Making the most of Bora Bora
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
As ships are anchored in this port, you'll tender to the center of Vaitape, the main town.
You can find an ATM, Internet cafe, Europcar rental and a post office within easy walk of the tender pier.
Bora Bora - Unquestionably the most mythical of the Pacific islands remains the island of all dreams.
Honeymooners and romantics from around the world have laid claim to Bora Bora where the castle-like Mount Otemanu pierces the sky above the crystal lagoon with its unique over the water bungalows that offer a magical oneness with this extraordinary environment.
Lush tropical slopes and valleys blossom with hibiscus, while palm-covered motu circle the lagoon like a delicate necklace. Perfect white-sand beaches give way to emerald waters where impossibly colored fish animate the coral gardens. So much has been written about Bora Bora, and yet it is hard to find the right words to describe the magic that emanates from this island.
Seen from the air, Bora Bora has been compared to that of "a tiny emerald in a setting of turquoise encircled by a sheltering necklace of sparkling pearls". Bora Bora itself is rather small, and can be circled by car in about an hour. The lagoon is 3 times the size of the land mass and offers an amazing range of hues of blue and turquoise as you navigate its crystal waters. To the southeast of the island is the Coral Garden, a natural underwater park where all types of fish and corals are found. Off the Point Matira there is an area where the huge and graceful manta rays congregate for your viewing pleasure. There are other types of ray such…
Getting around
Most passengers will spend a day at some of the beautiful Hotel resorts to be found here, for a fee they will allow you to use the facilities, restaurants and, particularly, the magnificent beaches.
Car rental (very expensive), scooter and bicycle rentals can be found just outside the entrance of the port on the main street of Vaitape. The (sometimes electric) bike is probably your best option, as the roads are well maintained.
Taxis can be hired at most hotels, airports, and ferry terminals. For scenic tours around the islands, try escorted excursions by boat, 4x4 safari, bus, or helicopter.
Tours are also sold in the port. A 3 hour 4x4 tour around the island will cost about $30 per person if a large enough group forms. Take your camera!
Food and shopping
There is a craft market at the port where local artisans offer handmade shell jewelry and belts, wood sculptures, pareaus and other Polynesian handicrafts.
Bargaining and haggling over prices in markets and stores is not customary.
Money
1000 CFP francs = 8.38 euros. USD readily accepted.
Bora Bora isn't the cheapest place in the world!
Staying connected
Official languages: French, Tahitian
Internet can be found in the hotels and can be expensive.