Dominating the island are majestic Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia, two towering volcanic peaks of black rock that jut out of the center of the emerald-green island. Often draped in white clouds, these landmarks take on mysterious and mythical qualities. With its two dominating peaks and brilliant turquoise lagoon, this island offers the most dramatic beauty of any island in French Polynesia.
Among the most unforgettable experiences of a Bora Bora visit is the launch transfer from the airport. The airport is built on a palm fringed motu approximately 20 minutes by motor launch from the main village of Vaitape. The ride across the calm translucent waters of the lagoon is like entering a fairyland. From Vaitape Village "Le Truck" or mini-van transports you to the hotel. The road which circles the island will take you to your hotel past a landscape of vibrant, almost surreal, colors.
Bora Bora is an island that most people have heard about, but not many people know that it is part of French Polynesia. It is one of the leeward islands and is located about 150 miles northwest of Tahiti. Just 18 miles around, Bora Bora is the ideal South Pacific island. Hibiscus line the hills and valleys, and the underwater world is a kaleidoscopic of fish flowing through prismatic turquoise water with sun rays dancing on magnificently sculpted coral.
Bora Bora Geography
Bora Bora is situated 155 miles to the northeast of Tahiti (at latitude 16o 30’ south and longitude 151o 45’ west). Bora Bora was formed around seven million years ago.
Of volcanic origin, the composition is essentially a main island about six miles long by 2 ½ miles wide, with a central mountain chain dominated by the summits of Mount Otemanu (2,384 ft.) and the double peaked Mount Pahia (2,030 ft.)
Separated from the principle island by a deep lagoon, is the small island of Toopua and the islet of Toopua Iti. The three islands are the eroded remnants of the slopes of a crater, enclosing the central part of an ancient volcano.
The coast of the main island is deeply jagged and bordered by a fringing reef that disappears in the southern part to give way to the magnificent white sand beaches of Taahana and Matira.
Bora Bora Tourist Information And Visitors Bureau
P.O. BOX 144 Vaitape - Bora Bora
Tel./Fax. (689) 67. 76. 36
Located on the boat dock at Vaitape, near the Air Tahiti office
Transportation
Direct flights from Tahiti’s Faaa Airport to Bora Bora take 45 minutes. Many flights to Bora Bora also make stops in Moorea, Huahine and Raiatea. Ferry transportation is available but not reliable or recommended for vacations or honeymooners.
The best way to get around the island, which you can tour in a day, is by moped or bicycle, but don’t leave without taking a three-hour jeep safari tour.
Rental Car - Europcar Bora Bora
Next to Vaitape Quay
P.O. BOX 246 Vaitape - BORA BORA
Tel. (689) 67. 70. 03 / 67. 70. 15
Fax. (689) 67. 79. 95
Bora Bora Restaurants
Bloody Mary’s
Bora Bora’s world famous restaurant and bar. It has a white sand floor and you’ll be seated on coconut stumps under a huge thatched roof. The dinner service starts at 6:00 pm when each evening the daily catch of the local fisherman is displayed on ice. After an explanation of exactly what's available on your particular evening, the host takes your order directly with the chef. You can choose from the vast selection, pick one of our combination plates, or create your own particular combination. Crab, shrimp, steak, chicken and a vegetarian plate are also available. At lunch, menu of burgers, sandwiches and local specialties.
LOCATED: 40 mn from the airport / 10 mn from the pier.
OPEN: daily except Sundays. Open for lunch (11:00AM to 3:00PM) & dinner (6:00PM-8:30 PM).
Kaina Hut
The architecture of the Kaina hut is purely Tahitian and every detail reflects the Polynesian culture. Built entirely in wood, with a thatch roof, sand floor of and oyster shells as part of the decor. Guests will enjoy the combination of French cooking and fresh Polynesian ingredients. This fusion is apparent in the signature dish, gnocchi made from breadfruit instead of potato and served with a light tomato sauce. Otherwise, seafood with Asian influences predominates here. Always very nicely presented on plates.
LOCATED: Located 10 min drive from Vaitape & the boat docks.
OPEN: From 01st June to 15 January : open Wednesday to Monday for Lunch (11hAM-04h00PM) and for Dinner (06:00PM-10h00PM) The rest of the year: Only closed on Tuesday for the lunch.
Restaurant Villa Mahana (Galerie Yrondi)
This tiny restaurant (5 tables) is located in the artist studio of the painter-sculptor “Yrondi”. You’re in the home of somebody who wishes to share with you the “Art de Vivre” and gastronomy. Excellent French cuisine with flavors from the south. The Chef “Damien Rinaldi Dovio” who is from Corsica has been trained at the famous “Institut Paul Bocuse” and the best restaurants of France such as Ledoyen. It is possible to have a drink & enjoy a cigar on the terrace-lounge.
LOCATED: Located half way between Vaitape and Pointe Matira, approx 10 min from Vaitape dock.
OPEN: Closed on Tuesdays and all February month. Others days: only open for the lunch from 06:30PM.
Le Matira
New owner, new chef & pastry chef for this restaurant beautifully located on Bora Bora's most famous beach; Matira. The perfect spot for a casual "snack" lunch outdoors or a gourmet dinner. LOCATED: Matira beach, approx 20 min from main pier, walking distance from InterContinental Moana Beach and few minutes from other hotels on Matira point. 30 min from le Meridien or Pearl Beach shore bases.
OPEN: Everyday fro lunch or dinner except Tuesdays.
Manta Ray restaurant & Lounge bar (former Yacht Club)
Over water, original styled hut restaurant inspired of ancient Polynesia with its Tahitian precious woods, hand made crafts and photos, with your feet in the white sand. View of Bora Bora breathtaking sunset from the cocktail terrace in front of the pass. The chef offers to be your guide for a culinary experience by attaining a new standard of cuisine boasting local traditional foods and European or Chinese style : a true reflection of contemporary Polynesia. If you ‘re up to some more entertainment , relax and have fun in the Manta aqua lounge bar with some Polynesian friends.
LOCATED: 10 min drive north of Vaitape pier.
OPEN: Lunch and dinner every day except Sat & Sun.. Lounge bar every day of the week.
La Bounty
Casual dining restaurant serving delicious pizzas and reasonably priced French and Italian food. Located conviently near the Sofitel Bora Bora Beach Resort, Novotel Beach Resort, and Le Maitai Polynesia.
Lunch/Dinner Daily
Tel: (689) 67.70.43
Bora Bora Supermarkets
Chin Lee -Well stocked supermarket with reasonable prices. Closed Sunday. Vaitape - (689) 67.73.86