There are taxis and water taxis available just about anywhere on the island, they can be hailed or pre-booked. A ride from Vaitape to Matira Point hotel district is said to cost anywhere between 1,500 – 2,000 CFP ($15-$20) depending on the time of day. And water taxis cost around 2,500 CFP ($25) from one of the smaller motus to the main island. Hotels and resorts most likely offer island transportation options as well, check with the concierge.

Yes, there are many wonderful walks on the tropical island, including romantic beach strolls and walking to different beaches and the beautiful lagoon area. The main town of Vaitape is located on the western side of the island, where many of the shops and eateries are located, it is possible to stroll around town and check out the surroundings. The interior of the island is an extinct volcano that allows the opportunity for hikes through the lush verdant rainforest.

Riding a bicycle around the island is one of the preferred methods of getting around. Many places will rent bicycles or scooters allowing visitors the freedom to explore at their own pace. The entire circumference of the island is 18 miles and the road is paved making it a great bike ride, allowing cyclists to see the spectacular sights and amazing scenery, and make stops along the way. Many resorts will also offer bicycles to rent to their guests.

Bora Bora is known as one of the safest places to travel to. Crimes against visitors are practically unheard of. Keep your wits about you and practice street smarts when out sightseeing.

Vaitape is the main town on the western side of the island where the majority of grocery stores and other convenience stores are located. There are other shopping options in Vaitape such as souvenir shops and black pearl dealers, boutiques, and other shops along the main road. There is a small grocery store by Matira beach offering limited options. The island has a small collection of galleries, studios, and shops and an abundance of jewelers selling Bora Bora`s specialty black pearls.

Tahitian Black Pearls are the pearls of Bora Bora found in the remote lagoons of French Polynesia in the South Pacific. These exotic gems are sought after by celebrities and pearl aficionados, the most popular place to purchase these and have the opportunity to make your jewelry with them is The Farm at the Bora Bora Pearl Company.

The official languages spoken in Moorea are French and Tahitian, many people speak English especially in the service industry at hotels and restaurants. Most of the island’s inhabitants have a good comprehension of the English language. French Polynesians move at a relaxed pace, their philosophy is called `Aita pea pea` which translates to `not to worry`. We recommend you get a good English-French Polynesian guidebook and learn the common phrases such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you, and numbers 1-10.

The official languages spoken in Bora Bora are French and Tahitian, many people speak English especially in the service industry at hotels and restaurants. Most of the island’s inhabitants have a good comprehension of the English language. French Polynesians move at a relaxed pace, their philosophy is called `Aita pea pea` which translates to `not to worry`. We recommend you get a good English-French Polynesian guidebook and learn the common phrases such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you, and numbers 1-10.

Bora Bora features a tropical climate, with two main seasons, wet and dry. It is a year-round holiday destination with beautiful weather boasting warm, sunshine-filled days and average temperatures in the day from the mid to high 80s with lows around the mid-70s. These temperatures are stable year-round providing a great beach holiday atmosphere. The best times to visit are said to be November through April which is a quieter time on the island but is also the wet season. The high and dry season is May through October which boasts optimal vacation weather, which also makes it a busy tourist season. The trade winds in Tahiti Polynesia are year-round offering a light breeze the picks up in the afternoon, usually bringing some welcomed relief from the sun, during the wet season the winds can be stronger.

The currency in French Polynesia is the French Republic, also known as the franc and abbreviated as CFP. Be sure to exchange your currency for francs before arriving in Bora Bora. There are currency exchange desks at the airport and some banks on the island.

The food in Bora Bora is heavily influenced by the French culture with many restaurants offering rich local and French cuisine. The island offers a unique mixture of culinary traditions taken from the different cultures with a mixture of traditional South Pacific cooking and a blend of French, Italian and Japanese influences. The Tahitian tradition of eating food with your hands remains on the island and most food is cooked in `tamaaraa` traditional pit ovens in the ground with the food wrapped in banana leaves and baked for several hours. Fish is one of the main staples on menus in Bora Bora, Poisson cru is a very popular dish made of raw fish that is marinated in lime juice and often served with a salad, other popular dishes include chicken, pork, sweet potatoes, breadfruit, rice, and local produce.

There are some very unique dining options available on Bora Bora, romance is one of the main attractions to the island with opportunities to have dinner right on the beach under the moonlight or on the deck of you overwater bungalow with food delivered by your resort via boat.

Restaurants in Bora Bora are mainly found on the main island or in the town of Vaitape or Matira beach and at the hotels and resorts. Many of the restaurants will offer free transport, with a shuttle bus or boat picking you up and dropping you off at your request.

The Bora Bora Islands are a very laid back destination, mainly geared towards romance and honeymooning couples. There isn’t much of a bar scene and it’s not a party island, here are a few things to do and places to go at night. You can enjoy sunset cocktails on the beach in some gorgeous settings with live music and a laid back island atmosphere, Maikai Bora Bora is a restaurant and bar where you can enjoy tapas and the Bora Bora Yacht Club and Le St James are some upscale places to absorb the beautiful surroundings. The Sunset Bar at the Four Seasons is a spectacular setting for cocktails and food while witnessing a stunning sunset with a tropical cocktail in hand. The Aparima Bar at the St Regis Resort is another great setting for drinks, food, and relaxing with a view of the beach and a pool bar.

Taking a sunset cruise in Bora Bora is a wonderful experience and a great way to capture a sunset from the water. Catamarans will pick up guests from their hotel pier around 4:30 pm where you can admire an amazing sunset along with cocktails.

In the event of an emergency call 20 for police, 120 for fire, and 15 for an ambulance.

Hospital:

Centre Medical De Vaitape tel. 689-40-67-70-77

Getting around Bora Bora by boat is one of the most common ways to travel the island. Most hotels and resorts are located on motu (islets) and therefore the only way to access them is by boat.

Maupiti is a smaller and less touristy island located 24 miles away from Bora Bora. A charming volcanic island that can be reached via the Maupiti Express, the ferry travels three times a week from Vaitape.