Bora-Bora

Bora Bora is a dream destination for boating enthusiasts who want to explore the stunning lagoon and the surrounding islands of French Polynesia. Whether you want to rent a sailboat, a luxury yacht, or a private boat with a captain, you will find plenty of options to suit your budget and preferences. Bora Bora offers a variety of boating experiences, from sailing in the calm waters of the lagoon, to cruising around the motus (islets), to venturing out to the open sea and discovering other islands. In this article, we will give you some tips and suggestions on how to plan your boating adventure in Bora Bora, as well as some of the top attractions and activities you can enjoy on land and water.

Top 5 Nearby Destinations by Boat

One of the best ways to experience Bora Bora is to rent a boat and explore the nearby destinations that offer stunning scenery, rich culture, and diverse marine life. Here are some of the top places you can visit by boat from Bora Bora:

The enchanting escapades that French Polynesia offers are indeed mesmerizing, with distinct attractions gracing each individual island. While exploring these gems, consider enhancing your experience by exploring the vibrant oceanic life and tranquil sea vistas through various nautical adventures. Select from a diverse array of watercraft, including yacht charters in French Polynesia or perhaps opt for a more intimate journey with sailboat rentals in French Polynesia.

Taha’a offers a serene retreat into nature with its lush vanilla plantations and exquisite coral gardens. For a day of festivity amidst the turquoise waters, consider party boat rentals in French Polynesia to illuminate your aquatic endeavors with a celebratory spirit.

Raiatea, esteemed as a cultural haven, unveils the magnificence of Polynesian history, whilst also offering beautiful valleys and gardens to explore. Consider uncovering the beauty of Raiatea and its lagoon from the luxury of a yacht charter in Tahiti, or opt for an equally thrilling adventure on a catamaran charter in Tahiti. In the spellbinding ambiance of Bora Bora, immerse yourself in opulence by indulging in luxury yacht charters in Bora-Bora. Alternatively, explore the gentle sea breezes and tranquil waters with sailboat rentals in Bora-Bora or celebrate on the glistening waters with party boat rentals in Bora-Bora.

Maupiti, tiny yet enchanting, captivates with its minimalism and untouched beauty, creating a serene haven away from the hustle and bustle, while catamaran charters in Bora-Bora facilitate a smooth voyage to its welcoming shores.

Tupai, the heart-shaped atoll, invites romantic gestures and unparalleled serenity amidst its undisturbed nature, whereas Rangiroa, the giant of the ocean, calls for deeper explorations beneath the waves, or perhaps through leisurely days at a pearl farm or vineyard.

As we journey through these islands, we find diverse boating options generously presented by the resplendent French Polynesia. Whether it be aboard a luxury yacht, an agile sailboat, a spacious catamaran, or an exuberant party boat, the memories forged amidst the Polynesian waves shall undoubtedly linger eternally within every adventurer's soul.

Top Experiences in Bora Bora

Bora Bora is not only about boating; it also offers many other attractions and activities that you can enjoy on land or water. Here are some of the top experiences you should not miss in Bora Bora:

Visit Matira Beach: Matira Beach is one of the few public beaches in Bora Bora and one of the most beautiful ones. It has soft white sand, clear blue water, and stunning views of Mount Otemanu. You can sunbathe, swim, snorkel, or kayak on this beach, or enjoy a meal or drink at one of the nearby restaurants and bars. Matira Beach is also a great place to watch the sunset and take amazing photos.

Take a 4WD Tour: A 4WD tour is a fun and adventurous way to explore the island and learn about its history and culture. You can join a guided tour or rent a 4WD vehicle and drive yourself. You will visit some of the most scenic spots on the island, such as the lookout points of Matira, Faanui, and Vaitape, the WWII guns and cannons, the ancient marae of Fare Opu, and the pineapple plantations. You will also get to taste some local fruits and products along the way.

Snorkel or Dive in the Lagoon: Bora Bora’s lagoon is a natural aquarium that hosts a variety of colorful fish, coral, sharks, rays, and turtles. You can snorkel or dive in different sites around the lagoon, such as the Coral Garden, the Lagoonarium, the Leopard Rays Trench, and Tupitipiti Point. You can also join a tour that will take you to swim with sharks and stingrays in their natural habitat. Snorkeling and diving in Bora Bora are suitable for all levels of experience and are a must-do for any water lover.

Experience a Polynesian Spa: Bora Bora is also a place to relax and pamper yourself with a Polynesian spa treatment. You can choose from a variety of massages, facials, body wraps, and scrubs that use natural ingredients such as coconut oil, vanilla, tiare flowers, and sea salt. You can enjoy your spa session in a traditional fare (bungalow) overlooking the lagoon, or in an overwater bungalow with glass floors. Some resorts also offer couples massages and romantic packages that include champagne and flowers.

