Getting Around Bora Bora

Often referred to as a playground for the rich and the famous who wish to disappear from the public eye, Bora Bora today has come to represent a tiny piece of paradise on earth. With its lush vegetation, awe-inspiring mountains that soar high into the sky and its pristine turquoise blue waters, Bora Bora has become the idyllic getaway for most. Spend your days here lounging on the beach, snorkeling underwater or taking a glass bottom boat ride to discover the incredible wealth of natural beauty this island has to offer.

Getting to Bora Bora is quite easy. Some 270 km northwest Tahiti, you can arrive here either by air or boat. With Air Tahiti flying here six times daily, getting here by plane is your best option. However, if you have time to spare, take an inter-island boat ride to reach here and enjoy some breathtaking oceanic vistas along the way. Arriving here is quite dramatic especially by plane as you land on a tiny island known as a motu, which sits on the northern edge of the lagoon surrounding Bora Bora. Motu Mute lies to the north of the main island. From here you can then catch a catamaran ferry ride to the quay at Viatape where most boats land.

Since there is no public transport on the island, your best bet is to rent a car, scooter or bicycle to take in the sights. You can also hitchhike to get a ride, but it is not advisable especially if you are traveling by yourself. There are several car, scooter and bicycle rental companies in Bora Bora that are both affordable and reasonably priced. Car, bicycles and scooters can be rented on an hourly basis or for 24-hour periods. Sometimes if your lucky you can spot a Le Truck go by.

A great way to explore the island is by a boat, kayak or jet ski. A quick and an effective way to take in the sights, renting any of these modes of transport is a good idea. A much cheaper option if you can go as a group, getting around Bora Bora by boat, kayak or jet ski makes for a fun island adventure. Some boat rental companies even throw in snorkeling equipment free of charge.

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