Bora Bora Island

 

Bora Bora Island


Bora Bora is a small but world-famous island in the South Pacific, part of French Polynesia. Known for its turquoise lagoons, luxury overwater bungalows, and volcanic peaks, Bora Bora is often called the "Pearl of the Pacific."


📍 Location

  • Region: Society Islands, French Polynesia
  • Distance from Tahiti: ~230 km (143 mi) northwest
  • Size: About 30.5 km² (12 sq mi)
  • Main town: Vaitape

🌋 Geography & Landscape

  • Formed by an extinct volcano at the center of a protected lagoon and barrier reef
  • Dominated by Mount Otemanu (727 m / 2,385 ft), a dramatic peak that adds to its iconic silhouette
  • Surrounded by motus (small islets) and stunning coral reefs

🐠 Marine Life & Ecosystem

  • Vibrant coral reefs and clear lagoon waters support:
    • Colorful reef fish
    • Stingrays and manta rays
    • Blacktip reef sharks
    • Coral gardens (great for snorkeling)
  • Great for scuba diving, snorkeling, jet skiing, and paddleboarding

🏝️ Tourism & Attractions

Bora Bora is a top luxury travel destination, especially for:

  • Honeymoons and romantic getaways
  • Overwater bungalows (found in resorts like Four Seasons, St. Regis, InterContinental)
  • Lagoon tours, shark & ray feeding excursions
  • Mount Otemanu hikes and 4x4 safaris for panoramic views
  • Matira Beach – one of the best public beaches in the South Pacific

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Culture

  • Inhabited by the Maohi people, who have a deep Polynesian heritage
  • The local language is Tahitian, though French is the official language, and English is widely spoken in tourist areas
  • Traditional arts include tattooing, dance, wood carving, and pearl farming

🌦️ Climate

  • Tropical climate: Warm and humid
    • Dry season: May to October (best for travel)
    • Wet season: November to April (more rain and humidity)
  • Average temperature: ~26–30°C (79–86°F) year-round

✈️ How to Get There

  • International flights land in Tahiti (Papeete).
  • From there, you take a 50-minute domestic flight to Bora Bora Airport (Motu Mute Airport).
  • Many resorts arrange boat transfers from the airport to your overwater bungalow.

⚖️ Challenges

  • Heavily reliant on tourism
  • Vulnerable to climate change, coral bleaching, and rising sea levels
  • Sustainability and local environmental efforts are growing but still evolving