Hyperbole seems to surround Bora Bora, French Polynesia. (Locals often refer to it with a singular "Bora.") Author James Michener called Bora Bora "the most beautiful island in the world," which may be a stretch, though its steep mountain peak and brilliant lagoon certainly are beautiful.
Bora Bora is one of the most famous honeymoon destinations in the world, and it has been targeted by some as the French Polynesian island where tourism has gotten out of control—too many hotels, too many people, too much traffic. The island, 160 mi/260 km northwest of Papeete, does get a lot of visitors (many of them from Europe and the U.S.), but it's still a far cry from a Cancun- or Florida-style buildup.
Some of the bustle results from the fact that Bora is rather small compared to larger tourist islands such as Moorea; in a half-day you can easily peddle a rental bicycle the 20 mi/32 km around the island.
Yet, in that small area, Bora Bora offers attractions from black pearl boutiques and fancy restaurants lining the road south from Vaitape to snorkeling among the myriad lagoon fish near Matira Point. The amazingly clear blue-green water alone is enough to satisfy most visitors.
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