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Travel Tips |
Planning a trip?
Bora Bora is accessible via a flight from Australian cities to Tahiti's capital Papeete and then a plane hop from Papeete to the vacation island. Approaching by air, the ethereal view of the island ringed by coral islets set in a turquoise sea is worth your hours of travel time. From the airstrip, a catamaran will take you through the lagoon or straight to your resort. You may also be stopping by Bora Bora while on a leisure cruise through the South Pacific en route to Hawaii or further east. Chartering a private boat or plane is another option.
Things to do and Places to see
Apart from the ample hotel accommodations, the main island's interior offers you hiking trails and a lush tropical forest. Panoramic views of Bora Bora's lagoon greet you at higher elevations. You might want to take a helicopter ride for a better view of Mount Otemanu's tip, reportedly unclimbed until now.
During the day you may want to try a traditional Tahitian picnic on a private island or circle the lagoon on a bicycle, or go fishing. You'll find sports amenities on the island, too. There are 32 km of roads on Bora Bora, and some lead to remnants of marae, Polynesia's ancient temples, and old settlements. You may also chance upon rusting cannons and other weaponry left by the American forces from their “friendly visit” during World War II.
You can also choose to simply bask in the sun and lounge on the beach, or you can take up windsurfing, parasailing, or hire a jet boat for a cruise. Scuba dives and snorkelling are sure to complement your Bora Bora vacation experience. The seas surrounding Tahiti's islands are graced by dolphins and humpback whales during their annual migration from August to October, and if you're lucky or if you hitch with the right guide, you can get a glimpse of them while in Bora Bora.
On the tiny motu of Toopua you will encounter Hiro's bells, rocks so called because of their shape and the peculiar sounds they make when struck together.
Matira Point on Bora Bora's southern end has a public beach with white sand. Nearby is a protected aquatic park with vivid coral gardens, where you can swim inches away from many colorful species of fish.
Diving in Bora Bora
Polynesia's most spectacular views can be found underwater. More than 500 species of marine life teem in the warm, pristine waters of the South Pacific, which are at a steady average of 26 degrees Celsius from the surface up to 160 feet below. The most popular bungalows in Bora Bora are built just above the calm waters of the lagoon, and glass panels allow a view of multicolored corals and fish right from your bed. Scuba diving shops on the island can arrange tours suited for your level of diving experience.
Beginners will find the lagoon area ideal for meeting species seeking shelter here, like the giant manta ray. Outside the coral reef ring, where the ocean floor drops off, you'll find even larger marine species and the zone of the most stunning corals. Scuba guides will accompany you to the best spots and instruct you on safe diving.
Cyclones are rare in Bora Bora, and the breezy season from June to October is the best time for visiting. The diving season season lasts from April to November.
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