Start your cultural immersion through exploring the local market filled with vibrant flowers and fresh produce. Savor the flavors of the islands with a coconut, seasonal tropical fruits, and daurade, a popular fish dish in Bora Bora. Take the time to mingle with locals who often share homemade recipes and local history.
Experience the white sand beaches of Bora Bora with a visit to Matira Beach, considered one of the world's most beautiful beaches. Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters or soak up the sun while indulging in some fresh coconut water from a nearby kiosk. For a unique cultural experience, get familiar with locals by striking up conversations, by playing petanque, or by indulging in simple snacks at a thatched-roof hut nearby.
Take a hike up to Mount Otemanu, an iconic mountain that overlooks the blue lagoon in Bora Bora. The hike is recommended for the more physically inclined and offers a glimpse of panoramic scenery, traditional pae pae (stone terraces utilized in ancient times for cultivating crops), furea (an ancient shelter made out of coconut fibers), and stories from local guides shedding light on its cultural significance in Bora Bora.
Get a sense of Bora Bora's aquatic beauty and cultural history by signing up for Traditional Polynesian Sailing lessons with the locals. Visit the famous Tupitipiti Point and learn how to maneuver a va'a, a traditional Polynesian outrigger canoe. Learn the art of paddle sailing while listening to ancient folktales that guide the oceanic philosophy inherent in Bora Bora's ancestral culture.
Snorkel among the lush coral gardens located in the lagoon of Bora Bora, and to learn about the ecological importance of the biodiversity found within the lagoon. A local naturalist will introduce to different kinds of coral species, sharing traditional beliefs and inspiring stories about marine life, and the wider importance of water in Polynesian culture.
One way to access Bora Bora is by taking a direct flight to Bora Bora Airport (BOB), which serves international airlines from all over the world. Alternatively, visitors can opt to arrive by ferry and explore nearby islands or go island hopping. Travelers can rent bikes or e-bikes, use shuttles provided by accommodation, and hailing a taxi or private boat is also available for travel from one location to another.
Travel cost range from free to $100, depending on the transportation option and distance between destinations.
For those with extra time, one can visit other notable attractions in Bora Bora, including swimming with the sharks and rays, visiting the outdoor Bora-Bora Turtle Center, taking a helicopter or seaplane tour, or visiting Anau Cemetery, where American soldiers who died in WWII are buried.
For travelers with limited time, visiting the Vaitape Market, Coral Garden, and Matira Beach are essential stops that encompass not just Bora Bora's beauty but also its rich cultural identity.
Bora Bora Airport (BOB) is the main airport in Bora Bora located on the nearby islet of Motu Mute. It is located approximately 4 miles northwest of Vaitape, the main town on Bora Bora. Major airlines such as Air Tahiti fly directly to BOB from Los Angeles, Auckland, Papeete, among other locations.