LAGOONARIUM

Definately unique to Bora bora and a favorite of many travelers, the Bora exotic LAGOONARIUM is attraction with no equal anywhere in the world…

There IS another on Tahiti, but you can’t get in the water with the creatures, so it’s really not the same thing…

At the Bora bora LAGOONARIUM, you will not only see, but actually INTERACT with the amazing creatures of the Bora bora lagoon as you swim alongside them with an experienced underwater guide.

All the creatures you’ve seen pictures of and heard about are here: Turtles, dolphins, sharks and rays, tropical fishes in incredible numbers and more…

A visit to the LAGOONARIUM is also more than just enjoying the marine life of the amazing LAGOONARIUM: There are a number of daily activities on the list.

Experience SHARK AND RAY FEEDING EXHIBITIONS, circle island tours, picnics on a private motu, snorkeling at the Coral Gardens and more!

AQUASCOPE

The island of Bora Bora has many unique features and it can be said quite confidently that the one and only AQUASCOPE fits right in! This unique watercraft was designed by a close friend and working colleage of the famous Jacques Cousteau and has been a fixture of the island waters now for over 15 years!

A recent group of touring customers described their AQUASCOPE experience like this: “It was like being in a “reverse aquarium”- where we were the occupants of a small and unique world that was not part of theirs. As we gazed out into the thick schools of fish, we couldn’t help but to think they were feeling sorry for us that we had to breathe air and that we couldn’t swim around freely in the lagoon as they were!”.

AQUA SAFARI

You don’t have to be a certified diver or even know how to swim to enjoy the underwater beauty of the Bora Bora lagoon.

The Aqua Safari allows you to view the beautiful coral and tropical fish without dive tanks, snorkel, weight belts or mask! The helmet aqua safari provides a safe, easy, non-compression diving experience.

Wearing an enlarged, comfortable helmet, air is delivered to you directly from the boat. A certified diving instructor accompanies you at all times. Whether you are 8 or 80 years old, this is an experience you won’t want to miss!

The wet season (Polynesian Summer), is between the months of November to April, receiving approximately 3/4ths of the annual rainfall of French Polynesia between these months. The humidity during this time can be quite heavy and muggy and cloud cover is common. Storms are frequent, brief, and unpredictable.(Average rainfall for Papeete is 1800mm). Temperatures will range from 27 - 30 degrees C, with the hottest months being February and March. Day to night temperature fluctuations are minimal. This “wet season” is considered the “off season” for tourism.

From a travelers standpoint, this “off season” may not be the most favorable weatherwise, however the benefits may tip the scales to the travelers advantage in many other ways: There’s less competition for lodging, activity and sightseeing schedules. With the additional advantage of lower average pricing for most products and services, it can be considered that this wet season is easier to travel, explore, and generally, get things done. There’s always the trade-offs to consider…

For you sunworshippers out there, keep in mind that the sun is not on vacation, but merely less commonly seen than in the drier months. Being a French Polynesian Island, and tropical, even in the “wet season” you’ll definately get your fair share of sun on Tahiti Island. (There are between 2500- 2900 Sunshine hours per year.)

By contrast, the “dry season” - May through October, is the “on season” for tourism. This is the Polynesian winter. Temperatures generally range from between 24-28 degrees C, and rain is rare. Day to night temperature fluctuations are minimal.

As to be expected, these favorable weather conditions also bring out the tourists. July is most likely the favorite and most heavily traveled month for all the Tahitian Islands because of its many festivals and celebrations during the month long holiday that occurs at that time known as Tiurai. For those interested in Scubadiving in Tahiti and her surrounding islands, the dry season is favorable due to increased visibility.

Tradewinds-

Winds will be present in Tahiti Polynesia no matter the season. The basic geography of all the French Polynesian islands will always insure this. Most days in Tahiti will include some type of light wind, oftentimes picking up toward the latter part of the day. For the most part, these winds will always be considered a blessing. The feeling of a nice pacific breeze on a hot day is very refreshing and will always be appreciated.

