Bora Bora -The Pearl of the Pacific

Blick von oben auf eine Häusersiedlung im Wasser

Emerged from original chaos about 3 million years ago, Bora Bora means « first born » in tahitian. This mythical island , once known as « Mai te pora » (created by gods), would have been, the first earth to come out of the waters after Raiatea and to be ruled by women for a long time. « The Pearl of the Pacific » as Captain Cook baptised it, bears the magic of the most beautiful polynesian islands. This ancient stretched volcano shows its two peaks, Mounts Pahia and Otemanu, whose green colours stand out against the jade, turquoise and sapphire shads of the lagoon. Known to be the most beautiful in the world, the lagoon, linked to the ocean by the Teavanui pass is a natural swimming pool which offers a large panel of water pleasures such as diving, sailing, jet-skiing, snorkelling or even cruising on glass bottom canoes. Bora Bora is the ideal place for enjoying those activities as well as sunbathing on the white sand beaches of Matira point or on the motus (islets) scattered on the warm crystal-clear waters. One can also take unforgettable walks on those motus, especially on « Motu Tapu » where visitors will enjoy the forbidden pleasures of an islet formerly reserved to kings. Bora Bora has kept its traditional way of life which you will encounter mostly in the polynesian architecture of its luxurious hotels (the famous bungalows on piles). It is also the final stage of the most important canoe race of the South Pacific : The Hawaiki Nui Va’a.

Explore one of the most beautiful Lagoons:

Reputed to be one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world, Bora Bora is a natural, colourful, luminous swimming pool with water sports galore for everyone: diving, sailing, jet ski or canoe trips.

Enjoy all these activities at Bora Bora and sunbathe on the unique white sandy beaches at Matira point or one of the motu dotted around the crystal clear waters of the lagoon.

Polynesia wedding ceremony:

The mesmerising rhythmic beat of the drum floats across the water, the strident cry of a warrior, and the gentle pulsating Polynesia dance of the islands women on the sand mingle with the strange chanting of Tahua reciting the ancient sacred ritual formula.

Breakfast served from a canoe:

The perfect destination for a honeymoon couple, Bora Bora has a wide range of hotels, including the original concept of the over the water bungalow - a real must, with all modern conveniences, overlooking the turquoise lagoon with its colourful fish, and the added bonus of meals served from the sea in a canoe.

Shark and Ray feeding:

You can have the pleasure of feeding the marine life in complete safety. Beginners and experienced divers alike will find something to their taste!

Leisure activities:

You can enjoy hill walking, horse-riding, parasailing, rent a luxury yacht, deep sea fishing, picnics on a motu and rambling itineraries.

Inland excursions:
The wharf at Vaitape, the administrative center of Bora Bora is accessed by the island’s single reef passage, Teavanui, beside the charming islet of Motu Tapu, and also the location of the filming of “Taboo” by Friedrich Murnau. It was also the place of refuge for a while of the great french explorer Paul-Emile Victor. The main village square has been named Alan Gerbault Square after the tomb of this world navigator, famous from the turn of the century, who adopted this island as his own. It is in the form of a marae with three stone tiers. The road to the north of the island leads to Farepiti Point at the head of the deep Faanui Bay. The village of the same name was the stronghold of the former ruling family, which explains the fact that there are a number of marae to be seen as you drive around the bay. At Farepiti Point you can also see the raised stones of the royal Farerua Marae, also known as Marotetini. At two other sites near the village there are the lesser remains of Taianapa and Fare Opu “marae” where petroglyphs can be seen. Leaving the bay, you pass through the former US naval base built in 1942 with some of its landing stages and hutments still in existence. Across from this, in the ring of islets, Bora Bora’s airport was also built by these American troops.

Hiking:
Hiking should be undertaken accompanied by a guide due to the trails being unmarked and the difficulties of climbing in crumbling rock. The hike to Mount Pahia is fairly difficult and takes over two hours to go up and another two to come back down. It starts out at Vaitape through orchards and a mape forest with its quirky shapes and goes right up to the base of the cliffs. The path passes through extensive areas of wild orchids and tree ferns on the way to the first summit. The last leg along the ridge leads you to the summit of Pahia from where, as tradition has it, the god of war came down on the back of a rainbow. The panoramic view of the whole of the Windward Islands is enough to take your breath away. The hike to Mount Otemanu starts out from Vairua Bay and requires over two hours to reach the top. The second section, across some fairly steep terrain, is difficult due to the danger of possible rock falls. Sometimes you come across wild goats. The cave entrance at the foot of Mount Otemanu is impressive in size. There is a frigate bird colony that nests in there and from inside the cave the view out over the ocean is just simply amazing.

Nautical activities:
There is a wide range of activities you can do in this incredible lagoon. The now classic glass-bottom boat originated in these waters, and canoe or catamaran outings to picnic on a motu, seeing the manta rays or watching the sharks feed have become ordinary fare. You can hire small boats and jet-skis as well as larger, skippered craft to go and tease swordfish out on the open sea. Divers of all skill levels can find something here to satisfy their curiosity for adventure. Among the most frequently dived areas there are: “Ray Avenue” where all sorts of ray are to be found including the leopard ray in large shoals of a hundred or more; “White Valley” outside the reef on the north side of the island which gets its name from the white sand of its great reef wall with corals that attract thousands of multihued fish escorted by shoals of barracudas or sharks. The other amazing spot is at Tupitupiti Point, which is considered one of the most beautiful in all Tahiti and Her Islands. This reef fringe, carpeted with corals, sponges and sea fans that make a real riot of color, is also a meeting ground for large sharks, tuna fish and barracudas.

Scuba diving:
Its huge lagoon offers the possibility, even for beginners to meet Manta rays, Leppaard rays et different types of sharks.
Many sites are located inside the quiet lagoon, where diving centers organize first dives as well as readapting dives among a very rich underwater fauna. In the ocean, divers will mingle with turtles, sea eels, napoleons along with many species of sharks