Considered to be one of the most beautiful islands in the world, Bora Bora immediately conjures images of a tropical paradise set in ultimate luxury. Known as ‘the Romantic Island’ Bora Bora is the destination that’s on every couple’s wish list. But there’s lots more to this tiny island than just fancy overwater bungalows. With lush covered peaks and a massive lagoon that radiates the brightest shades of blue – Bora Bora is the stuff dreams are made of. This Bora Bora travel guide aims to help you plan the vacation of a lifetime.
About This Guide
I first visited Bora Bora as part of a six-month backpacking trip across the South Pacific Islands, later returning to the island on several occasions. This travel guide to Bora Bora was written based on my experience and extensive research. The Bora Bora Travel Guide is geared towards independent travelers, but any visitor will find it useful.
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To be perfectly honest, because of the hype, if you’re not doing the overwater bungalow experience, you’ll likely visit Bora Bora to see what all the fuss is about. Bora Bora’s lagoon is one of the most beautiful I’ve seen, and its volcanic peaks are even more impressive in real life. However, the island lacks the kind of local charm and laid-back vibe that you’ll find elsewhere in French Polynesia.
In contrast to popular belief, you can enjoy Bora Bora without spending thousands of dollars on accommodation. However, in terms of value for money – you should be aware of the “Bora Bora premium”, dictated by the powers of supply and demand (and advertising).
What’s Included In This Bora Bora Travel Guide?
Interactive map, where to stay and background [This Page]
Bora Bora travel tips
Top 10 things to do in Bora Bora
3 days in Bora Bora sample itinerary
Bora BoraTravel Guide Map
This map features all the highlights mentioned in this travel guide.Click on the image to open in Google Maps.
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Where To Stay In Bora Bora?
This is really (and in some cases literally) the million-dollar question. Bora Bora has managed to market itself to the world as the ultimate luxury destination, one where the rich and famous come to play and where honeymooners come to start marital life in great debt. You could certainly live this ‘luxury dream’ in Bora Bora if that’s what you’re looking for.
I’ve put together a comprehensive guide on how to find the right accommodation for you. In a nutshell, the main island, especially around Matira, has a wide range of options in all category types. On the motus (islets) at the edge of the barrier reef overlooking the main island is where you’ll find the ultra-luxury resorts.
Bora Bora is part of the Society Islands group in French Polynesia, about 275 km from Tahiti. Like other beautifully sculpted islands in this archipelago, Bora Bora consists of an extinct volcano rising from a protected lagoon almost triple the size of the island’s landmass. Less than 10,000 locals are living on the island, primarily living off tourism.
It is believed that ancient Polynesians arrived in Bora Bora sometime in the 9th century. Originally nicknamed Pora Pora, the island’s Polynesian name, Vavau, means “firstborn”. Indeed, along with neighboring Maupiti, Bora Bora is the oldest island in this beautiful archipelago.
Europeans first arrived in Bora Bora during the 18th century, with Captain Cook in 1769 and the missionaries in 1820. Ironically, Bora Bora’s rise to the top of the global tourism wishlist is mostly owed to WWII.
As part of Operation Bobcat, the US began setting up military bases in the remote islands of the South Pacific, such as Aitutaki in the Cook Islands and Pago Pago in American Samoa, after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941. Operation Bobcat began in 1942, transforming Bora Bora into a fortified supply base. An airstrip was built, hills were installed with canons, roads were paved, fresh water was supplied, and over 5,000 troops called this place home. Without much combat action around here, these soldiers had plenty of ‘R&R’. With the war over, they returned to the US with stories of paradise, and voila – the Bora Bora hype begins!
These days, tourism is the main source of income on the island. Ultra-luxury resorts and their signature overwater bungalows are the name of the game. It’s not all rosy, though, in Bora Bora. The island has almost completely lost its traditional charm, with mass tourism taking over. Some locals aren’t all that happy seeing their island transformed. Though some reap the benefits of mass tourism, you’ll find many poor villagers on the island not benefiting from the resort scene. If you’re looking for authentic Polynesian life, you probably won’t find it in Bora Bora. But its natural beauty and global hype make this destination irresistible.
