 |
Enjoy
your first island views as you transfer from the
airport motu to
BoraBora on comfortable shuttle boats-
provided at no extra charge! |
Because
of it's popularity as a tourist destination,
Bora
Bora Island is quite easily accessable to travelers.
As with all other
Islands of French Polynesia, unless you own your own yacht, you must begin
your journey by getting to the capital city of Papeete in Tahiti first.
This
webpage is designed to help you design and layout your travel plans to and
from Bora Bora. Examine
the available options below to you for getting to Bora Bora Island, traveling
around once you're there, and then leaving the island or continuing on to
other islands.
Contact the airlines, charter services, and businesses direct and make
the decisions yourself by using the information below as your guide or consult
one of our PARTICIPATING TRAVEL AGENTS.
|
|
|
INTERNATIONAL
FLIGHTS TO PAPEETE, TAHITI-NUI
International
airlines regulary scheduleing flights to Papeete:
You'll
most likely need to get to a good sized city or a Tahiti flight "hub"
to fly direct to Papeete on these airlines. Los Angeles is probably the biggest
and most commonly used airhub or stopover used by all these airlines. E-mail
them or call to see if they can offer you the connections you need, or consult
with a travel agent.
CHARTER
FLIGHTS/ SMALL PLANES
Charter air services
regularly scheduling flights to Bora Bora:
 AIR
TAHITI
Main office is in Tahiti Faaa Airport,
P.O. Box 314, Papeete- TAHITI
General Manager: Marcel GALENO,
Telephone Standard: (689) 86.40.00,
RESERVATIONS: (689) 86.42.42,
or fax (689) 86.40.69,
Moorea Office: (689) 56.10.34
Fleet: 5 ATR72's (capacity 66), and 3 ATR42's (capacity 48)
* SEVERAL DAILY FLIGHTS TO BORA BORA FROM PAPEETE, TAHITI,
* INTER ISLAND FLIGHTS FROM BORA BORA TO:
Huahine- DAILY, Bora Bora- DAILY, Raiatea- DAILY, Moorea- DAILY
Air Tahiti flies to 39 Polynesian islands including all Society Islands, the Tuamotus, the Marquesas, and Australs. Scheduled flights or charter flights available. Contact Air Tahiti direct for exact information regarding questions,
flight details, and reserving or purchasing tickets. |
AIR
MOOREA (Private Charter Flights)
Main office in Papeete, TAHITI
Telephone (689) 86.41.41 , Fax (689) 86.42.99
Fleet: 2 Twin Otters, 3 Britten Normans, 1 Dornier
* FLIGHTS UPON REQUEST TO ALL DESTINATIONS, including BORA BORA |
AIR
ARCHIPELS (Private Charter Flights)
P.O. Box 6019 Faaa- TAHITI
Tel. (689)81.30.30, Fax (689)86.42.69,
Contact: Mr. Francois MARTIN
Fleet: 1 Conquest 2, 1 Beechcraft B2
*FLIGHTS UPON REQUEST TO ALL DESTINATIONS |
BY
HELICOPTER
These
birds are the ultimate island hoppers! The ONLY helicopter service in French
Polynesia providing inter-island travel and flightseeing is Polynesia Helicopteres
(formerly known as Heli-Inter).This company has been doing business in French
Polynesia for years and caters to the more... shall we say... "influental"
of travelers.
TST says "If you can afford it, go for it!"
POLYNESIA HELICOPTERES
Based out of the Tahiti- Faa'a International Airport
Flights upon request to ALL Polynesian destinations,
specializing in the Society Islands of Bora Bora, Moorea, Tupai and the Marquesan
island of Nuku Hiva.
P.O. Box 6109- 98 702, Faaa- TAHITI
Tahiti Contact: Mr. Marc KOSKA, Tel.(689) 54.87.20, Fax (689) 54.87.21
|
TST
Comment:
Sad to say this, but over the past year, we have made a serious
effort to work with this Helicopter company, but all our efforts, it seems,
were in vain. After meeting with the "man in charge" on Bora
Bora after the company changed its name in 2004, we linked them with several
direct emails from ALL the TST sites FOR FREE with the hopes of showing
them they would get a lot of emails and then want to become a TST customer...