There are two common trade winds affecting Tahiti Polynesias weather and travelers: The dry season’s mara’ amu, and the wet seasons toerau. The mara’ amu is a southeasterly blowing tradewind most common during the winter months (dry season), of June, July, and August. These winds can be a bit more persistant than you may be prepared for, bringing with them sudden downpours and cooler temperatures. Be advised to pack an extra windbreaker…

As for the toerau, these winds are less common and blow in a north- northeast direction and occur during the wet season months.

Cyclones-

The Pacific Ocean surrounding all the Tahitian Islands, with it’s thermal currents interacting with the various jetstreams (air currents) can produce winds of terrific magnitude. Cyclones (another word for Hurricanes) are always a cause for concern for those inclined to worry. Take heed. French Polynesia has had its share of cyclones. (although the frequency of them seems to be far less than other parts of the world which are prone to them, such as the southeastern seaboard or midwest states of the United States).

The last powerful cyclone that caused considerable damage to Tahiti and many surrounding islands was in 1982.

Bora Bora was settled by Polynesian people around the 4th century. You may be more familiar with the story of Captain James Cook, considered by many to have been the greatest of the explorers, sighting the island in 1777.

So, locals had been living there for more than 1300 years. What a shock it must have been to see Captain Cook float in.

Cook did something no previous European explorer to touch on a Polynesian island had ever done: he learned the basics of the local language, and then he used his rudimentary linguistic skills to ask how the islanders sailed and navigated their canoes, and where they voyaged.

They were able to explain how the Polynesians sailed their canoes and navigated by reference to the sun, moon, and stars, and to provide information on islands immediately surrounding Bora Bora as well as those a considerable distance away.

The early European explorers who first encountered the Polynesians could not believe that a stone age people, with only simple sailing canoes and no navigational instruments, could themselves have discovered and settled the mid-Pacific islands. Accordingly, they dreamed up elaborate theories that explained the presence of the Polynesians in the middle of the Pacific, while denying to them the ability of having reached there through their own sailing abilities.

Still, the people of Bora Bora, and French Polynesia in general, are known to be some the most friendly and hospitable on the planet. In fact, during World War II, after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor, Bora Bora was chosen as a military supply base by the United States. They set up an oil depot, airstrip, seaplane base, and fortifications were built all around.

But Bora Bora never heard a shot fired. Americans went uncontested during the war. The base closed soon after in June of 1946 and it took force to remove some Americans from the island as they had fallen in love with the place and the people.

Today the island is dependent on tourism. Many high-end resorts dot the perimeter reef. Interestingly, tourists are mainly American and Japanese.

Most come to Bora Bora for a beach holiday, and are surprised to learn it is a lagoon destination with very few, narrow beaches. We’ll cover those, but we want you to see the beauty of the lagoon and our special pages on the overwater bungalows with glass floors! Bora Bora is gorgeous and awe inspiring.

Getting to Bora Bora is fairly easy. Air Tahiti has five or six flights to Bora Bora from the island of Papeete. Since the airport here is located on a large strip of flat land, your transportation to your resort is by boat.

And you’ll know you’re in paradise when you see Bora Bora’s airport has no walls or fences. No parking lot - except for the docked boat waiting to take you and your luggage to your resort.

On the main island, you can get around by public transportation. There is one bus that goes halfway around the island every hour or so. Bicycles are the recommended method of transportation for tourists. Arrange a bike at the resort. There are golf carts for hire in Vaitape.

Bora Bora is also famous for scuba diving in and around its beautiful lagoon. Many species of shark and rays can been seen. Two dive operators handle everything: Bora Bora Dive Center and Top Dive. Both offer shark feeding excursions. Brave enough?

Snorkeling is a favorite pastime. The color of the fish is bright. We’ve found that tropical fish from the Pacific are more brightly colored than those of the Caribbean or elsewhere. If and when you go, take an underwater camera (you can buy a disposable one here), and stay close to the rocks. The best formations are near rock. You’ll see fish in the sandy area, but not much else.

