An emerald dropped into French Polynesia’s sea of chalcedony, the volcanic island of Bora Bora is unapologetically lush and luxe. Crystalline lagoons shimmer like minimize glass, forest-draped peaks spike with wild class and overwater bungalows carry the drink proper to the doorstep; Bora Bora certain is aware of tips on how to make an impression.

Famed for being a honeymooner’s haven, Bora Bora is Tahiti’s quieter little sister. Most come right here for the attract that lies in escaping the fashionable hustle and reconnecting with nature. You gained’t discover bustling nightlife and late-night bar crawls on this isle of simply 38 sq km (14.7 sq miles), although there’s no scarcity of adrenaline-fueled nature actions both, if that’s your recreation.

So, what’s a first-timer to do? Right here’s what it’s worthwhile to know when planning your personal distinctive retreat to the Pearl of the Pacific.

When ought to I’m going to Bora Bora? 

The excellent news? You possibly can visit anytime, however climate could make some seasons extra interesting than others. Winter, from Could to October within the southern hemisphere, is the height interval with dry situations and temperatures within the excessive 20°Cs (mid-80°Fs), however count on greater costs and fewer availability at busier resorts. The climate is bang-on excellent, and the calm sea presents optimum visibility for snorkeling, swimming and diving. Whales, together with humpback, pygmy killer, widespread rorqual and melon-headed, migrate right here yearly from July to November, nursing their calves within the predator-free waters. With a number of tour operators, excursions to look at them are straightforward to e book.

From December to March, the moist season brings extra rain, greater humidity and a noticeable uptick in mosquitoes. However on the brilliant aspect, costs drop and lodging are extra plentiful, so your greenback goes additional. You’ll have extra of the island to your self with much less crowded seashores and the plush vegetation at its most verdant. Moreover, it’s possible you’ll get a extra genuine really feel for all times on the island with fewer vacationers and extra locals.

Take into account the shoulder season on both aspect of the climate phases, from April to Could, and the month of November. A lot of the island’s Polynesian festivals and occasions occur throughout this time, together with the Tahiti Pearl Regatta, Pareo Day, and the Hawaiki Nui Va’a outrigger canoe races. April begins the scuba diving season in Bora Bora, and the ocean is heat at about 28°C (83°F). You’ll additionally discover that the rain eases, giving solution to drier days. Lodging and flights stay less expensive in comparison with peak season charges, too.

How a lot time ought to I spend in Bora Bora?

A 3- to four-day keep may give you a style of the highlights. Snorkel the tepid waters of the sugar sand seashores exterior your lodging, discover the heritage and cultural websites and dive into conventional delicacies. The difficult half gained’t be discovering one thing to see however narrowing down your choices. The longer you keep, the extra you’ll see.

Is it straightforward to get in and round Bora Bora?

This abroad French Republic is roughly midway between Australia and South America and is a couple of 12-hour flight from Los Angeles. Vacationers should first cease in Tahiti to clear customs earlier than persevering with to the island. Bora Bora is the seen peak of an historical, extinct volcano encircled by a protecting coral reef. Dotted round this reef are small islets often called motu, all privately owned. The native airport claims its personal motu, which is accessible by boat. Usually, resorts prepare transfers as a part of your keep, but when not, there are shuttle companies for a price, relying in your airline.

Bora Bora lacks public transport, nevertheless it does supply enjoyable open-air electrical autos known as Twizies, zippy little scooters, and, for the really match, bicycles that guests can lease. It will not take lengthy to navigate the highway across the island, which is simply 30km-long (19 miles) and blissfully flat. Taxis can be found, however you’ll have to e book prematurely; they don’t cruise round on the lookout for fares. My favourite solution to discover is renting a self-drive motorboat with a neighborhood clothing store similar to Bora Bora Boat Rental. It comes with a easy map, security gear, an ice-filled cooler and gas.

Prime issues to do in Bora Bora

Swim and snorkel within the South Pacific

Don’t thoughts sharing your swimming house with a couple of new pals? Spend a day on and within the water with Vavau Adventures, a locally led tour aboard a Polynesian canoe. Recognizing big manta rays and sharks (black tip, leopard, lemon and nurse) is a thrill that few miss the chance to take pleasure in whereas right here. Don a masks and snorkel, and ease your self into the waist-deep waters the place these surprisingly docile creatures resolve whether or not they’ll method you; most do. There’s no feeding or touching allowed, however the fauna is accustomed to the corporate, and their curiosity appears to match your personal. Because of the clear water, even those that favor to view from the consolation of the canoe have a pristine panorama of life beneath the floor.

Bask in a lazy keep at an overwater bungalow

For a lot of, Bora Bora’s most important drawcard is the chance to bask in a keep in one in all its iconic overwater bungalows. That is your unique slice of paradise, the place mornings start with espresso and room service in your non-public deck as the ocean sparkles under. There’s no judgment in the event you resolve to make a day of it. Pop in your playlist for a personalised live performance, climb down your ladder to take a dip and snorkel, swim or float. Lounge with that e book you’ve been that means to learn. Dream. 

