Islands Adventures

Bora Bora

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Bora Bora, a genuine jewel poised on the blue canvas of the Pacific, emerges from the ocean 45 minutes by plane to the northwest of Tahiti. Glistening with shades of sapphire, emerald and turquoise, Bora Bora’s lagoon is considered one of the most beautiful in the world, making “The Pearl of the Pacific” the destination par excellence of French Polynesia. This is also where the famous explorer Paul-Emile Victor lived until his death.
Luxury hotels scattered on the sandy islets or on the main island try hard to outdo each other in beauty and originality to offer you a most exclusive experience: exquisite bungalows perched on the lagoon, spacious Polynesian inspired “fare” (pronounced [farayz]) nestled on the beach or in flowery gardens, prestigious villas complete with a Jacuzzi or private pool… Some family pensions welcome you among more modest accommodations, in a convivial ambiance.
To complement your stay, there’s nothing like a massage or beauty treatment performed in one of the spas found in the interior of several hotels. These special treatments allow you to spend a moment of pure pleasure in the most enjoyable settings. The various techniques used from Polynesian, European, or Oriental inspirations particularly honor monoï, together with local essential oils (vanilla, sandalwood, coconut, pineapple, etc…), that has been used by Polynesians for ages.
A large choice of land and aquatic activities allow you to visit the interior of the island, explore the dazzling multicolored lagoon or submerge yourself in the underwater world during a dive. Don’t miss attending a dance show during your stay and if you’re present in July, the “Heiva of Bora Bora” is one of the most authentic events. People from different districts gather each year for traditional dance, song and sport competitions.
The airport of Bora Bora is located on “motu” Mute about 15 minutes by boat from Vaitape, the main village. Transportation to the airport is provided either by private hotel shuttles (generally luxury hotels) or by Bora Bora Navettes, a subsidiary of Air Tahiti (for those who are expected on the village quay by the accommodation representative).

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Good reasons why you should go there :

• The lagoon, one of the most beautiful in the world, is a splendor, with crystalline water fringed with idyllic “motu”.
• Luxurious hotels, each one trying to surpass the others, in terms of elegance and comfort
• It’s the ideal place to enjoy the unique overwater bungalow experience; private villas set on the beach or in tropical gardens are also a treat.
• The perfect island for romance, but also for families and friends, who can enjoy a varied hotel infrastructure.
• The opportunity to dive with the rays, sharks and multicolored fishes.
• Dynamic and interesting 4WD tours (enjoy panoramas, visit craftsmen, historic sites, etc.).
• The “Heiva” in July (inquire about the dates) is a must!
• A broad range of inland and nautical activities.

Districts :

Vaitape (main village), Nunue, Matira, Anau and Faanui.

Population :

7 395 inhabitants.

Surface area :

38 sq km.

Do not miss :

• the lagoon!
• the famous beach of Matira,
• a traditional Tahitian dance show performed by the talented dancers of the island,
• the cannons and reminders of the Second World War,
• the Marine museum,
• a few ancient "marae"(archaeological sites),
• the sea turtle protection center located in the heart of Le Méridien hotel.

Things to do :

• Nautical activities :
  - scuba diving,
  - parasailing,
  - deep sea sport fishing,
  - walking under the sea,
  - discovery of the underwater fauna and flora,
  - lagoon photo safari tour,
  - excursions in a glass bottomed boat,
  - excursions in a deep sea diving suit or in an underwater scooter,
  - ride on the lagoon,
  - lagoon cruises,
  - island tour by catamaran,
  - circle island tour in a motorized outrigger canoe including picnic on a “motu”,
  - ray encounter and shark feeding,
  - private lagoon excursions,
  - jet skiing,
  - motor boat rental.
• Inland activities :
  - guided tour,
  - 4WD safari,
  - walking paths,
  - Quad bike tour.
• Other(s) :
  - aerial tour of the island by helicopter,
  - art galleries and workshops.
• Relaxation center(s) and Spa :
  - Deep Ocean Spa By Algotherm, InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa Hotel,
  - Hina Spa, Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa Hotel,
  - Le Méridien Bora Bora – Wellness Centre & Spa, Le Méridien Bora Bora,
  - LeSpa de l’Hôtel Sofitel Bora Bora Marara Beach Resort,
  - Manea Spa, Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa hotel,
  - Maru Spa, Bora Bora Lagoon Resort & Spa hotel,
  - Miri Miri Spa, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort,
  - The Spa, Four seasons Resort Bora Bora hotel.

Practical information :

• Tourist information : in Vaitape.
• Banking Service(s) : Banque de Polynésie, Banque Socredo, Banque de Tahiti. ATM.
• Post office(s) : in Vaitape.
• Phone box(es) : in Vaitape and Fare Piti wharf.
• Shopping : supermarkets and commercial centers in Vaitape (clothes, bookshop, flower shop, hairdresser...). Photo developing shop, local craft, art galleries.
• Restaurant(s) : French, Local & International cuisine, Asian cuisine.
• Medical services : a medical center, a dentist and a pharmacy in Vaitape. Several private doctors.
• Cyberspace(s) facility(es) : Aloe Café (Vaitape).

Did you know that ? :

• Bora Bora used to be called Vavau in the past.
• The real spelling of Bora Bora is actually “Pora Pora” (the P is pronounced B in Tahitian language).
• Bora Bora was chosen as adoptive ground by the famous explorers Alain Gerbault and Paul Emile Victor.
• The United States settled a military base on the island during the second world war . Vestiges of this period can still be observed (cannons for example).

Flight schedule :

AIR TAHITI time-table and fares

Our accommodations in Bora Bora :

Our suggested island combos