Bora Bora Airport, December 15, 2024
Ah....Bora Bora. Simply saying that out loud brings out sighs of longing, dreams of overwater bungalows resting over turquoise waters and visions of unspoiled paradise where time seems to stand still. It’s a place that has become synonymous with luxury travel, and exudes bucket list dreams.
Bora Bora is truly a paradise like no other and deserves to be at the top of the bucket list! Why is it so iconic? Not only for the stunning natural beauty, with beautiful white sandy beaches and a crystal clear turquoise lagoon surrounded by all the shades of blue, the dream is real and one that I have fortunately been blessed to have realized!
Bora Bora is truly a paradise like no other and deserves to be at the top of the bucket list! Why is it so iconic? Not only for the stunning natural beauty, with beautiful white sandy beaches and a crystal clear turquoise lagoon surrounded by all the shades of blue, the dream is real and one that I have fortunately been blessed to have realized!
On a fateful Friday the 13th in December (2024), we were on our way to Bora Bora! We left the island of Moorea to head back to Papeete to board our flight to Bora Bora! The jewel of French Polynesia.....the “Pearl of the Pacific”....a quick 50 minute flight from Papeete and you arrive in true paradise. We made it to Bora Bora and arrived at the airport, which is located on its own motu (island). Even with the overcast clouds, you can see the beauty immediately and we were giddy with excitement!
 |  "We're in Bora Bora baby!" |
Flying between the islands is the easiest and quickest form of transportation between the islands. Air Tahiti flies between all the major islands, but there is also a new domestic carrier, Air Moana, which may be another option if the Air Tahiti flight schedule doesn’t work for you.
Boarding is quick and easy and there are no assigned seats so you select a seat and sit wherever you want. For the best views from above, sit on the left side of the plane flying to Bora Bora, and on the right side when leaving.
Boarding is quick and easy and there are no assigned seats so you select a seat and sit wherever you want. For the best views from above, sit on the left side of the plane flying to Bora Bora, and on the right side when leaving.
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Leaving Bora Bora, sitting on the right side of the plane.
On our arrival day, it was raining so the views from above were not great. However, we left Bora Bora after 2 nights (not enough time!), the sun came out that morning and for a couple of hours, we caught a glimpse of the glory and true beauty of Bora Bora! She really is a sight to behold!
 View of lagoon from the airport |  View of airport from ferry |
Water is a way of life when you live in Bora Bora. You are surrounded by the turquoise blue waters and the easiest mode of transportation is through boats. Depending on where you are staying, your hotel may have its own boat to take you from the airport to the hotel. Otherwise, there is a boat ferry for Air Tahiti passengers that will take you to the main island, Vaitape, and you can make your way to your accommodations.
Now, staying in an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora is the ultimate dream, isn’t it?!
During our visit, we had the privilege of touring a variety of stunning properties on the island, ranging from charming 3-star hotels to luxurious 5-star resorts. Each property offered its own unique charm, showcasing a diverse array of options for travellers. To be honest, every single one was breathtaking in its own way. Standing there, surrounded by the island’s ethereal beauty, it’s nearly impossible to fully grasp the sheer magnificence—even as you’re experiencing it firsthand. We all had so many “pinch me!” moments because it felt so surreal!
During our visit, we had the privilege of touring a variety of stunning properties on the island, ranging from charming 3-star hotels to luxurious 5-star resorts. Each property offered its own unique charm, showcasing a diverse array of options for travellers. To be honest, every single one was breathtaking in its own way. Standing there, surrounded by the island’s ethereal beauty, it’s nearly impossible to fully grasp the sheer magnificence—even as you’re experiencing it firsthand. We all had so many “pinch me!” moments because it felt so surreal!
Intercontinental Bora Bora Thalasso & Spa
Intercontinental Bora Bora Thalasso & Spa
 Intercontinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort |  Intercontinental Bora Bora Le Moana Resort |
 Hotel Maitai Polynesia |  Hotel Maitai Polynesia |
Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts
Conrad Bora Bora Nui
But even beyond its sheer beauty, there is culture and history here to experience in a way that sets it apart from other South Pacific islands. During World War II, Bora Bora played a key role as the U.S. used the island as a strategic military supply base. With that, they built bunkers, cannons, and built up infrastructure to the island with resources that the island uses today. Though the island was never used in the war, you can still see many of these remnants throughout the island. The airstrip built on the island originally for war was never used for that purpose, but is now used as the Bora Bora airport for all guests arriving to the island.
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Hard to see...but if you look real close, you can see the cannons and the bunkers hidden in the hills.
Our lagoon tour took us around the island exploring the lagoon, with our guide Ray, sharing the history, the culture and music of Tahiti with us during our excursion. We also had the opportunity to swim with sting rays, sharks and snorkel in Mother Nature’s most beautiful and natural aquarium.
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Unfortunately, we only had 2 nights to spend in Bora Bora, which is simply not enough! And it so happens we were visiting during the rainy season, we received over 100mm of rain in the 2 nights we were there. So sadly, with the limited time we had on the island, the rain prevented from doing more than what we wanted and we didn’t get to explore as much as we would have liked.
The sun peeked out on the day we were leaving and we had a small glimpse of the true brilliance of Bora Bora! I went for an early morning walk to explore a bit, and walked to Matira Beach, the renowned public beach on the island. The sights of the island landscape from the road, and the calming clear waters of the beach provide a sense of peace and serenity. The sounds of chickens everywhere you go become background noises you grow accustomed to and you approach the beach to feel the soft white sand beneath your toes and through your fingers. Surrounded by the smell of fresh fragrant flowers everywhere you turn, the beauty is everywhere, your senses become alive and nothing else matters.
The sun peeked out on the day we were leaving and we had a small glimpse of the true brilliance of Bora Bora! I went for an early morning walk to explore a bit, and walked to Matira Beach, the renowned public beach on the island. The sights of the island landscape from the road, and the calming clear waters of the beach provide a sense of peace and serenity. The sounds of chickens everywhere you go become background noises you grow accustomed to and you approach the beach to feel the soft white sand beneath your toes and through your fingers. Surrounded by the smell of fresh fragrant flowers everywhere you turn, the beauty is everywhere, your senses become alive and nothing else matters.
Sun starting to peek out at 5:41am
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| I took this video so that I would remember the sounds of the chickens constantly cock-a-doodle-doing on all the islands. We got used to it as it became background noise but it was so unreal I wanted to capture it so I wouldn't forget what it was like! Sound on! -------->>>> | |
And about 30 minutes into the walk, you can see the beautifully bright blue skies coming out!
With the serene lagoons, clear turquoise waters, lush landscapes and rich cultural heritage and history, Bora Bora lives up to her reputation, the “Pearl of the Pacific”.
This island isn’t just a place to visit; it’s a place to fall in love with. Bora Bora is one of the few places on earth that everyone hopes to witness in their lifetime—and once you see it, you are forever enamoured.
This island isn’t just a place to visit; it’s a place to fall in love with. Bora Bora is one of the few places on earth that everyone hopes to witness in their lifetime—and once you see it, you are forever enamoured.
 Matira Beach |  Goodbye Bora Bora......I must return again someday. |
If you're reading this and made it this far, I KNOW Bora Bora is on your bucket list! So when you're ready to start planning your South Pacific - French Polynesia - Islands of Tahiti vacation, your first mode of action is to reach out and let me help you plan it!
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