My views do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer.
December 22 & 23, 2025
I’d last been to Bora Bora on the Golden Princess in 2019. I went to the beach with Jarred (there’s a post on that if you’re interested).
When Alisa suggested brunch, I thought that was a great idea (I mean, to be fair, I usually do).
We took the tender to Vaitape and found a coffee and wine place right across the street from the tender pier. Finally! Some local coffee!
I spotted a couple of my favorite residents, Andrew and Carolyn talking to a particularly attractive man who obviously did not come from our ship. I went over to say hello, and then grabbed a table with a decent view.
Alisa asked if he was our new technician – NO! If he were, he definitely would have come up in conversation.
When the mystery man slipped away, I called Andrew and Carolyn over.
Where did you find that attractive man?
Andrew was slightly offended that I wasn’t referring to him, while Carolyn appreciated that I’d noticed.
He was their sommalier – they were planning a wine tasting for the next day.
I immediately asked if I could get in on that. Graciously, they said I could.
Now it was time to go to the beach. We went to a taxi stand and asked to be taken to a beach. Apparently there were several options, but this was where we ended up.
Everyone on the ship agreed that Bora Bora’s greatest fault was that our cameras could not capture its beauty.
Then I got a message from Victor – he was on his way! I gave him directions (so we’d end up at the same beach) and then left my phone at the beach club while we went into the water.
We were still out there when he arrived. The water was clear and so shallow that we had to go out a long way before reaching a spot where our feet no longer touched the bottom.
We treaded water and talked freely without fear of being overheard by residents.
Alisa was still working nights, so even though we could have stayed all day, we decided to head back so she could get some sleep before her shift.
The next day, Alisa and I set out to get lunch before the wine tasting I’d invited myself to. We’d both done some reasearch and ended up at the hotel restaurant where the wine tasting would be held. How convenient!
Alisa returned to the ship to get some rest and I joined Andrew, Carolyn and a few other residents for our wine tasting.
I tried to give Andrew and Carolyn money for the tasting, but they refused. This was going be a gift.
What a gift! All of my favorite things – wine, food, beautiful scenery…
Of course, the other wines were from France.
And a lovely breeze coming off the water.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Bora Bora is the supermodel of the South Pacific: a steep green volcano ringed by a turquoise lagoon and coral reef, with the main island framed by offshore motu islets and overwater bungalows. The island’s population is around 10,500 people, with about half living in Vaitape, the administrative and commercial center where cruise tenders land. Life here blends Polynesian culture with French influence: pareo wraps and tiare flowers alongside baguettes, vanilla, and French-style cafés. For guests, this is a lagoon-forward port: think snorkeling, lagoon cruises, 4×4 viewpoints, and gentle wandering in Vaitape, rather than big museums.
History:
Bora Bora was settled by Polynesian navigators over a thousand years ago, with traditional society organized around powerful chiefs and sacred marae (temple platforms) dotted across the island. In the 18th century, European explorers and missionaries arrived, followed by French colonial influence; by the late 1800s Bora Bora was part of what is now French Polynesia, an overseas territory of France.
During World War II, Bora Bora became an important U.S. supply base (Operation Bobcat): American forces built an airstrip, fuel depots, and coastal defenses. Many island roads and some viewpoints still trace back to this era, and locals still tell stories of that time.
Today, the island’s economy is driven by tourism, black pearls, and fishing. While luxury resorts dominate the imagery, daily life continues in Vaitape and villages around the ring road, where you’ll see family-owned shops, churches, and kids heading to school by boat or bus.
Itinerary:
Arrival: Monday December 22, 8:00am (please allow time for port clearance)
Departure: Wednesday December 24, Last Tender: 5:00pm Sail away: 6:00pm
Bora Bora Tender Schedule:
| First Tender | Last Tender | ||
| 22-Dec-25 | Mon | 8:30 AM | 9:00 PM |
| 23-Dec-25 | Tue | 8:00 AM | 9:00 PM |
| 24-Dec-25 | Wed | 8:00 AM | 5:00 PM |
Please note: After 6:00 PM the service will operate at one-hour intervals until the final tender at 9:00 PM.
Approximate time from ship to shore: 10 minutes
Weather
Average Temps: Highs: ~28–30°C / 82–86°F; Lows: ~25–26°C / 77–79°F
Climate: Warm, humid, tropical; December is in the wet season, with short, heavy showers and lots of sun in between. Sea temperature is typically around 28–29°C / 82–84°F – very comfortable for swimming and snorkeling.
What to Wear: Light, breathable clothing; hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen. Swimwear plus a cover-up for town and boats. Water-friendly sandals or reef shoes; sturdier trainers for 4×4 stops or short hikes. A light rain jacket or poncho for sudden showers.