They
DID, in fact, receive a bunch of emails from people booking flights, asking
travel questions, etc, throughout the year, but NEVER ONCE DID THE COMPANY
GIVE US THE RESPECT OF EVEN ANSWERING OUR MANY EMAILS! (we tried to contact
them to see if they were getting their emails.) We confirmed their email
was correct, and after much banter, they finally told us they didn't want
to do business with us. This company has some serious attitude!
|
BY
SEA
Besides
for the major cruiselines, (see Tours
& Cruises page for details), there are a handful of large seacraft
that make regular (or semi regular) trips to Bora bora island from various
points in French Polynesia. Most run out of Papeete, but not all... (To get to Bora Bora from OTHER islands, read the details
of that islands "getting here" page)
The boats and ferries listed below run schedules to Bora
Bora from Tahiti and other islands on fairly thin intervals, making for difficult vacation
planning, if that is what you're trying to do.
To avoid dissapointment, TST recommends going down to the ferry quay of the island you are on and checking in person with the individual companies to see their current schedules and running times. If you happen to be there when a vessel fitting your schedule is there, take advantage of the moment and go for it, but don't try to plan your vacation around a particular island ferry or other vessel and certainly don't rely on their schedules to make an important international flight connection.
Large Seacraft regularly scheduling
trips Bora Bora, and beyond:
VAEANU
Motu Uta, Fare-Ute, Papeete- TAHITI,
(P.O. Box 9 062 Motu-Uta, Papeete-TAHITI)
Telephone- (689) 41.25.35, Fax- (689) 41.24.34,
Contact: Mr.Wilfrid TETUAMANUHIRI
Max. Capacity: 90 passengers on deck.12 cabins with 2 berths,
2cabins with 3 berths, 1 private cabin, toilet and air conditioning.
3 Weekly voyages, Restaurant on Board.
Note: Passengers are accepted on board ship in cabin only for
Wednesday voyage from Papeete.
FROM BORA BORA: THIS BOAT GOES TO: HUAHINE,
RAIATEA, TAHAA, AND TAHITI
*Office hours on Bora Bora- (see note
below)
|
STIM- The
"HAWAIKI- NUI"
P.O.Box 635 PAPEETE- TAHITI,
Contact: Mr. PAQUIER
12 passengers in double cabins - 20 passengers on deck.
2 trips a week- Departing Tuesday and Thursday afternoons
from Papeete.
FROM BORA BORA: THIS
BOAT GOES TO: HUAHINE, RAIATEA, TAHAA AND TAHITI
Consult with the ticketing office for schedules
running out of Bora Bora |
MAUPITI
EXPRESS (c/o Tahaa Transport Services)
P.O.Box 612- 98 730 Vaitape- BORA BORA,
Telephone- (689) 67.66.69/ 78.27.22, Fax- (689) 67.66.69,
Contact: Mr. Gerald SACHET
44 foot aluminum shuttle boat. Max. capacity inside lagoon: 82 passengers,
deep water: 62 passengers.
Multiple voyages weekly to MAUPITI, Tahaa, and Raiatea. Schedule changes, so its best to consult with the ticketing office for current schedule times
running out of Bora Bora!
FROM BORA BORA: THIS BOAT GOES TO: RAIATEA, TAHAA AND
MAUPITI |
WINDSONG-
details coming soon... |
*MORE
NOTES on BOATS:
*1)
BUYING TICKETS / OFFICE
HOURS ON BORA BORA:
You can purchase tickets for the above transport boats (*with the exception
of the MAUPITI EXPRESS), at the Fare Piti Quay located approximately 3 km
from Vaitape.Ticketing booth hours are open from 9-12:00 am, Monday- Friday
only. Note that these booth hours are subject to irregular schedule changes
so be sure and call or consult with your hotel or pension first before heading
for the quay.
** 2) MAUPITI EXPRESS tickets can only be purchased at the Vaitape
Quay in the mornings of operation (5 days a week) roughly between the hours
7:00- 8:30 am. Your hotel or pension may be able to help you with more specific
ticketing hours if you have problems.