One thing you will most likely see are turtles. They are prominent in this area and are not afraid of humans. Check around the sand and grassy areas. From your bungalow you will be able to spot a lot of marine life. Many bungalows have stairs that go down to the ocean surface.

Resorts have been welcoming couples for over 40 years and their special amenities have been fine tuned to perfection. From sunrise to sunset, each resort has designed their own blend of unique romantic experiences for their guests to choose from.

Romantic highlights include:

• Breakfast brought to your overwater bungalow’s private balcony by an outrigger canoe regaled in flowers.
• Gourmet picnic lunches enjoyed from a private beach on a motu.
• Sunset sails aboard a private catamaran including four-course dinner and the sounds and emotions of live Polynesian music and dancers.
• Sharing a lagoon-view table at one of the many fine restaurants.
• Polynesian wedding ceremonies from simple to royal. Ceremonies can be at the resorts, onboard a catamaran at sunset, or on a private beach at sunset complete with musicians and dancers.

Excitement above the lagoon by outrigger canoe, Boston Whaler, wave runner, jetski, and dramatic sunset cruises aboard a catamaran sailboat.

Exploration of the panoramic overlooks found by hike or 4×4 accompanied by entertaining local guides.

Discovery of the world-renowned shopping for local and international original art, Tahitian pearls, and precious wood handcrafts.

Romance in the natural ambience of the legendary resorts with their choice of Polynesian spas, gourmet restaurants, overwater bungalows, villas and suites.

Some of the most popular activities and sites for visitors include:

Lagoon Exploration

There are so many activities in the world’s most famous lagoon that some visitors never leave the water! The shallow and clear waters allow for snorkeling from you bungalow or off the beaches anywhere around the island. Another way to see the vivid coral and schools of tropical fish is a glass bottom boat. For a faster pace, explore the entire lagoon by rented motorboat or jetski where you and a guide can skim around the island, hopping off at beaches or a tiny motu along the way for a picnic.

Breakfast by Canoe

Start each day with an unforgettable breakfast brought to the private balcony of your overwater bungalow or villa by outrigger canoe. Often bedecked in flowers, the canoe carries Polynesian staff serving fresh fruits, pastries, and juices while the surrounding waters begin welcoming the rising South Pacific sun. Canoe breakfasts are also available at many of the resorts throughout all the islands and can be reserved before you travel by your travel arranger or scheduled with the concierge on your arrival.

4×4 Safaris & Excursions

Even though Bora Bora is small, the adventures along the interior roads are huge. These overgrown forest roads wind high above the lagoon to panoramic stops that can only be described as breathtaking. The island’s role during World War II is expertly told as you visit large U.S. Naval guns left behind in 1945.

Shark and Ray Feeding

Although the idea of feeding sharks may sound somewhat ominous, it is now one of the most popular excursions in the South Pacific. Originated on Bora Bora, your close encounter begins after you don a snorkeling mask and float in the shallow lagoon waters behind a secure rope. Docile sharks arrive in schools and are hand-fed by your guide just a few feet away. Later in the same tour, you’ll stand in shallow waters as graceful rays circle the group with ballet-like movements.

Sailing

Bora Bora’s lagoon is a very popular anchorage for both round-the-world and avid vacation sailors. If chartering your own sailboat in Raiatea, Tahiti, or Moorea, the deep, wide pass and calm lagoon is a natural stop. You can also rent a Hobie Cat in Bora Bora or take a half-day or sunset cruise around the lagoon on a giant catamaran, complete with music.

Diving

Because of the abundance of large marine life, diving within the waters of the most beautiful lagoon in the world is on many diver’s “must do” list. During the dives, it is common to be joined by legions of gigantic manta rays gliding gracefully within arm’s reach while schools of reef sharks parade by.

Shopping and Dining

Bora Bora is world famous for the surprising number of unique and high-end boutiques and for the quality of dozens of fine restaurants with international cuisine.

Motu Tapu

The ultimate private island escape, Motu Tapu is the most photographed isle in the South Pacific. This tiny motu, just a few hundred yards from the main island, is best described as the world’s most perfect to relax.
Motu Tapu is reserved for guests of select resorts and groups with invitations.

