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!
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