Bora Bora in 72 Hours

Courtesy of iPics - Fotolia.com

Bora Bora is a small island in French Polynesia northwest of Tahiti in the South Pacific. It is hard to imagine any place on Earth with so much beauty concentrated in just one spot. The small, lush island is surrounded by tiny islets fringed with sparkling white sand and a blue lagoon surrounded by a barrier coral reef. In the heart of the island is an extinct volcano with its one peak, Mount Otemanu, piercing the sky at 2,385 feet.

Matira Beach

Matira Beach is often mentioned as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. This mile-long stretch of superb white sand is located at the southern tip of Bora Bora and is lined by stately palm trees with magnificent a background of lush green hills. Bordered on both sides by private beaches, Matira is the only public beach on the island worth visiting and access is free to anyone.

The swimming and snorkeling are superb here and the fine white sand gently slopes into a soft sandy lagoon that is perfectly warm and shallow. The sea bottom is flat and sandy, free of sharp coral, so it is easy to walk on. It is a perfect place to bring the kids for a frolic in the calm, warm water. During low tide, it is possible to wade from Matira Point to the barrier reef, the water is very shallow. Matira Beach Map

Mount Otemanu

You can see Mount Otemanu from any spot on Bora Bora. Its black rugged slopes are spectacular in contrast to the lush jungle surrounding it and azure blue lagoon below. While all of Bora Bora is the result of an ancient volcano, fortunately now extinct , Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia are the most evident remnants. Mount Otemanu reaches 2,385 feet and is a popular hiking destination. You can hike only to the base, and even that is best done with the help of a local guide. The summit is impossible to reach because of the fragile volcanic rock, which cannot support the weight of an average human, although that does not mean that avid climbers are not trying.

According to the locals, nobody has managed to do it yet. However, the mountain is so beautiful and picturesque that the trip to the base is worth it just to get some really spectacular photos. Look for the old American WWII cannons scattered about the jungle as well as some ancient local altars. Map

Tahiti Pearl Market

Tahitian pearls are among the most beautiful and most desired in the world and the Tahiti Pearl Market is a family business that cultivates, sets into jewelry, and sells magnificent locally harvested pearls. Their adventure started on the atoll of Takaroa and has grown into a much larger operation that now cultures pearl oysters on five atolls in the Tuamotu Archipelago. Different locations produce a wide range of colors, sizes, and quality. This Tahiti traditional trade gives employment to a large number of native people - just one of these farms employs 40 people on the small atoll of Ahe.

They include divers who collect the pearl oysters from 20 feet under water. Tahiti Pearl Market offers their customers the unique opportunity to select the pearl of their choice among thousands of pearls and have them mounted on the setting they wish.

Tahiti Pearl Market, 25, Rue Colette, BP 3396 PPT, Papeete 98713, French Polynesia, Phone: +689-40-54-30-60

Paroisse Saint Pierre Célestin

The only Catholic Church in Bora Bora, Paroisse Saint Pierre-Celestin Church, is located in the heart of Vaitape and is one of the town's main attractions, but also a place where locals gather for Sunday Mass and various religious holidays. This little gem was designed by architect David Chanvin in the style that nicely blends with the surrounding local architecture. It was built at the initiative of Father Emile, at one time the parish priest of the Leeward Islands. Beautiful, colorful stained-glass windows represent the seven sacraments and were made by Atelier Mari & Femme. Instead of glass, they are made of durable laminated glass in order to resist strong winds in the area.

Paroisse Saint Pierre-Celestin Church, Centre de Vaitape, Village Principal de l'île, Vaitape, French Polynesia

Bora Art Upstairs

Located in the center of Vaitape village, the gallery Bora Art Upstairs features the best permanent collection of paintings in Bora Bora, representing ten local artists with more than 100 original artworks inspired by Polynesian culture. The artworks are created in different styles and techniques using different media: Acrylic and oil on canvas, paper or wood, watercolors, lithographs, reproductions, prints, posters, tiki, tapa, and pareos. The gallery also offers books on local art. One of the local artists represented in the gallery is Marco Lundi, who has a number of paintings in acrylic and oil, on canvas or paper, as well as some of his reproductions and posters.

Bora Art Upstairs, Vaitape Village, French Polynesia, Phone: +689-40-67-71-82

Lagoon Service Bora Bora

Hop aboard one of the lovely traditional outrigger canoes and enjoy a full circle of Bora Bora island surrounded by crystal-clear waters filled with marine life. Stop to snorkel in the colorful coral gardens and watch your guide feed the stingrays. Snorkel among reef and lemon sharks outside the reef. If you opt for a full-day tour, you will also have a picnic lunch on a private motu and enjoy delicious the fresh local food.

For a romantic tour, enjoy a sunset cruise around the lagoon or a romantic dinner cruise - after the sun is set your guide will take you to a small private motu where you will enjoy a romantic three-course dinner of lobster, Champagne, and wine set at the table over the water.

Lagoon Service Bora Bora, Vaitape 98730, French Polynesia, Phone: +689-87-75-69-57

Moana Adventure Tours

Whatever your idea of Bora Bora adventure, Moana Adventure Tours will help you make it true. They have a fleet of 14 boats and 16 jet skis and you can have totally private tour, go in a small or large group, join one of organized tours, or even have a tour custom made just for you. Some of the tours offered include: The 2-hour-long Romantic Sunset Cruise - enjoy the views of the sea in all its glory with a glass of Champagne in your hand- spend 4 hours on a Blue Lagoon Cruise, take a romantic escape with a barbecue lunch on a private motu, go on a lagoon safari, get your adrenaline flowing with jet ski tours, and so much more. For honeymooners, there is a delicious picnic on a private motu while your feet dangle in the lagoon. There is a glass-bottomed boat for those who would rather stay dry. Avid fishermen can go fishing inside and outside the lagoon, and independent types can rent a boat and have their own adventure.

Moana Adventure Tours, Pofai Bay, Vaitape 98730, French Polynesia, Phone: +689-87-78-27-37