The beautiful island of Bora Bora, one of the Leeward Island family members is some 240 km from Tahiti.  Novelist James Michener was so enamoured of it, he called it the most beautiful island in the world.

Others speaking in similar vein called it ‘the Marvellous Island” and so it is. The main island, only 18 km in circumference, lies like an iridescent jewel on a bed of blue velvet. Forming a protective girdle around the island are atolls and reefs that allow only one navigable passage in – at Vaitape. Access to the island is either by sea or by air; flying in can be quite a hair raising experience as the plane lands on a runway on a motu (small isle) built by U.S. troops during World War II, from where visitors must travel by boat to the main island. 

The island itself is a tropical paradise with dense vegetation – breathtaking lush mountains provide a dramatic background to this, the epitome of an island paradise.

First time visitors to Bora Bora are instantly struck by the dramatic appearance of the twin black peaks of Mt. Otemanu and Mt. Pahia that rise heads and shoulders above the surrounding island.

Both peaks are of volcanic origin and form an impressive centrepiece to the island’s irresistible allure. More often than not, the peaks are shrouded in wispy clouds that impart a mystical quality to the entire island.

The island is more than generously blessed with unsurpassed natural beauty – black mountain peaks, blue lagoons, coral isles, reefs and a plethora of marine life in dazzling hues, shapes and sizes. The lagoon, truly speaking, is Bora Bora’s most valuable asset. It is an underwater world inhabited by brilliantly coloured fish, waving strands of aquatic flora and magical gardens of corals. Warm clear waters make it the perfect place with ideal temperatures for underwater exploration and naturally, most activities are focused around it. Feed sharks, frolic with dolphins, swim alongside giant turtles

The island’s wild and wayward beauty is revealed to only those who make the effort to get away from the sea and the lagoon’s myriad attractions. Island past times could include bicycling and hiking, walking, jeep tours or just exploring the many World War II sites. The stuff of legends, Bora Bora has any number of world-class resorts that offer dream vacations, perfect honeymoons and the required seclusion to savour it in.

For detailed country and visitor information, see French Polynesia.