Near the Pier:
Tender Dock: Vaitape Bay
Google Maps pin: Quai de Vaitape Bora Bora
Nearby Essentials (all a short walk from the tender dock)
Pharmacy: A pharmacy operates in central Vaitape along the main road, a few minutes’ walk from the dock, near other medical and dental services.
ATM: ATMs from banks such as Banque de Tahiti / Banque Socredo are near the Town Hall and craft market, close to the dock.
Grocery / Snacks: Small supermarkets and convenience stores in Vaitape sell drinks, snacks, fresh baguettes, fruit, and picnic supplies.
Nearest Church: Several churches are in or near Vaitape (Protestant, Catholic, LDS). The main Protestant or Catholic church in town is usually the easiest for guests to visit on Sundays or for a photo stop.
Nearest Golf: The closest proper golf course for most visitors is actually on Moorea or Tahiti; Bora Bora itself does not have a large, active resort golf course at present, so manage expectations for golfers.
Nearest Shopping (mall/market): Vaitape craft market & pearl shops along the waterfront and main road – best spot for black pearls, pareos, and souvenirs.
Getting Around:
🚶 Walking Vaitape itself is walkable: a flat strip along the waterfront with shops, market, pearl boutiques, and basic services.There’s no long seafront promenade, but it’s easy to spend 1–2 hours browsing and taking photos.
🚌 Public Transit There is no formal urban bus network like a city, but there are local minibuses and some island tours that operate on set routes. Most visitors use booked tours, resort shuttles, or taxis rather than public buses.
🚖 Taxis Taxis are limited and often pre-booked through hotels/tour operators.Typical short ride Vaitape → Matira area might be in the range of 1,500–2,500 XPF (rough ballpark; always confirm before you go). Always confirm the fare or check if the meter will be used.
🚴 Bike Rentals Bicycles are a classic way to explore the main island. Many pensions and some shops rent simple pedal bikes, and some accommodations provide them for free.The ring road around the main island is paved and generally well maintained, and you can ride the full loop in a few hours with stops.
🚗 Car / Scooter Rentals Small car and scooter rental agencies operate near Vaitape; day rentals are common and allow a full circuit of the island at your own pace.
Hop-On Hop-Off? No formal HOHO bus, but lagoon tours and 4×4 safaris effectively work as curated “hop-around-the-sights” excursions.
Witnessing:
Matira Beach Often cited as one of the most beautiful public beaches in the world, Matira is a long curve of soft sand and shallow, warm lagoon water. Palm trees, views to the motu, and gentle waves make it ideal for swimmers of all confidence levels.
- Practical: ~15–20 minutes by taxi or car from Vaitape.
- Free access; small charges if you rent loungers or kayaks from nearby businesses. Allow 2–4 hours.
✨ Tip: Go earlier in the day for softer light and fewer crowds; the shallow lagoon gets very warm by mid-afternoon.
Bora Bora Lagoon & Coral Gardens (Snorkel Tours) The lagoon is the real “star” of Bora Bora. Snorkeling tours take you to coral gardens with colorful fish, rays, and (carefully managed) shark viewing or ray-feeding areas. Options range from gentle half-day trips to full-day cruises with motu picnics.
- Practical: Tours usually depart from docks near Vaitape or via resort boat transfers.
- Common pricing: roughly US$100–200+ per person depending on length and inclusions.
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen, rash guard, and any personal snorkel gear if preferred.
✨ Tip: Remind guests with mobility issues to check boat ladder style and whether there’s a platform; some boats are easier than others.
4×4 Island Safari – Viewpoints & WWII Relics 4×4 safaris climb steep tracks up volcanic ridges with sweeping lagoon views, stops at World War II gun emplacements, and visits to old marae and small plantations. It’s the easiest way to get “up high” without serious hiking.
- Practical: Typically 3–4 hours, morning or afternoon.
- Prices often in the US$100–150 range.
- Vehicles are open-air; roads are steep and bumpy.
✨ Tip: Good option for guests who don’t snorkel but still want a “wow” Bora Bora experience.
Vaitape Village & Harborfront A walk through Vaitape shows “real Bora Bora”: small supermarkets, local snack bars, schools, the town hall, and churches, along with handicraft and pearl shops.
- Practical: Easily walkable from the tender.
- No admission; budget for snacks, coffee, or souvenirs.
✨ Tip: Look beyond pearls and take a few minutes to notice school kids, family lunches, and church notice boards – it’s a working island, not just a resort lagoon.
Learning:
Bora Bora doesn’t have big formal museums; “learning” happens through tours, guides, and cultural evenings.
4×4 History & Culture Tours Many 4×4 safaris include visits to ancient marae, WWII sites, and viewpoints where guides share legends of the island, traditional land use, and how life changed with tourism and the military base.
