Matira Beach, Enjoying Bora Bora Vacation
The words “Bora Bora” refer to wonderful beach scenery, romance, legend, and mysteries to this magnificent Pacific Island. The Lagoon island of Bora Bora is considered as one of the most beautiful spots on earth. There are a number of reasons why Bora Bora boasts the nickname “the Romantic Island”, including the secluded beaches, intimate hotels and quiet atmosphere that embraces visitors. There are also plenty of activities for adventure-seekers, such as joining other fearless visitors on a shark-feeding expedition on the lagoon or a half-day Jeep tour through the island’s rough interior. It’s true Bora Bora is indeed a wonderful place to vacation, and one place you must visit is Matira Beach; the paradise on earth.
Known locally as one of Tahiti’s finest scenery, Matira Beach surround by narrow, palm-fringed crescent of powdery white sand shelves gently into a sandy bottomed lagoon that is perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Matira Point on the southern part of Bora Bora is the main centre of tourism and has the only stretch of picturesque white sand beaches on the main island. There is a continuous line of Bora Bora Hotels, resorts and guesthouses extending either side of Matira Beach. Everyone will enjoy the most popular activity of all, lazing the day away on a secluded stretch of Matira Beach and watching a brilliant sunset over the bright turquoise water.
Both the east and west sides of Matira Point offer the only continuous stretch of white-sand beaches on Bora Bora. The east side of Matira on Pofai Bay is home to several luxurious hotels, many of which offer over-the-water bungalows and private white-sand beaches. This crescent-shaped bay provides some of the best views of Bora Bora’s stunning hills and mountains.
Matira Beach Attractions:
Snorkelling
On Bora Bora snorkellers can swim among manta rays, eagle rays, sharks and more than 1000 species of colourful marine life in the lagoon. Try the shallow sand-bottom lagoon off Matira Beach for some of French Polynesia’s finest snorkelling or head to the ‘Aquarium’ off the southern end of Motu Pitiaau, around Motu Piti Uuuta and the reef faces beside Hotel Bora Bora. Another popular site is above the coral gardens around the Bora Bora Lagoonarium and the lagoon off the eastern side of Motu Toopua as well as the islet next to it, Motu Toopua Iti.
Scuba diving
Don’t miss nearby ‘Coral Garden’, a natural underwater park; Tupitipiti Point, known for a steep drop-off and colourful sponges and a variety of larger fish including sharks, rays, groupers and large parrotfish; and ‘White Valley’ reef, where the entrance teems with gray sharks, barracudas and colourful reef fish including parrotfish and butterfly fish. Off Point Matira you can see the spotted ray and friendly gray rays, which love to be petted during the ‘ray feeding’ excursions. The most easily accessible dive site outside the reef is off Motu Tapu, the islet just south of Teavanui Pass.
Game fishing
Take a charter from Vaitape, Bora Bora’s only town. Expect to land mahi mahi, marlin and yellow fin tuna year around and wahoo and barracuda from July to November.
Hiking
Stroll hand-in-hand above the stunning Matira Beach along the easy and picturesque road between the Hotel Bora Bora and Matira Point. For a more arduous hike, hire a guide and try the trail from Vaitape to the top of Mount Pahia.
Horseback riding
Enjoy the stunning surroundings with a ride along a mountain trail or gallop in the sandy shallows of the lagoon.
Bora Bora Lagoonarium
Swim with sharks and other sea creatures in this outdoor aquarium and have a short movie made of your adventure.
4WD safari
Explore the island interior on a 4WD trip to see ancient marae (ancient stone sites once used for prayer and sacrifice), WWII memorabilia as well as panoramic views over the lagoon.
Shopping
Gorgeous black Tahitian pearls, finely detailed local handicrafts and colourful patchwork blankets called tifaifai.
The best time to visit Bora Bora is during the dry season between May and October, when the average annual temperature of 29°C is tempered by refreshing breezes. The wet season lasts from November until April, with February and March the hottest months. The water temperature hovers between 26°C and 29°C.
Bora Bora is truly an experience worth having. A wonderfully relaxing place to be as well as a great island for you to experience, your Bora Bora vacation will never be forgotten. Whether you want a private island picnic near Bora Bora or a canoe delivered breakfast in your overwater bungalow, Tahiti is the ultimate South Pacific island paradise.