Bora Bora is the island most of my clients picture when they first dream up a French Polynesia trip, and arriving by ship on the Paul Gauguin is a fine way to see it. The lagoon does most of the work, but there is more to a day here than floating in turquoise water. I have spent enough port calls here to have opinions about how to spend the hours. Here is where I would point you, in and out of the water.
In and on the lagoon
The coral gardens are the headline, and rightly so; the snorkeling over the reef shelves is some of the easiest, most rewarding I know, with reef fish in every direction. If you would rather stay dry, a glass-bottom boat tour lets you see the same underwater life without getting wet, which is handy for travelers who do not swim. For something calmer, a paddleboard across the flat morning water gives you the island from a low, quiet vantage that most people miss.
Ashore in Bora Bora
Vaitape, the main town, is worth a wander for its markets and crafts, and it is the jumping-off point for a circle-island drive. If you have any interest in history, the island still has marae, the old stone temple platforms, and a scattering of World War II relics from the American base. A short cultural performance is an easy, genuine way to connect the scenery to the people who live here.
Eating well on the island
Seafood is the thing to order. Poisson cru, raw tuna marinated in lime and coconut milk, is the local dish I send everyone after, and the grilled mahi-mahi is reliably good. If a traditional Tahitian feast cooked in an ahima'a, the underground oven, is on offer during your call, take it. And do not skip the fruit; the mangoes and pineapple are a different thing entirely when they are this fresh.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be a strong swimmer to enjoy Bora Bora's lagoon?
Not at all. The lagoon is calm and shallow in many spots, and glass-bottom boat tours let non-swimmers see the coral and fish. Paddleboarding is also beginner-friendly here.
What is the signature dish to try in Bora Bora?
Poisson cru, fresh raw tuna in lime and coconut milk, is the one I recommend first. Grilled mahi-mahi and a traditional underground-oven feast are also worth seeking out.
Is there anything to do in Bora Bora besides the beach?
Yes. Vaitape's markets, a circle-island drive, ancient marae temple sites, and World War II relics give you culture and history alongside the lagoon.
Planning a Paul Gauguin voyage? Tell us your dates and what you're dreaming of and we'll map it out for you.