In the South Pacific Ocean, surrounded by coral reefs and small islands, Bora Bora rises. This island of French Polynesia attracts those who are not ready to deny themselves anything. Azure waters with soft waves and long-legged bungalows hint at paradise on Earth.

We have already talked about how in Bora Bora you can swim with sharks, climb Mount Otemanu and Pahia, lie on the wild Matira Beach and look at cuties with shells at the Turtle Center. But what else is there to see and do in Bora Bora?

Observation deck of the TV tower

Turning off the road between the popular Bora Bora restaurants “Bloody Mary” and “Bamboo House”, you can get to the TV tower. From the observation deck at the peak of the tower, the island and the turquoise waters washing it are clearly visible.

Temple of Saint-Pierre-Celestine

For an insight into the modern religious world of the Tahitians, visit the Temple of Saint-Pierre-Celestine in Vaitape. In a pretty church with colorful stained glass windows and impeccable acoustics, you can feel the rhythm of prayer music, and the lyrics tell about the local culture and customs.

Marae Tainapa

On Bora Bora there are quite a few ruins of “marae” (cleared of weeds) – traditional temples of the first settlers, built with a pyramid of stones and decorated with carvings. One such monument of Polynesian architecture is the Tainapa marae. It is located on a hillside in the northern part of Poovai Bay. However, to get inside the sanctuary, visitors will have to work hard – finding the entrance is not an easy task.

Marae Fare-Opu

The Fare-Opu structure seems to be sandwiched between the road and the water. Petroglyphs of turtles are carved on the well-preserved coral slabs of the temple, which are often found in other places on the island. And this is not without reason. Turtles were considered the favorites of the gods, they were sacrificed, and the image was carved on stone.

Coastal defense guns

Part of Bora Bora's history are the coastal defense guns and army bunkers left behind by American troops after World War II. To reach them you need to climb a small hill on the east coast. From here you have a magnificent view of the lagoon and the “motu” (island).

Fitiu Point

You can see American guns from a different angle. Fitiu Point also offers visitors an excellent vantage point of Mount Otemanu and Te Ana Opea Cave.

Hiros Bell Rock

Near the Teawanui Ship Canal, which connects the lagoon to the open ocean, Hiros Bell rises on the island's southern shore. According to legend, if you hit this rock with a pebble, it will ring like a bell. This is how the god Hiro created her.

At the depth of the channel, which allows even cruise ships to pass through, it is teeming with toothy sharks and barracudas. So when going on a boat trip, try not to get left behind

Bora Bora Lagoonarium

But you can swim with marine life under the guidance of an experienced instructor in the lagoonarium located on the eastern shore of the island. In this large open aquarium you can see almost all types of fish that live in the lagoon. Moray eels, sharks, rays, which can be fed directly from your hands. And there are also a lot of funny dolphins.

Some of the inhabitants swimming below the surface can be seen from a canoe, if you don’t want to dive. And you can refresh yourself with barbecue seafood, which is prepared on site.

Bertrand Darras Private Maritime Museum

In the northern part of the island there is a small museum, which was opened by Bertrand Darras. You can only get there by invitation after making an appointment. The exhibition includes more than 40 models of canoes, tuna boats and steamship models. And on the roof of the building there is a restaurant with a pretty good menu.

Gallery Vitaly-Bora-Paintre

An extraordinary art gallery and workshop, where you can see not only an abundance of colors transferred to canvas. And also learn to draw from the owner and artist in Italy. Bring back from your vacation a painting of your own creation, inspired by Bora Bora…Sounds tempting?

Alan Despert Gallery

Art lovers can check out the gallery of world-renowned artist Alan Despert. The author's works adorn collections of paintings by members of the royal family and celebrities. One of his most popular pieces, Absolut Vodka, which depicts a bottle floating in a lagoon, has received international recognition. The specimens collected here immerse you in the world of vibrant colors and colors of the island of Bora Bora.

Pearl farm

An excursion to a small farm will allow you to see the entire process of growing pearls with your own eyes. First, an initial inspection and assessment of the contents of the sink takes place. If the pearl has grown enough, it is removed; if not, the shell is closed so that the jewelry can grow. If the shell is not closed within 15-20 minutes, the mollusk dies. One pearl grows for about two years.

You can buy jewelry made of magnificent black pearls in the farm’s branded store. But keep in mind that their prices are high, and the sellers have a phenomenal gift of persuasion.

What else to do on the island?

If all of the above didn’t seem enough, here are a few more interesting activities:

Walk to the city of Vaitape

Vaitape is the most populated place on the island, the main city and marina of Bora Bora. And although the town itself is not the most memorable, it is a great place to experience the real everyday life of the locals. And along the way, also make purchases and make payments in relative civilization.

To get in on the action, visit Vaitape on Sunday morning, when numerous food stalls selling local delicacies line the main road.

Swimming with Leopard Rays

In the southern part of Bora Bora there is a great place for diving and meeting the mesmerizing manta rays, cutting through the turquoise water with their huge fins. There are few people here, which allows you to enjoy the island's nature and marine life in relative privacy.

Trip to Cape Tupitipiti

In this place, favored by divers, you can not only scuba dive to purple corals and parrot fish and groupers scurrying between them. Here, if you're lucky, you can see a humpback whale. It is better to take an excursion with an experienced guide.

Ride on Motu Fanfan

For a change of location and a complete immersion in a luxury vacation, go to Fanfan Island. The place with a sandy beach and a luxurious coral garden is privately owned. So it is better to book your trip in advance.

Visitors are brought by a personal captain on his ship. While lunch is served, you can laze on the beach or dive underwater to admire the eagle rays and Buddha statues at the bottom. Although visitors are pampered and provided with all the amenities on the island, it is better to bring your own swimming equipment.

Heiva i Bora Bora Festival

In translation, the festival is called “Celebration of Life” and it is usually held in July in Vaitape on the main square of the city of Tu-Vavau. The celebration is accompanied by songs, dances and sporting events. And ideal for exploring the culture of French Polynesia.

Bora Bora Liquid Festival

The event is held in December and harmoniously combines the beauty of the lagoon and the competitive spirit of water athletes. After invigorating canoe battles, the whole party hangs out at beach parties with refreshing cocktails. This is the spirit of Bora Bora!

How to see the island?

The island can be seen from several different angles. Here are the most popular ones:

Travel around the island by water

Jump on jet skis or skis and speed across the surface of the lagoon
Rent a motorboat or canoe, sail into the wind and stop to dive or have a romantic picnic on the shore
Kitesurfers can jump the waves to their heart's content
Take a ride on the semi-submersible vessel Aquascope, designed by Jacques Rougerie, a friend of Jacques-Yves Cousteau
Go on a short cruise and watch the sunset accompanied by musicians and dancers.

Fly around the island by air

Take a helicopter flight over this amazing piece of paradise
For those who are not afraid of parasailing, the island can be seen from a parachute.

Embrace the island by land

For a thrilling ride through the island's most scenic spots, meeting local families and gaining an authentic experience in sarong-twirling (traditional clothing), you can rent a quad bike or 4×4 with a local guide.
Rent a bike. The island is surrounded by a road that passes through the main attractions. Along the way, you can cool off in the lagoon or enjoy a delicious cool drink at one of the many coastal restaurants
Hiking has not been cancelled. For company and to get acquainted with history and legends, you can take a local guide.