Manta Ray Night Dive in Kona - Hawaii

Snorkelling with Kona's gentle giants. 
Unforgettable experience! 

Best Things To Do in Dreamy Bora Bora!

All photos by My Pacifika.

Ever since I was a little girl I saw all stunning photographs of dreamy and iconic overwater bungalows and amazing blue lagoon, so I said to myself, someday I will go there and make my dream come true. First I was worried about the high prices because everyone was saying that Bora Bora is a very expensive destination. But I was committed to my dream and committed to getting there even if I was not the "rich person". And I was right. Everybody can visit that stunning island. 
So did I visit Bora Bora? Absolutely! I traveled around French Polynesia for a month...it was great!


Welcome to Bora Bora.

So where is Bora Bora anyway?!

Bora Bora is a 29.3 km2 (11 sq mi) island in the Leeward group in the western part of the Society Islands of French Polynesia, an overseas collectivity of France in the Pacific Ocean. The island, located about 230 kilometres (143 miles) northwest of Papeete, is surrounded by a lagoon and a barrier reef. In the centre of the island are the remnants of an extinct volcano rising to two peaks, Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu, the highest point at 727 metres (2,385 feet). (information source)

Bora Bora is Located about half-way between South America and Australia and is an 8 hour flight from Los Angelos, approximately 2,600 miles south of Hawaii.  Yes, it’s far, but yes, definitely worth it.

For more informations, pleas visit this page.

If you arrive by air the airport is located on the islet of Motu Mute. You will be transported from there to Vaitape, the island's main town. 

Bora Bora Airport.

View from the ferry.

First let talk about when is the best time to go. 

In July and in November they have two highly engaging events. Heiva i Bora Bora in July and Hawaiki Nui canoe race in November. So if you would like to participate in more culture festivals and events, those are the months you should consider. The island's driest months are from June to October and they are the most popular ones. But you have to know that from June to August, when the southeast trade wind (maraamu) blows, the lagoon doesn't always look like a turquoise reflection. In otherwise, they have the rainiest months from December to April but in this time the lagoon is often flat.

Gorgeous lagoon.

Accommodation - My perfect little room!

HOTEL MAITAI POLYNESIA on BORA BORA!

The prices of overwater bungalows are so hight that I decided to stay in a hotel on the Bora Bora mainland. So I chose the local Maitai Polynesia Hotel. I was super excited because the room had a marvelous view of the blue colored bay. I enjoyed every second of it. 

Room view!

And the breakfast was so good. I would stay in this hotel again. And the view from the room no. 73 is breathtaking.

Stunning sunset from the room!

     

Here is My Top 5 tings to do in Bora Bora!

Relaxing and swimming on the beach.

Matira beach is Bora Bora's only real beach. The stunning stretch of white sand and dreamy turquoise sea. It is perfect for relaxing, swimming and enjoying the unique scenery. Or you can always take a dip in front of your hotel or resort. And if you are lucky enough...you have your own overwater bungalow. The beaches are stunning everywhere. Just relax and enjoy.

Matira Beach.

InterContinental Bora Bora Resort.

Go Snorkeling.

Snorkeling in the warm waters of Bora Bora is amazing and unforgettable. The water is crystal clear, full of sharks, rays, healthy coral gardens and other marine life. If you love snorkeling as much as I do, you must take a shark and ray tour. It is definitely worth it. And if you are lucky, you can even see majestic manta rays. And I was the lucky one.

Snorkeling with sharks.

Snorkeling with gentle Manta Rays.

Cycling around the island.

Nature in Bora Bora is stunning. So if you love active outdoor activities and exploring the main island by yourself, I recommend you to go cycling around the island. Bora Bora has 32 km of coast road and hugs the shoreline almost all the way around the island. You can rent a bike and enjoy all day biking and explore all the hidden places. Please bring a lot of water with you. It can be very hot. 

Take a Lagoon Excursion.

Bora Bora is very much a lagoon destination. I don't believe you can find that kind of perfect colors and all shades of blue anywhere in the world. And I have traveled quite a bit. And believe me, the pictures are great but being there and seeing everything in person, is breathtaking. So when you go on a boat tour...you can experience all the beautiful places that island can offer and even more. The people there are smiling all the time. They play the ukulele and sing. You are served with a good food and of course, the nature around you is spectacular.  

Pick up in front of the hotel.

Freshly prepared food on the beach.

Always with a smile.

Treat yourself with a delicious dinner in a local restaurant.

