The island used to be called Vavau . Discovered by the browser Roggeveen in 1722 (without docking there), Cook landed there in 1769 and named her Bora Bora (actually Pora Pora ), name which means 'Born first', allusion to the fact that the god Ta'aroa would have created it immediately after Raiatea.
The history of Bora Bora is marked by the wars between the different clans of the island or against the islands neighbors. In 1820, Protestant missionaries landed on the island and the first temple was opened in 1822. It was in 1888 that Bora Bora and all the islands under the Vent were annexed by France.
Another important fact in the contemporary history of Bora Bora, the presence between 1942 and 1946 of the American troops within the framework of the operation Bobcat has left many remains on the island such as anti-aircraft batteries, bunkers, but especially the airstrip which was the first runway capable to welcome international flights to Polynesia and which is still in operation today. In early 2019, shells from that era were found at the bottom of the pass Teavanui and had to be taken off to destroy them.
Bora Bora came out of the water 13 million years ago, the volcano has gradually sunk to be bordered today by a superb lagoon and a coral reef.
The mountains Otemanu (727 m), Pahia (661m) and Hue (619 m) overlook the magnificent spectacle of the colors of the lagoon.
The first inhabitants arrived on the island around 2000 years ago. According to the latest studies, first arrivals would be a people originating from the region of Taiwan which would have populated Polynesia following good successive in Australia / New Zealand, then the Samoa / Tonga Islands. This successive migration from the Pacific Islands took place over a period of 40,000 years.
Today, the island has just over 10,000 inhabitants.
The boat trip is a must in Bora Bora and will allow you to swim in the turquoise waters to discover the richness of the seabed with many species of fish, rays and sharks as well as corals.
Many providers offer quad or 4x4 excursions within the island. These tours are an opportunity to discover breathtaking views, but also a lesser known facet of the island by entering the land and exploring its dense and lush vegetation. At times it feels like a real jungle . Toiki is a guide nice that offers an interesting circuit.
Many hikes in foot are possible, it is still better to be accompanied by a guide. The most famous hikes are: the Valley of the Kings, the antenna of Matira, the cannons of Anau , the mount Popoti .
For more information you can go visit the blog both feet in the water .
Bora Bora is mainly known for its lagoon and luxury hotels. The main island is also full of treasures. The 'Bora Explorer' application developed by Avis Bora Bora will allow you to discover the many points of interest on the island. Over a hundred points have been identified. Here is a summary of the places to visit.
mamas offer sarong and craft stands on the side of the road. These lively little stops are an opportunity to discover local crafts, make your own sarong and taste local fruits.
The center ville is the ideal place for a stopover shooping . Many shops offer pearls, sarongs, tee- shirts. The fare des mamas is a place ideal for discovering local creations. We also have a real crush on the store Teavanui Shop which only offers products made in fenua (chocolate canopies, coffee, bags of jute, soaps, monoïs , silk, comforters, ceramics and tables).
Bora Bora has lush and diverse vegetation. Many trees and plants are used daily (coconut, tiara , pandanus leaves, tree bark for costumes, wood for canoes and houses). By looking a little, it is possible to see fields of tiara, a mangrove sheltering of many species of alvins , banyans (sacred trees having been used as sarcophagus).
Discovery of the Marae on the island, 42 Marae have been identified in Bora Bora. Today, there are only a dozen visible left. The Marae are sacred places of worship in the open air.
These marae were the heart of the clan's religious and social life: we invoked the gods, enthroned the chiefs, we prepared for war and fishing, we celebrated there births and deaths. There is a marae hierarchy, ranging from simple family marae to royal marae. The size of the marae is proportional to
family influence.
The matira beach
is located along the southern tip of the island, this tongue of white sand is very popular with locals and tourists, coming to enjoy its atmosphere
lively and admire the beauty of its natural environment, especially at sunset. Contrasting with the greenery of the surrounding vegetation, its turquoise waters are as suitable for swimming as for snorkeling .
The Maritime Museum is a small museum exhibiting around forty models of old and modern canoes, bonitiers and Poti Marara or still legendary boats such as the Bounty,
the Kon Tiki , the Calypso and the Firecrest . The sign is a bit hidden and it is best to call before going there: 40 67 75 24
The island of Bora Bora offers a variety of restaurants with many restaurants and trailers.
Renting a car, scooter or bicycle will allow you to discover these many treasures at your own pace and according to your preferences.
It is the easiest and more economical way to visit the island.
As a couple or as a family, our range of vehicles will allow you to visit the island in a comfortable way and stop at the beach, shops, museums, art galleries, departures from hikes or archaeological sites and enjoy incredible panoramas of the island.
