Bora Bora – A Slice of Untouched Paradise

A Paradise for Honeymooners, Watersport Enthusiasts, and Nature Lovers

Beach in Bora Bora

When we told our friends living in French Polynesia that our next stop was Bora Bora, their reactions were almost unanimous: “Bora’s nice, but there are other islands just as beautiful with fewer tourists.” Bora Bora had been a dream for us, ever since we first glimpsed its allure in an old French movie "Le voyage de Penelope".

While their words left us slightly uncertain, we held onto the hope that the island would live up to its legendary reputation. Spoiler alert: it did – and more!

From the moment we landed, Bora Bora took our breath away. The airport itself is not on the main island, so the journey begins with a boat ride across the stunning lagoon. And that water! It's a shade of blue that defies description – clearer, more vibrant, and more mesmerising than anything we had ever seen before.

Bora Bora view from the airport

We opted for a cozy Airbnb instead of a resort, and it was the perfect choice. Our hostess was the epitome of Polynesian hospitality – she picked us up from the ferry, helped us secure a scooter rental, and even offered to take us to some of her favorite beaches. The Airbnb was a gem in itself – a spacious one-bedroom apartment, newly renovated, and equipped with everything we needed for our stay.

Making our own Pareos in Bora Bora

We spent three nights in Bora Bora, which gave us plenty of time to explore the island thoroughly on our scooter. We also treated ourselves to a full-day boat excursion, complete with a traditional Polynesian lunch on a secluded motu – an experience that felt like a dream.

The adventure took us to a vibrant live coral garden, where we also swam alongside friendly stingrays and blacktip sharks. We even got to make our own pareos!

Surprisingly, the main island is incredibly quiet, with very few tourists around. It’s mostly locals going about their daily lives, and there aren’t many restaurants or bars catered specifically to visitors. From what we gathered, most tourists tend to stay on the luxury motus, rarely venturing to the main island. We even heard rumours that some hotels advise against visiting the main island, warning guests of stray dogs or suggesting that local food could make them ill.

Our experience was quite the opposite. Having traveled to Bora Bora and five other islands in French Polynesia, we found the dogs roaming the streets to be as friendly and welcoming as the locals themselves. As for the food – it was always fresh, flavourful, and a true reflection of the island’s vibrant culture.

In terms of natural beauty, Bora Bora doesn’t disappoint. You can expect to encounter incredible marine life – swimming alongside sharks, rays, and majestic manta rays is almost a given. The coral gardens are nothing short of spectacular, teeming with vibrant colours and life that make every snorkelling or diving trip unforgettable.

Bora Bora