A Comprehensive Guide to Exploring Bora Bora Map

Bora Bora is one of the world’s most beautiful and sought-after vacation destinations. Renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise lagoon surrounded by lush green peaks and motus, Bora Bora captivates travelers with its postcard-perfect scenery. However, beyond the dreamy photos, what does the actual island’s geography and layout look like? This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Bora Bora map and geography through detailed descriptions, visual aids, and exciting facts.

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Bora Bora Map

Are you planning a trip to the idyllic island of Bora Bora? Understanding the basic layout and geography is critical to maximizing your experience in this South Pacific paradise. Here is a concise overview of the Bora Bora map to help you get your bearings.

Bora Bora is an oval-shaped high island in the Society Islands of French Polynesia, surrounded by a large lagoon and several motus (small islands). The main town of Vaitape is situated in the northeast, home to shops, services, and the main ferry port. A loop road circles the entire 10-mile-long island.

Two extinct volcanoes define the landscape – Mount Pahia and the taller Mount Otemanu, 727 meters high. Luxurious resorts dot the northern coast within the crystal lagoon waters. More budget accommodation and pensions are found along the southern coastline.

Several motus encircle the lagoon, forming the perfect barrier reef. Notable motus offering resorts include Toopua, Tapu, and Nuhi Nuhi. Others, like Piti Aau, are popular for swimming and snorkeling. A few have walking paths for scenic strolls.

The lagoon itself spans 13 miles across with strikingly vivid shades of blue. The northern waters by the resorts are the deepest azure, gradually lightening southward. Abundant marine life inhabits the coral reefs just below the surface.

Public boats connect key locations to explore this paradise while bikes and cars circle the single-ring road. With this brief overview of the Bora Bora map in mind, you’re all set to immerse yourself in the beauty of this South Pacific Island gem.

Main Island

The volcanic high island measures 10 by 3 miles, defined by Mount Pahia and the taller Mount Otemanu at 727 meters. Dense greenery blankets the steep, jagged peaks.

The town of Vaitape, located in the northeast, is home to the airport, shops, services, and ferry port. A loop road circles the island, passing villages like Anau and taking around an hour to drive.

Luxurious overwater bungalow resorts like St. Regis and Intercontinental dot the northern coast within the vivid lagoon waters. The southern coast hosts more affordable pensions and hotels directly on the shoreline, with activities such as bloating and ATV rentals.

Motus

Small flat islands called Motus surround the main island, remnants of the ancient coral reef that now form the lagoon’s protective barrier. Popular Motus include Piti Aau near Vaitape, a spot for swimming and renting equipment.

Motu Tapu and Toopua each host luxury resorts – Pearl Beach Resort on Tapu and Conrad Bora Bora Nui on Toopua. Tevairoa has a beautiful beach situated between the main island and Toopua.

Nuhi Nuhi is a private islet used for special events at Intercontinental Resort. Near Piti Aau, Ahi offers scenic views from its undeveloped shoreline. Motus has connected walking paths for optimal sunset views around the lagoon’s turquoise waters.

Lagoon

The circular lagoon spanning 13 miles defines the island’s distinctive shape. Its waters range from vivid electric blue in the north around resorts to exquisite turquoise by Motu Piti Aau to pale mint green in the shallow southern waters.

Diverse marine life inhabits the coral reefs within, visible below the surface of the shallow south coast waters. Popular spots for activities like snorkeling include Toopua Pass, Piti Aau, and Pearl Beach.

Boat tours visit scenic areas and motus, while boat shuttles are the main transport around the lagoon, connecting villages and resorts. Visitors can also kayak, paddleboard, and enjoy flyboarding and glass bottom boat rides in the breathtaking lagoon, truly one of the most beautiful in the world.

Accommodation Locations

The island offers over 30 resorts and hotels to suit all budgets—luxurious overwater bungalows at Four Seasons, St. Regis, Intercontinental, and Conrad line the northern coast.

Properties like Le Meridien and Pearl Beach dot the central region along shores and hills. More affordable options include Intercontinental along the southern coast, beachfront hotels like Le Maitai, and the family-run Sunset Hill Lodge.

Vacation rentals, villas, and private homes provide added flexibility. With this diversity of lodging from motu resorts to pensions, all visitors are assured of finding their perfect home base for experiencing beautiful Bora Bora.

Transportation

Getting around is easy, thanks to various options. The single-loop road allows self-driving at 25 mph for scenic views. Many resorts offer complimentary shuttles to the airport and activities.

Public lagoon boats are the most popular way to travel, connecting villages, Motus, and resorts daily. Land activities like bicycles and quad bikes can also be rented.

Private boat charters and helicopter tours provide customized island tours from aerial views. Overwater bungalow access relies on resort boats or bridges to Motus.

With well-organized public and private transportation, Bora Bora remains easily navigable via road, boat, or air. Visitors can smoothly experience all this South Pacific paradise has to offer.

Dining

Bora Bora is renowned for its fresh seafood and Polynesian cuisine. While resorts offer dining, it’s worth exploring local restaurants. Top picks include:

Bloody Mary’s for fabulous seafood platters and cocktails on the beach.
Matira Beach Restaurant for creative menus with views over the lagoon.
Chez Louise, a family-run pension, serves homemade meals.
Toa’s Snack for laidback crepes and ice cream near Vaitape.
Blokart Bora Bora’s beach barbecue with live music each evening.
Marara Beach at Intercontinental is great for gourmet French Pacific dishes.
Exclusive dining only by boat at the luxury Sofitel Private Island resort.

Most source ingredients from on-island farms and waters, focusing on mahi mahi, tuna, lobster, and coconut milk specialties. Tropical fruit crisps and coconut flan also make divine desserts. Dining enhances the Bora Bora experience.

Activities

Bora Bora offers a variety of activities with its calm lagoon waters and lush interior. Popular water sports include snorkeling on vibrant coral reefs, glass bottom boat rides to view marine life and scenic lagoon cruises. Thrill-seekers can try jet skiing, waterskiing, parasailing or flyboarding.

On land, hike trails around Mount Otemanu for scenic views or explore by ATV, mountain bike, or blokart. Overwater ziplining provides a unique experience. Cultural activities involve Polynesian dance shows, coconut craft classes, and lei-making. You can also indulge in a lagoon spa treatment or picnic on a motu.

With so much to see and do both on and off the water, visitors are assured of staying active while immersing themselves in this beautiful island’s natural wonders. Bora Bora truly offers adventures for all travelers to experience this South Pacific paradise to its fullest.