Paradise on Earth: Bora Bora, in the Heart of French Polynesia

Water Activities

Shark Feeding Excursion and Swimming with Stingrays: Bora Bora’s warm lagoon is home to hundreds of marine species, from stingrays to blacktip sharks and lemon sharks. A guided snorkeling tour will maximize your chances of seeing these creatures in their natural habitat. Your expert guide will safely supervise you on feeding the sharks as well as getting up close to the stingrays. This might seem scary, but it is actually amazing.

Snorkeling: The Bora Bora lagoon in French Polynesia is the perfect spot for snorkeling with the crystal-clear water and brilliantly colored marine life. Swim and snorkel among the tropical fish, it is like you are inside an aquarium.

Jet Ski Island Tour: Zip around the Bora Bora lagoon on a morning or afternoon and tour past water bungalows, sailboats and view the beautiful Mt. Otemanu from every angle. Ride on a single or double Jet Ski with an expert guide leading the way and stop for swimming and a coconut husking demonstration, and plenty of photo ops.

Land Activities

Shopping: The most popular Tahitian island products for Bora Bora shopping are black pearls, coconut and tiare soaps, monoi oil, vanilla beans, shell leis, wood carvings, woven hats and baskets and the colorful fabric worn by the islanders. These items can be found in boutique shops in Vaitape and along the southern part of the Circle Island Road. There are also markets set up by the main dock in Vaitape. Grab a map and get some amazing souvenirs.

Scooter Rental: Renting a scooter for the day is a fun way to explore the island at your own pace. You can stop at a restaurant and dine with the locals, shop at some of the lovely stores or one of the many roadside stands with locally handmade items, or just stop and take pictures of the breathtaking views the island has to offer.

4X4 Jeep Safari Tour: You will see a side of Bora Bora that can be difficult to access any other way on this Safari Jeep tour. Follow dirt tracks and go off road as you visit the lookout point at Mount Otemanu panoramic views, the World War II-era guns to learn about French Polynesian history and more.

Relaxing

Spa: Most of the resorts offer spa services. Treat yourself with a facial or massage with local island ingredients. You can also enjoy a private massage and couple massages in your bungalow.

Sunset Cruise and Dinner: This tour combines a relaxing sunset cruise in an outrigger canoe on Bora Bora's lagoon with a romantic dinner at St. James restaurant during this evening experience. Sip a glass of included sparkling wine while watching the sun set below the tropical horizon, then sit down at one of the island's best restaurants for an intimate dinner overlooking the lagoon.

Dining at the Resorts

Breakfast: The resorts in Bora Bora have amazing breakfast buffets, as well as a la carte options and service to your room. I would highly recommend eating breakfast at your resort.

Lunch: Typically resorts have a restaurant or two that is open for lunch, which is a good option if you are staying in for the day. If you plan an excursion, keep in mind that several of those come with lunch options such as a Polynesian BBQ, a lunch buffet with local dishes or lunch at one of the local restaurants.

Dinner: I would highly encourage you to enjoy at least one dinner and show at your resort. Several resorts have theme nights that offer different types of food as well as Polynesian dances and fire shows. There are other options, such as a private dinner on the beach.

Dining in Bora Bora

Bloody Mary: This restaurant opened in 1979. A tiki hut style with sand floors offers the best local fish, seafood and prime meats. Grill-Vegetarian options are available. Delicious cocktails, Happy hour, Live music and beautiful Polynesian architecture. This is a must visit if you are in Bora Bora. Open for lunch and dinner.

La Villa Mahana: This restaurant opened in 2003. Since then, it has earned the reputation of being the best and most romantic restaurant in Bora Bora. This was a perfect 20th anniversary dinner and the fact that my last name is Mahanna (two n’s not one) made it even more special. Open for dinner only.

Saint James: A waterside restaurant with beautiful sunset views. Offering French culinary traditions blended with local seafood and featuring tableside prepared pasta dishes. Enjoy a relaxed ambiance and an extensive wine list. Open for lunch and dinner.