Bora Bora is an incredibly picturesque tiny island that is just 6 miles long and little wider than 2 miles broad. At its core is a dormant volcano, which then expands into verdant vegetation until finally emptying into a turquoise lagoon. James Michener, author of “Tales of the South Pacific,” really proclaimed Bora Bora to be “the most beautiful island in the world.” The British explorer James Cook of the 18th century even gave it the nickname “Pearl of the Pacific.” Bora Bora is the epitome of a tropical paradise, complete with posh resorts, blue sky, warm ocean, and welcoming natives.
This little island in French Polynesia is home to a plethora of smaller motu (islands), the most of which are engaged in tourism. So, there are many of things to do, such as snorkeling, exploring Bora Bora’s major harbor Vaitape, hiking Mount Otemanu, and more. However, there is a catch: Bora Bora may be rather pricey. In a nutshell, Bora Bora is a stunning island paradise that everybody with the means to do so should visit.
The Finest Bora Bora Hotels
Bora Bora’s Four Seasons Resort
Two Bora Bora hotels: the St. Regis and the Le Meridien.
Bora Bora’s Four Seasons Resort
Bora Bora’s Top Attractions: Matira Beach, 4×4 Adventures, and Coral Gardens
Information Essential to You
The lagoon is the focal point.
Let me tell you something: a lot of the beaches in Bora Bora are artificial and really not that impressive. A different tale is told by the turquoise lagoon waters.
Sampling delicious regional cuisine
You need must have poisson cru, which is raw fish, often mahi-mahi or tuna marinated in coconut milk and lime juice.
Give the magic oil a go!
A multi-use oil derived from tiare and coconut flowers, monoi is available for purchase. In addition to moisturizing, it soothes bug bites and works as a leave-in hair conditioner.
Ways to Cut Costs on Bora Bora
Going during the off-season Staying in an overwater house on Bora Bora might cost close to $1,000 per night, but if you travel between December and March (excluding holidays), you can discover better deals.
Sail across the Pacific Ocean Bora Bora is a popular destination for cruises, so you may experience the high life without having to surrender your retirement savings.
Stock up on booze And don’t forget to bring sunblock. Be cautious to bring extra of essentials like sunscreen and insect spray since many island stores offer alcoholic beverages and other high-priced requirements.
Traditions and Culture
French and Tahitian are the official languages of Bora Bora, however many locals, particularly those who work at the resorts, are fluent in English. French Polynesians are known for their leisurely gait. Their guiding principle in life is “‘Aita pea pea,” which translates to “not to worry.” Let life unfold naturally and savor each moment.
Christianity is deeply ingrained in Bora Bora culture, thanks in large part to the 19th-century Protestant missionaries who arrived on the island and profoundly impacted its religion. The Maohi Protestant Church (Église Protestante Maohi) in Vaitape has been there since the late 1700s, so if that seems interesting to you, you may want to go by.
French Polynesia, to which Bora Bora belongs, has been a French Republic overseas territory since 1946. From their currency to their taxes, French Polynesia displays a great deal of autonomy. French Pacific francs (CFPs) are the currency of Bora Bora. About 103 CFP are for one dollar in the US.
Restaurants on Bora Bora serve a lot of seafood, and visitors would be missing out if they didn’t sample the local specialties, such as poisson cru, which is raw tuna cured in coconut milk and lime juice. Menu classics at Bora Bora also commonly include mahi-mahi, grouper, and bonito. Pineapple, coconuts, and bananas produced in the area are very delicious and worth trying.
Bear in mind that a lot of Bora Bora guests choose to buy a meal plan via their resort. This is particularly true if the resort is situated on a smaller motu (island), which means that getting to and from the main island, where the majority of the famous restaurants are, could be a bit of a hassle. Because of the high cost of importing supplies, Bora Bora’s restaurants tend to have pricier menu items than you may expect. There are a few highly recommended fine dining spots in the area. One is Lagoon Restaurant by Jean-Georges at the St. Regis Bora Bora, which is known for its French and Asian cuisine and stunning vistas. Another is St. James Bora Bora, where diners rave about the service and atmosphere. Tourists looking for affordable local cuisine could consider visiting a beachfront roulotte, which is like a food truck, for their meal. According to travelers, the roulottes with the longest lineups probably have a good explanation for their appeal. So, you should hop in line if you see one. You may get far better snacks and beverages at much lower prices in the local stores in Vaitape, according to other tourists.
Exploring Bora Bora
Biking around Bora Bora is the way to go, particularly since you can cover the whole island in a day or two. Another choice is to hire a vehicle, but it would set you back a pretty penny compared to a rented bike. Both the local bus system (Le Truck) and taxis are known for their unpredictability and high prices.
Many visitors fly into Bora Bora Airport, which is also called Motu Mute Airport, on their way to Bora Bora. The Faa’a International Airport is the first stop for travelers departing from the United States in Tahiti. Your 45-minute flight to Bora Bora Airport will begin once you complete customs. You’ll need to get on a catamaran to go to Bora Bora’s Vaitape dock from this airport, which is located on a little islet named Motu Mute, which is northwest of the main island. Make sure to inquire about airport transportation services at your resort before you make any plans.
Reference the information on Entry and Exit Requirements for Getting Around.
A valid U.S. passport that is six months longer than your intended stay is required to enter French Polynesia. You will also be required to get a visa if your intended duration of stay exceeds 90 days. Check out the website of the United States Department of State for further details.
