12 Amazing Things To Do On Bora Bora Island
A trip to Bora Bora Island can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. To make the best of it, read this article on what unique activities you can do there.
Do you like relaxing at the beach, listening to the sound of the waves breaking against the shore?
Or are you a mountaineer who enjoys going on hikes and taking in the solitude and calm of the mountains?
You will be glad to know you can participate in those activities on the small and enchanting Island of Bora Bora, located in French Polynesia. This island has a population of roughly 11,000 and is quite popular among tourists across the globe.
As the coronavirus pandemic fades, it’s time to pack your bags for an unforgettable trip to this stunning island.
Bora Bora Travel Tips
However, before we look at all the fabulous things you can do on your trip to Bora Bora, let’s first look at some essential traveling guidelines.
- Stay hydrated. The island is located in the Capricorn tropics and can get very hot and dry. Take plenty of water bottles to quench your thirst and sunscreens to protect your skin.
- Check the weight limits for bags. You have to fly from French Polynesia to Bora Bora. Luggage weight limits at the airport are pretty strict. However, if you keep your backpack on your shoulder, it does not require to be weighed. So, carry any extra weight in your bag, and you will be good to go.
- Pack bright-colored clothes. You have to pack your bag like a summer vacation trip—pack light, comfortable, and bright color clothes. T-shirts and half sleeve cotton shirts are perfect for your time in Bora Bora. The temperature is a little cooler during the nights, so make sure to wear long pants or cotton shorts after the sunset. It is usually more comfortable and romantic at night.
- Gear up according to your activities. Bora Bora has lovely beaches and mountains. But If you are going only to the beaches, there is no point in carrying heavy trekking boots, tents, and other equipment. There are great hotels where you can stay and enjoy the south pacific sea. On the other hand, you do not need to pack swimsuits and snorkels if you are going for a trekking adventure. You will have a more relaxing journey if you only pack the essentials.
- Carry snacks and medicines. Bora Bora is a great island to explore. So, we suggest you experience all the outdoor activities instead of spending your time in a resort or hotel. There are beautiful trekking and hiking spots scattered across Bora Bora. However, you will not find traditional stores or pharmacies there. So take some snacks like biscuits, chips and energy bars with you. You should also carry a first-aid kit with you, just in case you get into some accident.
Things To Enjoy In Bora Bora
The easiest way to travel to Bora Bora Island would be to go by plane. You will have to land at the Bora Bora airport, and single tickets on average cost around $3,200.
Now that we have covered the basics, let’s talk about all the fantastic things you can do in Bora Bora to make your trip memorable.
Chill With The Predators Of The Sea
Whenever we say predators of the sea, sharks are likely the first thing that comes to mind. They are notorious for their hunting skill. But in Bora Bora Island, not only are you safe from sharks, but you can hang around with them as well!
Your guide will take you out to the sea and throw fish food in the water. There you can see the sharks up close. You will be very safe here, so, nothing to worry about. You can even take some close-up pictures of the shark.
Another predator would be stingrays. They are not threatening to humans as they only eat small fish. You can also see them up close.
Enjoy The Soothing Martina Beach
Bora Bora has many beautiful beaches. Martina Beach is one of them, and what makes it unique is the white sand and beautiful lagoon water.
You can roam the coasts and take a plunge in the ocean since it is a public beach. Another unique aspect of this beach is the presence of coral close by.
And wherever there are corals, you will find gorgeous fishes swimming close by. Go for a swim among these coral parts with your snorkel.
Once you finish exploring the coastal areas, take out your mat, order a chilled coconut drink from the bar and enjoy the lovely views.
Go Out For Cycling
The roads in Bora Bora are flat and smooth, which makes them excellent for cycling. The central coastal highway around Bora Bora is about 20 miles or 32 kilometers long. You will see the superb ocean water on one side and the beautiful neighborhood of Bora Bora on the other.
You can cycle through various villages, check ancient Polynesian sculptures, and occasionally hang out with the local people. This will help you to understand the culture and lifestyle of Bora Bora Island.
Go On A Jeep Tour
Cycling tours are only suitable for short distances and smooth roads. However, if you wish to visit the island’s rural areas, a bicycle will not be sufficient.
