Bora Bora is an island in the Leeward group of the Society Islands of French Polynesia, an overseas collectivity of France in the Pacific Ocean.  The island, located about 140 miles northwest of Papeete, 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, with its highest point at 2,385 ft. The original name of the island in the Tahitian language might be better rendered as Pora Pora, meaning "First Born"; an early transcription found in 18th- and 19th century accounts, is Bolabolla or Bollabolla.

Under a one hour flight from the island of Tahiti or Moorea, the island of Bora Bora, with a lagoon of blues and greens, is love at first sight.  Romantics from around the world have laid claim to this island where the regal Mount Otemanu pierces the sky.  Lush tropical slopes and valleys blossom with hibiscus, while palm-covered motu circle the illuminated lagoon like a delicate necklace.  Perfect white-sand beaches give way to emerald waters where colored fish animate the coral gardens as they greet the giant manta rays.  This could be easily be described as the center of the romantic universe, where luxury resorts and spas dot the island with overwater bungalows, thatched-roof villas, and fabled ambience.

Part of the allure has to be its almost unbelievable beauty.  Two towering peaks of sheer black rock dominate the center of the island and make an impressive backdrop to an assortment of blue waters that will dazzle the eyes.  Bora Bora's lagoon is its most treasured feature, and allows the traveler many opportunities to experience it in a variety of ways.  Windsurf, Jet Ski, scuba dive, snorkel, swim, and so much more.  Bora Bora is truly an experience worth having.  A wonderfully relaxing place to be as well as a great island for you to experience, your Bora Bora vacation will never be forgotten.

Bora Bora Weather and Best Time to Visit

Bora Bora offers a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year round, making this an excellent travel destination any time of the year.  The temperatures range only from the lower 70’s to the upper 80’s; nevertheless, it is very humid.  Their warmest month is March, and their coolest is August, on average.  The dry winter period from May to October is the best time to visit; the weather is cooler and there is much less rainfall.  Temperatures rise during the November to April summer rainy season when it's humid and very wet.  Almost all of their annual rainfall occurs during this period, mostly in the form of brief, but intense storms, although torrential downpours lasting several days are common in this region.

The peak season is July and August, so expect larger crowds and higher rates on accommodations, if you visit during this time.  Christmas to early January, late February and early March, the Easter period, early May and early October are also relatively busy times.  The peak July-August season coincides with the Heiva festival, held throughout July, when the region comes to life.  If you are traveling here during any of the busy times, you should plan your trip at least several weeks in advance to be sure that you get the best rates possible for your vacation package. 

French Polynesia is south of the equator, but school holidays are the same as those we celebrate in the northern hemisphere.  Diving is a popular year-round activity in this region, and each season brings its share of new discoveries.  Surfing is also a year-round activity, but if you are sailing, it's best if you avoid the November to March tropical depressions.  Walking is best in the dry season, as some of the trails are simply impassable when it's wet.

Experience Bora Bora

One of the best ways to experience this island is to enjoy its beaches.  Bora Bora offers some of the most superb and secluded white sand beaches in all of Polynesia.  This island is less traveled to than Tahiti and most of the travel here is for romantic getaways, which makes the beaches much less crowded and more enjoyable for you and your loved one.  Whether you are here for a family vacation or a romantic getaway for 2, the island of Bora Bora has picture-perfect beaches just waiting for you.

The adventurous tourist will enjoy the lushly forested mountains, remarkable hidden caves, and flowing waterfalls as well as the opportunities for exploring the South Pacific Ocean that are offered on Bora Bora.  Travelers can take independent or guided hikes in the mountains to see the island’s stunning waterfalls, take surfing lessons, and go caving or SCUBA dive to see the exotic species of fish and coral in these clear blue lagoon waters.

Simply said, Bora Bora is the most beautiful and romantic island in the world.  From the dramatic scenery to the privacy and amenities of the overwater bungalows, everything in Bora Bora equals a 10 on the romance scale.  Resorts have been welcoming couples for over 40 years and their special amenities have been fine tuned to perfection.  From sunrise to sunset, each resort has designed their own blend of unique romantic experiences for their guests to choose from.  No matter if you are wedding for the first time, renewing your vows, or just enjoying a romantic getaway, French Polynesia is the perfect place to be.