International Ports of Call

BY LORI EASTES

Imagine a magical place with rugged mountain peaks looming in the backdrop, coral reefs teeming with vibrant fish species, turquoise-blue lagoons lined with white sand beaches, and palm trees gently swaying in the salty air. This South Sea island adventure is calling your name! Bora Bora, one of 118 islands in Tahiti, is a yacht lover’s paradise. Exotic days and romantic nights can fill your soul and tingle your senses while cruising these waters. Bora Bora is a 12-square-mile island group in the western part of the Society Islands of French Polynesia in the Pacific Ocean. Other islands of the Society Islands include Moorea, Taha’a, Maupiti, and many more. Each island is surrounded by bright blue lagoons and interiors filled with lush green vegetation. The quintessential tropical getaway for your yachting excursion, Bora Bora and surrounding islands offer beauty on the water and onshore. The main island of Bora Bora is a marvelous, fertile world of sundrenched landscapes surrounded by bright blue lagoons and a lively barrier reef. The center of the island is home to the remnants of an extinct volcano that now forms the two peaks of Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu, which reaches 2,385 feet. The island is celebrated for its lush tropical slopes and valleys of Mount Otomanu. Guests to the island can hike up to the overlooks on Mount Otemanu or visit the villages of Anau or Vaitape to shop for local artisan products. Palm-covered motu, the Polynesian word for small reef islets, line Bora Bora’s lagoon like a fine necklace. In ancient times, Bora Bora was called “Pora pora mai te pora”, meaning created by the gods in the local Tahitian dialect. The smell of the Tahitian flower tiare lingers in the air, relaxing your soul and the hibiscus paint brilliant color on the verdant scenery. In Bora Bora, delicate white sand beaches give way to cerulean waters filled with radiant fish, coral gardens, and giant manta rays. Small, thatched-roof villas, that are part of luxury resorts, stretch out from coastal shores. The overwater bungalows and opulent spa resorts add to the already calming ambiance. If relaxation is more your pace, immerse yourself in the some of the legendary spas and gourmet restaurants the island has to offer. Discover the island’s unique shopping experience, including local and international art,

Luxury superyacht PLAYPEN moored near Bora Bora. PLAYPEN is a 142’ Richmond Yacht built in 2007, (refit in 2018) and is currently for sale with Worth Avenue Yachts. With six staterooms, she sleeps 12, and is the perfect yacht to take exploring with your closest friends and family.

Tahitian cultured pearls, perfumes, monoi oil, and precious wood handcrafts. Cruise your yacht near Matira Point for sunset cocktails. There are so many things to do in this perfect paradise. If you are into excitement, navigate the lagoon in your yacht’s dinghy or charter an outrigger canoe, jet ski or stand-up paddle board to catch a dramatic sunset. If exploration is on your list, enlist a local Tahitian for a guided, off-road 4WD excursion, rent a motorbike to explore the island, or hike the some of the mountain’s panoramic overlooks. For a day of discovery, explore the seemingly neon-lit lagoon waters, perfect for snorkeling and diving. The glowing waters are created by the interplay of the intense light, crystalline water, and bright-white sand. The Tahitian ocean is a truly idyllic place for scuba divers. The warm waters team with marine life, from flirty clownfish to elegant rays to dramatic sharks. In the fall, whale songs from migrating humpbacks fill the sea with haunting melodies. The water is generally so clear it’s more like liquid air. The ocean is calm, almost always current free, and the lush reefs are a breathtaking kaleidoscope of color and movement. Bora Bora offers the most diverse dive centers in all of Tahiti. Favorite dive sites around Bora Bora include Anau for every level of diver wishing to experience manta rays. Tapu is a popular dive site on the outer slope, especially for advanced divers willing to swim with massive lemon sharks. Another popular dive site is Muri Muri, also called White Valley, home to a large garden eel colony and blacktip sharks in the shallower areas. Bora Bora is currently open to visitors from all countries. To learn more about how to safely travel to the islands of Tahiti, visit tahititourisme.com.