Discover a host of sightseeing opportunities in Bora Bora – perfect for adventurous honeymoon couples.
Bora Bora is easily explored by boat and outrigger-canoe on the lagoon, by car, scooter or bike on the 32km-long road that encircles the island, and by 4WD into the interior through jungle-clad hills scattered with ancient marae.
Swim alongside sharks and other marine creatures in this remarkable outdoor aquarium that is located on a private island near Motu Piti Anau, Anau and Le Meridien Resort.
This family-run venture offers half-day and full-day visits that can include manta ray and shark feeding demonstrations, swimming with marine animals, snorkel tours to the famed coral gardens at the southeast end of the main island and even circle-island tours in an outrigger canoe. (Cost: between CFP7000-9500)
Located almost opposite Vaitape on the east coast, Anau is easily reached along the north road and offers an interesting glimpse of authentic Polynesian life. The village, which offers a great view of Mt. Otemanu, has a few shops and one small church with a steeple.
This pretty village sits around 5km north of Vaitape overlooking Faanui Bay. Once the stronghold of the former ruling family, the village is home to a few shops selling brightly coloured pareos (sarongs), a pastel pink church and several nearby marae. Close by sit the remains of the former U.S. naval base, built in 1942.
Hire a 4WD or take a Circle Island tour to discover several ancient stone temples once used for religious and social gatherings as well as human and animal sacrifices.
For the best marae, head to Taharuu Marae at Point Haamaire on the east coast, Aehautai on the southeast coast not far from Paoaoa Point, the beautifully restored 50-metre-long Marotetini Marae near the wharf at Faanui Bay on the west coast and the Fare Opu Marae just north of Faanui that lies partially buried under the road.
This small museum houses a collection of models of ancient and modern canoes, tuna fishing boats, and legendary ships such as the Bounty and the Kon Tiki.
The Marine Museum is located 11km north of Vaitape, near Faanui at the northern end of Bora Bora. You need to phone (67-75-24) before you visit – the museum is only open upon request (and closed at weekends).
Unwind on one of the few public access beaches on the island. This gorgeous 1.5km-long beach is located at the southern most tip of the island and is divided by Matira Point into a west and east beach. Several luxurious resorts, shops, restaurants, cafes and activity centres lie on or near the beach.
The beach is located about 6km from Vaitape and is easily accessibly by taxi, hire scooter and bike or the local L'Truck bus.
Bora Bora's main town is located on the west coast and is generally the first port of call for those staying on the main island. Boutiques, restaurants and cafes line the one main street of the town that also offers two charming churches painted in pastels with red roofs and steeples.
Additionally, there is a marina and public wharf, a tourist office, police station, three banks, a post office with public phones, a pharmacy and a medical centre and a couple of petrol stations.
Near the police station lies the final resting place of French yachtsman Alain Gerbault, who single-handedly sailed his yacht around the world in 1923-29, and lived in Vaitape during the 1930s.
Seven giant cannons still remain perched on the hills overlooking the four corners of the island and were installed by U.S. servicemen stationed on the island during WWII.
The best way to see them is on an exciting but typically bumpy 4WD tour. Head to the hills above Matira Point (6.5km south of Vaitape), Fitiiu Point on the east coast (15km from Vaitape via the southern route) and at Farepiti and Tereia Point (2km and 8km respectively north of Vaitape).
Latest update: Bora Bora Sights & Attractions: 19 April, 2022
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