Imagine sipping a cold Pina Colada on a white sandy beach caressed by the blue waters of a pristine lagoon. With Mount Otemanu rising majestically from the horizon, Bora Bora is the picture perfect vision of paradise that has enthralled artists and romantics alike. The island is a volcanic cirque with a fringing reef and is part of the Society Islands in French Polynesia.
The main island is surrounded by a lagoon and several motus (islets). The lagoon is protected by the barrier reef that extends to more than two kilometers to the southwest of the island. The reef contains a number of channels between the main island and the surrounding islets. It is the main source of freshwater on the island and also provides a habitat for a variety of tropical fish and rays.
A number of the most renowned hotels in the world can be found on Bora Bora including the InterContinental(r) Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, St. Regis Resort Bora Bora, and Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora. All of these resorts are luxurious properties with many offering over-the-water bungalows that bring a whole new meaning to ocean view.
Guests at these luxurious resorts can expect a full range of activities including snorkeling tours, kayaking and paddle boating around the lagoon, sailing, deep sea fishing, and even shark and ray adventures. But perhaps the most popular activity on the island is simply relaxing and taking in the stunning scenery.
Hiking is also very popular on the island and there are several amazing hikes that offer spectacular views. One of the most popular hikes is the Valley of the Kings trail which offers a chance to see remnants from ancient Polynesian villages.
There are a number of water-based activities available on the island as well, including snorkeling, scuba diving and jet skiing. Snorkeling tours of the pristine coral reefs are especially popular, but if you would rather keep your feet dry, there are plenty of other options too. Stand up paddle boarding, deep sea fishing and the famous shark and ray adventure are just a few of the other water-based activities available.
Bora Bora is located 17 degrees south of the equator and experiences a year-round tropical climate. The rainy season runs from November through April and can be very humid. The dry season is from May to October and is a lot cooler.
Getting to Bora Bora is easy enough as it’s a short 50-minute flight from the capital of Tahiti, Papeete. Many of the most popular resorts on the island offer private airplane transfers. Visitors can also choose to take a ferry from Papeete or rent a private boat.