Day 1 in Bora Bora
Welcome to Bora Bora! Upon arrival at the airport, you will go through customs and immigration. Should you opt to purchase a transfer to your hotel; a representative will be waiting for you as you exit immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check-in, and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!
We recommend you get acquainted with the island, the capital of Bora Bora is Vaitape where visitors are dropped off by the ferry. Take a stroll through the tiny town where the main supermarkets, souvenirs, and jewelry shops are found. Check out one of the popular restaurants in town and enjoy a local authentic lunch with some of the most spectacular views of the iconic tranquil turquoise waters.
Head to the breathtaing beaches! Bora Bora is well known for its gorgeous beaches and soft white sand beaches with the lapping waters of the Pacific Ocean. Two of the main beaches on the island are found in Vaitape with a beautiful curving bay and a stretch of sand lined by palm trees, the perfect location to sit back and relax and listen to the lapping waves.
Matira Beach is located on the southern tip of the island, known as one of the most gorgeous stretches of sand on the island. White powdery sand, crystal clear, calm waters perfect for swimming, and snorkeling. The Matira peninsula stretches to the southernmost point of Bora Bora offering the perfect secluded setting for sunbathing and relaxing. There are several options for snacks and refreshments found along the beach stretch, grab something to eat, and sit back with the views of paradise with a tropical cocktail in hand.
The Island of Bora Bora is well known for its stunning tropical lagoon, an underwater world found in the well-protected waters surrounding the motus (islets), and are filled with an abundance of tropical marine life including sharks and rays. Spend some time swimming, snorkeling, or kayaking on the mesmerizing lagoon waters and the unique tropical environment. So many activities can be enjoyed on the spectacular lagoon including fishing, cruises, jet skiing, kiteboarding, paddle boarding, canoe rides, and island tours.
Spending your first day unwinding with a good book or lounging at the hotel pool are all great options to allow you to adjust to island time. Lazing under the warm sun, toes in the sand or water, soaking in the island air can be a great start to your tropical vacation. The waters reach 86 degrees and are crystal clear making the perfect setting for all water sports.
As evening time approaches, find a serene spot on the beach to soak up a breathtaking sunset. There are several options where to enjoy a sunset on the island, including beachside restaurants and bars, some more luxurious settings at upscale hotels such as The Aparima Bar at the St Regis Resort and The Sunset Bar at the Four Seasons. Dine on delicious cuisine and refreshing tropical cocktails with the vibrant colors of the sun setting over the stunning waters.
Day 2 in Bora Bora
Start your day with a morning beach walk and a refreshing swim in the ocean before dining on a delicious tropical breakfast. Rent a bicycle and take a tour of the island to get your bearings and take in the spectacular sights. The island circumference is 20 miles around and the main road is flat and paved, you can stop off at many unique locations and explore at your own pace.
Take an exhilarating jeep tour, which circumvents the island, climbing up steep mountain roads along some rough trails, to reach some spectacular breathtaking vistas. Make some cultural stops along the way with stops at local shops to witness how sarongs are made and dyed, visit the famous Pearl Jewelry Farm and learn how to make your unique jewelry with the famed Tahitian Black Pearls and visiting historical landmarks such as the America WWII ruins with cannons, gun emplacements, and bunkers.
Mount Otemanu dominates the interior of the island soaring to 2,388 feet above sea level, the unusually shaped peak and the smaller neighboring Mount Pahia are both worthy attractions offering hiking and trekking opportunities. The summit of Mt Pahia can be reached on foot with walking trails to the lookout point through lush verdant palm trees and green hills with views of the translucent waters.
After a strenuous hike, you have probably worked up an appetite, walk toward Vaitape and visit the most famous hangout on Bora Bora at Bloody Mary`s. This restaurant and bar are buzzing with the island vibes decked out with tree trunk stools, tropical wooden tables, and straw umbrellas with a floor made out of the sand. Sip on a refreshing bloody mary and get some appetizers.
Do some shopping on the island, Bora Bora is famous for its unique beautiful Cultured Tahiti Black Pearls created by the warm water lagoons and soft sand. These pearls are made into jewelry and often come in tinted shades of green, blue, bronze, and various shapes and sizes. One of the best places to see and purchase these beauties is at The Pearl Farm located near Hotel Bora Bora and from Matira Pears located by the Intercontinental Le Moana Resort. Many galleries and local artisans are selling and showcasing vibrant art and handicrafts on the island.
The island is a place to relax and disconnect from everyday life and adjust to island time. Treat yourself to traditional Tahitian `Maohi Nui` massage combining traditional and modern Polynesian techniques with deep forearm work, repetitive strokes, and a fast pace or rejuvenating spa treatment at one of the renowned spas. You can try a `Mahana Here` after-sun treatment that rejuvenates the skin with a ginger-coconut exfoliation, or aloe and Tamanu massage and body wrap. Soothing aromatherapy baths are available with tropical flowers and refreshing citrus scents.
After a relaxing day head to Vaitape Village where the locals hang out, the main town square is home to a variety of food trucks known as `roulottes` in French Polynesia. There are many different cuisines to choose from including traditional Polynesian dishes, massive portions are served up with low prices. After you eat, wander around the pier and catch traditional Tahitian fire dancers as they perform their pyrotechnics and acrobats on the sand. Soak up another stunning sunset and sit under the stars.
Day 3 in Bora Bora
Start your day with an exhilarating helicopter ride over the breathtaking island and surrounding waters. Seeing the beautiful island of Bora Bora from above is an amazing experience with views of the miles of secluded beaches, lush tropical vegetation, and the tropical neon-colored waters so clear that you can see dolphins, sharks, rays, and schools of fish from above.
Back on land try one of the many watersport activities offered on the stunning lagoon, you can try kitesurfing or parasailing, or for some low key activities try a glass-bottomed boat, canoe, or kayak to witness the wonders of the underwater world. There are jet skis and waterskis available too for an exhilarating ride.
Next up, head out on a chartered boat ride and do some island hopping! There are several offshore Motus dotted around Bora Bora that is well worth exploring. Visit some of the remote islands and chill out in complete peace and tranquility, swim and snorkel in the mesmerizing turquoise waters, and enjoy a picnic on the beach. The clear, calm waters are one of the best places in the world to snorkel and dive with numerous areas filled with stunning coral and vibrant coral gardens, this is something you will want to see.
End your day with another boat ride, take a sail on a catamaran to enjoy your last Bora Bora sunset. There are many options for sunset cruises, but if you can try for a private catamaran cruise where drinks are served with appetizers and accompanied by local musicians and dancers for the true Tahitian sunset experience.
Visit one of the upscale restaurants found at one of the five-star resorts on the island for a delectable dinner on your last night on the island. After dinner, take a romantic stroll along the sands under the moonlight and stars.
Additional Days in Bora Bora
If you are able to spend additional days in Bora Bora, explore the island by renting a two-person electric car, stop along the way and see spectacular sights and scenery. You can rent scooters on the island and feel the ocean breeze in your hair as you see sights along the way. There are many surrounding islands worth exploring and many tour companies to take you there via boat, also snorkeling and diving excursions are available to see the wonders of the underwater world in the beautiful tropical waters.
Your Last Day in Bora Bora
Depart from your hotel to the airport for your return flight home. We recommend that you purchase a private transfer to the airport if so the representative will meet you at your hotel with plenty of time to get you to the airport for your flight out.