About 140 miles (225 km) northwest of Tahiti, in the western Leeward group of the Society islands of French Polynesia, is where you’ll find Bora Bora. It is a rough, hilly, volcanic island with a sizable lagoon encircled by stunning coral reefs and islets. It is usually interpreted to mean “firstborn” in Tahitian, where the sound is closer to Pora Pora.
Bora Bora was first settled by Polynesian traders and colonists in the fourth century. The first European to see the island was the Dutch adventurer Jakob Roggeveen in 1722, but James Cook would become the first European to set foot on the island in 1770. Before the French annexation of Bora Bora in 1888, the island was still a sovereign country.
The island supported American military supply operations during World War Two. Oil storage, an airfield, and naval defenses were among the military improvements made on the island during “Operation Bobcat.” The little airport was French Polynesia’s sole international airport after the war until 1960.
All of the islands in French Polynesia received limited autonomy and citizenship in 2004, but they all remained subject to French administration and legal jurisdiction.
Less than 9000 people called Bora Bora their permanent home as of the year 2008. On the westernmost tip of the main island is Vaitape, where the bulk of people resides. There are many workers for the coconut plantations on Tupai, the largest atoll, but no permanent residents. While Tahitian is widely used, French is the official language
Also Read: The Best Time To Visit Bora Bora: A Seaon By Season Guide
Topography
The island of Bora Bora is only 11.8 square miles (29 square kilometers) in size, but it is home to a magnificent lagoon and stunning coral reefs. The island, which has a volcanic origin, is steep and rugged, with exposed black granite on its highest peaks.
Two different black stone summits, Mount Pahia, and Mount Otemanu, which are relics of an extinct volcano, are located in the island’s center. Pahia, at 2,165 feet (660m), is the shorter of the two, while Otemanu reaches a height of 2,379 feet (725m).
Flora and Fauna In Bora Bora
There are numerous tropical trees, plants, and flowers present despite the region’s volcanic origins. Orange trees, vanilla bushes, and coconut palms are examples of common variations. There are plenty of nonis, a well-liked tropical evergreen with edible fruit. Because of its volcanic background, Bora Bora has no native mammals. There are, however, some invasive species on the island as a result of human activity. It’s typical to see dogs, cats, cows, horses, and sheep.
In contrast, the island is home to a wide variety of bird species. White Terns, Pacific Swallows, and Black-winged Petrels are frequently sighted. On Bora Bora, you’ll also recognize several additional species that are regularly seen across French Polynesia.
The waters of Bora Bora are home to an abundance of marine life. There are many different fish species to be found, such as red snapper, jackfish, and lemon sharks. It’s common to see dolphins, sea turtles, and humpback whales that are migrating. The abundance of ray species on Bora Bora, including leopard, eagle, and the enormous Manta-Ray, has made the island famous throughout the world. This is due to the plentiful marine plankton in the area.
The Best Time To Visit Bora Bora
The average temperature throughout the summer is typically around 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and the season is frequently characterized by a hot and muggy climate.
If you enjoy summertime activities, now is the ideal time to visit Bora Bora as there are about 40 millimeters of rain per month. If you want to avoid the severe winters in Europe and the Americas, consider the winter months in Bora Bora since they are colder, drier, and have relatively little precipitation.
How To Get To Bora Bora?
Since most visitors desire to explore this tiny island, Bora Bora has become a very popular tourist destination, and flights are available from Tahiti. Passengers arrive at the international airport in Tahiti from cities including Los Angeles, Auckland, and Sydney. On the northern side of the main island is where the airport is situated. From the airport, you can take local taxis or a boat to one of the nearby smaller islands.
You have found the idyllic island since it allows you to discover all of its magnificent features. You must discover the tranquil surroundings, the white sand beaches, and the turquoise waters while you are there.
Bora Bora Facts That You Must Know
1) There is no public transport
You’re in for a surprise if you plan on using public transportation when visiting Bora Bora. Despite having some of the most magnificent scenery, the country lacks public transportation, so be prepared to hire a cab or a boat to get about.
Each year, the island welcomes hundreds of visitors, and you should be prepared to see as much as you can while there because there is so much more to discover.
2) The beaches of Bora Bora are among the top 10 beaches in the world.
One of the most important things you should be aware of while visiting the island of Bora Bora is that its beaches have developed a strong reputation and are considered to be some of the best beaches in the world.
Bora Bora should be your next travel destination if you want to have the time of your life in the Pacific. In addition to its stunning beaches, Bora Bora offers a variety of hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
3) During World War II, Bora Bora served as a military outpost
Many people merely adore the island’s atmosphere. But one of the most important things you should know is that American troops utilized Bora Bora as a supply base during the Second World War. This is the cause of the island’s exponential growth due to the extensive infrastructure the American forces built.
