Bora Bora is the ultimate traveling destination. The azure waters and rustling sea breezes are the perfect La Isla Bonita to enjoy one’s Spanish Lullaby in an unparalleled trance.
Add to this the world-famous overwater bungalows jutting out into the very heart of the oceans and you are excused for believing that you are in Elysium already.
And before you forget, Bora Bora also offers you an amazing range of activities to make your holiday even better.
We know it is hard to break the spell of watching the beautiful surrounding motus and the sumptuous visuals of Mount Otemenu from your bungalow, but we sincerely urge you to descend down onto earth and participate in some of the equally exciting activities on offer here.
Here are the 15 awesome things you should try on your next visit to Bora Bora for an unforgettable holiday experience:
Marcelo Alex / Shutterstock.com
When you eventually grow tired of sun basking and swimming, one of the most adventurous things to try in Bora Bora is to go snorkeling, with just a little twist – you do it with the sharks!
Now, before you get into a panic attack, let me clarify these are the varieties of sharks that, for once, do not attack humans.
Besides, you do not dive into the deep ocean – you are essentially snorkeling in waist-high waters most of the time.
You could have the thrill of watching these human-friendly fish-preying black-tailed reef sharks have their daily meal as the guide would let you see him throw fish-meat bites into the waters.
Within seconds, you would find hordes of these ominous-looking black-edged sharks swarm into the fish pieces and tear them off to shreds.
It is hard to believe at this moment that these sharks are actually harmless to humans!
Maridav / Shutterstock.com
You could satisfy all your Tour de France fantasies by going for a bicycle trek in the lush green surroundings here.
Also, you can have some much-needed self-esteem brownie points by circumnavigating the entire island on your two-wheeled bestie – yes Bora Bora is actually that tiny! The complete road that goes around the whole island is only 20 miles in length!
You can also enjoy taking a peek at some amazing sights on your cycling escapades. Brush through sleepy old fishing villages that will transport you into a bygone era instantly.
Explore many of the ancient Polynesian temples still standing tall as a symbol of defiance to the changing times.
Needless to mention the exquisite visual beauty of the lush landscapes – you can never have enough of that in Bora Bora, can you?
Once you are amply tired, cool down with a sumptuous meal and a few breezy drinks at the amazing Bloody Mary’s, a little eatery-cum-waterhole that cozily fits in the surroundings.
Mike Andrew / Shutterstock.com
Bathe in all the scenic beauty of the sparkling white sands and shining blue waters of the lagoon at the amazing Matira Beach.
This beach is a work of an artist in the sheer beauty of its natural features. It has a strong claim to being the best beach in Bora Bora!
It is not the longest of beaches – stretching for only over a mile on the southern side of Bora Bora. The waters here are cool and sober, and you can enjoy a nice and easy swim in them.
Several coral sections lie around the vicinity here. The waters are home to some of the most colorful fish species you will find. Not bad for a quick dive to snorkel some more.
Just spread yourself on your beach mat and enjoy the soft ambiance and rustling light sea-breeze among the tall coconut palms.
Once you start feeling hungry, just head into any of the umpteen warm cafes and restaurants dotting the scene here.
Nibble on the huge variety of feisty local recipes. Top it off with some neat drinks to suit your mood at the time.
Going around the island in a rugged jeep is an amazing experience.
Die-hard Indiana Jones lovers will relive the thrills and chills of the cult classic, just without the hidden treasures, bandits and the associated dangers.
The volcanic eruptions and ash deposits have made the surface of Bora Bora pretty uneven. You would enjoy jumping around the bumpy roads here as you coast around in your jeep.
Just be careful to hold on to the bars tight enough. You run a real danger of getting tossed over onto the road here.
Along the way, explore the rich flora of the island. Get the full deep dive on the exotic juicy fruits and flowers in this region as your guide tells you colorful tales about them.
The famous Hawaiian fruit takes its root from this island. The Polynesians seem to have carried over the “canoe plants” in the deep past with them to Hawaii.
Many people would not be aware, but WW II did not even spare this little paradise amid majestic blue ocean waters. Bora Bora was an American base in that war where the troops left behind a few 20-feet long cannons.
You can have a quick sneak-peak and a few clicks at these on your jeep trip.
The jeep tour comes to a grand close with a 2-hour jet ski fun adventure.
Alternatively, you can trade your jet ski ride for yet another snorkeling session with the sharks, who hopefully by now seem a little friendlier!
No beach holiday is complete without a huge glass of frothing lager.
So too for Bora Bora. Like most beach holiday destinations, this island also has its own flavor of the local beer brewed in a peculiar indigenous technique.
Traditionally, Hinano lager has been the go-to local beer of Tahiti.
The Hinano has been brewed and enjoyed in large quantities since 1955.
Hinano is not a soft lager. It has quite a bitter crispiness to it and leaves a strong sting as you gulp in the first few sips.
Some people would fall in love with it and have many glasses before they leave this heavenly island.
Others would rather have their tested favorite lagers at the local grocery shops.
It must be mentioned here that the Hinano in Bora Bora is way cheaper than the fancy imported lagers.
As a local brew, it does not have to include costly taxes and import duties in its price and lets travelers enjoy the fun at affordable rates.
William Cushman / Shutterstock.com
Though Mount Otemanu is the most famous peak in Bora Bora, the formidable Mount Pahia carries its own thunder.