A round-trip ticket from the United States to Bora Bora typically costs between $1,500 and $2,000. The time of year, the airline, and the place of departure can all affect this price. Booking well in advance is the best way to get a good deal on flights.
A round-trip ticket from the United States to Bora Bora typically costs between $1,500 and $2,000. The time of year, the airline, and the place of departure can all affect this price. Booking well in advance is the best way to get a good deal on flights.
To properly experience Bora Bora, three days (four nights if arriving late) should be enough. The island is small, and there isn't all that much to see. If you're after a pampering luxury holiday of sipping co*cktails on the deck of your overwater bungalow, you could probably spend a week (if you can afford that).
Being an island destination, the best time to visit Bora Bora is during the dry season which is experienced between May and October. This is the time when you get warm and cosy days, plenty of sunshine, least chances of rainfall, all of which make it the ideal time for enjoying outdoor activities.
The crime rate in Bora Bora is very low. However, there are still some things that travelers should keep in mind to stay safe and healthy: Be mindful of marine life: swimmers should take care to avoid sharks, stingrays, and barracudas in the water, and watch out for stonefish and urchins hidden in the sand.
The low season in Bora Bora (December through March) should be the focus for a budget-minded traveler, with the months of January, February, and March likely offering the best prices once the holiday season is over. January is the rainiest month, but there's the proverbial silver lining.
Bora Bora is more expensive than Tahiti because most of the resorts can be found on the ring of small reef islets, which means you'll have to travel to your resort on a boat. You might even want to hire your own private island for a truly intimate vacation.
While Bora Bora is a small island – just 10km (6 miles) long – it's not always the easiest place to walk around, especially in the heat and humidity. However, most touristy areas of the island are pedestrian-friendly; this includes the main town of Vaitape and the most popular beach on the island, Matira Beach.
Poisson cru is a very popular dish that consists of raw fish marinated in limejuice that is often served in a salad. Many dishes also include chicken, pork, sweet potatoes, breadfruit, rice, local fruit and vegetables such as papaya, mangoes, pineapples, bananas and fafa, which is a type of spinach.
The main difference between Fiji and Bora Bora is that Fiji has more beaches because the archipelago is larger — but they are also more difficult to get to as they are spread out. The beaches of Bora Bora are of equal quality, but far less in number. They are easier to get to due to the small size of the island.
Languages. French, as in the rest of France, is the only official language of Bora-Bora; it and Tahitian are the main languages spoken by its inhabitants in a common way. In addition, those in contact with tourists generally have some basic knowledge of English.
December is the rainiest month in Bora Bora – the average of rainy days is 15 during the month, with 280 mm (11 inches) of rain. Days are hot and humid.
In Papeete, you'll be required to clear customs before continuing to Bora Bora. All visitors must have a valid passport and an outbound ticket. As entry requirements and customs regulations are subject to change without notice, please consult the appropriate authorities before travelling internationally.
Its crystal-clear waters allow for activities like swimming, snorkeling, and exploring coral reefs, where visitors can encounter diverse marine life, including colorful tropical fish and sea turtles. What marine life can be found in the Bora Bora Lagoon?
Finally, there are plenty of mosquitoes in Bora Bora, so protect yourself with an effective repellent. Mosquitoes here can transmit dengue fever, chikungunya, and other maladies.
What is the average cost of accommodations in Bora Bora and the Maldives? The average cost of accommodations in Bora Bora is around $300 to $800 per night, while the average cost of accommodations in the Maldives is around $200 to $500 per night.
Location. Due to its central South Pacific location, Bora Bora is a little challenging to get to. The only method to reach the island is by plane, which can be fairly expensive, from Moorea or Tahiti. Depending on the airline and the time of year, a flight from Los Angeles to Tahiti may cost up to $1000.
A normal room will typically cost you between $600 and $800 per night, while an overwater bungalow would set you back between $1,000 and $1,500 per night. However, the cost of a luxurious overwater bungalow can be as high as $2,000 to $3,000 per night.
In Papeete, you'll be required to clear customs before continuing to Bora Bora. All visitors must have a valid passport and an outbound ticket. As entry requirements and customs regulations are subject to change without notice, please consult the appropriate authorities before travelling internationally.
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Introduction: My name is Duncan Muller, I am a enchanting, good, gentle, modern, tasty, nice, elegant person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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