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Island in French Polynesia
Photo: User: (WT-shared) Tensaibuta at wts wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 1.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Bora Bora is a volcanic island in the Society Islands archipelago of French Polynesia. The Polynesian island in the South Pacific is ranked at the top of the list when it comes to most remarkably beautiful in the world. The best time to visit is May.
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A certified diver acts as underwater guide as you swim and come face to face with the turtles, sharks, sting rays and numerous other fish which call the lagoonarium their home. As the "...rium" name implies, this commercial aquarium is a captive, enclosed zoo-like environment, preventing free movement beyond the confines of the establishment. For those that are not into diving, there is a little submarine. Numerous visitors that have voted this as a favorite.
Shark and ray feeding is typically done in shallow waters inside the lagoon. Approximately 10-20 sharks as well as 10-15 rays will approach the boat and swim nearby, largely avoiding any snorkelers courageous enough to swim near.
Offering many and varied services from water taxi to tours, fishing to feeding.
One of the world's largest yacht charter companies, it provides charters from bareboat to luxury yachts.
If you do not have a diving license, but still want to enjoy the underwater scenery, this is an option. You do not need to know how to swim in order to wear the breathing undersea apparatus, and children from 8 are accepted.
Chinese restaurant and take-away.
A small pizza shack that provides a multitude of different pizzas at reasonable prices. They are on the main road between the Sofitel Marara and Matira Beach. Place the order for pizza, then walk south to Tiara Market for beverages.
Reasonably priced, excellent Tahitian restaurant.
One of the most famous of restaurants in Bora Bora, it is known for its American flavor. As with most restaurants on Bora Bora, expect to spend US$60-80 per person. Some visitors might be a little surprised by the service (speed over quality....) Outside they have a pair of big boards with the names on all of the famous people who have eaten there, e.g. Pamela Anderson, Pierce Brosnan, Carlos Delgado, Marlon Brando, and Janet Jackson. Service general begins with arrival from a "shuttle service" from your hotel's drop off point. Patrons then decide their meal while looking directly at the current "meat" selections. After selecting your meal, you are seated at a table lodged in the sand with a stool. Service will come asking for your drink choice at this point. Food will be served later. As everyone arrives/leaves at the same time, plan on being there for at least 1.5 hours.
A small French restaurant with only 5 tables. Serves the best French food on the island, by an amazing chef. Make reservations.
Nestled in a little Zen garden with a little waterfall, maybe the cheapest place for this quality in Polynesia.
A small collection of bungalows with simple kitchenettes, fans, and private baths in a garden beside the ocean. There are also 3 bungalows on stilts over the water (24,500 F/night). Infinity swimming pool, friendly staff. Next door to the Maikai restaurant and bar. Breakfast available. Wi-Fi quality is mixed. 5 min walk to a supermarket.
Luxurious 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom villas can accommodate up to 5 people. It's in the residential and peaceful northern part of Bora, and features one of the most beautiful views on the lagoon. It is mountainside in a manicured tropical garden with a little sandy beach less than 30 m (100 feet) from the house across the road.
Features (comparatively) reasonably priced over-water bungalows, not as splendid as its neighbor the Intercontinental, but nice. Get one of the over-water rooms at the end of the pier in which the rooms are located on as the water is deeper at these rooms. The other rooms are just off the beach and some are in water less than 30 cm deep.
Over-water bungalows and a pool facing the sea.
400-m-long island with no other hotel on it, it enjoys fantastic views of the main island, and has incredible snorkeling (snorkeling tour boats actually come to the area at the back). The beach is small, but the whole place is more intimate than other motu-located resorts.
You do not get the views on the island (well, you're on it). Nonetheless, this is a classy resort with all you can expect for the price.
Large hotel, billing itself as a 5-star resort. Very expensive, but there have been conflicting reports about the attitude of the staff. A popular destination for Japanese weddings, this hotel features a turtle sanctuary and a beach. The overwater bungalows are a novelty. It sits on a motu away from the main island, transport to the main island is via shuttle boat. Overwater bungalows feature glass floors which look into the water, however there is little "wildlife" in the water immediately surrounding the hotel.
Every room (100 in all) is a suite with luxury bathroom. Many of the rooms are over-water villas, some with pools or spas. Over-water villas have glass panels in the floors and under-villa lighting to make the lagoon shimmer in your room. Guests are 80% American, 80% of whom are honeymooners. Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban honeymooned here. Two excellent restaurants on-site, one by Chef Jean Georges. The angle of the view on the main island is impressive.
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5-star resort with great amenities and warm hospitality.
Take an international flight to Tahiti, and then a less than an hour flight to Bora Bora.
Read in the guideBy car or bike
Renting a bicycle, moped or a car can be an option if you plan to have your freedom on the main island.
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Motu Mute · Regional · BOB
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Articles and travel topics about Bora Bora and French Polynesia.
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