Sarah Jacksson
You’ve heard of the tiny French Polynesia island Bora Borea. It’s a volcanic caldera with a lagoon and overwater bungalows perched above it. But what’s so special about this island? Read on to learn about the many reasons you should visit Bora Borea. In addition to its beautiful lagoon and tropical climate, it’s also famous for its scuba diving and luxury resorts.
Bora Bora is a small island in French Polynesia
A tiny South Pacific island northwest of Tahiti, Bora-Bora is surrounded by motus of sand and an azure lagoon protected by a coral reef. While known for scuba diving, this paradise is also a popular luxury resort destination. Luxury resorts here are perched over water on stilts. Near the island is Mt. Otemanu, a 727m dormant volcano.
Located in the Leeward Islands, Bora-Bora is an overseas territory of France. Despite not being a member of the European Union, the island enjoys a high degree of autonomy and is governed by the subdivision of Iles Under the Wind. The island’s currency is the CFP franc, pegged to the euro.
Christianity became widespread in Bora-Bora in the nineteenth century, and its culture is heavily influenced by it. The island has three villages, and the majority of its population is either Catholic or Protestant. Christianity also plays a large part in island life, with two major festivals each year. Make sure you book in advance to avoid missing out on these events. It’s easy to fall in love with a place – and its people – when you’re feeling down.
It is a volcanic caldera
You’ve probably heard that Borabora is a volcanic caldera, but you may not be aware of its unique features. In fact, this island was formed by an ancient volcano that produced the twin peaks of Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia. Located on a secluded island, Borabora is a small island of only 20 square miles that is dominated by two massive volcanoes.
The island of Tuuraapuo is the largest part of the island and sits within the Pacific Ring of Fire, a volcanic area. While this volcanic past is still apparent, the island’s lush tropical flora has done much to disguise the fact that Borabora is a caldera. While many people like to compare the island to the Garden of Eden, it’s worth noting that the volcano formed the island in the first place.
The island of Mount Otemanu is an extinct volcano that rises to nearly 2,385 feet (727 m) above the turquoise lagoon. While the top of Mount Otemanu is inaccessible by foot, the base of this volcanic island is surrounded by coral reefs. The volcano itself has no direct access to the summit and is too inhospitable to visit. Fortunately, visitors can explore Mount Otemanu from the base, where they can take in the breathtaking landscape.
It has a lagoon
If you want to enjoy a variety of water-based activities, Bora-Bora has a lagoon just for you. This volcanic caldera is home to 500 species of marine life and many activities. A lagoon surrounded by islets and an incredible view of the entire island are sure to impress. For those who are looking for an adventurous activity, you can try scuba diving or snorkeling. You can even go heli-skiing or take a helicopter tour.
Another attraction in Bora-Bora is the turquoise-colored lagoon. This lagoon is shallow and sheltered from the sea. It offers beautiful, translucent water and is a great place to swim or snorkel. The only way to access the lagoon from the sea is through the Teavanui Pass, located on the west side of the island. You can also hike up the twin peaks of the island to enjoy a breathtaking view of the lagoon.
Once you’ve had enough of the lagoon’s stunning beauty, you’ll be able to explore the island on a 4WD safari. Or you can hire a private quad-bike to explore the area. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even take a parachute jump or take a helicopter tour to the island. Whatever activity you choose, you’ll be left breathless by the incredible views.
It has overwater bungalows
The Le Meridien Bora Tongariki is a boutique hotel that offers beautiful overwater bungalows. This resort offers a turtle sanctuary where guests can learn about the conservation efforts made by the island’s residents. The hotel offers a range of activities for guests to take part in, including snorkeling, whale watching, and even a day spent helping to restore the turtles to the lagoon. Bora Tongariki is also a popular location for weddings and a wedding ceremony at this resort will surely be unforgettable.
There are two categories of overwater bungalows in the resort. The first type is the regular one, which faces the pool and the restaurant. It has limited privacy. However, the latter is recommended for those who want more privacy and a better view. It also offers two restaurants, a meeting room, a boutique, and a diving center. For additional privacy, guests can book a Premium Overwater bungalow.
The Maitai Polynesia Bora is a more budget-friendly option, with 19 overwater bungalows. While it’s not as luxurious as the Four Seasons, this resort has plenty to offer. For around $650 USD per night, it offers the best value for money. And the location of this hotel is great for exploring the island’s other attractions. However, you should keep in mind that Maitai Polynesia Bora has the most overwater bungalows at the least.
It has restaurants
If you are looking for a casual place to meet new people and work, Bora-Bora has a variety of options for you. Cafe Bora-Bora is located in the Rego Park area of the island. The place serves a delicious fresh hot and cold buffet and caters to a diverse clientele. Located just steps away from the beach, it is a great spot for business meetings and networking.
There are many restaurants in Bora-Bora, but few of them offer as many choices as Maikai. Maikai has a stunning yacht club setting, incredible style and architecture, and fantastic food. The island’s celebrity chef, who has spent time in France, is the most sought-after chef in the area. The food is amazing and the service is outstanding, and there are romantic moments for you and your significant other to share.
It has a canoe tour
If you are looking for a unique way to see the island, you can go on a canoe tour. You will see the island from a completely different angle than when you are on land. This activity is ideal for those who want to be one with nature and learn about its history. You can choose between a half-day tour or an all-in-one adventure. A luxury lagoon cruise is also available with some companies.
There are also other activities, like a sunset sail, which is great for sunsets. Another popular activity is a Polynesian feast or fire show. A romantic stroll through an islet is a great way to spend quality time with your partner. The tours are also ideal for couples, since they are meant to be romantic. You may see a variety of sea creatures while on your canoe tour, but it’s not guaranteed.
Another activity that you can do in Bora Borea is to feed the stingrays. These creatures are quite tame and won’t hurt you. Unlike most fish, stingrays do not have stingers, so you can safely touch them without worrying about them biting you. If you’re in the market for some jewelry, you should try a pearl market. Alternatively, you can join the Aqua Safari. This two or three-hour excursion is a great way to see the island’s wildlife.
It has one public beach
Despite the name, Bora-Bora is not a public beach. This island is part of French Polynesia, an area of the South Pacific that is officially a semi-autonomous territory of France. Attempts to achieve independence have been slow and difficult, taking years. Until then, visitors can enjoy the island’s one public beach. But before you plan your trip, here’s some information.
Temperatures are warm year-round, hovering between eighty degrees Fahrenheit. It rarely goes below eighty degrees. Water temperatures are a comfortable 79 degrees Fahrenheit in winter and eighty degrees in summer, so you won’t have to worry about the water being too warm. You can also take advantage of the island’s ocean breezes, which blow from the northeast. It’s a great time to visit Bora-Bora, as it’s often drier and less humid.
Snorkeling remains a popular activity for visitors to Bora-Bora. The clear water makes it easy to observe tiny marine life. Scuba divers can take advantage of the many organized tours. Some of the hotels even offer coral reef rehabilitation programs. If you are not a scuba diver, you can snorkel around the islands’ coral reefs. However, beware of rowdy beach parties.
