The wharf at Vaitape, the administrative centrer of Bora Bora, is accessed by the island’s single reef entrance, Teavanui, beside the charming islet of Motu Tapu. This was the location of the film "Taboo" by Friedrich Murnau, as well as having associations with the great explorer Paul Emile Victor. The main village square has been named, the Alain Gerbault Square after the world famous navigator who adopted this island as his own at the turn of the century. It is in the form of a marae with three stone tiers.
The road to the north of the island leads to Farepiti Point at the head of the deep Faanui Bay. Leaving the bay you pass through the former US naval base built in 1942 which still has some of its landing strips and barracks. Across from the Point, in the ring of islets, lies Bora Bora’s airport which was built by the American troops. At the southernmost point of Matira, the sheltered and most touristy part of the coast, the beach is beautiful and the lagoon magnificent. Up on the hill, a half-hour hike away, old American Army artillery pointing out over the lagoon may still be seen. After Raititi Point, the road leads to majestic Povai Bay with spectacular views of Otemanu Peak, and out on Toopua motu, the low profile of the legendary "Hiro’s bells" can be seen. This part of the west coast around Vaitape is the busiest and most inhabited area where most of the hotels, sporting and leisure activities are concentrated.
1. Bora Bora Off Road Adventure By 4 wheel drive vehicle
Min 6, max 48, duration 3h30, euros 66
This is a real off-road four wheel drive excursion. You will be riding in Land rovers to places only accessible by this type of vehicle. The divers will act as guides and will tell you about their culture and way of life, as well as the natural environment. Start this wonderful trip from Vaitape, heading towards Pofai Bay. From there, you will make your first ascent to Pahonu hill. Discover the beauty of Bora Bora from the heights, the lagoon and its incredible palette of colours. The second ascent will lead you to the seven-inch canons left by the American soldiers during World War II. On the way, you may also spot some World War Two bunkers as well. Last but not least will be Faanui bay, chosen by the American troops as a base during WWII for its strategic location. Enjoy some great sightseeing with your trained guide.
This excursion involves rough off road driving and steep ascents and descents. It is therefore not recommended for guest with bad backs, pregnant women or people who suffer from motion sickness or vertigo.
The vehicles are high off the ground and may be difficult to board for some guests. Vehicles are designed for this type of excursion, but comfort depends on the state of the roads. It can be a little tough for people suffering from back ache. We recommend sunscreen, hat and sports shoes for this tour. Jeeps can be covered in case of rain.
2. Helicopter Flightseeing
Min 4 guests per helicopter, max 5, duration 1h including transfers, flight is 15 minutes, euros 142.
Transfer by van to the airport. Once aboard, listen to your pilot’s commentary using the headphones provided as he points out the sights below. Discover Bora Bora, the Pearl of the Pacific, from a bird’s eye view. From the air you can see manta rays and sharks swimming In the most beautiful lagoon in the world. Fly over the colorful lagoon, the reefs, and around the highest peak Otemanu. The 15minute flight is spectacular and very popular with people of all ages, especially those who enjoy aerial photography.
Seating is assigned according to weight and balance, and is determined by the pilot. A 10 minute drive by van takes you from the pier to the helipad Pago Pago.
3. Shark and ray feeding
By motorized outrigger canoe or boat; Min 12, max 30, duration 3hours, euros 60.
This is one of the most exciting snorkelling tours in the south Pacific. Board a motorized boat or outrigger canoe and start your adventure on the beautiful lagoon of Bora Bora. Equipped with your mask, snorkel and foot protection, enter waters whose depth varies from 5 to 10 feet. Your guide will attract some black tipped lagoon sharks with fish. These 4 to five foot sharks are quite harmless. Along with the sharks you will see a great variety of tropical reef fish and some beautiful corals. A hand rope may be secured between rocks to avoid drifting, as there can be occasional strong currents in this area. After the shark experience, enjoy some great snorkelling in the coral garden. Next you will visit the home of the stingrays. You will have a chance to touch and even feed the rays with the assistance of your guide. Rays are one of nature’s most elegant swimmers, watch as they glide in an effortless ballet around the swimmers. All the creatures you will see are in their natural environment, we cannot guarantee their presence. You may stay onboard the boat should you not feel confident enough to swim with these creatures. You should know how to swim, be comfortable wearing snorkeling equipment, and being in deep water as well as coping with occasional currents. You will have to go down a ladder to enter the water. Sunscreen lotion & a hat are highly recommended.
