Located in French Polynesia and situated north west of Tahiti, Bora Bora is a gorgeous island in the South Pacific. Known for its stunning beaches, luxury resorts, soaring volcanic peaks and lush greenery, Bora Bora is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. Surrounded by sand-fringed islets, a barrier reef, coconut trees and a turquoise lagoon, the island has a population of over 8000 inhabitants. Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia are the two major mountain peaks on the island.
Flights land at Bora Bora Airport (BOB), which is the island's only international airport. Bora Bora does not have any public transport, rental cars and bicycles are the sole modes of transportation available to get around the island. For your city breaks in Bora Bora you can book a direct flight from Dublin or Cork to Bora Bora.
Although the official languages are French and Tahitian you won't face any language barrier as English is also widely spoken. Bora Bora is 11 hours behind the UK (GMT-11) and the island's currency is the French Pacific Franc.
The island experiences a tropical climate with two distinct seasons; the dry season and the wet season. The rainy season lasts from November to April and rainfall occurs almost every day. During rainy season humidity is very high and the island is also hit by thunderstorms. The dry season runs from May to October, which is the best time visit the island. With package holidays in Bora Bora between May and October you will experience pleasant weather with very little rainfall, perfect for enjoying beach activities. For an unforgettable weekend in Bora Bora during this time, it's best to book in advance.
Bora Bora offers an amazing range of activities that include, jet-skiing, parasailing, glass-bottomed boat ride, jeep safaris, tank dives, sports fishing and swimming with sharks. With crystal clear water and average temperatures in the 70’s, Bora Bora is perfect for snorkelling. On a weekend in Bora Bora be sure to swim with the stingrays and black-tipped reef sharks, neither of them is dangerous to humans!
If you wish to explore the island, there are many interesting places to visit in Bora Bora, these include Vaitape, Pofai Bay and the TV tower which offers a fantastic view of the lagoon. Matira Beach, the Beach Park, Anau village and the World War II Guns as well as Taihi Point, the Musee De La Marine museum of boats and Terei Point are amongst the island's most popular attractions. Located on the eastern side of the main island, the Bora Bora Lagoonarium is a must-see attraction. Get up close with the island's marine life and discover breathtaking coral reefs, colourful fish, sharks, turtles and stingrays. You can also save money and time by booking your Bora Bora flight and hotel together
Vaitape is a popular town which is home to the Alain Gerbault Memorial, dedicated to the Frenchman who sailed around the world for the first time. You will also find plenty of shops, bars and restaurants here. Enjoy a great evening at Bloody Mary's restaurant, famous for its signature cocktails, fresh food and great ambiance. A visit to Bora Bora is incomplete without admiring the beauty of Mount Otemanu, which is a popular hiking destination and the most visible peak on the island. Situated in the heart of Vaitape, Paroisse Saint Pierre Célestin is Bora Bora's only Catholic church and is one of the island's major attractions.
The freshest seafood, heavenly French-inspired cuisine and mouthwatering fruit are to be found at nearly every restaurant on the island. For an authentic Tahitian experience try the traditional local delicacies. poisson cru is a favourite local dish of raw tuna marinated in coconut and lime. Other must-try dishes include mahi mahi (fresh fish marinated in a vanilla sauce), rotisserie pork (prepared with fresh pineapple), fafaru (prepared with tuna or parrot fishes) and fruit pudding (Bora Bora’s most loved dessert).
World-Famous Tahitian black pearl jewellery can be a wonderful souvenir to bring back home from your vacation, although they are a bit on the expensive side. Be sure to buy from an authentic shop to get a real one. Monoi oil, made from coconut oil and Tiaré flowers, is used as massage oil by locals and will make a great memento. Other favourite souvenirs include woven baskets, wood carvings, batik-patterned sarongs and flip-flops.