Mount Pahia is one of the toughest peaks to scale, even for seasoned mountaineers.
You could try having a crack at it and prance around with renewed self-esteem if you do manage to touch the summit.
Self-esteem is not the only reward Mount Pahia offers for your exertions.
The view of the surrounding lagoons from the top of the mountain is just drop-dead breath-taking!
Just the perfect setting to put your DSLRs to good use and collect some awe-striking memories that will last a lifetime!
Just be forewarned not to attempt the hike all by yourself.
Mount Pahia might be only 2159 feet high, but the trek is incredibly difficult.
You have to climb through thick jungles and five extremely steep sections to conquer this little rock!
Always engage a guide and pay the proper respects to Mount Pahia before you attempt to scale its proud peaks!
James Jones Jr / Shutterstock.com
No Bora Bora trip is complete without the world-famous overwater bungalows.
These bungalows are painstakingly crafted out of the indigenous pandanus palm and other woods.
Jutting out into the ocean waters, you can enjoy sumptuous visuals of the underlying lagoon from the balconies here!
One of the thrills here is taking a dive straight from your balcony into the mesmerizing royal blue waters below.
The overwater bungalows are smartly paneled with glass floors to let you marvel at the beautifully patterned fish in the clear waters below.
The Turtle Centre Project was set up in Bora Bora to preserve this beautiful sea -creature from imminent extinction.
You can heal an injured sea turtle here and, once fully back to life, have the satisfaction of releasing it back into its natural abode.
You could also clear turtle’s shells of algae and help these grand old men of the seas enjoy better lives.
If you possess an aviator’s spirit, you can roam the skies in a short helicopter ride around this majestic island.
The panoramic views from those heights are simply breathtaking.
The teal-blue waters from above shine like little blue sapphires to leave you overawed with their beauty.
Also, the aerial visuals of the proud Mount Otemenu and Mount Pahia from inside your helicopter will make you feel powerful and a little emotional at the same time.
EQRoy / Shutterstock.com
The legend in Bora Bora says that visitors will fall sick with “black fever” if they set out on a quest to lay their hands on the famous buffed black pearls of these waters.
Indigenous pearl farmers have been cultivating these mystical gemstones in the lagoons of French Polynesia for ages now.
You can buy a few of these black beauties at local stores in Vaitape, the major town in Bora Bora.
We are warning you beforehand though, to watch out for any tormented spirit visiting you when you carry these bewitched stones back with you!
Maridav / Shutterstock.com
Would you like to learn a cool skill with a cryptic short form while holidaying in Bora Bora? Sounds counterintuitive!
Honestly, it does but let us reassure you can really learn to stand-up paddleboard – the cool SUP skill – when you holiday to Bora Bora!
This is a fun skill to pick up and once you get the hang of it you can enjoy many hours of paddleboarding on ocean waters – not just here, but in other waters also – just make sure you do it standing up!
Mike Liu / Shutterstock.com
For all those speed-lovers among us, you can have your dose of vrooming thrill as you jet ski around the island at blazing speeds!
Jet-skiing is one of the most thrilling things to experience in Bora Bora.
Most of the jet-ski trips here are long 2-hour ones that leave you with ample time to have endless fun as you zig-zag in the calm waters on your jet-ski!
Besides the speed, the jet-ski ride here is even more fun because of the fresh green-turquoise blue waters.
Your eyes can feast on the majestic natural scenery to their fill.
The best part is that the waters here turn into different shades of blue with the journeying sun and make for a sheer visual delight!
Maridav / Shutterstock.com
The iconic Mount Otemanu stands tall majestically in the center of Bora Bora with its lush greed slopes painted with volcanic ash over the centuries.
You can enjoy sumptuous visuals of Mount Otemanu from the surrounding waters in a boat.
Alternatively, watch the mountain from up close by going on a challenging hike over its vast stretches.
These treks are tough, and you should always take an experienced guide along.
aitahiti / Shutterstock.com
If you book your stay at Bora Bora at the luxurious Conrad Bora Bora resort, then you get a bonus by being able to visit the exquisite privately owned Mota Tapu island.
You will enjoy peaceful solitude and clean, decluttered spaces on this island, as being privately owned, it is still unspoiled by hordes of visiting crowds.
You can trek around some of the amazing trails on this island.
Enjoy deep gasps of fresh, healthy air on your travels as you catch glimpses of exquisite natural beauty in the surrounding landscape.
Enjoy the hustle-bustle and the sheer magnificence of a busy ship dock in full flow at the Farepiti Point.
This is the major deep-water docking port in Bora Bora and you can find all kinds of cargo being loaded and unloaded here.
This dock also goes by the colorful name of Farepiti Quay and Farepiti Wharf. It is the central docking point for all French Polynesian cargo ships.
You can watch glimpses of exotic wares in the cargo here. Tahiti is one of the major centers where a large volume of goods is exchanged in ships which ultimately touch base at the Farepiti Point.
We hope this Bora Bora travel guide leaves you with enough crazy ideas to try out on your next island retreat. Bora Bora is not a travel destination to miss out on.
If you haven’t already visited this La Isla Bonita already, we strongly urge you to book a ticket now and enjoy the majestic beauty of this little paradise in the middle of stunning blue waters!
Discover the world.
© All rights reserved.
