Matira Public Beach • 15 min car ride / about 4 miles south of Vaitape
Not only is Matira Beach one of the only public access beaches in Bora Bora, it is also considered one of the most beautiful in French Polynesia. Its sand-bottom, shallow lagoon is perfect for snorkeling. Matira Beach’s crystal blue water and white, powdery sand curve to the west of Matira Point.
WWII American Guns • Fitiiu Point
This site is only accessible by 4WD. Positioned on the north side of Vairou Bay at Fitiiu Point, also see along the way marae sites and incredible views of Mount Otemanu. Look far up the side of Otemanu to spot the entrance of Te Ana Opea cave.
Marine Museum • Near Faanui
This small museum at the very northern end of the island is only open upon request (and never on the weekends), so if you want to see 40 models of ancient and modern canoes, tuna fishing boats, and models of legendary ships such as the Bounty and the Kon Tiki, make arrangements before you visit.
Address: PK 11 north of Vaitape, near Faanui. Phone: (40) 67-75-24
Bloody Mary’s restaurant • Pofai Bay
Bloody Mary’s Restaurant is celebrated for living off the name of a character in the movie South Pacific and for the views it offers of the island. The “celebrities wall of fame” is one of the main attractions at the entrance of the restaurant.
WWII cannons • Faanui Bay, Farepiti Point
Only accessible by 4WD, these cannons are strategically placed to guard the Teavanui Pass.
Lagoon of Bora Bora • 40000 acres and the Coral gardens
Eighty percent of the activities in Bora Bora are related to the lagoon. These activities include snorkeling, swimming with reef sharks, interacting with stingrays, diving, and cruising in a glassbottom boat, catamaran, outrigger canoe and/or jetboat/jetski.
Lagoonarium • Motu del Lagoonarium
The Bora Bora Lagoonarium is a natural aquarium on a small motu (island), just east of the main island. (By “natural,” we mean that this aquarium isn’t manmade. Rather, it’s a portion of the actual lagoon). One of the coolest things about this family-owned attraction is that you can actually snorkel on the premises under the supervision of wildlife guides. Beneath the lagoon’s surface, you’ll spy sharks, turtles, rays and many diff erent kinds of ocean fish.
Population: 8,880 (2007)
Language: French, Tahitian
Currency: XPF
Scheduled Docking Location: Anchored, tender to pier in Vaitape Village
Shopping: Shops are generally open Mon–Fri 8am to 5pm, Sat 8:30am to noon. Closed Sundays.
Banks / ATMs: Banks with ATMs located on the pier next to Air Tahiti office. Banks open (generally) Mon–Fri 7:45am to 11:45am and 1:30pm
to 4:30pm. Closed Sat–Sun. All major CC accepted. Cash: best to have local currency (XPF). US $ accepted but not everywhere. € not accepted.
Post Office: “OPT.” 5 min walk from pier, on the main road (to the right). Mon–Fri 7:30am to 3pm. Sat 8am to 10am.
Internet/Wi-Fi: Aloe Café, Vaitape.
Airport Transportation: Air Tahiti Shuttle Boat to the airport is next to the tender berth. Shuttle boat schedule posted at the Air Tahiti office.
Taxis: Available near the Bora Bora Map at the pier. Rates increase after 7pm. Day fares between Vaitape and the Matira Point hotel area start at $19. Between Vaitape and Anau is approximately $65. Taxis are not metered, confirm price before trip begins.
Rental Cars:
Avis, across the street from the pier in Vaitape, or at Matira Beach next to Marama Tattoo: +689 (40) 67-70-03
Europcar, Vaitape: +689 (40) 71-73-31
Fare Piti Rent-a-Car, Vaitape: +689 (40) 67-65-28
Bicycling: Avis, Europcar and Fare Piti Rent-a-Car rent bicycles for about $25/day. Bikes are often available at resorts and in the Matira Beach area.
Port Agent Contact:
Office: +689 (40) 86-51-32
Mobile: +689 (87) 29-25-02