Bora Bora and Moorea are names that hold a certain mystique; an aura of paradisiacal whimsy surrounds not just the islands but the very idea of their existence.
Both are part of the Society Islands of French Polynesia and they are positioned about 143 miles apart just south of the Equator. This puts them almost right in the center of the world’s largest ocean, the Pacific. This extreme remoteness adds to the air of mystical unattainability, while countless travel shows celebrating their mythical beauty complete the effect.
Under French law which prevails in the jurisdiction, there is no discrimination between people of differing sexual orientations. However, the people of these islands do not need a law to tell them this, and LGBT couples are open and expressive when holidaying here.
There is an absence of specific groups with a LGBT-leaning agenda that are active on Bora Bora and Moorea, but this has not affected the wonderful experience that LGBT tourists have had over the years.
Because of their isolation, vacationing on both these island is expensive and most things have to be transported from great distances on long routes with very few layovers.
Prime accommodation – lone traditional thatched roof bungalows on stilts at the ends of long piers over blue water, veritable islands in their own right – can set you back $1,000 a day. There are many relatively more affordable options but none that could remotely be considered ‘budget’.
The locals say that there are seven shades of blue to the water that they can discern. Beneath the waves in this sparkling underwater world, majestic sea creatures like sharks and manta rays abound. Swimming and feeding these magnificent specimens is often the highlight of the trip for vacationers who indulge in these amazing activities.
Most of the other activities for visitors are also aqua-centric. A notable exception would be Bora Bora’s battery of WWII cannons that were fortunate enough to have never fired.
Both islands are actually ancient, dormant volcanoes. This has imparted upon them a wonderfully lush undulating geography. The verdant green of towering peaks contrasts with surreal beauty against the azure and turquoise of the seas. The bright, benevolent yellow rays of the equatorial sun bathe them with regal light and nourishing warmth.
It is no wonder that Moorea and Bora Bora are favorite holiday destinations for the rich and famous. Star hunters might be pleasantly surprised by the company they find themselves, especially during the southern summer months between November and April.
