Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Bora Bora is the largest island in the Leeward group of the Society Islands of French Polynesia in the southern Pacific Ocean. The island, located about 230 kilometres northwest of Papeete, is surrounded by a lagoon and a barrier reef. In the center of the island are the remnants of an extinct volcano rising to two peaks, Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu. The main settlement on the island is Vaitape.

The main attraction on the island is its lagoon, which is excellent for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving. There are a variety of other nautical activities, as well as horse riding, biking and jeep tours of the island.

Things to See and Do

* Outrigger canoe trip from Bora Bora beach
* Snorkeling & diving in the lagoon
* Island tour by 4WD
* Matira beach
* Horse riding

Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – CFP franc (XPF)
Language – French, Tahitian
Land Area – 29.3 km²
Population – 8,900 approx
Electricity – 2 angled flat pins and 1 round pin centred below Australian style
Time – GMT minus ten hours
International Country Telephone Code – + 689

Port Location – The port is located at Vaitape, the main settlement on the island of Bora Bora.

Transport Links – Air Tahiti has five or six flights daily to the airport on Moto Mute from Tahiti (as well as from other islands). Transfer to Bora Bora is by boat to Vaitape.

The Moorea Ferry is also a notable ferry that operates from Papeete. There are also several Ferries which transport people and goods throughout the islands.

Two cruise ships/luxury liners currently ply the islands: the Paul Gauguin, which does a regular 7-day trip around the Societies, with occasional trips out to the Tuamotus, Marquesas and Cook Islands; and the Tahitian Princess which does similar itineraries.