Enjoy a Polynesian Show: Bora Bora is rich in culture and traditions, and one of the best ways to experience them is to watch a Polynesian show. You can see local dancers and musicians perform traditional songs and dances that tell stories of their ancestors, legends, and customs. You can also learn how to dance the tamure (a fast hip-shaking dance) or play the ukulele. Some resorts offer Polynesian shows every night, while others have special events once or twice a week. You can also combine your show with a buffet dinner that features local dishes such as poisson cru (raw fish salad), fafaru (fermented fish), taro (root vegetable), and poe (fruit pudding).

Activities & Best Beaches

Bora Bora has many activities and beaches to suit every taste and interest. Whether you want to have some fun, adventure, or romance, you will find something to do in Bora Bora. Here are some of the best activities and beaches you can enjoy in Bora Bora:

Jet Skiing: Jet skiing is one of the most popular activities in Bora Bora, as it allows you to explore the lagoon at high speed and have an adrenaline rush. You can rent a jet ski or join a guided tour that will take you around the island, stopping at different points of interest. You can also combine your jet ski tour with other activities such as snorkeling, lunch at Bloody Mary’s restaurant, or eco shark and ray safari .

Paddleboarding: Paddleboarding is another great way to discover the lagoon and enjoy its calm and clear water. You can rent a paddleboard or join a tour that will teach you how to use it. You can paddle along the shore or venture out to the deeper water where you can see fish and coral below you. Paddleboarding is suitable for all ages and fitness levels and is a relaxing and fun activity .

Hiking: Hiking is a rewarding activity that will let you see Bora Bora from a different perspective. You can hike to the summit of Mount Otemanu or Mount Pahia, which are both extinct volcanoes that offer spectacular views of the island and the lagoon. The hikes are challenging and require a good level of fitness and a guide. Alternatively, you can hike to more accessible points such as Mount Popoti or Mount Ohue .

Underwater Scooter: Underwater scooter is an innovative activity that will make you feel like an astronaut under water. You will wear an air-supplied helmet that allows you to breathe normally while sitting on a scooter that propels you through the water. You will be surrounded by tropical fish and coral as you glide along the lagoon floor. This activity is suitable for anyone who can sit on a scooter, and no diving experience is required.

Best Beaches in Bora Bora

Bora Bora has some of the most stunning beaches in the world, with soft sand, turquoise water, and palm trees. Here are some of the best beaches you can visit in Bora Bora:

Matira Beach: As mentioned before, Matira Beach is one of the few public beaches in Bora Bora and one of the most beautiful ones. It is located at the southern tip of the main island, and it has a long stretch of sand that curves around the lagoon. Matira Beach is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or sunbathing, and it has many restaurants and bars nearby.

Motu Piti Aau: Motu Piti Aau is one of the largest motus in Bora Bora, and it hosts several resorts, such as the InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa, the Le Meridien Bora Bora, and the Sofitel Bora Bora Private Island. Motu Piti Aau has some of the best beaches in Bora Bora, with fine sand, clear water, and amazing views of Mount Otemanu. You can also enjoy some of the best snorkeling spots on this motu, such as the Coral Garden and the Lagoonarium.

Motu Tevairoa: Motu Tevairoa is another large motu in Bora Bora, and it hosts two resorts: the Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa and the Conrad Bora Bora Nui. Motu Tevairoa has some of the most luxurious beaches in Bora Bora, with overwater bungalows, private pools, and spa facilities. You can also enjoy some of the best activities on this motu, such as jet skiing, paddleboarding, or parasailing.

Safety and Emergency Information

Bora Bora is a safe and peaceful destination, but it is always good to be prepared for any emergency or situation that may arise. Here are some of the safety and emergency information you should know before visiting Bora Bora:

The emergency number in French Polynesia is 17 for police, 18 for fire brigade, and 15 for medical assistance.

The main hospital in Bora Bora is Le Centre Hospitalier de Uturoa (CHU), located in Vaitape. It has a 24-hour emergency service and a hyperbaric chamber for diving accidents. The phone number is +689 40 60 61 00.

The main pharmacy in Bora Bora is Pharmacie Vaitape, located in Vaitape. It is open from Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, and on Saturday from 7:30 am to 12 pm. The phone number is +689 40 67 60 60.

The main police station in Bora Bora is Gendarmerie Nationale de Vaitape, located in Vaitape. It is open from Monday to Friday from 7:30 am to 12 pm and from 2 pm to 5 pm. The phone number is +689 40 67 50 05.

The main tourist office in Bora Bora is Office de Tourisme de Vaitape, located in Vaitape. It is open from Monday to Friday from 8 am to 4 pm. The phone number is +689 40 67 76 36.

Conclusion

Bora Bora is a boater’s paradise that offers endless possibilities for sailing, cruising, and exploring. You can rent a boat in Bora Bora and visit some of the most beautiful destinations in French Polynesia, such as Taha’a, Raiatea, Maupiti, Tupai, and Rangiroa. You can also enjoy some of the best attractions and activities in Bora Bora, such as snorkeling, diving, hiking, spa, and Polynesian show. Bora Bora is a safe and friendly destination, but you should always be aware of the safety and emergency information before you go. Bora Bora is a place that will make you fall in love with its beauty, culture, and people. Happy sails!