Bora Bora is an island that is located about 150 miles northwest of Tahiti and it is often categorized as part of the Leeward group of islands in French Polynesia.
The island is mountainous and rugged and the sculptures donning the island are all the features of volcanic eruptions in the ancient past.
There is a large lagoon that is surrounded by islets and amazing coral reefs.
This island was first inhabited by Polynesian traders and colonialists dating back to the 4th century. The Europeans first identified the island in 1722 and it was not inhabited until the 1880s before the French annexed it.
Bora Bora served as a military supply base for the American troops during the second world war.
During this period many of the people who did not know the island existed began seeing the best features of the island and this brought a new light to the island of Bora Bora.
The island’s infrastructure improved immensely during this period because the Americans were looking for a place where they can access other areas with ease as well as a military base for their troops. They constructed an airstrip, an oil depot, and other naval fortifications. This infrastructure is what has made the island grow from one level to another.
The airstrip remains the only airport on the island. Many of the people in the country live in Vaitape which is located on the western cape of the island.
Tahitian and French are the most common languages although there are a considerable number of people who understand and speak English.
Bora Bora is a spectacle and you should not miss visiting the awesome island because it guarantees you a tranquil environment and the most pristine beaches in the pacific. The island is a perfect relaxation spot with its coral reefs and lagoons.
The mountains are jagged with black rocks an indicator of the volcanic activity that occurred in the past.
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What are the fauna and flora of Bora Bora?
Many people tend to assume that because of the volcanic eruption and the nature of the development of the island there is a major variety of plants and animals. The common varieties that are seen on the island include vanilla plants, orange trees, and coconut palms among others.
Noni the tropical fruit found on the island is edible and is always green.
The native animals of the island include cows, dogs, cats, and sheep.
These were brought by traders and it is important to note that there are numerous bird species on the island hence you can explore some of the unique animals on the island.
The most common species include white tern, pacific swallow, and black-winged petrels. Other species are found in Polynesia and they also exist in Bora Bora.
The marine life in Bora Bora is booming as the waters are warm and this gives a tropical climate on the island. Some of the fish species that you are likely to find in the region include lemon sharks, jackfish, and red snappers.
Other creatures include dolphins, turtles, and humpback whales that are often found in the region. Since there is adequate marine plankton. The island is popular for a huge population of ray species including the eagle, leopard, and manta ray.
When is the best time to visit Bora Bora?
The summer months are often characterized by a hot and humid climate and the average temperature is usually around 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
During this period rains are about 40 millimeters per month and if you are into summer activities then this is the right time for you to visit Bora Bora.
The winter period in Bora Bora is drier and cooler and precipitation is very low hence you can choose this time if you are avoiding the harsh winter in Europe and the Americas.
Read our The Cook Islands or Bora Bora to know more about these island.
How do I get to Bora Bora?
Bora Bora has gained huge popularity as a tourist destination and since most people want to explore this little island, you can get flights from Tahiti.
The international airport in Tahiti receives passengers from Los Angeles, Auckland, and Sydney, among other locations.
The airport is located on the northern side of the main island.
You can move from the airport via local cabs or use boats to the smaller surrounding islands.
The pristine island is what you have been looking for because you get to explore every amazing aspect of the island.
The peaceful environment, the white sandy beaches, and turquoise blue waters are something that you must explore during your visit.
Facts That You Must Know About Bora Bora
There is no public transport
If you are traveling to Bora Bora hoping that you will access public transportation, then you are in for a shock.
The country does not have public transport and as much as it has some of the most breathtaking scenes, you should be ready to hire a cab or a boat to take you around.
The island receives thousands of guests annually and you should be ready to explore as much as you can during your visit because there is so much more than you can learn during your visit.
In the recent past, Bora Bora has become a go-to destination for many celebrities and couples and if you are a nature enthusiast you should be ready to get all that the island will offer to you.
Bora Bora beaches are ranked among the top 10 in the world
One of the fundamental things that you must know about the island of Bora Bora is that its beaches have gained a huge reputation and they are ranked among the best beaches in the world.
If you are looking to have the best time of your life in the pacific the Bora Bora should be your next destination.
Besides of beautiful beaches, Bora Bora also has many hiking routes for those who like trekking or hiking.
Bora Bora was a military base in the Second World War
Many people just love the vibe of the island.
However, one of the most fundamental things that you should understand is that during the Second World War, Bora Bora was used as a supply base by American troops.
This is the reason why the island grew exponentially because of the heavy infrastructure created by the American soldiers.
