Choose from 5 Fun Things to Do in Bora Bora
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Coral Gardens
Bora Bora is one of the most famous islands in French Polynesia. The main island is surrounded by a lagoon, a barrier reef, and tiny islets that help keep the water calm most of the time. On Bora Bora across from the main island, you'll find the fascinating Coral Gardens. This coral reef is not far below the surface of the water, so it makes for easy and fun snorkeling. Visitors will get to see colorful coral as well as a variety of fish that live in the area. Some of the fish you could see include butterfly fish, parrot fish, puffer fish, Picasso trigger fish, snapper, tang, goat fish, grouper, trumpet fish, zebra unicorn fish, wrasse or Japanese moray eels. In some areas, it's possible to even see sharks and stingrays.
There aren't many public beaches on Bora Bora since the resorts own them privately. This makes access to the Coral Garden reefs a bit limited depending on where you're staying. Many companies operate boat tours, shark and stingray feedings, snorkeling, and scuba diving excursions. These tours are especially helpful in bringing visitors to see parts of the coral reef located farther from shore.
Practical Info
The Coral Gardens section of Bora Bora's reef is easiest to access, and it is located east of the main island and across from the Sofitel Marara resort.
Address: Bora Bora, French Polynesia
From $ 135
Bloody Mary's Restaurant
Bloody Mary's is Bora Bora's most famous restaurant. It is as well known for its food as it is for its colorful history and atmosphere.
The restaurant was founded in 1979 by an eccentric Polish nobleman, the Baron Jerzy Hubert Edward von Dange (George to his friends). It was sold to a Los Angeles businessman in 1985 but the restaurant still maintains what it calls its “old Tahiti style.” The building is a fare tiurai, a traditional hut with a thatched roof and open sides. The kitschy interior features a sand floor (bare foot dining encouraged), tiki torches and polished palm trunks for seats.
Bloody Mary's is open for lunch, dinner and drinks. On the menu is fresh seafood and the daily catch is displayed on ice at the entrance. You will no doubt be encouraged to pair your meal with a fruity island cocktail. Don't forget to check out the open air restrooms which have waterfalls instead of sinks.
The restaurant was founded in 1979 by an eccentric Polish nobleman, the Baron Jerzy Hubert Edward von Dange (George to his friends). It was sold to a Los Angeles businessman in 1985 but the restaurant still maintains what it calls its “old Tahiti style.” The building is a fare tiurai, a traditional hut with a thatched roof and open sides. The kitschy interior features a sand floor (bare foot dining encouraged), tiki torches and polished palm trunks for seats.
Bloody Mary's is open for lunch, dinner and drinks. On the menu is fresh seafood and the daily catch is displayed on ice at the entrance. You will no doubt be encouraged to pair your meal with a fruity island cocktail. Don't forget to check out the open air restrooms which have waterfalls instead of sinks.
(Image courtesy of www.bloodymarys.com)
Address: Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Hours: Restaurant: Mon-Wed 11am-3pm; Mon-Sat 6pm-9pm. Bar: Mon-Sat 9:30am-11pm
From $ 226
Mount Otemanu
A jagged pinnacle towering over paradise, Mount Otemanu demands attention from visitors to Bora Bora. Although French Polynesia island is known more for its overwater bungalows than its towering vertical cliffs, the view of this ancient volcano above the turquoise lagoon casts a siren call to the adventurous. Unlike that of its neighbor Mount Pahia, the summit of Mount Otemanu is insurmountable due to its precarious rocks (picture a real-life drip castle); however, a smattering of seductive options for exploring the peak from both above and below make up for the limited hiking opportunities.
The Basics
How to Get to Mt. Otemanu
Rent a scooter or a car to easily zip around Bora Bora's 20 miles (32 km) of coastal roads. Ambitious visitors can rent a bike, although be warned that there are hills. Most of the tourist services, including the Bora Bora Visitors Bureau, are located in the town of Vaitape.
