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Overview

Introduction

Hyperbole seems to surround Bora Bora, French Polynesia. (Locals often refer to it with a singular "Bora.") Author James Michener called Bora Bora "the most beautiful island in the world," which may be a stretch, though its steep mountain peak and brilliant lagoon certainly are beautiful.

Bora Bora is one of the most famous honeymoon destinations in the world, and it has been targeted by some as the French Polynesian island where tourism has gotten out of control—too many hotels, too many people, too much traffic. The island, 160 mi/260 km northwest of Papeete, does get a lot of visitors (many of them from Europe and the U.S.), but it's still a far cry from a Cancun- or Florida-style buildup.

Some of the bustle results from the fact that Bora is rather small compared to larger tourist islands such as Moorea; in a half-day you can easily peddle a rental bicycle the 20 mi/32 km around the island.

Yet, in that small area, Bora Bora offers attractions from black pearl boutiques and fancy restaurants lining the road south from Vaitape to snorkeling among the myriad lagoon fish near Matira Point. The amazingly clear blue-green water alone is enough to satisfy most visitors.

Potpourri

Black pearls are an important industry in French Polynesia, and, as visitors quickly discover, they are heavily marketed to tourists on Bora Bora. Every shop seems to be selling pearls, and The Farm also offers tours that let you see how they're created.

Couples Retreat, starring Vince Vaughn, was filmed at the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort.

The ashes of French author and sailor Alain Gerbault, who introduced soccer to French Polynesia, are buried on Bora Bora.

The first chapter of James A. Michener's novel Hawaii is set on Bora Bora.

Magasin Chin Lee, the island's oldest general store, is still an important gathering place for local residents.

Hinano beer, the local brew, is named after the flower of the pandanus plant, which smells somewhat like beer. The leaves of this same plant are used to weave local hats and baskets.

Location