Links

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bora_Bora
• http://wikitravel.org/en/Bora_Bora
• http://www.boraboraisland.com
• Exchange rate:  http://finance.yahoo.com/currency/convert?amt=800&from=XPF&to=USD&submit=Convert
• Polynesian travel forum:  http://tahitisuntravelstahititalk.yuku.com/forums/63/t/General-Discussion.html

Expenses:  http://www.thetahititraveler.com/touristinfo/moneycost.asp

• Everything has to be imported, so prices are high ("tremendously pricey destination" according to wikitravel)
• No bartering
• Credit cards get the best exchange rate, hotels the worst (they charge extra)
• Fish and rice (what the locals eat) $20/day minimum
• Dinner for two (including wine) = $175
• Beer and a sandwich = $9

Getting there

• Air Tahiti Nui = approx $1400 from LAX  http://www.airtahitinui-usa.com/atnspecial/atnspecial.asp?id=1364
• Takes about 8.5 hours
• Personal media system in seat
• Restaurant-class meals (they say)
• No power outlets

Lodging

• Camping (for you, almost free!):  http://www.boraboraisland.com/todo/islandfun.html#camp
  • Not many options, but many hotels offer campgrounds as well
• Cheap (approx $100/night): 
  • http://www.boraboraisland.com/lagoonarium/pension.html
    • Highly recommended, but:
    • No hot water
    • Shared bathrooms 
• Mid-priced (approx $175/night): 
  • http://www.temanuata.com/en/rates_en.htm
    • More amenities
    • Private bathroom
    • Hot water!

Activities

• Parasailing:  http://www.boraboraisland.com/parasail/index.html
• Swimming / beach:  http://www.boraboraisland.com/todo/watersports.html#swim
  • Also:  http://www.papeete.com/about.html#beaches
  • Topless not uncommon at all!  (hey, this is french territory)
• Horseback riding:  http://www.boraboraisland.com/todo/islandfun.html#horse
  • On a private island
• Fishing:  http://www.moanatours.com/fishing.html
  • Might be able to do Lagoon Trolling @ $450 / 4 people (split with another couple?)
• Scooters and bicycles:  http://www.boraboraisland.com/todo/maevas/farepiti.html
• Lagoonarium:  http://www.boraboraisland.com/lagoonarium/index.html
  • Outdoor "fishpark," package can include other tours
• Aqua safari:  http://www.boraboraisland.com/todo/islandfun.html#aquasafari
  • Scuba diving without the scuba part
• Tahitian dancing:  http://www.boraboraisland.com/tosee/attractions.html#dancing
  • ?

Sightseeing

• Island tours:  http://www.boraboraisland.com/tosee/sights.html#circle
• WW2 guns:  http://www.boraboraisland.com/tosee/sights.html#ww2guns
• Art galleries:  http://www.boraboraisland.com/tosee/arts.html#galleries

Internet:  http://www.boraboraisland.com/cyber/index.html

• Four computers
• Mac and PC
• 1 hr = $18
• Also has coffee and cafe foods

Weather

• Wet season (November to April)
  • Tourism off-season
  • Storms are "frequent, brief, and unpredictable"
  • Temperature = mid 80s
  • Minimal temperature fluctuation between day and night
  • Generally light tradewinds
  • Less prone to hurricanes than other islands

General tips:  http://www.papeete.com/tips.html

• Tend to be many mosquitoes
•