Bora Bora : Swim with Sharks, Snorkel Around Coral and Get Lost in the Serenity

The small South Pacific Island located North-west of Tahiti in French Polynesia is a vacation of lifetime. The palm fringed white sand beaches, coral reef protected blue lagoons and the tropical sunshine is perfect to spend languid days, exploring the Island destination. The dream destination surpasses all superlatives in its scenic beauty and is home to number of exotic under water activities. The bucket list destination is a perfect honeymoon destination awakening the romance with awe-inspiring views. The water bungalows on the still water of Bora Bora are an experience like no other. Here are top 10 fascinating places to visit in Bora Bora:

1. Mt. Otemanu

It is one of the most popular attractions of Bora Bora that boisterously rise 2400 ft. above the shore of the turquoise blue water lagoon. It is one of the two extinct volcanoes which is located in the center of the Island and currently stands as volcanic remains. The ancient volcanoes can be seen from many places in Bora Bora. There are many adventurous activities you can indulge in like hiking, helicopter tour, boat tour, etc. to this spectacular location. The impeccable beauty of this place will sweep you off your feet.

2. Coral Garden

It is one of the most fascinating places in Bora Bora located across the main Island. The coral garden is fascinating and brings the colorful marine life to live. The coral reef is located on the shallow water. It is fun to explore the marine life and experience the exotic species of fishes and coral. It is one of the best shallow water spot for snorkeling as variety of fishes like puffer fish, Picasso trigger, butterfly fish, etc. circle around. The gorgeous coral reef is a popular destination along the beach.

3. Matira Beach

Matira Beach is the only beach in Bora Bora that has public access and this makes it extremely popular amongst visitors. The crystal clear blue water and the white sand beach on the palm sand beach punctuated with luxury resorts make it a romantic destination. Although it is the only beach with public access but shoreline is not heavily populated with tourist. It is a perfect beach to enjoy the serenity of nature basking under the sun, sipping some tropical mocktail and enjoying the day by beach.

4. Vaitape

Vaitape is a quaint and small town on the west coast of the Island nation that is peppered with little cafes tucked around the streets. The boutiques are best for sampling and getting a taste of Bohemian style. It is basically a town that has all the facilities and is also the home to Lagoonarium. Don’t you want to pack some classy souvenirs back home? Hop in to the street shop for cheaper souvenir. Sibani Perle is an expensive souvenir shop famous for black pearl jewelry.

5. Bora Bora Lagoonarium

The Lagoonarium in Bora Bora takes you close to nature aquatic life and is a small natural aquarium on the east coast of Bora Bora. It is a family owned attraction where you can go snorkeling under the supervision of the guides. Explore the incredible marine life as you sport spy sharks, stink rays, turtles and many other fishes. There are different tour packages available. One can also opt to enjoy canoeing past the small aquatic ecosystem enjoying the corners of the Lagoon.

6. Paoaoa Point

Bora Bora has many iconic viewpoints that give incredibly gorgeous view of the city. The view point gives you the classic Bora Bora image that is extremely picturesque and awe inspiring. The phenomenal landscape from this point clubs together the water in different shades, white sand beach, volcanoes on the far end and the palm trees swinging to the mild zephyr. It looks like a scenery and picture, obviously the stuff that you consider magical and inclining to soul. Get the view of the resorts, lagoons and Mount Otemanu in the backdrop.

7. Mount Pahia

The outstanding and surreal view of Bora Bora from this place is worth the entire hike as it looms above. At times it is covered by a blanket of cloud and hence it is important to choose a bright, clear day to take up the hike. The trail is slightly tough and you have to make a move through the jungles which starts in front of the fire station in Vaitape. It is highly recommended to take a guide as some part of the trail is steep and difficult. As you reach the summit, it gives you stunning view of the place.

8. Leopard Rays Trench

It is one of the most fun water activities to do in Bora Bora as you swim along with sting rays and experience the better part of marine life. It is located at the southern tip of Bora Bora and is a great diving site. As you dive into the marine, swim with the Manta rays and other marine life on the shallow white sandy bottom. This definitely will be one of the most unforgettable things getting close to the sting rays.

9. Bora Bora Turtle Center

The turtle center is a protection center in French Polynesia that is located in a private lagoon of Le Meridien Bora Bora resort. The first injured turtle and the story of the protection center started when a guest brought an injured turtle in 2000. Later second turtle was found and this led to formation of the protection center for the turtles. The main aim is to protect and conserve the turtles and it is responsible for taking care of species like Green Turtle and Hawksbill turtle. Currently there are nearly 400 turtles which have been reintroduced in the ocean.

10. 4WD and off road tours

There are many offbeat places in and around Bora Bora that is perfect for the adrenaline junkie in you. It is not only about the lagoons, romantic beach walk, swimming with the stingrays & sharks and snorkeling. Take a trip up to the mountain with the 4WD and enjoy the off road tours to show the beauty of the inner island. There are many companies that organizes the 4WD tours of Bora Bora on offbeat roads that is clubbed with lagoon cruise or snorkeling.

◎ Closing

Bora Bora is the picture perfect destination that will leave you in awe with its stunning landscapes and views. Surrounded by the volcanic mountains, blue shades of languid lagoons, white sand beaches and swinging palm trees, Bora Bora is perfect for a adventurous yet romantic vacation.