In the southern Pacific Ocean lies the Windward Group of islands in French Polynesia. They are located in the archipelago of the Society Islands. The 118 islands cover over two million square miles of ocean. Bora Bora is one of them. The letter ‘b’ does not exist in their language. Their island was called Pora Pora, but early visitors mistook the ‘p’ for a ‘b’. It is called the Romantic Island. Here are ten things to do in Bora Bora.
1. Helicopter Trip
Enjoy the views sipping champagne poured by the pilot. See Mount Otemanu and turquoise lagoons. See the sunrise or the sunset or both. A helicopter trip makes a great platform for taking exciting pictures. Reviewers reported the trip as “out of this world” and “amazing”
2. Parasailing
Observe the beautiful lagoons, Mount Otemanu, and the outlying islands from a bird’s eye view. Watch the sea life such as turtles, sharks, and stingrays. Or just feel the wind on your body as you tour the island.
3. Kitesurfing
Kitesurfing combines parasailing with windsurfing. Using a manageable kite, the surfer is brought through the water on a surfboard, without a boat. Try freestyle and downwind surfing, taught by a safety-conscious instructor. Oddly, reviews of the sports center on the wonderful instructor, his patience and motivating skills as well as how much fun he was. You won’t want to miss this.
4. Aquabike
Check out the sea life on an aquabike. The two-seater scooter is hydraulically lowered into the turquoise water and an experienced diver will accompany you. It’s like a two-man submersible from which you can feed the fish bread bits. It is romantic and beautiful.
5. Aqua Safari with Helmet
Go for a two-hour walk underwater. A boat tour of the lagoon and snorkeling are included. Play among the fish wearing a helmet that supplies air. No experience required, even if you don’t swim well. Walking only 15 feet beneath the surface is fun and easy with your guide along to tell stories and describe fish and other undersea treasures.
6. Submarine Dive
Remember the Beatles’ “Yellow Submarine”? Dive in a yellow submarine and try to identify the many types of marine life in a 30-minute dive beneath the glorious waters of the lagoon. Admire the coral reefs and perhaps see a turtle or moray eel.
7. Boat Tour
Rent a boat for the day and tour the lagoon and island. A tour guide will accompany you to show you virgin areas and you can snorkel and swim with the fishes among beautiful coral reefs.
8. Jeep Safari
Go on a safari to the lone pearl farm on the island. See WWII cannon emplacements and enjoy a fruit tasting. Tour 3 villages and 4 lookout points from which panoramic views make excellent pictures of the lagoon. The drivers love their island and love equally sharing stories and information about history and culture in addition to flora and fauna.
9. Mount Otemanu
A remnant of volcanic majesty, its cloud cover creates a stunning view from anywhere on the island. No matter where you are on the island, the mountain changes. Hire a guide and go hiking to discover more about this stunning centerpiece of Bora Bora.
10. Matira Beach
What’s a trip to the South Pacific without a beach experience? This one has hiking trails as well as food and shopping. It is the superlative place to watch the sunset as it is on the western tip of the island. Romantic and beautiful, it has pristine sands and beautiful waters in which to swim. Watch the shades of blue change during the hours of the day as you swim in waist-deep waters for hundreds of feet off the beach. From this beach, you can watch and cheer on the outrigger canoe races. Reviewers couldn’t praise the beach enough.