TST
Comment: SCHEDULE FLEXIBILITY
Because of the constantly changing routes of operation, running times, schedule, hours, prices, it is impossible for us to be accurate with particular company schedules and running times. (If we tried that, we'd often be wrong, that's why we don't try...) The best way to deal with these constant changes is to remain flexible in your ferry or boating plans and check in person at the docks in Papeete or Bora bora when you're there. Also, always give yourself an extra day cushion when it comes to making important international flight connections. |
Access to Bora
Bora and surrounding Islands can also be achieved via various sailing and
private boat charters: See our special
SAILING & BOAT CHARTERS section
for details.
HOW
TO GET AROUND ONCE YOU ARRIVE
When
you first arrive to Bora Bora by plane: You won't be arriving
on the main island. The airport is located on an outer Motu called Motu
Mute. Transportation to Bora Bora's main island is then provided (free
of charge) by launch, crossing the lagoon to Vaitape Village or directly
to the hotel dock and ferry quay.
|
|
|
Le'
Truck- A little different on
Bora Bora -
(SEE note below) |
From there, Taxi boats from
various hotels provide the service of taking you directly to your hotel
or private lodging if you've pre- arranged your stay with them.
When you first arrive to Bora Bora by boat: Depending on what boat you've chosen, you will arrive at one of
2 quay (boat dock) choices: The Vaitape quay in downtown Vaitape, or the
Fare Piti quay approximately 3 km's from Vaitape. In either case, various
shuttles will be available to you to take you to your hotel, pension,
or other destination on Bora Bora for a minimal fee.
For those
of you who've not already pre-arranged your stay, your choices for getting
around Bora Bora are limited: Le' Truck runs, but is very limited
(see note below) and the local minibuses generally won't pick you up unless
you're staying with them. If you can catch them when they're stopped and
smile a lot, you may convince them to take you to where you're going,
but they simply aren't reliable. Local Taxi service is another option,
and quite good, but may be a bit weighty on your budget for regular daily
island travel.
The BEST WAY TO GET AROUND THE ISLAND
(that provides you the most freedom), is to rent a car, scooter, bicycle,
or walk. Hitchhiking isn't really a good option. (see note below for details).
Some places that provide rentals are
listed below, however ALL hotels, and most Pensions will be able to do
the arranging for you. (Depending on your chosen accomodations, some will
charge a nominal fee for this service). For most, this is the easiest
and fastest way to get your rental going. For those penny pinchers and
self arrangers, you may save a buck or two, but you'll definately have
to work for it.
LE'
TRUCK
IMPORTANT
TO NOTE: On Bora Bora, Le' Truck service operates a bit differently than on
the other islands. Although it does run between the quays in Vaitape
and Faanui and each district, sometimes it's reliability as a mainstay of
local transportation isn't as good on this island as on the others. Le Truck
only runs in conjunction with the ferry schedules and school hours. YOUR flight
or boat arrival times to BoraBora may not come close to these rather difficult
to find schedules. You may find yourself waiting on the quay or on the side
of the road looking for a truck that may never come. Pay heed. The best way
is to ask your hotel or pension about the Truck schedules once you've arrived.
RENTAL
CARS
Renting
cars on Bora Bora is a rather good deal in comparison with your other options
for travel on the island. Not to be outdone on this island, as with all other
Polynesian islands, the ever present EUROPCAR is here, along with a few other
local businesses listed below. They all are fairly competitive with the others
as far as price goes, so it's really a matter of where you end up locationwise
or who has available cars on the day you need them as to which one you will
choose. All of the places listed below who rent cars also rent motorscooters
by the day, or by the week.
FARE
PITI LOCATIONS
P.O. Box 53 Vaitape - BORABORA,
Tel. (689) 67.65.28, Fax (689) 67.65.29
Come and choose from among many different models and makes- enough to fit
any budget! We also rent scooters and bicycles.
COME SEE OUR DIRECT LINKING WEBPAGE FOR ALL THE DETAILS!
You
can book Fare Piti rentals through TOPeXcursions -
(specify "Fare Piti Locations"on your inquiry)
"LOCAL EXPERTS BOOKING ALL YOUR BORA BORA ISLAND ACTIVITIES"
B.P. 515, Vaitape- BORA BORA, Telephone- (689) 60.50.50, Fax- (689) 60.50.51
BOOK ANY 2 OF TOPeXcursion's
ACTIVITIES TO RECEIVE A DISCOUNT OFF PUBLISHED OUTFITTER PRICES!
