Tag: Bora Bora

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Bora Bora, French Polynesia, which is known as the Honeymoon Paradise

BORA BORA. (SOCIETY ISLANDS), FRENCH POLYNESIA
Exploring Bora Bora’s Hidden Heart
If exploring Bora Bora’s lush interior is more your style, then a circle‑island tour becomes an absolute must.

These guided adventures wind through the island’s emerald heart, taking you past dense tropical forests, dramatic volcanic peaks, and charming local villages that offer a glimpse into everyday life. Many tours include a stop at the legendary celebrity hotspot, Bloody Mary’s Restaurant & Bar, where the sand‑covered floors, towering thatched roof, and fresh‑caught seafood have made it a beloved institution for decades. With its relaxed island vibe and walls lined with the names of famous visitors, it’s one of the most iconic places to soak in Bora Bora’s trademark blend of natural beauty and easygoing charm.

Yet this serene, postcard‑perfect paradise hasn’t always been defined by tranquility. During World War II, Bora Bora played a key role in the Pacific theater when it became a strategic U.S. supply base under the codename Operation Bobcat. At the height of military activity, the island supported nine naval ships, stored more than 20,000 tons of crucial equipment, and was home to nearly 7,000 servicemen. The Americans built roads, wharves, an airstrip, and other infrastructure—some of which helped modernize the island long after the war ended. To defend the lagoon and supply routes, eight massive 7‑inch naval cannons were installed around Bora Bora’s perimeter. Remarkably, all but one of these artillery pieces still stand today, silent reminders of an era that sharply contrasts with the island’s current peaceful reputation.

Today’s Excursion – POLYNESIAN DREAMS – BORA BORA – FRENCH POLYNESIA

As ancient Polynesian explorers traveled from island to island, they brought their songs and stories, as well as their unique culinary specialties. You’ll experience all of this and more as you enjoy a full day of culture and cuisine, culminating in a marvelous sunset at the water’s edge.

Imagine a day unfolding on your own private islet, where a ribbon of white sand slips into the impossible blues of Bora Bora’s lagoon and the world feels blissfully distant. This is Motu Tapu – The Queen’s Scared Island – where time moves to the unhurried rhythm of nature.

You step from your catamaran onto the shore, and you are welcomed with a crown of fresh flowers. The day drifts by in a quiet indulgence: a swim in gin-clear waters, and a gentile breezes rustiling the palms.

The Queen’s arrival signals lunch – a feast of Polynesian flavors served at the water’s edge.

As the light softens and the afternoon wanes, a delicate shell lei is placed in your hands, a simple, shimmering keepsake to remember your day in paradise.

Farewell speech from Captain Johannes Tysse and our Crew Parade, Plus Motown.

Dinner was in The Atlantide Restaurant.

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Bora Bora, French Polynesia, in the South Pacific Ocean.

BORA BORA, (SOCIETY ISLANDS), FRENCH POLYNESIA
The Dream Island That Defies Imagination
If you’ve ever imagined your perfect island escape, chances are it resembles something like this: seas the color of liquid sapphire, beaches so white they shimmer beneath the sun, and charming thatched‑roof bungalows perched over calm, crystalline water. Gentle palm trees lean toward the sea as if drawn by the breeze itself, and beneath the surface, schools of brilliant fish dart among coral gardens bursting with life. Yet even with all these postcard‑worthy elements in mind, the first real glimpse of Bora Bora somehow surpasses anything the imagination can conjure.

This tiny tropical jewel—measuring less than 12 square miles, tucked into the heart of the South Pacific—has long claimed its place at the very top of global travel wish lists. For decades, it has held a reputation as the ultimate honeymoon sanctuary, and understandably so; the sunsets alone, drenched in molten gold and watercolor pink, seem crafted specifically for romantic reverie. But Bora Bora offers far more than strolling hand‑in‑hand beneath a sky turning to stardust.

