Cruise Diva Goes Ashore in Tahiti
Sights to see & things to do
Bora Bora
James Michener described Bora Bora as “The most beautiful island in the world.” Few residents or visitors would disagree. It remains picture postcard perfect and the ideal of a South Pacific paradise. Dominated by Mount Otemanu, it is surrounded by one of the world’s most spectacular lagoons and a series of motus, each one more captivating than the last.
Diversions
Ships anchor in the harbor and tender ashore to the jetty at Vaitape, the main town on the island. The Bora Bora Visitor’s Bureau has an office on the wharf and scooters and automobile rental agencies are located across the street.
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, over 5,000 soldiers were brought to Bora Bora to establish an air base and coastal defense guns remain in place. Film crews have descended on the island over the years to capture the alluring scenery as a backdrop for motion pictures. The rich and famous find Bora Bora a peaceful retreat and since 1979 the island’s most famous restaurant, Bloody Mary's has been the place to spot vacationing celebrities.
For tours around the island, Le Truck circles Bora Bora on the 19.2-mile road built in 1943 by the United States Seabees. Guides share island history, lore, and explanations about culture and daily life. Varied stops included beaches, churches, temple sites, and a refreshment break at Bloody Mary's.
With guidebook in hand, visitors should have no trouble navigating the island and finding the sights along the way as well as a scenic watering-hole at the Hotel Bora Bora or one of the other plush resorts.
Swimming with stingrays and shark feeding excursions in the lagoon can be arranged either through ships’ excursions or ashore. For the more timid, the Lagoonarium offers a similar experience. For the adventurous, circle the island on a jet ski with stops on motus for swimming and to sample fresh coconut.
Beaches
Matira Beach, Bora Bora’s most popular, sweeps around from Raititi Point to Matira Point west of the Hotel Bora Bora. Trips around the lagoon are popular and usually include a motu picnic and swimming and snorkeling in the pristine waters.
Diving & Excursions
TOPdive Resort Bora Bora - BP 515 VAITAPE "Scuba diving is our passion"
Tel +689 60 50 50 - Fax +689 60 50 55 or +689 60 50 51
web site: www.topdive.com
Shopping
At the wharf in Vaitape several merchants offer tee-shirts, pareus, and other souvenirs. Other shops and jewelry stores dot the street to the right of the pier. Crafts and gifts can be found at small shops all over the island. Resort shops can be counted on for upscale items.
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