Bora Bora has been described as a lot of things over the years, including “Pearl of the Pacific”, “Heaven on Earth”, or as “the most beautiful place on Earth”. And though all these may seem like exaggerations, in reality, no words can express the beauty of this place. Located just 225 km north-west of Tahiti, the archipelago of Bora Bora is one of the most luxurious tourist destinations in the world. Measuring only 6.5 km in length and 4 km in width, the main island alone offers enough fun activities to keep tourists busy for weeks.
A result of volcanic eruption, Bora Bora once stood 1,200 meters above sea level and 5,400 meters underwater. After the lava stopped flowing, the formed island was left at the mercy of the elements that turned it into the paradise we see today. The Otemanu and Pahia peaks that rise 665 meters in the air are all that is left of the giant volcanic crater. Polynesian Sailors were the first to set foot on Bora Bora, in the XIX-th century. They cut off a small part of the tropical forest and started cultivating its land.
The cheapest fun activity on Bora Bora is sightseeing. It’s absolutely free and you can do it for as long as you want. Enjoying the beauty of the surroundings may not be as exhilarating as some of the other activities on the island, but you definitely won’t be disappointed. The countless shades of blue and turquoise surrounding the fine, white coral sand and lush vegetation will surely make you fall in love with Bora Bora.
The other fun-packed activities on the island fall into one of these categories: air, land or water. The first time you see this tropical paradise is from the air, when the plane approaches the island and prepares for landing. It’s a truly memorable experience and if you can’t get enough of it, helicopter tours and para sailing are at your disposal. Para sailing is a lot cheaper but also implies a bigger risk.
If you consider yourself a scout, you can go on a scouting trip around the island, and explore the remains of the old crater, located at its center. You will need to rent a 4×4 vehicle or a Bugster to make it through the rough terrain. The cheaper alternative in this case would be bike-renting, but they require a lot of physical effort. Regardless of the means of transportation, you will discover the beauty of Bora Bora.
Water activities are definitely the strong-point of Bora Bora. Snorkeling through the coral reefs surrounding the island is a “must”. The clear water reveals beautiful tropical fishes and turtles dancing around you as you try to take in all the beauty. You can combine it with a water skiing trip that ends at the perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling. For those who would like to uncover the secretes of the deep Pacific, scuba diving up to 15-30 meters and the Aqua Safari aboard Spirit of the Pacific submarine, are just the thing. Shark feeding is another popular activity on Bora Bora. The tourists brave enough to try it go underwater, protected by a steel cage and carrying beheaded fish that they feed to hungry sharks. At the Lagoonarium (a kind of zoo with fish) tourists get a chance to swim with tamed sharks and meet the friendly stingrays living in the lagoons.
In the accommodations department Bora Bora doesn’t disappoint. Along the cost of the main island and on some of the “motu” (smaller islands), there are numerous 4 or 5 star hotels that look nothing like what you are used to. They are just collections of bungalows spread on beaches or suspended above the water. Le Meridien Bora Bora, St. Regis, Intercontinental or Sofitel Marara are just a few of the luxurious establishment that will make your stay a memorable one. As far as food is concerned, each hotel has at least two restaurants that combine traditional Polynesian cooking with international cuisine. You might also like to try the independent restaurants on Bora Bora’s beaches, but make sure to have a reservation.
One other activity that shouldn’t be missed during a vacation on Bora Bora is visiting the pearl farms. Pearls are the trademark of French Polynesia and the perfect souvenir. They come in all shapes, colors and sizes, so all you need to do is afford them. TIKI statuettes, which the locals believe keep evil spirits away, are also great exotic souvenirs.
There is a lot more to be said about the wonderful Bora Bora, so many more things to do there, but the best way to find out more about them is to experience them first hand. Most people say it is the most beautiful place in the world and who are we to argue…
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Best place for honeymoon. I love island very much, especially this one, Bora Bora.
There used to be a television program called Adventures In Paradise. It was because of this program I first learned about this beautiful place. Isn’t it time to reintroduce Americans, and others to this beauty? Or will it ruin it for the very reason we go there? Because few people are there? Wouldn’t a remake of this series be fantastic? The main character traveled on a small but beautiful sail boat.