Everywhere you turn, you’re enveloped by the lagoon’s kaleidoscopic hues—turquoise, teal, jade, and deep ultramarine blending together as an artist’s palette spilled across the horizon. And when your eyes have fully soaked in its beauty, adventure patiently waits just below the surface. Underwater scooters glide past coral formations like something out of a futuristic dream, and aqua‑safari excursions invite you to walk along the ocean floor as tropical fish swirl around you in gentle curiosity.

In Bora Bora, serenity and exhilaration coexist effortlessly. It’s a place where nature dazzles at every turn, where time slows, and where even the most vivid daydreams feel modest compared to the real thing.

Today’s Excursion – Off-Road Island Adventure

We discovered Bora Bora, the ‘Pearl of the Pacific’, in an exciting new way during this exhilarating off-road island adventure. In addition to breathtaking panoramic vistas, this 4X4 trip features remnants of early Polynesian life and relics of the World War II presence of American forces.

World War II Cannons

Depart the pier with your driver/guide and follow along a trail to a pair of World War II cannons left by the U.S. military. Along the way, the guide elaborates on the presence of American forces on Bora Bora during World War II.

Faanui Valley, Tropical Flora and Fauna

Next, drive through the Faanui Valley to see the lush tropical nature of the island’s interior. Photo stops en route allow you to take in spectacular vistas and learn about local customs, flora, and fauna.

Fitii District, Pahonu Hill, Blue Lagoon

This scenic journey continues into the northern part of the island and the district of Fitii in the east. Heading toward the south side, the drive takes you past coastal hotels and up Pahonu Hill. Along the way, your guide points out sights of interest and stops are made for photo opportunities of the spectacular lagoon.

Tonights dinner was in The Atlantide Restaurant

Where in the World Are We?

Bora Bora is an island group in the Leeward Islands. The Leeward Islands comprise the western part of the Society Islands of French Polynesia, which is an overseas collectivity of the French Republic in the Pacific Ocean. Bora Bora has a total land area of 12 sq mi. The main island, located about 125 nautical miles northwest of Papeete, Tahiti is surrounded by a lagoon and a barrier reef.

In the center of the island are the remnants of an extinct volcano, rising to two peaks, Mount Pahia, and Mount Otemanu; the highest point is at 2,385 ft. Bora Bora is part of the Commune of Bora-Bora, which also includes the atoll of Tūpai. The languages spoken in Bora Bora are Tahitian and French. However, due to the high tourism population, many natives of Bora Bora have learned to speak English.

Bora Bora is a major international tourist destination, famous for its seaside and offshore luxury resorts. The major settlement, Vaitape, is on the western side of the main island, opposite the main channel leading into the lagoon. Produce of the island is mostly limited to what can be obtained from the sea and from the plentiful coconut trees, which were historically of economic importance for the production of copra.

Today’s Excursion – BORA BORA ISLAND TOUR BY “LE TRUCK”

We explored the island paradise of Bora Bora in a casual, alfresco style on this scenic orientation tour aboard a bus where they forgot to include windows. We saw the sights clearly, felt the tropical breeze in our hair, and were enlightened about Bora Bora life by our local guide.

The island is famed for its glamorous, romance-soaked resorts but driving through the Fa’anui district we also passed small villages and fields that offer a glimpse into the rustic everyday textures of Bora Bora. We witnessed how the popular wraparound skirt known as a pareo is made, learned about the terrestrial tupa crabs that skitter among the vegetation near the water’s edge, tasted locally grown fruits and saw coastal defense sites left behind by the U.S. military after WWII.

We ascend to a lookout point for postcard-worthy views of jaggedly lush Mount Otemanu, Bora Bora’s highest volcanic peak, and browsed the crafts at a local market. Skirting along the East Coast, we passed by several of those bucket-list resorts before stopping in for views and a photo op par excellence at Matira Point, home to the main island’s most stunning stretch of beach.

A final highlight was stopping at Bora Bora’s most famous bar, Bloody Mary’s.