Other activities and sites on Bora Bora include:

• Matira Beach, one of the world’s most famous beaches
• Bloody Mary’s restaurant
• Parasailing for one or two
• Boston Whaler motorboat tours
• Guided hikes to Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu
• Sunset cruise complete with singers and dancers
• Exploring the ancient marae temples along the coast
• Horseback riding
• The Lagoonarium
• Discovering World War II relics

Useful Links

Dive Centers in Bora Bora

• Bora Bora Blue Nui
• Dive Easy
• Nemo World

Water Activities in Bora Bora

• The Marine Turtle’s Protection Centre
• Bora Bora Aquabike Adventure (personal submarine)

Romantics from around the world have laid claim to this island where the castle-like Mount Otemanu pierces the sky. Lush tropical slopes and valleys blossom with hibiscus, while palm-covered motu circle the illuminated lagoon like a delicate necklace. Perfect white-sand beaches give way to emerald waters where colored fish animate the coral gardens as they greet the giant manta rays. This could be easily be described as the center of the romantic universe, where luxury resorts and spas dot the island with overwater bungalows, thatchedroof villas, and fabled ambience.

Simply said, Bora Bora is the most beautiful island in the world

Pora Pora - the ancient name, meaning “first born,” came from legends describing this as the first island to rise when Taaroa, the supreme god, fished it out of the waters after the mythical creation of Havai’i, now known as Raiatea. Although the first letter “B” does not exist in the Tahitian language, when Captain Cook first heard the name he mistook the softened sound of the Tahitian “P” for “B” and called the island Bola Bola.

Romance on Bora Bora

Truly, the most romantic island in the world. From the dramatic scenery to the privacy and amenities of the overwater bungalows, everything in Bora Bora equals a 10 on the romance scale.

Resorts have been welcoming couples for over 40 years and their special amenities have been fine tuned to perfection. From sunrise to sunset, each resort has designed their own blend of unique romantic experiences for their guests to choose from.

For The Visitor, The Majesty of Bora Bora offers:

• Enchantment from the neon-lit turquoise lagoon waters with unending days of exploration through snorkeling and diving.
• Excitement above the lagoon by outrigger canoe, Boston Whaler, wave runner, jet ski, and dramatic sunset cruises aboard a catamaran sailboat.
• Exploration of the panoramic overlooks found by hike or 4×4 accompanied by entertaining local guides.
• Discovery of the world-renowned shopping for local and international original art, Tahitian pearls, perfumes and oils, and precious wood handcrafts.

At the resort you can discover the sparkling magic of the lagoon and admire the awe-inspiring Mount Otemanu. Delight in the crystal water of the lagoon with its myriad of colors and appreciate the warm, rich Polynesian hospitality and culture.

Air transportation from Papeete may be made by calling Air Tahiti at 011 689 86 4242.

The Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort a 5220 square-foot freshwater swimming pool situated at the base of a water cascade and with a Jacuzzi beside the center of the pool. The pool is just next to the beach and is surrounded by decked and tiled areas. The tennis court is floodlit for night use. Catch a recent release or classic at the 40-person movie theater. The hotel also offers a petanque (Bacci ball) area, badminton courts, shuffleboard, and a mini golf (pitch and put), as well as two boutique shops for crafts, souvenirs, and convenience items. There are two restaurants open year-round, the main dining room, the Tevairoa Restaurant overlooking the turquoise of the Bora Bora lagoon, and Miki Miki for a more casual dining experience.

A game room provides a spot for a game of billiards or Foosball and tables for bridge, chess, or checkers. The bungalows are offered in three categories, Overwater, Beach with Jacuzzi and Garden with fresh water plunge pool. All are equipped with a ceiling fan and air-conditioning, coffee/tea facilities, mini bar, safe, iron and board, LCD satellite television with DVD player and a CD player.There is a daily tax of 150XPF (est.50 USD) per person, per night due direct to the hotel.

