Bora Bora lies about 160 miles NW of Tahiti (or 26 miles from Raiatea or Maupiti) and is called the most beautiful island of the Pacific. Protected by a circling barrier reef, its lagoon offers a myriad of protected waters.
If Bora Bora is your last stop before heading west, be advised that Raiatea is much better equipped for any boat repairs, laundry, tank-filling, oil disposal and so forth. Bora Bora is adequate for provisioning and has clearance services plus duty-free fuel.
Unfortunately, the intense development on Bora Bora for tourists has meant that much of the island has lost its Polynesian charm, not only under water but on land as well. Many hotels, many tourists and lots of jetskis and helicopters.
There is only one pass on the Island which leads to Vaitape, the main village. Enter the pass at 113.4°, after the second marker, take a course of 70° towards the Baie of Faanui. Entrance can be a bit tricky if there are strong westerly winds or swell from the west.
Once through the pass, the lagoon is busy with dive and tour boats, water taxis, commercial traffic and yachts.
On VHF Channel 13 the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) broadcast a daily weather forecast at 0630, 1200 and 1600 local time. The forecast starts with a BMS or no BMS (Bulletin Marine Special = Foul weather warning).
Between July and October, the waters around Bora Bora are a popular breeding ground for humpback whales.
16° 29.58'S, 151° 47.20'W
Last updated: December 2024
If you have information for this section, or feedback on businesses used, please let us know at editor@noonsite.com. We also welcome new information about businesses you have used (see Related Businesses).
As a free user of Noonsite you are restricted to viewing 3 country formalities per month. You have viewed 0 formalities this month – but can view the countries you have accessed to date as many times as you want.
Become a Noonsite Member and you can view unlimited formalities each month and enjoy additional member benefits. Membership fees help our team keep country formalities information up-to-date in support of cruisers worldwide.
Find out more about membership levels and Become a Noonsite Member.
