Verdant green mountains, perfect skies and tranquil blue waters exemplify French Polynesia, and Bora Bora has it all. First sighted by James Cook in 1769, Bora Bora resisted European invaders until 1888 when it was finally conquered by the French. It became French Polynesia in 1958 and has been visited by a stream of writers and artists ever since, including Herman Melville.
Opt for package holidays in Bora Bora and discover a place spilling over with romantic appeal. But Bora Bora also promises an action-packed holiday. Scuba diving, snorkelling, horse riding, surfing, whale watching… the list is endless. Dramatic, dormant volcanoes rise out of the rainforest, ensuring whichever way you look, the scenery is unforgettable. Whether you stay in a floating villa with a glass floor overlooking the ocean or a luxury hotel, you won’t regret flying to Bora Bora!
Rules for visiting French Polynesia are the same as for France. If you need a visa to visit France, the same will apply for Bora Bora. EU nationals can stay for up to three months without a visa, and so can citizens of many other countries; including Canada, Australia, Japan and Switzerland. Bora Bora is served by Moto Mute Airport, situated off shore on the islet of the same name. Travellers on package holidays in Bora Bora, however, will possibly land at Tahiti’s Faa’a Airport in Papeete, from where you can catch a connection. From Moto Mute, it’s less than half an hour’s journey by catamaran to Bora Bora.
The Pacific Franc is used locally, and you can change money at Faa’a Airport or use the ATM at Moto Mute. Bora Bora is ten hours behind London, and while French and Tahitian are the official languages, English is spoken widely in tourist areas. You don't get many city breaks in Bora Bora, neither do you get many weekend getaways in Bora Bora, but visit the island for a couple of weeks and the clean air and relaxed charm is sure to stay with you.
Bora Bora’s high season is between May and October, when the rain showers tend to be limited. This is the perfect time to find a good deal on a flight and hotel on Bora Bora. The best times to visit is either November or April, when temperatures are in the low to mid-twenties and visitor numbers dwindle. At other times of year the island can be wet, but if you don’t mind the rain and love a sky full of rainbows, the low season offers a charm of its own. This can be a great time to take a weekend break in Bora Bora if you are already in French Polynesia.
Whether you want an action-packed adventure or week on the beach, a package holiday in Bora Bora won’t disappoint. Circle the island by boat to enjoy its fabulous scenery, or snorkel and scuba dive the coral gardens. With four-wheel drive tours, jet skis and plenty of walking trails, Bora Bora can certainly compete with some of the world’s best islands. If you find yourself longing for a stretch of pure white sand, head to Matira Beach, which juts out into the turquoise lagoon. Its shallow waters are family-friendly and you’ll find plenty of refreshments available, so you can sit back and relax beneath a palm tree. You’ll be glad you booked that flight from London to Bora Bora. Cocktail anyone?
Bora Bora’s main attraction is the relaxation it offers, but even if you’re on a city break to Bora Bora, you’ll still leave feeling refreshed. Check out some of the following attractions:
Whether you’ve taken a flight from Rome, Perth or Manchester to Bora Bora, you’re sure to find food to suit your tastes. But it’s always best to eat as local as possible. Here are some dishes not to miss:
Take away your very own keepsake of French Polynesia in the form of some black pearl jewellery. Although on the pricey side, the pearls are closely monitored for quality and price control, so make sure you buy from a reputable shop and you’ll go home with a real Polynesian gem. Monoi oil, made from a combination of tiare flowers and coconut oil, is used as a massage oil and body lotion by locals, and makes for another great memento. Try some sweet smelling Rangiroa wine or take home some quality local vanilla pods. Other souvenirs include wood carvings, woven baskets, batik-patterned ‘pareos’ or sarongs and flip flops.
If a city break in Bora Bora doesn't quite convince you, why not explore other exciting cities? Check out our amazing flight and hotel packages for your next holiday adventure!