Bora Bora Follow Up
I had a ton of feedback about my Bora Bora trip blog so I wanted to share some more information in response to some specific questions I received. As I mentioned traveling there is definitely a hike and a half. There is an overnight flight (departing LA at 1130pm) that is GREAT because its roughly 9hrs long and you arrive rested and ready to go! I could be wrong but I think Air Tahiti is the only airline that flies there. Somedays there are two flights a day but as I stated I recommend the overnight flight. Michael and I usually fly into LA on the earlier side and spend the day there. We are able to get lunch and dinner while doing a little shopping and sightseeing. After a full day we head to the airport for our overnight flight to Tahiti. As I mentioned above it leaves at 1130pm, LA time, so we usually pass out as soon as the plane takeoff and sleep the whole flight. Once we arrive in Tahiti its a quick little 40min flight to Bora Bora. Once you arrive in Bora Bora the hotel meets you with a boat and off to the hotel you go! Woohoo!
The photographer we used this trip was the same amazing photographer who did our gorgeous wedding photos in 2015. I’ll link him here @BoraDreamsPictures. I think he’s definitely worth contacting and getting some of those amazing underwater photos! How fun right?!
There were a lot of questions on pricing. In general, its definitely a splurge worthy vacation. The couple in the hut next to us (they were from Spain) said they booked the trip as a ‘package’ deal and saved quit a bit. You can also save by getting a bungalow with a beach view. With that being said I’m sure if you really look into it there are ways to save some here and there before booking. The one thing I will say is that if you are going ALL that way I strongly encourage you to stay in one of the overwater bungalows. Its worth it and to be so close and not experience it would be a regret.
The snorkeling company we use is the same one every time. They are outstanding and truly bring authentic Polynesian culture to the tour. The owner of the company, Patrick, was born and raised there on the island so he’s great to learn from as far as history and just fun little facts. The lunch they cook and provide is outstanding and full of traditional foods.
Michael is a die hard Bora Bora fan (I won’t share how many times he’s been 😝) but I now offer some tips from the master:
- The drinks at the hotels are like $30 a pop because its the only option on the whole island. Solution? We bring a nutribullet blender, purchase alcohol and mixers at the duty free shop from the airport, request extra ice upon check in and BAM making our own drinks in the room. Pina Colada anyone?!
- Request a room with a direct view of the mountain. Why? Its GORGEOUS and where else can you lay in bed with these type of views?
- There are glass panels in the floor in most of the hunts so you can see into the water below you. We usually snag some fresh fish from the breakfast buffet, bring it back to the room and snorkel down to place it on the reef directly below our window. Then you can sit and watch all the fishes and stingrays that come over to check it out.
- Quite a few of the hotels do a 5th night free option. A lot don’t advertise this, per say, but its worth inquiring about.
- If you look back at my previous Bora Bora post I included a few of our favorite places to eat. I would recommend making dining reservations as soon as you know your trip dates. Some of the restaurants on the island are on the smaller side so they fill up quickly.
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