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
Cruise ships anchor in this port, so passengers tender ashore to central Vaitape, the main town.
Within easy walking distance of the tender pier are an ATM, Internet café, Europcar rental and a post office.
Bora Bora, unquestionably the Pacific’s most mythical island, remains the island of dreams.
Honeymooners and romantics from across the world claim Bora Bora as their own. Castle-like Mount Otemanu rises above the crystal lagoon, whose unique over-the-water bungalows create a magical closeness with this extraordinary setting.
Tropical slopes and valleys bloom with hibiscus, while palm-covered motu form a delicate necklace around the lagoon. White-sand beaches meet emerald water, where impossibly coloured fish fill coral gardens. Much has been written about Bora Bora, yet the island’s magic remains difficult to put into words.
From the air, Bora Bora has been likened to “a tiny emerald in a setting of turquoise encircled by a sheltering necklace of sparkling pearls”. The island itself is small enough to circle by car in about an hour. Its lagoon is 3 times the land mass, with crystal waters in an extraordinary range of blue and turquoise hues. To the southeast of the island lies Coral Garden, a natural underwater park containing all types of fish and corals. Off Point Matira, huge graceful manta rays congregate for viewing, alongside other rays...
Getting around
Most passengers spend the day at one of the beautiful hotel resorts. For a fee, they can use the facilities and restaurants, particularly the magnificent beaches.
Just outside the port entrance on Vaitape’s main street are car hire, which is very expensive, and scooter and bicycle rentals. A sometimes-electric bike is probably the best option because the roads are well maintained.
Taxis are available from most hotels, airports and ferry terminals. For island scenery, choose escorted excursions by boat, 4x4 safari, bus or helicopter.
The port also sells tours. A 3 hour 4x4 island tour costs about $30 per person once a large enough group has formed. Take a camera.
Food and shopping
At the port craft market, local artisans sell handmade shell jewellery and belts, wood sculptures, pareaus and other Polynesian handicrafts.
Price bargaining and haggling are not customary in markets or stores.
Money
1000 CFP francs = 8.38 euros. USD is readily accepted.
Bora Bora is not one of the world’s cheapest places.
Staying connected
The official languages are French and Tahitian.
Internet access is available at hotels and can be expensive.