Bora Bora

The capital and main town is Vaitape located on the west side of the main island and is home to approximately half of the total population of Bora Bora. Another small town is Matira which has the largest beach and a number of hotels and restaurants to choose from.

There are two mountains on the island. The tallest and most majestic is Mount Otemanu which rises to a height of 730 metres/2400 feet and can be seen from most areas of Bora Bora due to its jagged peaks which tower over the island. The other is Mount Pahia in the south of the Bora Bora which is almost as imposing at a height of 660 metres/220 feet. 

If one wishes to be left alone, the islets near Bora Bora are the best places to give you all the privacy you need. These include Motu Tapu, Tevairoa, Motu Toopua and Motu Ahuna. You can also find a man-made islet on the northeast side of the island, called Motu Marfo. 

Naturally, Bora Bora, due to its coral reefs and clear waters is world famous for its water sports especially snorkeling and scuba diving. Imagine being in a locale with over 500 different species of marine life for one’s underwater viewing. One can simply take part in these activities on one’s own. However, consider taking a cruise perhaps like the full-day lagoon cruise which includes not only snorkeling and diving opportunities but also includes a Tahitian barbeque.  Other ways to view the amazing underwater world are to take a glass-bottomed boat tour or visit the Bora Bora Lagoonarium where you can view marine life in a zoo-like environment and have the services of a certified underwater guide. For the more adventurous, one can take a Shark and Stingray Snorkel Safari and have the opportunity to swim with and feed them. 

One of the more popular dive sites is Tupitipiti Point which is known for its steep drop-off, purple coral and colourful sponges as well as its tropical marine attractions. There is also the Bora Bora Diving Centre which will take you to the most beautiful diving sites of Bora Bora. Each morning, the dives are reserved for certified divers (level one or Open Water minimum). The morning consists of two dives, each at a different site (two tank dives). Beginner dive training sessions are held each afternoon generally inside the lagoon. You are also welcome to join them for an exploratory fun dive.

Bora Bora is famous for its dramatic sunsets so also consider a sunset cruise aboard a catamaran sailboat. For fishing enthusiasts, a Bora Bora vacation is an excellent choice to enjoy this pastime. There are several excellent fishing charters which can be taken. You can enjoy a private charter with a professional and experienced crew with access to top-of-the-line fishing equipment and expert advice. There is a variety of fish which include Blue Marlin, Mahi-Mahi, Yellowfin Tuna and Barracuda. 

Other activities in this tropical paradise are hiking and climbing. This can be done to Mount Pahia with its 360-degree panorama with mesmerizing views over the land below. A guide is essential as the track is not properly marked and is notoriously difficult to follow. Shorter, easier walks are also available into the mountainous interior, a great way to learn about the island’s flora and history. There is so much you can do on a Bora Bora vacation with Goway.

Interested in history? Bora Bora does have a history. During WWII a US supply base was established on the island prompted by the bombing of Pearl Harbor in 1941. You can visit American WWII sites along with other locally important Tahitian archaeological sites. 

Want to go to a “desert island” on a Tahiti vacation? Maupiti, with a number of archaeological sites, is an uninhabited island located 40kilometres/25 miles from Bora Bora and can be reached by both plane and boat.