What associations does Bora Bora conjure up for you? I'm sure you think of beaches from Bounty commercials, blue skies and tall palm trees. This extinct volcano, which rose above the surface of the water, attracts thousands of tourists around the world every year, including major Hollywood stars.
Bora Bora is much more than just a beach vacation away from the bustling metropolises. We tell you how to prepare for a trip to Bora Bora Island and make it unforgettable.
Tips before traveling to Bora Bora Island
- Although the island of Bora Bora is located in the South Pacific, it is actually part of French Polynesia. However, the rules of entry to Bora Bora differ from the requirements of France.
- Citizens of the European Union, European Economic Area, Switzerland, Andorra, San Marino and Vatican City will not need a visa to Bora Bora. If you are not on this list, then you can open a visa can be opened at the French embassy. In this case, do not forget to specify that you are planning a trip to French Polynesia.
- Bora Bora is a tropical zone. You can never go wrong with the temperature: on average, it stays at 27-31°C throughout the year. The rains can spoil the impression of your trip. By the way, the water temperature stays between 27-29°C all year round.
- Winter on the island lasts from April to October, summer from November to March. The best time to travel to Bora Bora is from June to October. During this season, the weather is most comfortable and the island receives the least rainfall.
- When traveling from November to March, bring not only a pair of open summer shoes, but also a closed waterproof "change of clothes" and a raincoat. This is when the tropical downpours take over in Bora Bora.
- The only public transportation to Bora Bora Atoll is the bus, which runs at intervals of 1-1.5 hours. If you want to see the island of Bora Bora, but do not have time to wait for the bus, you can take a cab, rent a bicycle or scooter.
- The main languages in Bora Bora are French and Tahitian. If you speak English, there will be no problems.
What are the must-haves?
To ensure that your vacation in Bora Bora does not turn into a race to buy the essentials, we advise you to reread the items on our list. With them you will solve any unpleasant situation, and the trip will leave only pleasant moments in your memory:
- sunscreen;
- headgear;
- adapter for the charger (type C or type E);
- water bottle;
- Sleep mask, eye drops and tissue masks to look fresh after a long flight.
How to get there?
Be prepared for a long drive to the island. But the journey will pay off as soon as you take your first step on the sands of this paradisiacal place. Here are two of the best flight options to Bora Bora:
- on JAL (Japan) or Aeroflot (Russia) flights via Tokyo to the island of Tahiti;
- via the US (New York or Paris+Los Angeles), but remember that you will need a transit visa for this.
The destination of the two flights is Tahiti, from where you can easily reach Bora Bora by ferry or a 50-minute flight to the local Motu Mute airport.
Where to live?
When vacationing in Bora Bora, you can stay in full-service hotels, which are offered by almost all of the well-known resorts. It's not uncommon to already have private beach areas, bars, and pools. Travelers will be able to explore the island on excursions and tours offered at the hotels. We recommend paying attention to The St Regis Bora Bora Resort, InterContinental Bora Bora Bora & Thalasso Spa, an IHG Hotel, Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora.
If you want to experience the flavor of local life and blend in with the nature of Bora Bora, book the bungalows that are located all over the island. They offer crystal clear water and marine life at all hours of the day and night. For example, this accommodation option is offered by Maitai Bora Bora. These and other accommodation options can be found on TravelHub. If you do not want to organize a trip, you can use tour selection from Minsk.
If considering Bora Bora for the long haul or for digital nomadism, however, the this article you will find all the information you need to do so.
What to see?
Bora Bora is a natural aquarium. The waters of the island are home to rare species of turtles, tropical fish and rays. Reef sharks can often be found here. The coral reefs that frame the lagoons are worth a visit.
We suggest you diversify your vacation in paradise and tell you about the most memorable ways to spend your time. These are the activities you'll love to do in Bora Bora.
Dare to snorkel with sharks
Diving with sharks in warm tropical waters is a serious challenge and a step out of your comfort zone. You snorkel to shallow depths and can stand up on your own if necessary. Before meeting the sharks, you can swim in the stingray area, observe their life and even feed them.
After diving with stingrays, you can move on to snorkeling with sharks. Like stingrays, you can not only see them at arm's length, but also feed them. Blacktip reef sharks live in the waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. The chance to see them so close is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
All participants swim under the supervision of an instructor, and sharks and rays are not dangerous to humans. Ready to take a risk and try snorkeling?
Try to conquer Mount Pahia
The two main peaks of Bora Bora, Otemanu (727 m) and Pahia (661 m), are the main attractions. Climbing Otemanu is more suitable for experienced and physically fit hikers. Conquering Pahia will pay off in full when you see the magnificent scenery that opens up to the traveler's eyes from the mountain.
The path to Pahia is considered easier than to Otemanu. Don't be deterred by the relatively low altitude of the peak: the climb up here requires effort. The trail starts near the center of Waitape, the main town on the island, and passes through jungle and a few steep sections. Here, hikers can use special fixed ropes to make the climb easier.