If you are staying in a resort, you probably already have a great food. But if you are located on the main island, you have quite a good choice of restaurants. For me dining out is like an adventure. I really love good food and I am always open to new flavors. I am really sorry for not knowing about one particular restaurant. The Bloody Mary's. This isn't just a restaurant, it's an experience. All the celebrities are eating there. The place is simply wooow. On my next trip to Bora Bora, I'll definitely be there. But I can say that all the local food in Bora Bora is fantastic. You can taste the genuine and pure tastes of nature. Just go and spoil yourself.  

Entrance into The Bloody Mary's.

Dinner in Fare Manuia. Mahi mahi in vanilla sauce. Excellents.

Fare Manuia - The Lucky House restaurant & pool bar.

Bora Bora is everything I dreamed of and even more. Now I really know that it is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. I hope I will go back someday. Until then I will keep it in my mind and my heart. 

If you need any help with Bora Bora vacation, please let me know. You can write me on my twitter account or on this blog. 

By By Bora Bora.

Check the amazing accommodation and book your dream vacation now!

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Snorkeling in the Maldives: A Quick Guide

Snorkeling with whale sharks! 

The Maldives is a popular destination for people who enjoy beaches and water sports. This island nation, which consists of more than 1,000 islands in the Indian Ocean, is an especially attractive destination if you want to go snorkeling. The Maldives is famous for its white beaches and incredible coral reefs, providing a breathtaking snorkeling experience for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike.

Advantages of Snorkeling in the Maldives

The Maldives offers some of the most spectacular snorkeling in the world. This is due to the abundance of coral reefs in the region, as well as extremely clear waters. There are, in fact, close to 70 distinct species of coral reefs and more than 700 species of marine life. This means when you snorkel here you are sure to see an amazing variety of flora and fauna. Just some of the species you are likely to see include reef sharks, various kinds of turtles, rays, napoleons and morays. Whether you are an expert on marine life or not, you can still appreciate the colourful array of creatures you will be able to observe.

Best Places to Snorkel

The Maldives contains a large number of islands, but not all are equal when it comes to snorkeling. Ideally, you want to be on an island with its own good quality house reef. Otherwise you may have to travel from your hotel or resort to another island to get the best snorkeling experience. Fortunately, quite a few islands in the Maldives do contain superb house reefs. A few of the islands that are known for this include Embudu, Chaaya Reef Ellaidhoo, Fihalhohi, Reethi Beach and Eriyadu. This is by no means a complete list. When choosing where you are going to stay in the Maldives, you should do your research and make sure it provides quality snorkeling.

Incredible snorkeling around beautiful Resorts.

What is the Best Time of Year to Snorkel in the Maldives?

The Maldives are beautiful all year round, but certain times of year are better than others for snorkeling. The best months overall for snorkeling, as well as for diving and swimming are January through April. This is when you're likely to experience the best weather and the clearest waters.

From May through September, the weather is less predictable and you are more likely to encounter storms. October and November are usually calmer but visibility is often reduced because this is the time of year when plankton are most abundant. Of course, you can enjoy snorkeling in the Maldives any time of year. If, however, you have a choice, you may want to plan your trip based on these factors.

General Snorkeling Tips to Keep in Mind

Here are a few general guidelines to remember when you go snorkeling in the Maldives.

· Be Aware of the Weather and Sea Conditions - Depending on the location and time of year, currents and weather conditions may vary quite a bit. Stay in an area that's consistent with your experience and snorkeling skills.

· Apply Plenty of Sunscreen - Always apply sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30 before snorkeling. It's also best to snorkel with a rash guard shirt to protect yourself from UV sun rays.

· Rent or Bring Your Snorkeling Gear - If you are an experienced snorkeler, you may have your own gear. Otherwise, you'll be able to rent it at the resort where you're staying. If you plan to do lots of snorkeling, it can be cheaper to buy your own gear rather than rent it every day.

Looking to travel to the Maldives, but not sure where to start? Get in touch with Alpha Maldives, the leading luxury tour operator who are experts on the Maldives and can help create your dream holiday!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8869586

Top 5 Honeymoon Exotic Destinations

Top 5 Locations for Exotic Honeymoons

After months of rigorous planning and all the chaos, the wedding rings have finally been exchanged, the bouquet tossed and the bottles of champagne have been sprayed all over the place (Well, we hope it was cheap champagne as it would be such a shame to waste the expensive ones). While weddings are a crazy and nerve-wracking yet completely satisfying experience, the same could be said about the honeymoons. Both require months of planning which typically starts even before the grooms are normally selected. Most women dream of the ideal wedding and that ideal honeymoon ever since they become adolescents.

