We have always been drawn to the lesser-known islands of French Polynesia. Going off the beaten track has always been more of our vibe. But, we have to say…every time we arrive in Bora Bora, we are always astounded by the beauty, and the tangible magic that seems to exist on this famous little speck of an island.
Bora Bora has a rich and interesting history, which is always fun to learn about, and share with our guests. The island has had many names over the years. In ancient times, it was named Vava’u, which may support the theory that this island was fist inhabited by Tongans from an island also named the same. Later, it was named “Pora pora mai te pora” meaning “created by the gods”. Finally, Captain Cook actually changed the name to Bora Bora after his arrival to the island in 1770. Many think it was simply that Cook might have misunderstood the name, as the letter “B” doesn’t even exist in the Tahitian language!
On the majority of our Te Mana Travel’s itineraries, we sail into Bora Bora after cruising the island of Tahaa, just 10 miles away. Every time we enter Bora Bora’s lagoon, there is a real palpable sense of excitement onboard! As we sail in, we are met with the impressive, scraggy, basaltic and famous Mt. Otemanu standing proudly in the middle of the brilliant lagoon. This majestic mountain is 2,378 ft. high, and seems to pierce the sky. There are many legends and myths surrounding Mt. Otemanu. Legend says that there are sacred areas on the mountain where bodies of ancient Polynesian kings were buried, and where their spirits are housed. We love that as we sail around the lagoon, Mt. Otemanu looks different from every angle, constantly creating magical silhouettes, and perpetuating the mystery of this mountain in our minds.
Bora Bora is also famous for the numerous hotels and resorts, which have made Bora Bora home. It’s hard to count the number of overwater bungalows that have been built over the years. Tourism, of course is the driving force of Bora Bora’s economy, and it definitely has a busier feel compared to any other island in the South Pacific. The sea-life is still rich here, and snorkeling through the waters is always a fan favorite for our guests.
Although Bora Bora has a more “touristy” feel to it, compared to other islands, the spirit of Polynesia is vibrant and has not been lost. We are always able to find breathtaking anchorages, where you feel like you are almost alone in the world. Maybe it’s the perfect mix of “old meets new”. We pray it will always have the “old”, and the “new” will be handled with great care.