Quite simply, Bora Bora is paradise. It’s the ultimate vacation that offers a variety of different experiences, as well as lots of opportunities to rest up and recharge. Everyone should visit Bora Bora at least once in their lifetime.
Surrounded by water, it’s no surprise that Bora Bora offers plenty of aquatic activities. From Paddleboards, to snorkeling, the water is yours to explore however you’d like. Your resort will likely have multiple options for enjoying the water, so don’t be afraid to dive in!
Safari’s via 4x4 are a common way to see some of the inland sites that Bora Bora has to offer. Though this isn’t an excursion for the faint of heart! Roads are rugged, at times dangerous, but the rewards are definitely worth the few hair-raising moments. Depending on the trip you choose, you may even make stops to sample local fruits, and check out some WWII history along the way.
Feeding sharks and stingrays is one of the most memorable things you can do in Bora Bora. Not least of which because these animals are wild, and not restrained in the ocean. Sure, they’re fairly used to interacting with humans, but that doesn’t change the thrill of actually getting into the water with black tips and lemon sharks!
Though Bora Bora only has 5 dive sites, the conditions are wonderful at each. The visibility is good, the water is warm, and the marine life is plentiful. A trip to the Manta Cleaning Station is a great way to get up close and personal with various Mantas during your dive.
Jet skis are a popular way to explore some of Bora Bora’s famous lagoons. Plus, they’re lots of fun! Guided tours are available on jet skis, with stops at a small island to enjoy a picnic on the sand with some freshly cut fruit. Like most of the island, Bora Bora’s lagoon is stunning - and hopping on a jet ski gives you a closer look.
The Deep Ocean Spa at the Intercontinental Thalasso is the largest and most awarded spa in the Pacific. With plenty of facilities available with the booking of a treatment, it’s definitely worth splurging on a little pampering. Make it worth your while by planning to spend some time enjoying the pools, baths and jets before and after your treatment.
Bora Bora (and Tahiti) are famous for their black pearls. A visit to a pearl farm can help you learn more about what gives them their black color, and check out some stunning jewelry made with some rare pieces. If you’re going into town, Wan, the famous jewelry store, has lots of pearl jewelry for sale, or visit The Farm at the Bora Bora Pearl Company to try your hand at making your own.
Bora Bora’s natural beauty is certainly a big part of what makes it a paradise. While there are plenty of ways to take in the stunning views, one of the best is via a helicopter tour. Most tour pricing is quoted for four people, so for the best deal, befriend another couple if you’re touring the island with your sweetheart - and of course, don’t forget your camera! For the more adventurous, Parasailing is a heart-pumping way to take in some gorgeous aerial views.
Bora Bora has lots of beaches, though most are privately owned by resorts and hotel chains. However, the one public beach in Bora Bora - Matira Beach - is certainly worth a visit if you’re spending any time on the main island. With white sand, crystal clear waters and a shallow lagoon, Matira Beach is one of the most photogenic beaches in the world.
Mount Otemanu is certainly a highlight of any trip to Bora Bora. With stunning views overlooking exquisite turquoise waters below, it’s definitely worth taking in Mount Otemanu from a variety of different perspectives. Luckily, tour companies are only too happy to oblige. See it from the water, or take an ATV or Land Rover to get up to the top, as Mount Otemanu is not safe to climb. If you’d like to do a little hiking, try your hand at scaling Mount Pahia instead.
There is lots of good food in Bora Bora, but La Villa Mahana cooks up some of the best. With just 7 tables, this small, intimate restaurant serves blends European and island flavors. With plenty of charm - and a fabulous wine list - La Villa Mahana is definitely worth a visit. If you are hoping to go, plan ahead and make your reservation well in advance.
Thanks to its stunning natural beauty, it’s not hard to find accommodations that boast some pretty amazing views. Though the island’s most popular accommodation has to be its overwater villas. Most feature a glass bottomed floor for checking out the aquatic life below, and some even feature under-villa lighting, making the lagoon shimmer in your room. All are expensive, but certainly worth it for a once in a lifetime trip.
