A vacation in Bora Bora can fill your photo album with its natural beauty, from its soaring volcanic peaks to its lush greenery to its famous beaches. Unsurprisingly, Bora Bora is a honeymooners’ choice with its dreamlike setting. But there is more to do than just clinking glasses in a luxurious hotel with your loved one. This Island allows visitors to mix action-packed adventures with slow-paced sand-and-sun holidays. Parasailing, hiking, lagoon tours, snorkeling, and diving are readily available. Here are the top things to do in Bora Bora.
Vaitape
Vaitape is the main settlement on the island. While it may not be the most evocative town, it’s a good place to take care of your banking needs, do some shopping, and get a feel of how the locals live. On Sunday morning, Vaitape is at its liveliest as several food stalls selling delicacies like firifiri (doughnuts) and pahua taioro (a marinated seawater sauce) take position along the road.
Coastal Defense Guns
During World War II, Faanui Bay was the US military base site. At the bay’s southwestern end, a steep and sometimes muddy track climbs to an old radar station complete with two defense guns that were installed by American troops during WWII. There are breathtaking views of the motu and the lagoon from the site of the Coastal Defense Guns. These vestiges are quite difficult to find as there are no signs, so it is always smart to join an island tour.
Matae Fare-Opu
There are just a handful of traditional temples (marae) ruins on this island, including Marae Fare-Opu, which is a temple squeezed between the water’s edge and the roadside. Two of the slabs are marked clearly with the turtle vestige seen engraved in stones at many other sites in Bora Bora.
Matira Beach
Matira Beach is the only real beach on this island. This stretch of turquoise sea and snow0white sand is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. This beach graces Matira Point on both sides – the narrow peninsula extends into the lagoon.
Motu Fanfan
Motu Fanfan is an idyllic spot with superb coral gardens and a lovely strip of sand. This spot is privately owned, so you will need permission to gain access.
Musee de la Marine
The private and small Musee de la Marine features a collection of ships made by Bertrand Darasse, an architect. The opening hours at this place are a bit haphazard, so you might need to call ahead.
