No doubt the most well-known island in French Polynesia, Bora Bora is truly an escape that dreams are made of. Turquoise waters, white-sand beaches and swaying trees are only some of the reasons why this island features on so many bucket lists. From the slower pace of island life to unforgettable experiences, there are so many reasons to travel to Bora Bora – let’s talk about some of the best!

So much more than a honeymoon destination

While Bora Bora is sometimes seen as a romantic getaway, the island is so much more. Beautiful geography, world-class hiking, and snorkelling opportunities make this a perfect escape for lovers of outdoor adventures. Whether you’re travelling with a group of friends, a special someone or flying solo, Bora Bora’s magic is undeniable, and provides a sanctuary for anyone seeking it.

Embrace the perfect quiet escape

Unlike popular island destinations like Hawaii, Bora Bora has virtually no tourist traffic. In fact, the whole of French Polynesia receives the same amount of visitors in a year as Hawaii does in a week! Because of this, there are no high-rise hotels or battles to find tables in restaurants. Instead, relax on your own time and drink in the natural ambience of this tropical paradise.

That’s not to say that there aren’t luxurious resorts on the island. Because of the minimal tourist traffic, Bora Bora’s accommodation leans toward the more decadent. Stay in deluxe open beach huts overlooking sunset-lit oceans, or choose jungle resorts in the heart of the island. Life here moves at a slower pace, so don’t feel the need to rush during your stay.

Take in the stunning natural scenery

If you want to step away from the picturesque beaches, there are also some fantastic nature walks and trails perfect for hiking. The iconic Mount Otemanu hints at Bora Bora’s volcanic past, and makes for a great day of exploring. Wander the pristine jungle trails to the base of the mountain, or scale to the peak for truly magnificent panoramic views over the island. Make sure that your camera is fully charged before you leave – you won’t want to miss a thing!

Want to get out on the water? Visit one of the small, white sand islands known as motus surrounding the mainland. While these picturesque parcels are all privately owned, you can take a catamaran tour that stops at one for a few hours. Enjoy traditional Polynesian cuisine in a paradise picnic before heading back to the main island. If you want something faster paced, you can also take a jet ski tour across the lagoon for an adrenaline-filled afternoon you won’t forget in a hurry!

Meet the locals

Because of its protected status, Bora Bora is home to some of the friendliest locals around – and we don’t mean people! When the weather is good, tour boats often venture out past the barrier reef and keen travellers can plunge into the dark blue ocean. Take the opportunity to snorkel with native shark species as they circle peacefully below, and marvel at the myriad of aquatic species that call these waters home.

If swimming with sharks isn’t your cup of tea, take a trip to the famous Matira Beach. Voted one of the best beaches in the world, this white-sand paradise will make you feel as though you’ve stepped onto a postcard. Here, you can swim with stingrays in the shallow, azure waters, or simply spend a day reclining on one of the many sun lounges along the water front.

Let’s travel to Bora Bora!

Thinking about heading to Bora Bora? Let Viva Travel help! From organising flights and hotels to recommending tours and experience, we can make sure that your island getaway is one to remember. Contact us to start planning your dream escape today!