The pearl of the Pacific, Bora Bora, so named because of its mother-of-pearl lagoon, is a mountain range with three peaks, the highest point of which Otemanu reaches 727 meters.
The rich nature of these places endowed the island with clear waters and created small islands around the main island, called motu. On one of these motus there is an airport, on others there are hotels.
There are many things to do in Bora Bora:
The picturesque nature of the island of Bora Bora, the ancient temples of marae, mountains, all this can be seen while walking in a jeep. The tour of the island starts at the Vaitape pier. You are heading to the northern cape, to Faantui, the village where the tribal leaders lived. Many Polynesian mares have been preserved here. The road, lined with coconut palms, leads to the southern point of the island and its amazing beauty of the beach and lagoon. Of course, the island can also be crossed by jeep along the former military road, where fragments of American military equipment are found. Riding in a jeep, on the steep slopes of the mountains in the middle of the rainforest, the sun and the singing of birds – all this is the island of Bora Bora.
The best way to discover the lagoon of this amazing island is during the “shark and ray feeding” excursion, as well as the “coral garden” excursion. The best way to learn about the customs of the island of Bora Bora and meet the locals is to go on a picnic to one of the motus, where they will tell you about plants, the way of cooking, where a charming Tahitian woman will teach you how to put on a pareo (women’s clothing, which is a rectangular piece of fabric ), and a local young tane (man) will teach you how to break a coconut, as they did before. You will also find unforgettable cuisine, fish dishes, breadfruit dishes, pineapples, sweets, dances and songs.
For scuba diving enthusiasts, Tupitupiti is the best place to visit, as large sharks, tuna and barracuda are found in this place.
Of course, Bora Bora is the perfect place for a relaxing holiday. The hotels have white sand beaches and swimming pools. Headlights on the water create a feeling of peace, solitude, and a light splash of water complements it. In the evening you can enjoy the sunset on the terrace with family or friends, and in the morning a beautiful Tahitian woman will bring you breakfast by canoe.
Tahiti
Tahiti is a mountainous island, one of whose peaks Orohena reaches 2240 meters. On the northwest coast is the capital of Papete, as well as a port protected from ocean waves by reefs.
The city stretches along the coast and along the slopes of the mountains, where luxurious mansions are located among tropical gardens under palm trees. Tahiti consists of two islands connected by a small isthmus. The Big Island of Tahiti Nui (Nui in Tahitian means big) has an almost round shape, mountains alternate with valleys, and tropical forest foliage hides mysterious grottoes, temples, giant waterfalls.
At Tahiti Nui, the high Papenoo Valley crosses the Maroto Gorge and leads to Vaihiria Crater Lake. Driving around the island you admire the magnificent landscapes of the coast with its long beaches covered with sand of volcanic origin. Palm trees, hibiscus, and breadfruit grow along the winding road. Your walk through Tahiti is accompanied by the singing of birds of paradise.
On Tahiti Iti, the steep slopes of the mountains descend directly into the sea, and not everywhere can be driven by car.
ATTRACTIONS OF TAHITI:
Museum of black pearls, where you will be told about its history, production techniques, its mythological, philosophical and religious significance. You will learn about quality criteria that will allow you to judge for yourself the value of a pearl. Here you can also buy unique jewelry from the private collection of Robert Wang, the king of black pearls.
• The Museum of Tahiti and its Islands tells about the history of Polynesia, about world-famous sailors who conquered the Pacific Ocean on fragile boats.
• The Paul Gauguin Museum displays the life of this great artist in paintings, letters, memoirs.
• Papete Market is of great interest to photography enthusiasts. The stalls abound with bright bouquets of orchids and other tropical plants. Artisans offer pareos, taifai, mother-of-pearl trinkets and other original products. Here you can see fruits and vegetables, the existence of which you did not even suspect.
• Papete City Hall is a copy of the palace of the great Queen Pomare IV, who ruled Tahiti at the end of the 19th century.
• Religion occupies an important place in the life of Polynesian society. Of particular interest are the Poafai Temple, Notre Dame Cathedral and the Chinese Mamao Temple.
Get to know Tahiti by helicopter or by car. From a height, basalt mountain peaks, canyons and powerful waterfalls appear.
A trip around the island by car (115 km) You will rise 600 meters above sea level, from where an incomparable panorama of Papet and Moorea opens. Further, if desired, go to the commune where the last king of Tahiti, Pomare VI, is buried, this historical place will be of interest to lovers of colonial history. Afterwards, stop at Matavai Harbor, where Cook, Bougainville, Wallis and the famous Captain Blythe on the Bounty sailboat moored in their ships in the 18th century. At Cape Venus, where the first missionaries arrived, you will be told about the history of the island. On your way, don’t forget to stop at a small cafe, where you will see 1.5-meter eels splashing between boulders, and, of course, waterfalls in the rainforest. Here you will be offered coconut water, where the glass will be coconut.
Sports and leisure in Tahiti
On the coast of Tahiti, there are many sports clubs that offer fishing on the high seas (the international competition of Tahiti attracts famous athletes from all over the world), scuba diving and, of course, surfing. Surfers here will meet Teahupoo waves, recognized as one of the most difficult in the world.