During this war, the island served over six thousand American troops and there were eight canons located in different parts of the island to protect it from the war. This is an island that remains a reminder of the Second World War.
You can swim in the coral reefs
One of the most common characteristics of Bora Bora is that there are coral reefs almost everywhere on the island.
Many hotels and resorts on the island have access to their coral reefs and it is in this context that you will find people swimming at the coral reefs.
The island has a natural aquarium that is located in the eastern part of the main island.
This aquarium is called Lagoonarium and it is characterized by featuring a majority of the animals such as stingrays, and manta rays, among other unique ways that you have never seen anywhere else in the world.
There is coconut rain
When visiting Bora Bora, you must remain vigilant because you might be a victim of coconut rain.
The term coconut rain is derived from the fact that there are thousands of falling coconuts in the region and since the island is full of coconut trees they often fall randomly.
When walking closer to a coconut tree you should be careful because some coconuts might fall at any time.
Since the weight of these coconuts is huge and the speed of falling is also high it could cause severe injuries hence the need to be vigilant.
It is an island paradise for the young
One of the facts that you should know about Bora Bora is that nearly half of the population is below twenty years old.
This means that the population is relatively young. These young adults organize amazing parties on the beach and you will experience the best beach parties when you visit Bora Bora.
If you love parties, then you have come to the right destination because Bora Bora will give you the ultimate experience. The people are charming and friendly and you can easily make friends here.
Poison cru is the national dish
This is perhaps the most interesting aspect of the island because in as much as different dishes are offered across the island poison cru stands out.
This is a local dish that you must try during your visit.
The dish is very delicious as it features coconut milk and lime juice marinating giving it the perfect texture and taste. The dish is usually served hot in coconut.
Tattoos are a sacred form of art
One of the most fundamental aspects of the island is that they believe in tattoos.
When you see the local people tattooing their bodies they believe in the sacred concept of these tattoos.
The tattoos are believed to be god’s creation and it is sacred as much as it is a sign of beauty to many people on the island. In the past, the people who got tattoos usually reflected a higher position in society.
The island originated from a volcanic eruption
One of the most fun facts about Bora Bora is that the island was created as a result of a huge volcanic eruption.
The eruption occurred about four million years ago and the people of Tonga discovered it.
Bora Bora is featured in blockbuster movies
Bora Bora is not just the beach destination in the world.
The island has been featured in many popular movies across the globe. Some of the famous movies include sky pirates, hurricane, XXX, and Vince Vaughan among others.
The island has been a major celebrity hotspot where you can relax and unwind and mingle with some of the most popular people in the world.
Flowers are symbolic
One of the places that adore flowers in the world is Bora Bora. When you arrive in this country you will be welcomed with a lei or a necklace flower that is made from the Tiare plant. Most of the women on the island will have the flower on the left of the ear
This is an indication that the woman is married.
However, if you find a woman that has the flower on the right ear then it means that you can approach the woman. You should not be afraid when you visit the island and find women placing flowers on your hair.
The true meaning of Bora Bora
Bora Bora is a word that is derived from the Tahitian language of Pora Pora.
This was the initial name that the island was called before the French and Americans changed it. The word Bora Bora means created by the gods or firstborn in the local Tahitian language.
The letters B and P sound the same in the local language hence their common use and interchange of them.
The Dutch explorers who first found the island took the name Bora Bora and since then it stuck in the books of history as well as that of nations.
Black pearls of Bora Bora
When you are visiting Bora Bora, there is a myriad of items that you can purchase as souvenirs, however, the most outstanding one is the black pearls.
These black pearls are some of the most memorable items that you can buy in Bora Bora.
They are found in the archipelago in French Polynesia. You will find pearls of different colors from grey, blue, green, and black. You can choose to purchase the pearl itself or buy some of the souvenir jewelry sold across the island.
You can scuba dive with sharks only in Bora Bora
This might come as a surprise to many people because they do not expect to be swimming with the sharks on the islands.
Since Bora Bora is a secluded place, one of the best activities that you can enjoy during your visit is scuba diving.
Many watersports lovers usually visit the island and they can scuba dive with blacktip sharks, napoleon wrasse, grey reef sharks, lemon sharks, and manta rays.
If you are into adventure, then this is the perfect destination for you.
You do not have to worry because there are experts who will guide you to the best locations where the water is calm and you can see all the features you have been looking for in the region.
In summary, Bora Bora is a tranquil location that is rich in things to do and see and you should visit the island once in your lifetime.
There are other facts that you can only learn by visiting Bora Bora, nevertheless learn, explore, and enjoy your visit.