Hotel Information and Booking Options

In a word, romance. Without doubt, Tahiti is the most romantic place on earth. It was made for lovers. Close your eyes and imagine a secluded oceanfront Garden of Eden for you and your Adam — or Eve — and you’ve probably just conjured up a glimpse of Tahiti.

Intoxicating scents. Palm-shaded sugar white beaches all to yourselves. Secluded coves. Warm crystal water in extraordinary hues. Islands more sensuous than the works of Gaugin, more adventuresome that the tales of Robert Louis Stevenson, more romantic than James Michener’s Bali Hai.

Tahiti is the idyllic setting for a honeymoon in paradise. Tahiti is uncrowded, private, secluded, where the most magical scenery seems to just belong to you. Sleep in your own private thatched-roof bungalow on the edge of a turquoise lagoon… Cruise under a star studded sky, following the gentle trade winds… Spend the day on your own secluded islet…. or on an endless beach were you can be Adam and Eve for a day.

Tips for Planning Your Honeymoon

A great honeymoon sets the tone for a great marriage. You can trust our experts to help you plan the perfect trip for you and your spouse. The planning process is more involved than most people think, but we can make it easy and fun for you. We will help you go through questions like the ones listed below to find answers that will lead you to a honeymoon that’s just right for you.

• What is your budget?
• When can you take our honeymoon and how long can you be gone?
• Do you want to be lively or lazy?
• Do you want a cruise, vacation package or a trip tailored just for the two of us?

Here are just some of the hints that our TahitiTravel consultants give for a perfect honeymoon:

• Book your reservations at least 6 months ahead. The major obstacle to booking the trip you want, whether it’s a custom itinerary, package vacation or tour, is availability. Flights and hotels fill up many months in advance. This is why it pays off to plan and book your honeymoon as early as possible.
• Get the best level of resort you can afford. This is where you will spend the majority of your time.
• Splurge for upgraded accommodations such as an over-the-water bungalow. It’s magical and you’ll thank yourselves later!
• Plan the honeymoon together and communicate all of your preferences up front! We’ll suggest the perfect itinerary for your budget and preferences.
• Check to be sure you have all the proper documentation to travel with (passport) and that you know the issues surrounding any name changes.
• Ask us for information on what there is to see and do on the islands. We know all the excursions, restaurants, etc…
• Pack a sense of humor. Minor disappointments shouldn’t have a major effect on your trip.

Across the lagoon stands the impressive Mount Pahia with the pretty village of Vaitape at its base. Guests can enjoy the game room, gardens, outdoor swimming pool, Le Tipanie (overlooking the interior lagoon), Le Te Ava (poolside), and Miki Miki Bar (designed like the prow of a ship, pointing toward Mount Otemanu) with live music. Outrigger canoeing, snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, windsurfing, shark and ray feeding, deep-sea fishing, jet-skiing, parasailing, and horseback riding can all be easily arranged.

A unique feature of Le Meridien Bora Bora is its Turtle Sanctuary. A special program has been implemented to ensure the successful release of the turtles into the ocean. The hotel also offers 24-hour front desk and concierge services, airport courtesy bus and private boat transfer, babysitting service, bellman and porter, currency exchange, laundry service, room service, and a tour desk. The hotel has 85 over-water bungalows and 15 beach bungalows. All units have hairdryers, minibars, modem jacks, cable TV, safes, and tea and coffee-making facilities.

Guests will need to fly into Papeete International Airport in Tahiti, then take a domestic flight to Bora Bora. Air transportation to this island may be made by contacting Air Tahiti at 011 689 86 4242.

Hotel Information and Booking Options

Hotel amenities include beach access, multilingual staff, outdoor swimming pool, sauna, fitness center, tour desk, babysitting services, laundry services, currency exchange, gift shop, water-purification system, 24-hour room service, two restaurants, bar, and a business center.

Guest rooms feature CD players, cable TVs, coffeemakers, DVD players, dressing rooms, hairdryers, high-speed Internet access, safes, air conditioning, irons and ironing boards, minibars, telephones, voicemail, and work desks.

Hotel Information and Booking Options