Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Bora Bora

Bora Bora is one of the most beautiful islands in the South Pacific. It is within the Society Islands group in the French Polynesia. It is located 230km northwest of Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia. The main island of Bora Bora is an extinct volcano consisting of two peaks named Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu. A shallow lagoon surrounds the main island, and a barrier reef encircle it, providing protection against the open ocean. Islands that have emerged out of the barrier reef are called "motus", or "isles".The name comes from the Tahitian word "pora-pora", which means "first born".

Bora Bora is believed to have seen human habitation since the 4th century, when the people of Tonga arrived there. It used to be known by its old Polynesian name Vava'u. It was first sighted by Dutch explorer Jakob Roggeveen in 1722, and James Cook arrived there in 1777. Missionaries from the London Missionary Society arrived there in 1820, and this led to the establishment of a Protestant church there in 1822. Bora Bora was used as a military supply base for the United States during the Second World War, even though it never saw any fighting. The airstrip at Bora Bora was the only international airport for French Polynesia, until the Faa'a International Airport at Papeete was opened in 1962.

Many US ex-servicemen loved the island so much that they decided to stay even when the military pulled out. Some even had to be forcibly repatriated complaints from their families. They were the first to discover Bora Bora for its beauty, at a time when tourism was at its infancy. Hotel Bora Bora was the first resort to be built over the water on stilts. That was thirty years ago, and today, overwater chalets have become a standard feature for Bora Bora resorts. The majority of rooms at Bora Bora are very expensive, as most material have to be airflown in.

Bora Bora attracts tourists mainly from France, America, Japan, and other European countries. Public transport is limited and not frequent. But as the place is not big, it is possible to explore much of it by bicycles, although outlying areas are better reached by boat. Apart from simple relaxation, tourists come to Bora Bora for snorkeling, swimming and scuba diving.

As of August 2007, there are just about nine thousand people living in Bora Bora, mainly in Vaitape, on the west side of the main island. Bora Bora today is heavily dependent on tourism. It caters mainly to upmarket tourists and many 5-star resorts have been built here. The resorts are often built on the motu or on stilts over the crystal clear lagoons. The guest can enjoy a wide variety of sea-related activities including shark and ray feeding excursions. Snorkelling and scuba diving are two other popular activities.

How to go to Bora Bora?

Air Tahiti has 5-6 daily flights between Faa'a International Airport (PPT) and Bora Bora. Airlines flying to Faa'a International Airport include Aircalin (to Nouméa), Air France (to Los Angeles), Air New Zealand (to Auckland), Air Rarotonga (to Rarotonga), Air Tahiti (to Afaraeitu, Avarua, Fare, Rarotonga, Tiputa, Tuherahera, Uturoa, Vaitape), Air Tahiti Nui (to Auckland, Los Angeles, New York-JFK, Osaka-Kansai, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Sydney, Tokyo-Narita), Hawaiian Airlines (to Honolulu) and LAN Airlines (to Hanga Roa, Santiago de Chile).

Weather in Bora Bora (Papeete)

View of Bora Bora from the sky
by makemake (GFDL)

Aerial view of Bora Bora
Author: Lair Jean Claude | Photos provided by Panoramio are under the copyright of their owners

Bora Bora aerial shot
Author: heavenearth | Photos provided by Panoramio are under the copyright of their owners

Bora Bora and the Canadian flag
Author: John Gillett | Photos provided by Panoramio are under the copyright of their owners

Arriving at Bora Bora
Author: Lair Jean Claude | Photos provided by Panoramio are under the copyright of their owners

Torquoise waters of French Polynesia
Author: Nathalie | Photos provided by Panoramio are under the copyright of their owners

The blue lagoon
Author: sergio cattivelli | Photos provided by Panoramio are under the copyright of their owners

Overwater chalets, Bora Bora
Author: JKN | Photos provided by Panoramio are under the copyright of their owners

Mount Otemanu, seen from Mount Pahia, Bora Bora
Author: rachel_thecat | Photos provided by Panoramio are under the copyright of their owners

Walkway at Hotel Sofitel Bora Bora
Author: Lair Jean Claude | Photos provided by Panoramio are under the copyright of their owners

Map: Bora Bora

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