Bora Bora, located 165 miles (265 km) northwest of Tahiti in French Polynesia, is a volcanic island belonging to the Society Islands that sits within French Polynesia’s Society Islands group. Bound by a lagoon and fringing reef, its highest point being Mount Otemanu; four open bays surround its main island; its collapsed volcano Tuuraapuo forms Teavanui Passage on its west coast; two volcanic islets called Toopua and Toopua-iti sit outside this wide lagoon where yachtsmen often anchor their boats – perfect for yachtsmen’s anchorages!
Bora’s climate is heavily influenced by trade winds and monsoonal circulation. Rainy season lasts from November to March; even during dry periods humidity is high and ground heat remains warm.
Bora is often affected by the Bora wind, a northerly to north-easterly katabatic breeze which brings low air temperatures and can have catastrophic results on sailing boats. Experienced sailors have a saying: When the bora blows, don’t sail!
Bora Bora is one of the Society Islands’ primary tourist destinations, featuring resorts built on motus that surround a lagoon. Over-water bungalows are standard features in these resorts that range from inexpensive basic to luxurious accommodations. The lagoon, full of fish life, draws many visitors who visit on glass bottom boats or dive or snorkel to its depths or take guided excursions for feeding barracudas and sharks.