Bora Bora - Tahiti's Pearl

Talk about the most romantic, get-away-from-it-all place in the world, Bora Bora is it! This tiny island is one of  the of the Society Islands in French Polynesia. One unique characteristic of these islands is that they are surrounded by ring reefs, which act as a protective barrier to the large ocean waves. Inside these ring reefs, the water is calm, clear, and home to an abundance of exotic sea life. Where the ring reef is above the water, it forms small islands off-shore called "motus". Outside the reef and motus is the open ocean, inside, the calm and protected waters are commonly known as the lagoon. If it wasn't for these beautiful lagoons, you wouldn't have what Tahiti has become famous for...the secluded and romantic over-water bungalows. That is also the reason they are so expensive...supply and demand! Most come equipped with glass-bottom coffee tables, allowing you to watch the tropical fish feed on the crumbs you throw from your room service tray.

Inside Bora Bora's lagoon, you'll find a very unique tour. The shark and ray feeding is not to be missed. It's quite a thrill to feed the stingrays by hand all at the same time the sand and reef sharks curiously circle. Even though they are generally afraid of humans, the sight of them, just a few feet away, sends shivers up your spine. One of the most beautiful places I have ever been snorkeling is in the Coral Gardens of Bora Bora. If your in for a bit more action, take a circle-island tour by wave runner or ATV tour on a motu. Why stop there!  Take a jeep safari or go hiking on Mt. Otumanu while your at it.

Whether you fly into the "BOB" airport, neatly built on a motu, or sail in through the narrow reef entrance by ship, you will find Bora Bora an unbelievably magical place. The beauty of the powder-white sand beaches, crystal-clear water and waving palm trees is only be enhanced by the most colorful sunsets imaginable. I just think it is so cool when you hotel is situated on a motu with a perfect view, only accessible by boat and your breakfast is delivered to your overwater bungalow by outrigger canoe. It's out-of-this-world!!!