Page 166 - Pacific Paradises 2019

— Islands of Tahiti —

BORA BORA

The warm shallow water of Local transport options include a local of Bora Bora offers the chance to catch
Bora Bora’s majestic lagoon is bus, known as Le Truck, or minivans marlin, yellowfin, tuna, sailfish, wahoo
world famous for its unspoiled to the numerous accommodation and mahi mahi.
beauty. Pristine white sand options available on Tahiti’s most Bora Bora is dotted with several maraes,
beaches line the main island and developed island. temples of the ancient Polynesian
its motus (islets), providing Resorts, hotels, pensions and camping religion. The most important marae is
the perfect backdrop for sun- grounds offer a host of tours and Marae Marotetini on the point west of
loving travellers. activities to keep visitors entertained, Farepiti wharf, beyond a huge banyan

from outrigger speed canoe excursions tree. There is only one navigable pass on
Bora Bora lies 240 kilometres northwest
of Tahiti in the Leeward Society Islands and scuba diving, to picnics on motus, Bora Bora. It faces the principal village
and impresses from the moment it comes catamaran cruising and barbecue parties. of Vaitape. A partially paved road circles
into view on the short 50–minute flight Travellers can opt to browse local the island passing colourful villages,
from Tahiti. An exhilarating landing boutiques or discover the island’s secrets archaeological sites, army bunkers and
on a nearby motu emphasises the height independently on foot. cannons remaining from World War
of the island’s towering peak as well as A boat trip around the lagoon provides II when 5000 American GIs arrived to
the stunning array of greens and blues endless opportunities to snorkel and defend the island.
that make up Bora Bora’s famed lagoon. explore small motus on the way, and The boutiques in many of the hotels are
A short ride in a boat launch is all it arrive in time to watch the regular well stocked with suntan lotion, film,
takes from the airport on Motu Mute feeding of sharks only a few metres away. T-shirts, pareus, souvenirs and black
to Vaitape Village on the main island. Deep-sea fishing off the sheltered waters pearls for that retail fix.

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