EUROPCAR
BORA BORA
Vaitape Quay,
P.O. Box 246 - 98 730 Vaitape - BORABORA
Tel. (689) 67.70.15/ 67.70.03, Fax (689) 67.79.95 |
FREDO
FILS RENT- A- CAR
Vaitape,
P.O. Box 99 Vaitape - BORABORA
Tel. (689) 67.70.31, Fax (689) 67.62.07 |
A general pricing guide is the
same on Bora Bora as with the other islands: Fiat "Pandas", or other
low grade cars without air conditioning begin around US $ 65-75.00/day, and
go on up to around US $ 100.00 - 150.00/day for the more lavish cars w /air.
Hondas, Peugots, and Toyotas are among the local favorites.
TST
Comment:
Depending on the season, availability of rental cars can be an
issue. Even in the "off" season, it is a good idea to pre arrange
a rental car before landing on the island if you can. Your hotel can do
this for you if you remind them to do so when you book your room, or you
can make the arrangements yourself by calling ahead. In most cases, a
car will be available to you, but don't take that for granted, as you
may end up looking at a scooter as your next best option... |
SCOOTERS / BICYCLES
A great way to experience
the island is from your scooter or bicycle. The scooters are quick. The
bicycles are usually in decent shape. A relatively flat, good quality, paved road circling
the entire island make these forms of transportation probably
the best combination of price versus functionality on Bora Bora.
FARE
PITI LOCATIONS
P.O. Box 53 Vaitape - BORABORA,
Tel. (689) 67.65.28, Fax (689) 67.65.29
Come and choose from among many styles. Super gas efficient and fun! We
also rent cars.
COME SEE OUR DIRECT LINKING WEBPAGE FOR ALL THE DETAILS!
Book
these rentals through TOPeXcursions -
(specify "Fare Piti Locations"on your inquiry)
"LOCAL EXPERTS BOOKING ALL YOUR BORA BORA ISLAND ACTIVITIES"
B.P. 515, Vaitape- BORA BORA, Telephone- (689) 60.50.50, Fax- (689)
60.50.51
BOOK ANY 2 OF
TOPeXcursion's ACTIVITIES TO RECEIVE A DISCOUNT OFF PUBLISHED OUTFITTER PRICES!
RENTAL
BOATS
There
are a few places on Bora Bora island to rent small boats. These boats are a
great way to enjoy the peacefulness of the lagoon on a nice relaxing afternoon.
No licenses are required for the pedal boats or the smaller horsepower rated
powerboats.
TAXI MOTU BORA-BORA
Vaitape- P.O. Box 196, Vaitape- 98730 BORA-BORA,
Tel. (689) 67.60.61,
Fax (689) 67.61.01.
SEE
OUR LINKING WEBPAGE FOR ALL THE DETAILS!
Book
these rentals through TOPeXcursions -
(specify "Taxi Motu Rentals"on your inquiry)
"LOCAL EXPERTS BOOKING ALL YOUR BORA BORA ISLAND
ACTIVITIES"
B.P. 515, Vaitape- BORA BORA, Telephone- (689) 60.50.50, Fax- (689)
60.50.51
BOOK ANY 2 OF
TOPeXcursion's ACTIVITIES TO RECEIVE A DISCOUNT OFF PUBLISHED OUTFITTER PRICES!
RENE & MAGY LOCATIONS
Located at the beach club Bora Bora Hotel,
PO. Box 196- 98 730 Vaitape, BORA BORA
Contact: Mr. & Mrs. Rene and Magy TROUILHET,
Telephone- (689)
67.60.61, Fax- (689) 67.61.01
RENTING 6 AND 15 HP MOTORBOATS for day rentals. Also, 1/2 and full day lagoon excursions, snorkeling, motu picnics |
WATER
TAXI SERVICES
Water taxi services are important and quite handy on Bora bora. They claim
to take you to any spot on the island you need to go... Hotel transfers,
last minute airport shuttle rides, recreational areas, etc.
TAXI MOTU BORA-BORA
Vaitape- P.O. Box 196, Vaitape- 98730 BORA-BORA, Tel. (689)
67.60.61,
Fax (689) 67.61.01. Bora Bora's only "official Water taxi service".
