Grace from Turquoise Holidays shares her top ten things to do while on holiday in Bora Bora. So if you’re setting up a Patchwork honeymoon fund and asking guests to treat you to some once in a lifetime honeymoon experiences, you can start checking these off your bucket list…
Many people believe Bora Bora in The Islands of Tahiti is the world’s most beautiful island, while others think it’s the planet’s most romantic. At The Turquoise Holiday Company, we agree with both sentiments wholeheartedly. Emerald-wrapped mountains, and an impossibly blue lagoon reveal an astonishing array of crayon-coloured reefs and palm-topped islets. It’s as close to Eden as you can possibly get. Maybe the fact Bora Bora literally translates as ‘first born’ was a clue?
A stay in an overwater bungalow is a must. From here you can watch the magical marine life beneath and the epic tropical scenery surrounding you. But if you can tear yourself away, there’s so much to see and explore. Here’s our favourite things to do on a Bora Bora holiday.
Enjoy the stunning views
The moment you get off the plane at Motu Mute Airport in Bora Bora, your eyes will be transfixed by the exotic beauty around you. Colours of emerald, turquoise and white seem to be amplified in a whole new way. It’s like upgrading to a high definition T.V. when you have been used to standard definition your whole life.
Bora Bora is the ray to go!
Bora Bora’s lagoon has a proliferation of manta rays, eagle rays and stingrays, which you can swim alongside as you snorkel the vivid coral gardens. They’re very friendly and have interacted with Polynesians for generations, willingly swimming up to you to say hello. You can help feed them by hand as well, for an experience you’ll never forget!
Take a tour of the lagoon
Beyond the rays, the aquamarine lagoon in Bora Bora is an incredible sight and worthy of a cruise. Make sure you have your camera ready and plenty of space on your memory card as at every turn you’re greeted by yet another spectacular tropical view. Having the watchful gaze of the jade-hued Mount Otemanu looming over you adds a pinch of natural drama, too.
Snorkel with tropical fish
The white sandy beaches of Bora Bora’s beautiful motus (the islets that surround the lagoon) are the perfect base for discovering the vibrant coral and dazzling tropical fish which live in the lagoon. If you’re not staying on a motu, you’ll need a guide as they’re all privately owned, but all that local expert knowledge will really add to the adventure!
Gaze in awe at Matira Beach
It’s hard to pick just one, but this is probably Bora Bora’s most iconic and best-loved beach. Sugar-white sands stretch for what seems like forever, sloping into the gin-clear lagoon where the warm, turquoise water makes for an inviting dip. Add in gently swaying palm trees and stunning crimson sunsets and you have the ideal island scene. Enough said.
Swim with sharks
Ok, at first this might sound daunting but trust us – it’s perfectly safe! The reef sharks you find in Bora Bora aren’t dangerous at all and after just a few minutes swimming with them, you’ll leave the water feeling nothing by respect and awe for these graceful creatures. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Eat traditional Tahitian food
Cocktails and fish for breakfast? Why not! In Bora Bora, anything goes. Poisson cru is Tahiti’s national dish, where raw tuna is marinated in lime juice and coconut milk. Like a South Pacific twist on Peruvian ceviche. Your palate will zing with happiness at the flavours! Of course, when you’re on holiday it’s only right to wash it down with a pina colada, regardless of the time of day. That’s the privilege that comes with being in Bora Bora!
Take a 4×4 tour of the island
It’s easy to spend all your time around the lagoon or at your resort, but there’s far more to Bora Bora than that. The US used the island as a supply base during the Second World War and the remnants of their bunkers, defences and artillery cannons still remain. A 4×4 tour of the island will explore that fascinating facet of its history, as well as traditional village culture, the rugged terrain and Bora Bora’s gorgeous flora.
Parasail over the island
If you thought your flight into Bora Bora was spectacular, then you might think again when you go parasailing over Matira Beach. You’ll see turtles, rays and reef sharks swimming in the lagoon below you. Dreamy islets stretch as far as the eye can see, only to be dwarfed by the towering Mount Otemanu beyond. Just wow.
Buy a black pearl
Black pearls are just as synonymous with Tahiti as overwater bungalows and its postcard-perfect views. It’s one of the best places in the world to find them, due to the perfect conditions, temperature and light which they need to grow. It’s the ideal souvenir for your loved one, something they will cherish and have as a memory of an amazing holiday together. You can choose yours from a beachfront merchant or in your resort shop. Alternatively, if you want a totally authentic experience, visit one of the many family-run farms, hovering on stilts above the lagoon.
Feeling inspired to go to Bora Bora?
If this post has inspired you to plan a trip to Bora Bora, Patchwork can help! Instead of traditional wedding gifts, invite friends and family to help fund a night in an over water villa or cocktails for two! Then once you’re ready to book your trip, contact The Turquoise Holiday Company. With 18 years’ experience and specialists in the South Pacific, the team can help you craft your perfect tailor-made holiday to Bora Bora.
Visit www.turquoiseholidays.co.uk/borabora or call 01494 678400.