Bora-bora-Island Paradise Delivers
Over-the-water bungalows as seen from our deck
Bora-Bora Janaury 26, 2015
I was wide awake well before sunrise on the morning of this planned arrival in Bora-bora. On the ship's deck overlooking the bungalows on stilts, I could faintly make out the gentle sounds of the water. The minute we arrived, I could feel my own excitement that makes Bora-bora the island Paradise you wanted in your bucket list.
Just imagine, aqua blue lagoon framed by bluest sky and jagged cliffs, impossibly beautiful women that inspired a mutiny as proven by the sailors of HMS Bounty.
The dock was so crowded that I could hardly walk towards the market. Five men wearing colorful Hawaiian shirts were busy serenading with their Polynesian guitars. Women whose Polynesian skirts and headdress of fresh flowers were slipping past the entrance door. A small stall was offering free maps and brochures and behind were several men and women offering 4X 4 drive around the island for a mere sum.
“Excuse me, lady, would you like to go island viewing on a 4x4?”
Just when you think you've seen it all !
Check this out!
HERE ARE TOP BORA-BORA ATTRACTIONS
1. MT. OTEMANU
The biggest (literally) Bora Bora attraction is Mt Otemanu! This ancient volcano can be seen from many places around Bora Bora. If you are staying on a motu resort, it will have views over the lagoon to Mt Otemanu (except the Hilton Bora Bora). Mt Otemanu is amazing from every angle, and we highly recommend you take a Bora Bora lagoon tour that takes you on a circle island trip around the lagoon, so you can experience the magic of seeing Bora Bora from every angle.
2. LAGOON TOUR
Bora Bora is an excellent place for swimmers of any level to enjoy splashing around in crystal clear waters.
A lagoon tour is a must do Bora Bora attraction. If you only took one excursion in Bora Bora, a lagoon tour would be it. There a a few to choose from, and they can have a variety of Bora Bora attractions included in them. Our favorite tour styles include:
Lagoon tours including a motu picnic (more on this below)
3. MOTU PICNICS
The freshest, tastiest meals.
A motu picnic as a polynesian experience that is one of the best activities in Bora Bora. You are swept away by boat to a secluded little motu in the lagoon, and have traditional Tahitian cuisine, often including Poisson Cru (Tahitian fish salad with coconut) and freshly picked tropical fruit. One of our most memorable days in Bora Bora was when we visited Marona's island motu on a Bora Bora tour.
4. CORAL GARDENS
The coral here is also much more colorful than the rest of Bora Bora.
There are a few great spots to snorkel in Bora Bora. The best way to get to them is to take a snorkeling tour. You can also choose your resort to make sure there is snorkeling from the beach or even your over water bungalow! The snorkeling spot affectionately named the "lagoonarium" is our favorite, and you can read about how to get there yourself! Another option for people who like to be independent is to hire a little boat for the day (no license necessary!) and cruise around to the snorkeling spots yourself .
5. MATIRA BEACH
Clear water and beatiful palm trees.
Matira Beach is BOra-Bora’s famou spublic beach and has been voted best beach in the world! It's layed back atmosphere, pure white sand and calm turquoise water allow true relaxation. No one is selling sunglasses or massages. Even though this is Bora Bora's main public beach, you will most likely find that you have more beach than you need. Here's our guide of what to do at Matira Beach. There are a few cafes around Matira beach that offer affordable Bora Bora eating, so it's a great spot to grab a Hinano beer and a bite to eat. You can also find snorkeling from Marita Beach.
Our Capt. Ken.
6. JET SKIING
Jet skiing is another way to experience the beauty of Bora Bora's lagoon, but in a fast paced way! Jet ski tours are a very popular Bora Bora attraction, and are offered by a few Bora Bora tour companies. Find out more about the Bora Bora excursion companies here.
7. PHOTOGRAPHY TOURS
Your vacation to Bora Bora will stay with you long after the holiday ends. There is nothing better than to have those memories captured for you to be able to look back at - when ever you want! There are a few Bora Bora Photo Tours that are all about, or include, taking pictures of your day in Paradise.
8. BLACK PEARL SHOPS
Often referred to as black pearls, Tahitian cultured pearls can actually have hints of green, gray, blue and purple.
While there are a number of special keepsakes that you can bring home from your Tahiti vacation-like pareos and vanilla, the most beautiful item would be a piece of Tahitian pearl jewelry. This is a true keepsake that you can wear forever to remind you of your time in Bora Bora. Bora Bora has a number of black pearl shops for you to peruse, but our favorite is Tahia pearls.
Two-hour island tour of Bora Bora on board a minibus also known as "Le Truck".
9. 4WD AND OFF-ROAD TOURS
Bora Bora is not just about being on the lagoon. Jump on a tour that takes you up into the mountain to show you the beauty of the inner island. You can also learn about Bora Bora's role in WWII.
10. CIRCLE ISLAND ROAD
A tour around the Circle Island Road is another great Bora Bora activity that takes you past many Bora Bora attractions and you can do it independently. You can hire a car or a bike and follow our guide around the Circle Island Road.