The island housed more than 6,000 American soldiers throughout this conflict, and eight cannons were placed throughout the island to defend it. This island still serves as a poignant symbol of the Second World War.
4) You can swim in the coral reefs
The abundance of coral reefs in Bora Bora is one of the island’s most recognizable features. People swimming at the coral reefs can be found in this setting because many hotels and resorts on the island have access to their coral reefs.
On the eastern side of the main island is the island’s natural aquarium. The majority of the animals in this aquarium, which goes by the name Lagoonarium, include stingrays and manta rays, among other unusual creatures you won’t find anyplace else in the globe.
5) There is coconut rain
You must be cautious when visiting Bora Bora since coconut rain could strike you. The phrase “coconut rain” refers to the tens of thousands of coconuts that often fall from the sky in the area due to the abundance of coconut palms on the island.
You should exercise caution when getting closer to a coconut tree because some coconuts could fall at any moment. Being cautious is necessary due to the potential for catastrophic injury caused by the enormous weight and rapid descent of these coconuts.
6) An island paradise for the young people
Nearly half of the population of Bora Bora is under twenty years old, which is one of the things you should know about it. This demonstrates how young the population is. When you visit Bora Bora, you will attend the best beach parties, which are organized by these young adults.
If you enjoy having a good time, Bora Bora is the ideal location for you because it will provide you with the best experience. You may easily make friends here because everyone is pleasant and nice.
7) Poisson Cru is the national dish
Even though the island offers a variety of delicacies, the Poisson cru stands out as being one of the most intriguing. You must sample this dish when you are in the area. The marinating of coconut milk and lime juice gives the meal the ideal texture and flavor, making it exceedingly delectable. Typically, the dish is served hot in a coconut.
8) Tattoos are a sacred form of art
The belief in tattoos is one of the island’s most important characteristics. When you observe locals getting tattoos on their bodies, you’ll notice that they hold this practice to be sacred. Many people on the island consider tattoos to be both a sign of beauty and the sacred handiwork of God. In the past, those with tattoos typically represented a better social status.
9) Flowers are symbolic
Bora Bora is among the locations in the world that are devoted to flowers. You will be given a lei, which is a necklace flower made of the Tiare plant when you first arrive in this nation. The flower will be on the left of the ear for the majority of the ladies on the island.
This reveals that the woman is married. On the other hand, if you see a woman with a flower on her right ear, you can approach her. When you visit the island and see women putting flowers in your hair, you shouldn’t be terrified.
10) The true meaning of Bora Bora
The word Bora Bora originates in Pora Pora, a Tahitian dialect. Before the French and Americans modified it, the island was known by this name. In the native Tahitian language, Bora Bora means firstborn or formed by the gods.
Because B and P have similar sounds in the regional language, they are frequently used interchangeably. The name Bora Bora was given to the island by the Dutch explorers who discovered it, and it has remained in national and historical records ever since.
11) Black pearls of Bora Bora
Although there are many things you may buy as souvenirs while visiting Bora Bora, black pearls stand out as the best option.
Some of the most unforgettable things you can purchase in Bora Bora are these black pearls. They can be found in the French Polynesian archipelago. Pearls come in a variety of hues, including grey, blue, green, and black. You have the option of buying the pearl directly or some of the trinket jewelry that is sold throughout the island.
12) You can scuba dive with sharks
Many people could be surprised by this since they do not anticipate swimming with sharks on the islands. Scuba diving is one of the nicest things you can do when visiting Bora Bora because it is a remote location.
The island is frequently visited by watersports enthusiasts who can go scuba diving with manta rays, lemon sharks, grey reef sharks, blacktip sharks, and napoleon wrasse. If you enjoy exploring new places, this is the place for you.
Some professionals will lead you to the best spots where the water is calm and you can view all the characteristics you have been searching for in the area, so you don’t need to worry.
13) Bora Bora is featured in blockbuster movies
The world’s top beach destination, Bora Bora, is more than just that. The island has appeared in a lot of well-known movies all across the world. Sky Pirates, Hurricane, XXX, and Vince Vaughan are just a few of the well-known films.
The island has long been a favorite destination for celebrities where you can unwind, relax, and mix with some of the most well-known people in the world.
14) The island originated from a volcanic eruption
The island of Bora Bora was formed as a result of a sizable volcanic explosion, which is one of the most entertaining facts about the place. The Tonga people found the eruption, which took place some four million years ago.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bora Bora is a serene area with a variety of things to do and see, and you should travel there at least once in your lifetime. There are some things you can only find out by going to Bora Bora, but learn, explore, and have fun while you’re there. Hope this article about Bora Bora facts would have given enough information about Bora Bora you had not known before, before planning a wonderful journey to this unique Island.