Bora Bora is one of the most beautiful islands in the world. If you’re planning on visiting this fabulous destination, make sure to check out these facts about Bora Bora! The island paradise, with its picture-perfect beaches, lush rainforest and gorgeous coral reefs.
Where is Bora Bora?
Bora Bora is an island in French Polynesia – it’s located in the Society Islands archipelago of French Polynesia in the southern Pacific Ocean. It’s part of the Society Islands situated between Tahiti and Moorea. halfway between Australia and the USA
This most secluded islands belong to French Polynesia, a country in the South Pacific located east of Australia. It’s not geographically part of Oceania but is considered to be administratively part of Oceania.
Most people just refer to it as French Polynesia or by its island name.
To who belong Bora Bora?
Bora Bora belongs to French Polynesia, which is an overseas part of the French Republic and its one of the most beautiful French Island
French Polynesia consists of 118 islands and atolls stretching over an expanse of more than 1,400 kilometres (570 mi) in the South Pacific Ocean. Most of its islands are uninhabited, although six have populations of over 10,000 people.
The island has been independent since July 29, 2007.
When did the white people discover Bora Bora?
Bora-Bora was discovered by Dutch admiral Jacob Roggeveen in 1722, visited by Captain James Cook in 1769 and 1777, and annexed by France throughout the latter part of the 19th century. Island had been inhabited by indigenous Polynesians of unknown origin for some time before that.
What’re the differences between Tahiti and Bora Bora?
The island of Tahiti is much bigger than Bora Bora. The two islands are about 270 kilometres apart, but it takes well over an hour to travel between them by boat.
The meaning behind Bora-Bora name
Bora Bora in the Tahitian means “First Born”, though the spelling is different – Porapora as there is no letter “B” in Thaitan language. According to Thaitan belives Bora Bora was the first island created after Raiatea (a different island).
Population in Bora Bora
Bora-Bora is the second most populous of French Polynesia’s islands after Tahiti
Bora-Bora is the largest and most populated (10,000 residents) of all the Leeward Islands in French Polynesia. There are also many resorts on this island which make Bora Bora even more popular.
The biggest town and the capital of Bora Bora are Vaitape, with a population of about 5000 people, which is half of all population.
Language on Bora Bora
Main Language spoke on Bora Bora is French. Other spoken languages are Tahitian and English. The last one is due to the island becoming a popular tourist destination.
Why Bora Bora is such a popular travel destination
One of the facts about Bora Bora is that it’s one of the most beautiful islands in the world with its picture-perfect beaches, lush rainforest, and gorgeous coral reefs.
Tourism is the main industry on this tropical paradise, with more than 80% of the economy being based around it.
In 2017, World Travel Awards named Bora Bora as the most romantic island in the world
There are many great activities to do while there – from scuba diving to visiting a pearl farm or taking a helicopter tour over the islands!
Activities in Bora Bora
- Jet skiing is one of the most popular activities to do in Bora Bora. It’s very exciting! You can go on a jet ski tour or just rent one.
- Paddle boarding is another activity you can do for some fun in the sun. It’s recommended for people with some experience, but you can still try it if you’re adventurous.
- Kiteboarding – If you’re looking for something more challenging than jet-skiing or paddle-boarding, kiteboarding is an excellent option! Kitesurfing is very similar to windsurfing; it incorporates the elements of water and air. Some people might be apprehensive about this sport, but experts say that anyone can do it!
- Canoe – For a more private experience, you can rent out a canoe at the west end of the island. No matter where you are on Bora Bora, you’ll enjoy your paddle-boarding!
- Scuba diving – One of the facts about Bora Bora is that it’s one of the best places in the world for scuba diving. The crystal-blue waters of the lagoon offer perfect visibility and a wealth of different species, from grey reef sharks to sea turtles!
Marina life in Bora Bora
Sealife in Bora Bora includes not only turtles and manta rays but also the ecosystem of French Polynesia. The waters around this island are protected by a 50-mile marine preserve which was established in 2006. The number of humpback whales and blacktip reef sharks have risen significantly since 2003. They are now one of the most dominant species on the reef system.
Marina life around this small island is an experience you won’t soon forget.
The climate on Bora Bora
The climate of Bora Bora is classified as tropical monsoon, which means that weather is consistent during the year with warm nights and even hotter days.
The hotter and dry season starts in June and finishes in October, and the rainy season with heavy rains and storms happens between November and April.
The average yearly temperature is – 28°C ( 82°F), making it one of the hottest places in the world.
Best time to visit Bora Bora
The best time to visit Bora Bora is the shoulder months of December and April when it’s not windy or rainy.
How to get to Bora Bora
Getting to Bora-Bora is not the easiest task. There are only air and boat access available.
There’s no way to get directly to Bora-Bora from any location in the world unless you travel via Papeete (Tahiti). If you are travelling from North America, it takes about 9 hours flying time and an additional 1-hour flight from Tahiti to Bora Bora.
To get to Bora Bora from London, it can take up to 30 hours.
You can also visit Bora-Bora with a cruise from one of the nearby islands such as Moorea, which is only 1 hour away by boat.
Religion in Bora Bora
The French made an effort to convert the community to Christianity during their colonial period. The conversion efforts were successful, and the mix of the French Polynesian culture into that of Tahiti’s proved to be very influential on the island.
Size and the geography of Bora Bora
The size of Bora-Bora, including inlets, is just below 39 sq km. The main island is approx 8×5 km.
The island is surrounded by a lagoon and then by the coral reef formation with only one opening to the sea.
In the centre of the Bora Bora Island is an extinct volcano Mount Otemanu, which is as well the highest point measuring 727 meters
Movies set in Bora Bora
Many movies were filmed on this island, including Couples Retreat (shot in Bora Bora’s St. Regis Resort), Sky Pirates (1986), Mutiny on the Bounty (1962), which make this tropical island famous. They are few more movies that are set on the island, but they weren’t so good.
Where to stay in Bora Bora
There are many resorts available on Bora-Bora island. The most popular ones are the Four Seasons, Hilton, Le Maitai Bora Bora, Intercontinental Thalasso, St. Regis Resort, and many more.
Bora-Bora Economy
The economy of the island is based mostly on tourism which means that most jobs are related to services. There are four resorts on the island providing for 70% of all tourists visiting the island, and they are Four Seasons, Hilton, Le Maitai Bora Bora, Intercontinental Thalasso Resort and St Regis Resort.
Bora Bora during World War II
During World War II, the United States military utilized Bora Bora as a military supply base for its South Pacific Fleet. Bora Bora acted as both an oil depot and airstrip to keep up with Allied forces on land while also supporting US naval operations in waters outside of sight range; some defensive fortifications were constructed around this strategic location
Bora-Bora Roads and transportation
There’s one main road on the island that circles around the island. The ring road measures only 31 km in length. There is almost no public transport besides one bus which goes around the island every hour or so.
Taxis are crazy expensive, and the best way to explore the island is to either prebook the car rental (walk-in rental is more expensive) or rent the bike. And you can always try hitchhiking.
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