SEE
OUR DIRECT LINKING WEBPAGE FOR DETAILS!
Book
a ride through TOPeXcursions -
(specify "Taxi Motu Water Taxi"on your inquiry)
"LOCAL EXPERTS BOOKING ALL YOUR BORA BORA ISLAND
ACTIVITIES"
B.P. 515, Vaitape- BORA BORA, Telephone- (689) 60.50.50, Fax- (689)
60.50.51
BOOK ANY 2 OF
TOPeXcursion's ACTIVITIES TO RECEIVE A DISCOUNT OFF PUBLISHED OUTFITTER PRICES!
MOANA ADVENTURE TOURS
Located at Pofai Bay- BoraBora, (P.O. Box 220, Vaitape- BORA BORA)
Contact: Mr. Franck SACHSSE,
Telephone- (689) 67.61.41 / 67.75.97, Fax- (689) 67.61.26
3 - 17 foot Boston Whalers available for airport transfers, island destinations. We also do lagoon fishing and tours, glass bottom boat,etc. |
GROUND
TAXI SERVICE
Local
Taxi service is great for convenience and is quite good, however can be a bit weighty on
your budget for regular daily island travel. Listings are below. Call first or meet them at the quays.
|
ISNARD TAXI
SERVICE
Based in Vaitape,
P.O. Box 25- 98 730 Vaitape- BORA BORA
Telephone- (689) 67.72.25, Fax - (689) 67.72.52,
Maximum 4 passengers by taxi, 9 Passengers by mini bus
|
CHARLEY
TAXI
Based in Vaitape,
P.O. Box 486-98730 Vaitape- BORA BORA
Telephone- (689) 67.64.37
Minibus transportation around Bora bora. Maximum 8 passengers. |
(Note that you
will sometimes see small vans or minibuses cruising around you but not stopping if you try and flag them down... this is because they belong to the hotels they represent, and really are not taxis. If
you can catch them when they're stopped and smile a lot, you may convince
them to take you to where you're going, but they simply aren't reliable taxi service.)
WALKING
Walking
around on Bora Bora island is quite lovely. You may not end up walking around
the entire island (as it has over 20 km of island encompassing road), but
you will definately enjoy walking around and exploring the area you are staying
in by foot.
This is the best way to meet locals and really see and appreciate
the relaxed lifestyle of the islanders. Walking is also one of best ways to
appreciate the beauty of BoraBora. Not only will you be able to stare in awe
at your surroundings, but nobody will be hurrying or distracting you either.
This is also the time to pull out your camera and get the best shots of your
trip. Bring a daypack and make a full or 1/2 day out of it. If you pack a
towel and a snorkel, you can also "dip when necessary" along the
way!
HITCHHIKING
Every
traveler knows how, or has had an experience with hitchhiking. For fairly
small, enclosed islands such as BoraBora, the danger factor, (every hitchhikers
most important concern) is rather low. Unfortunately, this form of travel
on Bora Bora isn't really a good option. The problem is you
will RARELY, if ever, be picked up! On this island, as well as Moorea and Tahiti, if you plan on making
this form of travel you're # 1 mode of transportation, you may end up walking
a healthy distance before realizing the truth: the smaller and
more remote islands in French Polynesia offer the hitchhiker much better
possibilities for covering distance than the most heavily touristed.
Perhaps if you are a ravishingly beautiful
girl traveling alone you may be able to entice the locals to pull over by
displaying a little leg or other body part... but all others forget it! The
drivers will simply ignore you. Whether this is a French thing, or possibly
a Tahitian phenomenon, is unknown, but the point to remember is: hitching
rides on Bora Bora is tough!
GETTING
TO & AROUND THE OTHER ISLANDS
Plan your TRIP & TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS on the other islands of
An Internetwork of Travel
and Tourism Guides for the Main Islands of Tahiti Polynesia.
(This webpage best viewed in 1024x768 pixels monitor setting with an updated browser)
©
1998-2007 Tahiti Sun Travel Network (TSTN). All text, photos, and design rights
reserved.
For more detailed copyright information, click here. Tahiti Sun Travel is a division of Basecamp International... yet another Net105 Venture.
