Bora Bora,
Society Islands – French Polynesia Port Review
By
Nancy Norris
Bora Bora
Overview:
Bora Bora, 150 miles northwest of Tahiti, is one of the
Leeward group of the Society Islands. The eroded cone of
an extinct volcano, two peaks of black rock (Mount
Otemanu and Mount Pahia) rise in the center of the
island and make an awesome backdrop for the crystal
clear emerald waters of the surrounding lagoon. Lush
hills and valleys awash with blooming hibiscus, pristine
white sand beaches and turquoise waters dotted with
overwater bungalows, Bora Bora is a visual feast that
dazzles the eyes. James Michener had it right when he
said, “Anyone who has ever been there wants to go back”.
Beautiful Bora Bora
A tropical island, Bora Bora can be divided into two
seasons – wet and dry. Polynesian summer, between
November and April is the wet season and temperatures
range from 80-86°F with the hottest months being
February and March. May through October, the dry season
temperatures usually range from 75-82°F. The official
currency is the French Pacific Franc (XPF), but Euros
and US Dollars are widely accepted. French and Tahitian
are the two official languages spoken in Bora Bora, but
many people speak English in the tourist areas.
Cruise Port Location and Information:
Vaitape Port from Tender
Cruise ships sail through Te Ava Nui (the great pass),
the only navigable entrance through the barrier reef
that surrounds the island, and anchor in Povai Bay off
the shores of the principal village of Vaitape. Tenders
deliver guests to the port of Vaitape in the center of
town. Tourist information, public restrooms, a local
craft market, taxis, ATMs and tour boats are all located
at the port.
Port in Vaitape
Car rental, scooter and bicycle rentals can be found
just outside the entrance of the port on the main
street of Vaitape.
Vaitape Main Street from Port Entrance
Exploring on Your Own:
Most cruise ships itineraries include an overnight in
this port, allowing for both day and night exploring.
However, doing it on your own requires some planning.
You can easily explore the main village of Vaitape by
just walking off the ship and into town. An 18 mile road
circles the island passing through the 4 main villages
on the island (Vaitape, Faanui, Anau and Matira).
However, there is very limited public transportation.
Other than Le Truck, used as the local school bus or in
conjunction with the ferry schedule (which is sporadic
and infrequent at best), there is no scheduled bus
service. When large cruise ships are in port,
truck/mini-bus shuttles go from the tender pier to
Bloody Mary's and Matira Beach for $5 per person each
way (again, not on any regular schedule). However, if
you are on the Paul Gauguin and no other ships are in
port – this service does not exist (not a high enough
passenger volume to make it worthwhile). A taxi is the
only other option and they are scarce and expensive.
Cars can be rented, but are not always available and
very expensive! Actually, the best way to get around the
island on your own is to rent bicycles. The flat road
that circles the island is well-paved and it only takes
about 3 hours (without stops) to circumnavigate the
entire island. Tip: Some vendors offer electric
bicycles which saves about half the pedaling exertion of
a standard bike.
Well-paved Main Road
Of course, the beauty of this famous and glamorous isle
lies in its multi-colored lagoon, surrounded by
palm-covered motus inside a protective necklace of
coral. Exploring the waters surrounding Bora Bora is
what it's all about. Obviously, unless you have your own
private yacht anchored in the bay, appreciating the real
beauty of this port requires booking a shore excursion
via the cruise line or through an independent local
operator.
Bora Bora Lagoon
Shopping Tips:
Unless you are in the market for Tahitian pearls,
shopping is not a high priority on a port stop in Bora
Bora. However, that is not to say that there aren't
opportunities to spend your money shopping, if so
inclined. There is a craft market at the port where
local artisans offer handmade shell jewelry and belts,
wood sculptures, pareaus and other Polynesian
handicrafts.
Craft Market at port
The majority of shopping can be found in little shopping
centers along the road that encircles the island.
Clothing, paintings, island handicrafts, hand-painted
paraeus, shells, books and various knick-knacks can be
found in these shops and boutiques, many of which line
the main street in Vaitape.
