Bora Bora  : Pearl of the Pacific

Emerging from the ocean about 3 million years ago, Bora Bora means “first born”in Tahitian. This mythical island, once known as “Mai te pora” (created by gods), was the first earth to come out of the waters after Raiatea and was ruled by women for a long time.
“The Pearl of the Pacific”, as Captain Cook baptised her bears the magic of the most beautiful Polynesian islands. This ancient stretched volcano shows its two peaks, Mounts Pahia and Otemanu, whose green colors stand out against the jade, turquoise and sapphire shades of the lagoon.

Known to be the most beautiful in the world, the lagoon, linked to the ocean by the Teavanui pass, is a natural swimming pool which offers a large variety of aquatic activities such as diving, sailing, jet skiing, snorkelling or even cruising on glass bottomed canoes.

Bora Bora is the ideal place for enjoying aquatic activities as well as sunbathing on the white sand beaches of Matira Point or on the motus (islets) scattered in the warm crystal-clear waters.

One can also take unforgettable walks on those motus, especially on “Motu Tapu”, where visitors will enjoy the forbidden pleasures of an islet formerly reserved for kings.

Bora Bora displays one aspect pf the traditional way of life in the Polynesian architecture of her luxurious hotels (the famous overwater bungalows). It is also the final stage of the most important canoe race of the South Pacific: The Hawaiki Nui Va’a.

The lagoon in all its splendor: a volcano located in one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world surrounded by translucent water and fringed with idyllic motus.

Perfect for island romance and a special destination for honeymoon couples, Bora Bora enjoys a varied hotel infrastructure from grand luxury to the small family boarding houses all perfectly merging with the magic of the exceptional natural beauty of the island.

The unique over-water bungalow experience should not be missed: designed in pure Polynesian style, it offers an outstanding level of comfort in a most picturesque setting. Look through the turquoise waters of the lagoon to the bottom through a glass floor in your room. Wake up to the special treat of enjoying breakfast delivered to you by canoe.

The underwater world of Bora Bora will satisfy even the most demanding diver: the manta ray’s ballet; majestic sharks; encounters with the gentle napoleons; and the multitude of multicolored fish. Beginner and advanced divers alike will don flippers and mask to join them in their amazing underwater world.

A broad range of land and water sports activities offered by the island’s hotels or private providers: helicopter tours; hiking or outings in 4x4 to the interior of the island; horseback riding; parasailing; lagoon rides in glass-bottomed boats or outboard canoes; sailing on standard or luxury yachts; deep-sea fishing; picnics on a motu; feeding the rays and sharks. These are only some of the activities to be enjoyed.

Daily flights and regular boat schedules (2 to 3 sailings per week from Tahiti): Bora Bora is a 50-minute flight and a 10-hour
boat trip from Tahiti.
Health: 1 infirmary at Vaitape.
Banks: 1 “Banque de Polynésie”, 1 “Banque Socredo”.