The terrains will be rough and bumpy. The local jeeps are a far better option than any other vehicle for this off-road experience. Going on a jeep excursion, on the other hand, implies you’ll be mixed with groups.
You might get lucky and make some new friends. But if you do not want to travel in groups and enjoy your alone time, it will cost you more to get a jeep all for yourself.
Visit The Local Bars
The beers and other alcohol in Bora Bora are inexpensive. Hinano Lager is a traditional beer of Tahiti, which is very popular here. This beer has been brewed on this island since 1955 and has been popular since the beginning.
As this beer is manufactured locally, it is less expensive compared to other beers. You can certainly give it a shot and check whether you like it. This delicious beer is a significant attraction for international visitors, and practically every tourist tries it. The beer has a tart, sour flavor. Also, regular beers are available if you don’t like the sour taste.
However, the legal drinking age in this country is 21.
Visit the Houses over Water
If you build a house in a tree, it is a treehouse. Almost everyone has heard about treehouses; they are pretty common. But in Bora Bora, there are houses built over water.
Known as overwater bungalows, these houses are a fantastic place to stay if you want to experience the famous Bruce Lee phrase “Be one with water.” The sound of water rolling under your feet while staring at the starry night sky through the bungalow window gives a feeling of tranquility like no other.
Spend A Day At The Turtle Sanctuary
Turtles are majestic creatures. They are calm, collected, and are pretty friendly. Many people say they spent a day with their dog or a cat. Now, you can tell your friends that you spent a day with a sea turtle, who was over 100 years old.
Injured turtles are brought to this sanctuary to nurture them back to good health. Once they are in good shape, they are sent back to the sea again.
You can be a part of their nurturing by feeding them, spending time with them, or walking with them.
Take A Helicopter Tour
Both cycle and jeep tours are low-cost, and anyone can participate in those tours. If you have some extra cash, a private helicopter tour around the island is also available.
The helicopter provides a beautiful bird’s eye view of the area. The trees, people, beach, and water will all appear in a completely different way. You can see the broad expanse of turquoise water and the towering Mount Otemanu and Pahia.
Climb Mountains
Enough with the overwater bungalows and admiring the waves. Let us explore the island more and climb the stunning mountains that Bora Bora has to offer.
In Bora Bora, there are two prominent mountains named Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia. Both of these volcanoes are no longer active. Even if they are no longer active, the very fact that you are ascending a volcano will give you shivers. Mount Otemanu, on the other hand, is far more popular than Pahia since it has a higher summit and is easier to approach.
Mount Pahia is the one to climb if you want to challenge yourself and put your climbing skills to the test.
Another remarkable fact about mountain climbing is that you will hardly find people here. The people who visit Bora Bora mostly come for the beautiful beaches and experience the ocean life. Such surroundings make the already quiet mountain tops even more surreal.
Get Yourself A Black Pearl
Jewelry made from these magnificent pearls is sure to make your eyes sparkle. However, they are not budget-friendly. They are costly, and unless you have a lot of spare money, it is unwise to spend them behind a piece of jewelry.
But if you look around and know how to bargain, you might be able to get a piece of black pearl jewelry at a fairly reasonable price.
Ride Jet Skies
An ocean experience without riding jet skies? That cannot be possible. Luckily, you will find a jet ski service on almost all the beaches in Bora Bora. You can rent a jet ski and pay depending on the time you wish to use it. Breeze through the ocean water in these power vehicles and enjoy the waves crashing at your feet.
Visit The Lagoonarium
A lagoonarium is a life-sized aquarium. Pretty hard to believe, right? You can get a snorkel and dive into these open lagoonarium. You can see colorful fishes swimming around you.
You will be under the supervision of guides so that nothing unexpected happens. You will get to see rare fishes like parrotfish, butterflyfish, and jackfish swim around you. Not only these, but you will also get to see dolphins swimming and playing around you. If you are visiting Bora Bora with your family, a visit to the Lagoonarium can be a great chance to spend quality time with your family.
Final Thoughts
Bora Bora will give you some beautiful memories that you can cherish for a lifetime.
The ocean will calm your mind, the mountain’s starry sky will make you feel enchanted, and the mountain-top will make you feel like you are at the top of the world.
So if you are looking to visit a place to relieve the boredom of your everyday life, Bora Bora island should be your next destination.
