OVERVIEW
Bora Bora is part of the Society Islands archipelago of French Polynesia. Famed for its breath-taking natural beauty and luxury resorts, this remarkable isle has become a highly popular tourist destination, so much so that tourism is now almost the sole industry in Bora Bora. Served by the Bora Bora Airport on Motu Mute, the island receives 5 or 6 daily Air Tahiti flights from Papeete; the airline provides a free bus shuttle service to Vaitape, the largest settlement on Bora Bora. Once you reach the island there is no public transport but rental bicycles and cars are readily available, or you can hire a two-seater buggy. If you want to explore the lagoon, you can hire a motorboat for the purpose.
The predominant languages spoken on Bora Bora are French and Tahitian, but due to the island’s tourist-driven economy English is also commonly spoken. Most of the attractions on the island are water-based, as the island is surrounded by a pristine lagoon and barrier reef. Inland you will find an extinct volcano which juts into two dramatic peaks, Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia.
To get up close and personal to the vibrant marine life which inhabits the waters on your Bora Bora holiday head to the Bora Bora Lagoonarium. In this open-air ‘aquarium’ you can interact with turtles, sting-rays and sharks, supervised by a certified diver who will act as your underwater guide. If you are not a fan of diving, the Lagoonarium also offers submarine rides.
Various other aqua-centric activities are available on Bora Bora, ranging from snorkelling and scuba diving to jet-skiing, yachting and kitesurfing. Honeymooners are sure to enjoy a Bora Bora Romantic Tour or perhaps one of the fun-filled Moana Adventure Tours.
Back on land take a jeep tour of the island, which will include the American WWII ruins, and savour some truly spectacular views. The island also has hiking and climbing trails if you would prefer to take in its beauty on foot.
Due to its tropical climate the best time to visit Bora Bora is during the drier months of winter, between June and November, when it will be less hot and humid. However this is the island’s peak tourist season, so prices are likely to be higher during this period. If you are on a budget, or want to visit when the isle is a little quieter, it may be an idea to schedule your trip during the wetter months of summer.
Bora Bora is 10 hours behind the United Kingdom. The official currency of this island nation is the French Pacific franc (CPF), as Bora Bora is an Overseas Territory of France.
