Bora Bora Island

Bora Bora is built around a lagoon, with Mount Otemanu, a jagged volcanic peak, rising 727 metres from the centre of the island. Ships anchor offshore and tender passengers to Vaitape, the main town, which amounts to a few streets with shops and a post office. The lagoon is the reason people come here. Overwater bungalows line the motus (small islets) on the reef edge, and the water is absurdly clear in every direction. Snorkelling and diving in the lagoon put you alongside manta rays, reef sharks, and coral gardens. Matira Beach, on the southern tip, has good swimming in shallow, calm water. Outrigger canoe tours and jet ski rentals cover more of the lagoon. The craft market in Vaitape sells pareos, carved tikis, and black pearl jewellery. Poisson cru, raw fish marinated in lime juice and coconut milk, is the local dish to order. French and Tahitian are spoken, but English works at most tourist spots.