the pearl of the Pacific", it is considered one of the 10 most beautiful islands in the world. Every year, it receives about 20,000 tourists from all over the world. In the center of the island, Mount Otemanu rises, a dormant volcano of 727 m.
Although when talking about Bora Bora, we refer to the central island, which is the largest, some small elongated islands full of vegetation, called motus, also form part of its name. They are islets with sandy shores that are around them.
One of the most beautiful and photographed motus in Polynesia is the Tapu motu, especially before a hurricane blew away part of the sand tongues at its ends.
Travel to Bora Bora: its tourist charms
Tourism is the most important activity on the island. In recent years, several resorts have been built on the reef islets (motu) that surround the lagoon.
In the 1980s, the Hotel Bora Bora built the first over-the-water houses on stilts in the lagoon, and today this type of building is a standard feature in most resorts. the island.
Most of the tourist destinations are aquacentric, however, it is possible to visit other attractions, such as some WWII cannons. Air Tahiti has five or six daily flights to Bora Bora Motu Mute airport on Tahiti (as well as to other islands).
For many, Bora Bora is the embodiment of paradise on earth, something that has made it a favorite destination for honeymoons.
One of the most expensive destinations in the world
The price level is exorbitantly high, Bora Bora is one of the most expensive destinations in the world. Several luxury hotels are located on the reef beds and offer so-called overwater bungalows, built on stilts in the lagoon.
The Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is one of the most emblematic. Overlooking the magnificent turquoise waters of a private beach, it features luxurious overwater cabanas and beachfront villas with views of Mount Otemanu. It is located on the island of Bora Bora's Point Matira, voted "the best island in the world". And it is 15 minutes by boat from Motu Mute airport.
Bora Bora is frequently visited by cruise ships, often as part of their world tour. Ships usually anchor in deep water off Vaitape because the small dock in the port is not suitable for this. Passengers are brought ashore and liven up otherwise quiet island life for a few hours.
Read More -Things To Do In Bora Bora
Things to do in Bora Bora
Bora Bora's main attraction is the lagoon, with its underwater world still intact. There are many ways to get to know this incredible place: by glass bottom boat, diving or snorkelling, you can explore the reef with countless colorful coral fish.
In the deep lagoon there are barracudas and sharks that can be fed during guided diving excursions. Only for the brave!
A world-renowned attraction for divers is the "Strait of Rays," an area of the lagoon where several species of rays are found in large schools, including numerous manta rays and leopard rays.
Bora Bora Safaris
Some parts of the interior of the island of Bora Bora can be explored on jeep safaris. These are very picturesque and exclusive walks, but without a doubt, the natural beauty of the island is best explored on foot. There are excursions from Vaitape that propose to spend the day in dream places.
Although they can be done without guides, it is convenient to trust those who know so as not to lose orientation. The hike to the top of Mount Pahia, from where, according to legend, the god of war Oro descended on a rainbow, leads through orchards, forests, orchid fields and fern-covered crevices.
You can also climb Mount Otemanu, which offers a beautiful panoramic view of the atoll. Below the top there is a large cave where many frigates nest.
Ceremonial sites
Another very famous attraction in French Polynesia are the ceremonial sites, where you can see the remains of what were more than 40 marae (ceremonial platforms). The best preserved are the Marae Fare Opu, in Faanui Bay, and the Marae Aehau-tai or Temaruteaoa, at the eastern end of Vairau Bay.
Another great aboriginal ceremonial site is the Marae Marotitini, in the north of the main island, right on the beach.
Best beaches in Bora Bora
The most beautiful beaches (and also the many hotels) are located in the two large bays between Pointe Paopao and Pointe Matira, in the southwest of the island, as well as on the Motus opposite.
About three miles south of Vaitape, directly on the main road, is Bloody Mary's, a world famous bar and restaurant with its own jetty for yachts, frequented by many celebrities and millionaires.
Weather in Bora Bora
As Bora Bora is located in the southern hemisphere, summer occurs between the months of November and April, a time that coincides with the wet season. It is the season with the highest temperatures and can exceed 30 ºC. The hottest months are February and March.
If you travel during the wet season you will be able to observe that the price of the resorts and tourist services is lower than during the rest of the year, and you will not find the beaches full of tourists.
Summer is the low tourist season in French Polynesia, as rains and storms are frequent and intense. They don't last long, but the number of mosquitoes increases, so it is recommended to bring repellent.
