Bora Bora - Activities

Land Activities

Unlike some larger islands, which require several days to tour, Bora Bora can be traversed well within a day. This makes the island a good choice for such land activities as biking, hiking and horseback riding.

Biking

A bicycle is ideal for shopping or sightseeing around Bora Bora. It's well worth the renting a bike for your own personal round-the-island jaunt.

Hiking

Hikers in Bora Bora can choose between simple scenic routes, or more challenging guided climbs up the peaks of Mt. Pahia.

On the trek from Nunue to Anau hikers can see the Television Transmission Tower, catch a panoramic view of Motu Pitiaau islet, and glimpse neighboring Raiatea and Tahaa.

Hikers who opt to climb Mt. Pahia will be rewarded for their stamina with a sprawling, peak-top view of the island. Bring good shoes, a day's supply of water and a conquering attitude.

Horseback Riding

Ride fine New Zealand-bred horses along the white sand islets of Bora Bora. Some ranches on the island offer moonlight rides on request. 

Motu Picnic

Imagine spending the day on your very own island. The resort hotels in Bora Bora can arrange to take you and a loved one to a private motu (islet) for a secluded picnic. This is a true Tahitian experience that is not to be missed. 

Water Activities

French Polynesia is known the world over as an aquatic Neverland, but the waters around Bora Bora are exceptional even by Tahitian standards. Bora Bora's translucent lagoon and beaches are so calm and pristine, they have been compared to well-maintained pools. Indeed, most of the hotels on the island don't even feature swimming pools. To have them would simply be redundant.

Such conditions make for a superb water sport environment. Bora Bora's irridescent waters are alive with tropical fish and undersea plant life, and its easily-accessed lagoon is ideal for novice scuba divers and snorkelers.

Diving

Bora Bora's lagoon is home to the large manta ray, which makes this area popular among divers. Indeed, many of the island's most popular diving sites are named after the creatures, including Manta Bay, Manta's Reef, Manta Ray Channel and Manta Ray Pit.

Mantas aren't the only sealife on Bora Bora. Divers can also see Moray eels, turtles, barracudas and grey sharks. Inexperienced divers can contact either the Bora Bora Diving Center or the Calypso Club for instruction.

Fishing

The best sportsfishing in Bora Bora can be enjoyed just outside the island's reef. Here, fishers can hook blue marlin, mahimahi, sailfish, wahoo and yellowfish.

The island is served by a number of charter boats agencies, which offer friendly, knowledgable service.

Sailboat

Set sail for neighboring islands, or simply circle Bora Bora. Whatever you choose, sailing in Bora Bora is an enchanting experience.

Most of the cruise companies on the island can arrange day trips on request, and are similarly amenable to extended charters. Hop aboard a catamaran or motorized canoe and enjoy shark feeding, snorkeling, reef walking or beachcombing.

Snorkeling

Many of Bora Bora's hotels and pensions offer snorkeling as part of their excursion programs.

Located the south tip of Motu Roa, Coral Garden is considered to be one of the best snorkeling sites on the island. The waters around Hotel Bora Bora veritably abound with fish, but visitors are advised to ask permission before snorkeling.

Water Sports

Every hotel on Bora Bora can organize water sport excursions. Most offer free snorkeling gear and outrigger canoes. Or for a fee, try scuba diving, jet skiing, shark feeding, windsurfing--you name it!