4. Lagoonarium experience
By motorized outrigger canoe; Min 20, max 60, duration 3h30, euros 69.
Board a motorized outrigger canoe and make your way to the lagoonarium located on a remote islet. You will travel halfway around the island and you will complete the circle around Bora Bora on your return trip (weather permitting). At the lagoonarium, you will have the opportunity to swim in three separate enclosed pools and enjoy close encounters with marine animals (sharks, rays, jackfish, turtles, parrot fish and more). Your guides and the lagoonarium staff will show you how to approach carefully to observe or photograph the animals. This trip starts from the beach and so it is ideal for novices as well as experienced snorkellers. You will see an incredible variety of marine life, as well as enjoying a white sand beach and the gorgeous view of the main island of Bora Bora. You can choose to snorkel in depths ranging from 3 to 10 feet. Snorkelling starts from the beach, making this tour a perfect experience for the novice snorkeller. Fresh fruit will be served after your swim and you will be able to relax on the beach before heading back. As the outrigger canoes are not covered, the ride can be wet from spray or rain or very sunny.
During the excursion you will spend 2 hours at the lagoonarium. Sunscreen lotion & a hat are highly recommended. You should know how to swim.
Aqua Safari (underwater walk)
Min 4, max 12, duration 2hrs including transfers, 30 minutes under water, euros 67.
Discover the fabulous underwater world without even getting your head wet!. Put on a wetsuit and a yellow diving helmet for a spectacular experience walking in Bora Bora's spectacular lagoon, which some say is the most beautiful in the world. No diving experience is required, and you need not even know how to swim to discover this exciting new world. Your head remains dry inside the helmet; you can even wear your glasses and you remain in complete safety just a few feet below the surface. A certified diving instructor will help you put on the helmet and go down the ladder into the crystalline waters for your 30 minutes of underwater experience. Walk on the sand among interesting coral formations, surrounded by a myriad of multicoloured, tropical fish. If you wish, you can have the fish eat right out of your hands. After the safari you will climb the ladder back on to the boat to enjoy orange juice and fresh coconut. You will return directly to the dock via water taxi at the end of the tour.
A cameraman can make a video of your underwater sea walk, and underwater cameras and T-shirts are on sale onboard. Although the helmet is heavy it is placed on your head just as you enter the water and taken off as you come out so you do not have to bear any weight You remain connected to the boat's air supply via an air-hose. While this tour is suitable for almost everybody, please be advised that people suffering from heart problems or asthma and pregnant women may not participate. Take sun cream and a bath towel with you. There will be a short briefing before starting your activity – and 4 to 6 participants under water at the same time. While some people are walking underwater, others will be snorkelling.
5. Submarine dive
Transfer by minibus to the submarine base. Diving time 30 minutes, Min 6, max 6 , duration 1 hour, euros 150.
The six seater panoramic submarine is air-conditioned for your comfort. You will go down to a depth of 30 to 35m and discover the exterior of Bora Bora lagoon and a fantastic variety of fish. Black tipped shark, Napoleon fish hand Crevalle Jack fish come and feed at the front of the submarine. This tour is suitable for everyone. Transfer from the port to the submarine is by boat (+/- 10 minutes) (the boat is equipped with a sunshade). There is a ladder to get down into the submarine. No toilets onboard.
6. Parasailing
Min 2, max 6, duration approx 1h30, including transfers (20 minutes transfer each way and 15 or 25 minutes flight), 15 minutes solo (100 meters high), euros 160 15 minutes duo, (100 meters high), euros per pax 115 25 minutes solo (300 meters high), euros 210 25 minutes duo, (300 meters high), euros per pax 145
Transfer by van to the nautical centre. All participants board the motorboat at the same time. When your turn comes you will be strapped into a harness and be equipped with a life jacket. Take off and landing can be either from the pontoon or from the boat depending on weather conditions. Beginners are accepted on this activity which does not require sports skills. It is just a gentle “stroll” over the most beautiful lagoon in the world. This activity is not available during the month of February and on the 1st of January. The activity is not available when the weather is bad or the wind too strong. Take water, sun cream, and sun glasses with you. During the boat drive you may get splashed – take care of your belongings.