Boutique in Vaitape
Of course, there are numerous Tahitian black pearl and
fine jewelry shops in Bora Bora.
Black Pearl Shop
Port Highlights:
There is no question that the crowning jewel of this
idyllic isle is the illuminated waters of the azure
lagoon that offer unending days of exploring. Visitors
can swim, snorkel, scuba dive, windsurf, jet ski or
simply bask in the beauty that surrounds them.
Snorkeling and Diving:
These are probably the most popular activities enjoyed
by visitors to Bora Bora. The calm, shallow waters of
the lagoon provide excellent conditions for snorkeling.
While there is no shortage of snorkeling tours offered,
a snorkel safari via outrigger canoe offers one of the
best experiences. Stops include a chance to snorkel with
black-tipped, reef and lemon sharks,
Snorkel with sharks
followed by snorkeling amidst a myriad of colorful fish
in the majestic coral gardens.
Coral Gardens
Most snorkeling adventures include a visit to a shallow
sandbank for a swim with the stingrays.
Swimming with the stingrays
Many of these tours also include a Polynesian lunch on a
private motu.
Lunch on a private motu
Manta rays are the highlight of a dive inside the
lagoon, and in the deeper waters of the open ocean sea
turtles, large moray eels, sharks, rays and an amazing
number of other species of fish await discovery.
Bora Bora Motu:
There is nothing like soaking in the sun, basking in the
shallow waters or simply relaxing under a palm tree on
the soft white sand beach of one of the isolated motus
within the lagoon.
Bora Bora Motu
Matira Beach:
A public beach, Matira Beach is a narrow, palm-fringed
crescent of soft white sand that fronts the sandy
bottomed lagoon perfect for swimming or snorkeling.
Matira Beach is the perfect place to watch the sunset.
However, be aware, as the best and most popular beach on
the island, when large ships are in port it can get
quite crowded.
Matira Beach
Backcountry/Jungle:
The interior of Bora Bora can best be explored by
off-road 4X4's. These safari tours traverse the
backroads carved into the jungle. Ascending Pahonu Hill
offers expansive views of Bora Bora's natural harbor.
View from Pahonu Hill
From there the trek continues for views of the bunkers
constructed by American GIs during WWII and the cannons
still standing in their original locations.
WWII Cannons
Most tours will also include a visit to the lush valley
of Fa'anui to see the ancient ceremonial site of Fa'anui
Marae.
Fa'anui Marae
Off the Beaten Path:
On a small island there isn't much that is “off the
beaten path”, but if you have hit the highlights and are
“water-logged”, here are a couple of suggestions:
•Climb
to the top of Mount Pahia. The strenuous 3 hour hike can
be arranged with a local guide in Vaitape. The arduous
trek results in a superb view over the lagoon. (This is
the smaller of the 2 peaks, but Mount Otemanu is
crumbling and its sheer cliff is unsafe.) This is only
recommended for the very fit as it is quite arduous.
View from Mount Pahia
•Visit a Black Pearl Farm and witness first-hand each
stage of life of this Tahitian gem, from grafting to the
birth of the pearl. At The Farm, you can actually dive
in the lagoon for your own pearl.
Black Pearl Farm
Dining and Drinking Suggestions:
Bloody Mary's
Although it is very “touristy', a requisite trip to
Bloody Mary's is in order. While the food is not
exceptionally noteworthy, they make a good mai-tai and,
of course, its namesake “bloody mary” is very tasty.
From the sand floors, to the “unique” open-air
bathrooms, not to mention the resident cat, it is worth
a visit.
Photo op with Bloody Mary’s resident cat and General
Manager
Must Do List:
Just make sure, no matter what, on Bora Bora get in the
water somehow/someway! Whether it is spending time at an
idyllic motu or island beach, snorkeling in the lagoon,
scuba diving, or circling the island on a wave runner or
jet boat, find a way to experience the best of paradise.
Idyllic Waters of Bora Bora