When it comes to choosing a honeymoon destination, one must realize that there is no such thing as an ideal destination or a typical honeymoon destination in the modern world. A perfect honeymoon could take place anywhere in the world and most countries offer exotic places which are perfect settings for honeymoons. The main aspect that one should understand is not to go overboard and not include too much on their itineraries. Just because it is the first trip with the groom/ bride, it doesn't mean that one has to stay in extravagant honeymoon suites, bathe in champagne or go to a tropical island to have that perfect honeymoon. In fact, the modern-day honeymooners prefer spending sums on thrills and frills such as helicopter rides, scuba diving, para-gliding, etc. rather than wasting money on unnecessary luxury. Each year wedding planners spend a lot of time in finalizing on the top 5 locales for exotic and yet exhilarating honeymoons. A few places that tick every check box and make it to every list are France, Bora-Bora, Hawaii, Maldives and Fiji.

France

France

One of the most popular honeymoon destinations amongst couples from across the globe is the country of France. Bathing in extremely rich and varied culture and history and exuding an aura of romance, France has been able to draw couples year after year. The country offers its honeymooners with a little bit of everything and one can choose amongst innumerable locales and places to visit or things to do. Apart from the exotic food and awesome wine which is found all over the country, tourists can spend their first few days of married life strolling down the Avenue des Champs-Elysses, spending romantic evenings in Paris - the city of romance, sunbathing on the beaches of Normandy, gawking at amazing architecture and rich artworks or taking in the aura of countryside romance. The best part is that couples can also choose to do it all since travelling within France is extremely convenient and easy.

Bora-Bora

Bora-Bora

The Bora-Bora islands are located in the French Polynesia and are also popular as heaven on earth. These islands are picture perfect and seems to be exactly like a figment of our imagination where one can spend romantic evenings on a small tropical island with no one within miles to disturb you. The Bora-Bora also includes innumerable hotels and resorts which boast of being amongst the best honeymoon resorts of the world. Almost all of these resorts allow their guests to stay in bungalows and houses which are built over water and have glass flooring and private lagoons so that honeymooners can truly live on water. The beautiful valleys full of exotic flowers and the majestic mountains which offer numerous sporting activities simply add to the island's charm and flavour.

Hawaii

Hawaii

Hawaii has been a popular honeymoon destination amongst couples since ages. The Hawaiian Islands comprises of hundreds of islands which are spread over a 2400 span in the Pacific Ocean. However, the most popular islands in Hawaii for honeymooners are Hawaii, Oahu and Maui. One of the biggest advantages that the Hawaiian Islands have as a honeymoon destination is that they offer their honeymooners with a vast and extremely diverse ecosystem of majestic mountains, exotic beaches and lush green jungles. As a result, the resulting setting is a perfect paradise for the honeymooners. Hawaii is also popular for adventure activities such as sea kayaking, scuba diving, volcano tours, mountain biking and snorkelling. Lastly, when in Hawaii be sure not to miss the Luau - a traditional Polynesian feast which consists of dance, Polynesian music and exotic food.

Maldives

Maldives

The Maldives are a group of 1192 coral islands which are located in the Indian Ocean. The islands of Maldives are a recent addition in the lists of top honeymoon locales around the world and have gained fame slowly over a period of time. The most charming aspect about the islands is its picture perfect and flawless beauty which is simply worth admiring. With hundreds of islands and luxurious resorts to choose from, one can expect complete privacy amidst some of the most romantic settings of the world. Lastly, the Maldives is also perfect for couples who want complete privacy amidst nature and just laze around their private islands in each others arms and also want to enjoy adventure activities such as surfing, kayaking, etc.

Fiji - Waiyevo

Fiji

The Fiji islands are a group of 300 islands which are located in between Hawaii and Australia in the Pacific Ocean. Fiji has always been a popular destination for romantics due to its exotic feel and the complete seclusion that it offers. Fiji is also popularly known as the place for breathtaking beaches and red-hot romance. The islands were made immortal in the movie "Blue Lagoon" and anyone who has seen the movie and wondered about the heaven like backdrops, has caught a glimpse of the islands of Fiji. Further, the crystal clear waters, private villas with private pools and ocean views, innumerable limestone caves, exotic birds and plants, idyllic villages and passionate song and dance have also played an immense role in drawing honeymooners from far and near. Lastly, the Fiji islands does not disappoint when it comes to adventure activities as well since couples can choose amongst snorkelling, hiking, kayaking, etc.

Mayank Kandoi has been writing for over two years at Writers Hubs and has offered various kinds of content writing and article writing services for innumerable clients. His niche area of writing is travel writing and content for travel websites.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7642528