A Friendly Guide to the Best Places, Experiences, and Tips
for Your Trip
Hey there, fellow traveler! I just returned from a
trip that honestly felt like a dream—Bora Bora. If you're thinking about visiting
or simply curious about what this tropical gem has to offer, you're in the
right place. Let me walk you through my experience, from landing on the island
to swimming with sharks (yes, really!).
First Impressions:
Welcome to Paradise
Bora Bora is part of French Polynesia, and wow—it's exactly what you
imagine when you think of paradise. Picture a main island with a tall dormant
volcano in the center, surrounded by a protective coral reef and a
crystal-clear lagoon filled with marine life. It’s peaceful, stunning, and full
of life.
Historically, Bora Bora was settled
by Polynesians around the 3rd century and later discovered by Europeans in the
1700s. Its original name was Pora Pora Maitai
Pora, which means “created by the gods.” And honestly? That name still
fits today.
Getting There: Flights, Ferries, and First Views
To get to Bora Bora, we flew into Tahiti and then took a short 50-minute
flight to the island. The airport is actually located on a small islet, so once
you land, you’ll hop on a quick ferry to the mainland or your resort.
We arrived around sunset, and the
view from the ferry as we approached the island was something out of a
movie—pink skies, calm waters, and even a full moon. Pure magic.
Where to Stay: From Luxury to Budget-Friendly Options
Bora Bora is famous for its luxury
resorts, especially the ones on the outer islands (called motus). Think: The
Four Seasons, Conrad, and Intercontinental. These are dreamy but very pricey.
Since we were traveling on a budget,
we chose to stay on the main island. We booked a cozy Airbnb for a few
nights, which cost way less but still offered amazing views and easy access to
local attractions. If you're looking to save money, staying on the main island
is a smart choice.
Getting Around: Rent a Car or Scooter
To see the whole island, we rented a
car for around $150 per day. The drive around Bora Bora’s mainland takes about
an hour, and every corner reveals something beautiful—lush hills, turquoise
water, and charming villages.
One spot not to miss is Matira
Beach, located
at the southern tip of the island. It's the biggest public beach in Bora Bora
and absolutely gorgeous. The water is shallow, warm, and perfect for a relaxing
swim. You might even spot a stingray or two!
Adventures: Floating, Hiking, and Mount Otemanu
One of the coolest natural features
is Mount Otemanu, the towering volcanic peak at the heart of the island.
Depending on where you are, it looks completely different—sharp and pointy from
one side, wide and rugged from another. If you enjoy hiking, there are several
trails that give you amazing views of the mountain and the surrounding lagoon.
Another unforgettable activity?
Floating with the current in the lagoon. I jumped in at the southern tip of the
island and let the gentle current carry me like a lazy river. It was peaceful
and thrilling at the same time.
Snorkeling, Sailing & Swimming with Sharks
We spent the last part of our trip on
a sailboat with a lovely family who’s been sailing around the world. It was
like having a floating bungalow that moved to a new scenic spot every night.
We snorkeled in places filled with
colorful coral, fish, rays, and even black-tip reef sharks! I was nervous at first, but they
were completely harmless and just curious about us. It was honestly one of the
coolest experiences I’ve ever had.
Two of my favorite snorkeling spots
were:
·
The Aquarium – A shallow area with tons of coral
and sea life.
·
Ponte Fare – Near a stunning sandbar and a
great spot to swim with sharks and rays.
Conclusion: Final Thoughts: Bora Bora is More Than Just
Beautiful
Bora Bora completely blew me away.
The landscapes, the people, the wildlife—it all came together for one of the
best trips I’ve ever taken. Even though we were only there for four days, it
felt like we experienced so much.
If you’re thinking of going, I highly
recommend staying at least a week. That way, you can soak up more of
the island's magic and maybe even splurge on one of those iconic overwater
bungalows.
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