Lagoon Tours with Polynesian Hosts Lagoon cruises often feature music, storytelling, and demonstrations (tying pareo, opening coconuts, simple dancing). Guests learn about the lagoon ecology and Tahitian culture from local crews.
Marine Museum – Bora Bora (Musée de la Marine) A small, privately run museum in Faanui showcasing the maritime history of French Polynesia through beautifully crafted ship models, paintings, charts, WWII memorabilia, and exhibits on Polynesian navigation. It has a charming, personal feel — more like stepping into a passionate collector’s world than a formal institution.
- Practical: Location: Faanui (north side of the lagoon), approx. 10–15 minutes by taxi from Vaitape.
- Opening Hours: Irregular. Confirm locally on the day of your visit, as the museum may close unexpectedly.
- Admission: Small fee or donation.
- Visit Duration: ~30–45 minutes.
✨ Tip: This museum pairs well with a scenic lagoon drive around Faanui. Perfect for guests who enjoy maritime history, WWII stories, or intricate handcrafted model ships.
Discovery:
Stand-Up Paddle or Kayak in the Lagoon Several hotels and beach operators offer kayaks/SUPs. Paddling in the shallows near Matira or protected motu areas is a gentle way to enjoy lagoon colors without a boat trip.
Jet Ski or Parasailing For more active guests, jet ski tours around the island or parasailing above the lagoon provide big “brag photos” and a different perspective.
Sunset Cruise Evening lagoon cruises give golden-hour photos of Otemanu and the motu, sometimes with champagne or live ukulele.
Hiking
Important: Hiking here is steep, hot, and often unmarked – for fit, experienced hikers only.
Mount Pahia Trail Second-highest peak after Otemanu, with a demanding trail through dense forest, scrambling, and rope sections but jaw-dropping views over the lagoon.
- Access: From the main island near Vaitape; best with a local guide.
- Difficulty: Strenuous; not suitable for casual walkers or anyone with knee/vertigo issues.
Biking Bora Bora’s main island is one of the more bike-friendly stops on your route, but only on the coastal ring road, not in the mountains.
Vaitape – Matira – Vaitape Loop (Partial)
- Route: Follow the paved coastal road from Vaitape down toward Matira Beach and back.
- Difficulty: Easy–moderate (some rolling hills, tropical heat).
- Notes: Start early morning to avoid heat and traffic; carry plenty of water.
Full Island Ring Road
- Route: Approx. 32 km (~20 miles) around the main island.
- Difficulty: Moderate – mostly gentle grades but a long ride in the heat.
- Notes: Good for strong recreational cyclists; less suitable for very casual riders.
Safety Notes for Cyclists:
Roads are narrow but traffic is usually slow and generally respectful of bikes.
No dedicated bike lanes; keep well to the side and avoid riding after dark.
Helmets are strongly recommended, especially given road surface and heat.
Shopping
- Vaitape Craft Market & Pearl Shops: Best for black pearls, shell jewelry, pareos, wood carvings, and small souvenirs. ✨ Tip: Pearl prices range widely –compare a few shops and ask about certificates of authenticity.
- Supermarkets & Convenience Stores: Great for local snacks, Tahitian vanilla products, Hinano beer, and picnic items.
Tasting:
Fresh Lagoon Fish & Seafood: Often grilled or baked; restaurants like Bloody Mary’s, Fare Manuia (Lucky House), Snack Matira, and others are well-known spots.
Local Snack Bars (“Snacks”): Simple roadside eateries around the island serving fish, steak-frites, or poisson cru – a more local-feeling alternative to resort dining.
Irish Pubs & Mexican Restaurants? Bora Bora doesn’t really do Irish pub or dedicated Mexican restaurant in the classic sense. You might see tacos or “Tex-Mex nights” on some resort menus, but nothing consistent enough to confidently recommend as “the Mexican place in Bora Bora.”
Nightlife:
Bora Bora’s nightlife is gentle rather than wild, and much of it happens in resorts. Bars often close by 10–11pm.
- Bloody Mary’s: Iconic sand-floor restaurant/bar with strong cocktails, seafood, and some evenings with live music. A classic night-out stop.
- The Lucky House (Fare Manuia) & Bora Bora Yacht Club: Both combine dining with a bar vibe and can be lively by island standards.
*This information is provided for the convenience of our residents and guests. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy at the time of preparation—including tour details, operating hours, transportation options, pricing, and local regulations—conditions in port may change without notice. Weather, sea state, cultural events, business availability, and safety considerations can affect access to local attractions or services.
Residents are encouraged to use their own judgment, follow local guidance, and confirm details independently when planning activities ashore. Villa Vie Odyssey, its crew, and its representatives are not responsible for changes, closures, or incidents that may occur while guests are ashore.
For your safety, always return to the ship by the designated all-aboard time, and follow instructions from local authorities and shipboard staff at all times.