There’s More To a Bora Bora Vacation Than Beaches

There’s no doubt that Bora Bora is synonymous with South Pacific luxury, but there is more to this island paradise, found in French Polynesia, than sipping cocktails on the beach or on the deck of your overwater bungalow. From shark safaris to underwater scootering to fishing trips, there are a ton of fun day tours you can enjoy on a Bora Bora vacation. We always recommend pre-booking any day tours, since it’s actually cheaper than paying in destination, and often the tours have a limited number of people. Here are a few of Bora Bora’s best!: Shark & Ray Snorkeling Safari Swim amongst colourful fish, black tip sharks, and stingrays in their natural habitat in the coral gardens or the Bora Bora lagoon. Embark on a private tour to meet these majestic underwater creatures up close amid clear tropical waters and coral reefs.   

4WD and Snorkeling Safari This tour is ideal for those wishing to explore both the lagoon and the island side of Bora Bora in a single day. Circle the island on a 4WD tour along mountain trails to several view points on the lagoon. Visit the historic village of Vaitape and see the cannons and bunkers that remain from World War II. Enjoy lunch at the famous Bloody Mary's restaurant, then enjoy a snorkeling safari in the beautiful lagoon of Bora Bora. In the clear South Pacific waters, you’ll discover a kaleidoscope of underwater treasures. 

Sailing Bora Bora Step aboard a catamaran cruiser equipped with comfortable sunbeds, and take in great views of the amazing water flowing underneath you. This is the only catamaran capable of sailing in the shallow waters and taking you to the most beautiful spots in the lagoon. During this smooth and scenic sailing adventure, you can sunbathe and listen to some background music as you enjoy the scenery. Photographer’s Lagoon Tour Set the scene for your romantic rendez-vous on the Bora Bora lagoon, as your guide makes your trip unforgettable with professional photos taken, using the island’s most beautiful backdrops. Enjoy the ride in a comfortable Bayliner, and learn all about this beautiful island’s history, legends, and secrets, before enjoying a glass of Coco-Champagne in the sparkling lagoon.

Whale Watching Tour Whales come to Polynesia’s warm waters from August to October to mate and give birth. Getting up close and personal with these wild sea mammals is an unforgettable experience. This Bora Bora excursion will deliver you to the spots with the best chance of viewing whales in their natural habitat. Guided Jet Ski Tour Travel around the Bora Bora lagoon on a guided jet ski adventure. It's the perfect opportunity to witness the lagoon’s blue hues and photograph the island and lagoon (there is a waterproof compartment for cameras on the jet ski). You can sample some tasty local fruit while taking a break on the beach.

Lagoon or Inshore Fishing Experience a half-day fishing tour in the lagoon or outside the reef aboard a 17-foot Boston Whaler. You may catch kingfish, barracudas, or grouper in the lagoon, or thazars, mahi mahi, or yellowfin tunas oceanside. This morning or afternoon Bora Bora tour ensures that you will not come back empty-handed! Walk in the Valley of Kings Embark on an adventure on foot through the Valley of the Kings and learn how Polynesians use plants in their traditional medicine. Hike to the foot of Otemanu and Pahi mountains, where you’ll see a giant banyan tree and ancient wooded landscapes. Along the way, you’ll stop to take in picture-perfect views of the turquoise lagoon.   

Aquabike Underwater Scooter Set off on an adventure in the Bora Bora lagoon with an underwater scooter, and explore unknown depths. Providing constant air supply, the scooter will let you breathe easy and steer this easy-to-use underwater device that can go down 3 metres deep. You don’t need to be a swimmer or diver to enjoy this trip - just hop on and scoot down. It’s a fun and offbeat adventure that will create memories for a lifetime!

Aquasafari Helmet Dive Put your feet in the sand 6 metres deep in crystal-clear waters! Wearing a helmet that helps you breathe normally underwater, you will be surrounded by colourful coral and tropical fish coming to eat from your hand! This incredible day tour is suitable for anyone over 8 years of age. Initiation Dive The crystal clear lagoon of Bora Bora is a perfect setting for a beginner dive site. Explore the underwater world of the Pacific in Anau, the "Aquarium", or Toopua - where you will discover colourful marine life, including spotted eagle rays and adorable clown fish.

For more information on Bora Bora, or other travel ideas in Tahiti, please visit our website at www.goway.com.

By Bronwyn Hodge