When to Visit Mt. Otemanu
The Basics
Bora Bora is famous for its lagoon, where snorkeling adventures, jet ski excursions, and diving experiences abound amid turquoise waters. Hop on a catamaran lagoon tour to access secluded swimming holes and admire the view of Mt. Otemanu's lush hillsides and towering spire from the deck. Adventurous travelers can make a partial-summit of the mountain with a hiking guide, but don't attempt this trip alone—the path is notoriously twisted and some portions require ropes.
For a sweat-free elevated experience, choose a helicopter tour with a panoramic view of Mt. Otemanu and the crystal-clear waters below. Fly over Matira Point Beach, the Coral Gardens, and Faanui Bay, and see the heart-shaped island of Tupai in the distance. Your tour guide will provide onboard English commentary, pointing out areas of archaeological interest and remnants of the United States' presence in the South Pacific during World War II.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Most boat tours include fresh food and champagne.
- Tours of Mt. Otemanu are suitable for most active travelers.
- Consider bringing waterproof sandals, a hat, and sunscreen for catamaran tours.
- Pack your camera to capture the stunning vistas on a helicopter tour.
Rent a scooter or a car to easily zip around Bora Bora's 20 miles (32 km) of coastal roads. Ambitious visitors can rent a bike, although be warned that there are hills. Most of the tourist services, including the Bora Bora Visitors Bureau, are located in the town of Vaitape.
When to Visit Mt. Otemanu
Score the lowest prices on travel in Bora Bora by visiting during the low seasons of November, April, and May. You'll find the coolest temperatures and best snorkeling in June through August, with peak season running from June through October.
Address: Bora Bora, French Polynesia
From $ 189
Faanui Bay and Church
Located toward the northwest of the main island of Bora Bora, Faanui is a village overlooking a namesake bay featuring calm, turquoise waters perfect for swimming. Here you'll find the remains of a US naval base, as Faanui Bay was used by the US Army between 1942 and 1946 to build their military station.
Fruit plantations give insight into the local agriculture, while stalls showcasing wraparound skirts (pareos) add color to the streets. You'll also find Farenua, a sacred place of worship built with stones called a "marae." It is the biggest of its kind in Bora Bora and for many, the highlight of their trip.
The most iconic landmark of Faanui, however, is its beautiful light pink church set in front of a lush green mountain background and marking the head of Faanui Bay. Nearby you'll be able to access a road which heads away from the coast and into the lush vegetation of inland Bora Bora.
Fruit plantations give insight into the local agriculture, while stalls showcasing wraparound skirts (pareos) add color to the streets. You'll also find Farenua, a sacred place of worship built with stones called a "marae." It is the biggest of its kind in Bora Bora and for many, the highlight of their trip.
The most iconic landmark of Faanui, however, is its beautiful light pink church set in front of a lush green mountain background and marking the head of Faanui Bay. Nearby you'll be able to access a road which heads away from the coast and into the lush vegetation of inland Bora Bora.
Address: Faanui Bay, French Polynesia
From $ 73
Matira Point & Beach
Matira Beach is the only public beach on Bora Bora. Although it's not associated with any resort, it still boasts 2 kilometers (1.24 miles) of bright white sand, coconut groves and lapping waves. The beach opens onto a shallow, sandy bottomed lagoon with perfect snorkeling conditions. Swimmers can see colorful corals and the huge variety of tropical fish which give the area its nickname: “The Aquarium.”
The beach stretches from the Hotel Bora Bora to Matira Point, which is a low sandy peninsula that juts into the lagoon. At low tide you can wade from here all the way out to the coral reef.
The only downside to Matira Beach is that it can get somewhat crowded and hectic, particularly on days when a cruise ship is docked nearby. Nonetheless it's still a beautiful (and free) attraction. In the evenings this west-facing beach is perfect for watching the sunset.
The beach stretches from the Hotel Bora Bora to Matira Point, which is a low sandy peninsula that juts into the lagoon. At low tide you can wade from here all the way out to the coral reef.
The only downside to Matira Beach is that it can get somewhat crowded and hectic, particularly on days when a cruise ship is docked nearby. Nonetheless it's still a beautiful (and free) attraction. In the evenings this west-facing beach is perfect for watching the sunset.
Address: Bora Bora, French Polynesia
From $ 176