Bora Bora may seem like a postcard paradise, but it hides many incredible stories beneath its turquoise waters. Formed by ancient volcanoes and steeped in Polynesian legend, this South Pacific gem is full of surprises. Discover what makes Bora Bora far more fascinating than just a dream honeymoon spot.
Bora Bora
Bora Bora was once called Pora Pora, meaning “firstborn” in Tahitian, until a translation mistake changed its name forever.
Divers often spot lemon sharks gliding peacefully in the lagoon, a sign of the ecosystem’s perfect balance.
The island’s lagoon glows under the moonlight thanks to tiny bioluminescent organisms swirling beneath the surface.
Locals believe Mount Otemanu holds the spirit of ancient kings who still guard the island’s peace.
Despite being a tropical paradise, Bora Bora has no dogs by local tradition, keeping its beaches and sanctuaries serene.
Pearlers around it cultivate rare black pearls with extreme care, often tied to ancient Polynesian myths of love.
During the dry season, Bora Bora’s coral gardens mimic flower meadows underwater, attracting hundreds of butterflyfish.
American soldiers built the island’s first airport during World War II, transforming the island to a strategic South Pacific base.
The airport’s runway still sits on Motu Mute, a small islet separated from the main island by shimmering blue channels.
Many locals still navigate by stars, passing down celestial knowledge from one Polynesian generation to another.
The island has no public transport. Visitors travel between resorts and motus by elegant wooden boats called pirogues.
The island’s dazzling lagoon has seven distinct shades of blue easily visible from Mount Pahia’s panoramic trails.
Artists here use crushed coral and volcanic sand to craft natural island pigments for traditional paintings.
Some reefs around act like living clocks, glowing brighter at specific times linked to lunar cycles.
Scientists discovered that its corals recover quickly from bleaching, proving the lagoon’s surprising resilience.