It is recommended to ask for a guide who can lead you to the top of the mountain and ensure the safety of hiking. As a rule, locals always know a little more about the island than tourists and will be able to reveal secrets that guidebooks are silent about.
This is the ultimate challenge of strength and discipline. Ready to check off another item on your Bora Bora to-do list?
Spend the day at Matira Beach
Yes, we wrote that we will show the island of Bora Bora from an unusual side and will not tell you about the beaches. Matira Beach is an asset not only to Bora Bora, but to the whole world. The American channel CNN in 2017 gave this beach the eighth place in the ranking of the "100 best beaches around the world". What makes Matira such a special place in Bora Bora?
This is Bora Bora's 1.5 kilometer long public beach, which is located in the southern part of the island. Just imagine how from the first moments you fall under the spell of the warm white sand that fills the shore. The gentle azure water envelops you with lightness and tropical coolness. Colorful fish swim in large schools near the picturesque coral reefs. Landscapes that you used to see only from the screen of your phone and computer become a reality.
Another argument in favor of this kind of vacation: it's free. All you need is a towel, a swimsuit, a bottle of water and a beach mat.
If you decide to spend time here, remember that the best way to get to the beach is by cab. The trip from the center of Waitape will take 10 minutes and cost $15-20. Another transportation option is the local bus. It only runs once an hour, so don't be late and keep an eye on the time.
Plan a trip to Bora Bora Turtle Center
"The Turtle Center is a non-profit project created in conjunction with the Bora Bora Ministry of Environment. It is not just a place where turtles live. It is where they are rescued and brought back to life. Since 2000, injured sea turtles have been brought to the center, treated and monitored until they are ready to return to their natural habitat.
In the reserve you can find an inner lagoon where several species of tropical fish swim. Both children and adults will enjoy watching them. This is a great alternative to diving if you don't want to snorkel underwater.
Here you can also care for the turtles, clean their shells and feed them. If you want to learn a little more about animal rehabilitation, the center's staff will answer all your questions. The most enjoyable part of a trip to such a reserve is the opportunity to swim with turtles. Such an excursion will be remembered for a long time!
Set sail on the lagoon on a paddleboard or boat trip
Rent a paddleboard or boat and explore the lagoon on your own. You can see the marine life, sail at a comfortable pace and don't worry that you won't have time to take a photo. This is not an organized excursion with a clearly scheduled time. You can stay in the lagoon as long as you want.
Rare species of stingrays and turtles, reef sharks and corals can all be seen on your own while boating. This activity is equally suitable for both young and retired people, as everyone can paddle at a comfortable pace. Such an exciting adventure will surely make you feel like the heroes of a movie about life on the island. Ready to revisit the Blue Lagoon?
If you have already had time to redo all the items on our list, then in this text. we've put together some more activities.
Bora Bora's national cuisine: what and where to try?
The most popular dish of the local cuisine is rosisson cru. It is made of raw tuna marinated in lime juice and coconut milk. This item is on the menu of almost every establishment on the island. Some cafes and restaurants offer tourists a new look at a familiar dish and replace tuna with lobster, octopus, sea urchin, shrimp and other seafood. The taste of poisson cru will be firmly associated with Bora Bora!
From drinks we recommend you to try the local beer. Yes, yes, you have not misheard, it is beer! Traditionally, since 1995, Bora Bora has been brewing the Hinano variety. A locally produced drink will cost you much cheaper than an imported product. The price is based on high taxes. The bitterness of Hinano attracts some connoisseurs and repels others, but it is worth trying the beer at least to determine your attitude to it. There's a catch: you can drink alcohol in Bora Bora from the age of 21.
When you're looking for a place to eat, be sure to check out Bloody Mary's (Bloody Mary's.) This restaurant has hosted many Hollywood stars in its walls! The institution offers a menu for lunch and dinner.
For lunch, order quesadillas, Buffalo wings, burgers and sandwiches, sashimi and salads. If your goal is to try the freshest seafood, book a table for the evening! By the way, the facility always has positions for vegetarians, so no visitor will be left without specialties.
The restaurant has its own yacht club. So a water cruise can be complemented with a dinner in a great place.
What souvenirs to bring?
And won't forget about shopping. The main gift to bring back from a trip to Bora Bora is black pearls. There are entire farms on the island that grow them.
There are special stores in Waitapa that sell exquisite jewelry at a high price. You can go to the pearl market and learn how the future jewelry is grown and sorted. The large selection will satisfy the needs of every visitor.
A trip to Bora Bora is a unique opportunity to see one of the most beautiful islands that French Polynesia has to offer. Here you will find neither coffee nor croissants during breakfast, but relaxation among blue lagoons, marine fauna and tropical air will many times stimulate the desire to return to this paradise corner again.
