Located in the heart of the South Pacific, Bora Bora is one of the most beautiful islands on earth. Its lush foliage with perfect, powder white sands and crystal clear turquoise water create the perfect paradise. It is no wonder that this island is the number one dream destination for honeymooners and romantics.
While it is no secret why Bora Bora is a top tourist destination, there are some interesting facts about the island that might surprise you. For example, did you know that it was formed by a volcanic eruption? Or that it was inhabited by Tongan people before the arrival of Europeans? Read on to learn more about this gorgeous place.
Getting to Bora Bora is easy and affordable. Most international flights land on the main island of Tahiti (Motu Pape), and then it is only a short domestic flight to Bora Bora. Air Tahiti also offers multi island passes which are a great option if you plan on doing a little bit of island hopping.
The language of Bora Bora is French and Tahitian, but many people in the tourist industry speak English well too. The capital of the island is Vaitape, and the most popular activity is to visit a lagoon or a reef for snorkeling and diving. This is one of the reasons why it is so popular for tourists. The underwater world in Bora Bora is teeming with exotic fish and corals, so it’s a great spot to explore.
There are a variety of activities to do on the island, including beach picnics, scuba diving, jet skiiing, stand up paddle boarding and deep sea fishing. The warm tropical waters sometimes reach up to 30 degrees Celsius which makes it perfect for a variety of water activities.
One of the most unique things about Bora Bora is that it has a rich culture, myths and traditions that are still followed by its inhabitants. You can see this in the songs and dances that are performed during special events. The locals believe that they are protected by gods and live by the philosophy aita pea pea which means not to worry.
The beaches on the island are stunning, and most of them are sheltered by a lagoon, making it a safe place to swim. Matira beach is the most famous beach on the island, and it is a great place to take a romantic stroll or simply relax in the sand.
In the past, Bora Bora was a coconut plantation and fishing was the main activity. But now tourism is the main industry. It has led to seven luxurious resorts that offer amazing views of the lagoon and mountains. Overwater bungalows are the most popular accommodation, but they do come at a premium price. If you are on a budget, it might be best to book a regular hotel or guesthouse on the main island and spend most of your time exploring the lagoon by boat, by 4×4 or on foot.