Purchase native meals and crafts in Vaitape

About half the island’s inhabitants, or 5000 folks, dwell in Vaitape, the primary metropolis of Bora Bora. It’s on the west aspect of the island, dealing with the lagoon, and it’s the place guests can expertise a mixture of native tradition and on a regular basis life alongside handy entry to outlets and eating places. You’ll discover small boutiques promoting handcrafted souvenirs, usually with the artisans in residence, and sensible shops like grocery markets and pearl farmers showcasing their celebrated black baubles. Don’t go away with out tasting the poisson cru (uncooked fish cured with recent lime and coconut milk), and seize a firifiri (deep-fried Tahitian doughnut) for dessert.

Hike up Mount Otemanu

Mt Otemanu, within the heart of the primary island, surges 727m (2385ft) from the lagoon, making it the best spot round. There are a number of origin tales, one in all which interprets the title to “seabird” and one other that interprets it to imply “the height which sucks up residing issues.” Yikes. 

Mountain climbing to the highest and again over craggy volcanic rock is a full day’s trek of 4 to 6 hours, relying in your health degree. It’s preferable to go along with a information for security (strive Django Teriirere of Bora Hiking Explorer), particularly in the event you’re eager to view dawn or sundown from the highest. Take loads of water, put on a hat, don’t overlook your digital camera, and you probably have binoculars, carry these too. You’ll wish to sit on the high and marinate within the self-satisfaction you’re feeling after the journey to what looks as if the highest of the world.

Discover bliss on Matira Seashore

Matira Beach is the one public seaside on Bora Bora. Ringed with dense vegetation, it’s the proper spot for folks watching catching some solar. Don’t neglect your journey repair right here, although. Watersports reign supreme, and it’s a cinch to lease jet skis, paddleboards and even zoomy ATVs from a longstanding native tour firm, similar to Matira Jet Tours, with out leaving the sand. Shack-style bars known as les roulottes serve recent native specialties and make sure you gained’t get thirsty; it could be probably the most refreshing Hinano (the native beer) you’ll ever have. The seaside’s western-facing vantage makes it a flawless entrance row come sunset, so don’t be in a rush to depart.

Dive down in a mini-submarine

Underwater scooters…are you able to even? Breathe simply (actually) beneath the water in your personal mini-submarine. Intuitive controls make it extra simple than you’d assume to benefit from your immersion, and the clear helmet means you don’t want dive experience or expertise because of the air pocket inside. They’ll take excellent care of you at Bora Ocean Adventures.

My favourite factor to do in Bora Bora

Sundown cruises aboard a catamaran in Bora Bora are my indulgence – a gloriously clichéd love affair I enter shamelessly into each time I go to. And why not? Life is brief, the surroundings is gorgeous, and champagne tastes higher on a ship, even when it’s sometimes tinged with a little bit of sea spray. Island clothing store Vitamin Sea features a free boat switch.

How a lot cash do I would like for Bora Bora?

Bora Bora just isn’t the kind of vacation spot you’ll “do on a shoestring,” so be ready to embrace the splurge. It’s greatest to have a little bit of native foreign money, the French Pacific Franc (Cour de Franc Pacifique, CFP), for native outlets, markets and souvenirs. ATMs on the island and on the airport in Papeete (Tahiti) have truthful change charges. The extra established shops broadly settle for bank cards (some with minimal spend), and if there’s a dependable wi-fi connection, even Apple Pay. At bigger resorts, cost to your room and settle up afterward. Though USD is accepted nearly in every single place, the change price is usually your least advantageous choice.

●  Upscale overwater bungalow: 116,500–460,500 CFP (US$1015–4005)

●  Price range lodge: 23,000–58,000 CFP (US$200–504)

●  Self-catering bungalow or house (together with Airbnb): 46,300–175,000 CFP (US$402–1522)

●  Espresso: 400–700 CFP (US$3.50–6.09)

●  Cocktail: 1700–2900 CFP (US$14.78–25)

●  Easy, informal eating: 1150–6000 CFP (US$10–50)

●  High quality eating: 11,500–46,500 CFP (US$100–404)

Do I tip in Bora Bora?

Though not historically a part of Tahitian tradition, tip creep is current but not thought-about customary. You possibly can tip at your discretion for distinctive service or to point out appreciation for a memorable or particular expertise.

Is it protected to drink the water in Bora Bora?

Most resorts present bottled water to friends as a measure of prevention, although faucet water is taken into account protected, particularly for brushing enamel and washing palms. When staying exterior of a serious resort, search affirmation out of your hosts.

Are there well being care services on Bora Bora?

Bora Bora has a pharmacy and medical heart in Vaitape for basic and emergency care. For vital scientific procedures, sufferers are transferred to Papeete by air. Guests ought to have complete medical insurance coverage within the occasion of a worst-case situation.