On Bora Bora, there are no poisonous insects or snakes. In Bora Bora, natural disasters are of moderate concern, particularly tsunamis. With its safety record unknown and no real rush to get anywhere on Bora Bora, why not cycle? But the water in the lagoon tends to be nice and shallow, ranging between 1.5 9 feet deep. Read on for some safety tips and pointers when visiting Bora Bora. I would visit it every summer if it didnt involve such a long flight for me. For example, travelers who come from places like Canada, Chile, Panama, Japan, and Costa Rica would be expected to have a passport if they wanted to stay for a month. Youre more likely to get bonked on the head by a coconut dropping from a tree than to get bitten by a shark. 497 posts. With the honor of being voted the "Most Epic Hotel Stay in the World" by AFAR, the Four Seasons Bora Bora Resort is surrounded by beach-studded islets and coral reefs teeming with marine life. . As odd as it may sound, avoid sitting under a coconut palm tree. Here are some tips to help keep you safe: As mentioned earlier in the article, Balis last recorded Tsunami was in 2004, however that does not mean there wont ever be another one. There are some basic precautions that we heavily recommend forstaying safe in Bora Bora. 2022 Journeying The Globe. According to trendywithapassport.com, buying some there is not the best thing to do since it tends to be a little bit overpriced. Bora Bora is a paradise for travelers, but there are some safety tips you should know about before booking a trip. Hi there. Thanks! Public transportation here is all but nonexistent, save for the free ferry from the airport, a few taxis, and Le Truck, which runs along Bora Boras main roadtheres not much published information about its safety record. According to youqueen.com, travelers who go there do not need to worry about running into things like insects or dangerous snakes, which is pretty amazing. If you abide by the safety guidelines that we will provide you with and if you truly understand the threats of this region which are minor in nature, you can enjoy an interruption-free vacation and negate all threats. Are there any travel warnings that must be heeded when planning a trip to this tiny island, which measures only 15 square miles? 2023 Smarter Travel Media LLC. Before discussing the islands safe and dangerous places, its worth answering one common question: Where is Bora Bora? The answer is that its in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean, part of the Society Islands archipelago of French Polynesia. An alert has been issued in the United States, Chile and Japan. Also, be sure to carry sunscreen at all times to avoid sunburns when you are out as it would be an important one among thetips for staying safe in Bora Bora. When you go fishing on the calm lagoon waters of Bora Bora, you can go for half-day trips all over the island. You can travel to Bora Bora with your family, plenty of people do, and even with your friends, although that is less common, but going there solo can be slightly dangerous to your mental health. All Rights Reserved. The island does not experience a great deal of petty theft and crime which is mostly due to its small population. The dives can be split between Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Fakarava, Tikehau and Rangiroa. Although it is not common for them to attack humans it is always better to be on the guard against such circumstances. I'm brand new to travelling the Cook Islands and am feeling a little overwhelmed! With these precautions, it is one of the safer destinations for nature-loving tourist. These, in turn, are part of the Society Islands of French Polynesia, located in the South Pacific Ocean. Should you hear of a tsunami warning while youre visiting Bora Bora, move quickly away from the beach and seek higher ground. Residents were asked to move away from the shores and seek high ground while schools were shut down and most roads closed. The tsunami, in particular, can damage such small islands badly so be on the lookout for alerts issued. Avoid wearing shiny jewelry; sudden bright glints of light could startle them. These include strong currents, sharp coral, and dangerous wildlife such as sharks and jellyfish. Decompression sickness is also a dangerous outcome from careless scuba diving and always be on alert during such procedures. The majority of the visitors to the island are couples. The last tsunami in Bora Bora occurred on March 11, 2011. So, to keep us safe, from the moment we touched down in Tahiti, I talked about tsunamis non-stop, Jimmy wrote. Hearing the name Bora Bora (or Pora Pora in Tahitian) instantly conjures up images in your minds eye of turquoise waters, straw-roofed villas, white sand beaches, and lush jungles. Sign up for our free newsletter. Dont pick up cone shells, as they may be poisonous, advises Lonely Planet. When they left, the Americans dismantled some of the equipment and threw it. All US ocean coasts can be affected by tsunamis. Other marine life to take into consideration while youre in Bora Bora include the coral itself, as well as sea urchins, both of which can result in nasty puncture wounds, so make sure to wear protective water shoes whenever youre in the ocean. There are no dangerous animals in this tropical paradise, so visitors can nap on the beach and only dream about snakes. Minhyuk doesn't need a safe harbour to land. The last recorded tsunami in Bali was on the 26th of December 2004. Be the first to discover secret destinations, travel hacks, and more. While it might sound funny, theres a high danger of falling coconuts. This tsunami was caused by a magnitude 9.0 earthquake that occurred off the coast of Japan. Since then youll be happy to know there hasnt been a single tsunami but locals and officials are still on high alert. When you hear the tsunami warning sound, you should immediately head for high ground. 1. Bora Bora is so small it doesnt have distinct neighborhoods, so there arent any rough areas you should avoid. In September 2009, a 8.0 magnitude earthquake struck Samoa, causing a tsunami that killed 133 people and caused extensive damage to the island. Even though Bora Bora is stunning and paradise-like, it is important to be aware of the dangers that come with its location. Book your stay at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora here! If you are a non-resident visitor , Call (689) 40.50.57.70 (Tahiti Tourisme) Opening hours: from 8am to 4pm, 7 days a week. Bora Bora is a great destination! Before you leave for Maldives, check, Read More 9 Beautiful Maldives Resorts Easily Accessible by Speedboat [Quickly Starts Your Vacation]Continue, The Maldives is a world famous island destination, popular among the millions of tourists. TopDive Inter-Island 10-Dive Pass Bora Bora. Tap water in Papeete is usually safe to drink. Be careful of the depths while diving heads down as serious injuries can occur. Is the french polynesia at risk at the moment? Travel Tip: You cant fly directly into Bora Bora; you must fly to Papeete in Tahiti first. The relatively small island of Bora Bora is an activity giant, offering visitors the chance to experience a 4x4 safari, sunbathe and swim at white sandy beaches, dive in a natural underwater park among fish and corals, experience thrilling shark feedings, or circle the turquoise lagoon by boat. Tourists and travelers can enjoy the beach, biking, hiking, snorkeling, and diving. THE AXEL STORE http://www.designedbyAXEL.comEver wondered where is bora bora? A stay in one of these is not only a guarantee for a comfortable, Read More How to Reach The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort from Male AirportContinue, 2023 Overwater Bungalows Guide - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP. Answer 1 of 3: I've looked on Google & cannot find any info regarding the effect IF ANY of the recent Tonga EQ and tsunami on Bora Bora. It served as a military supply base during World War II, known as Operation Bobcat. After swimming away from the animal, you should call for help. Many people love this island so much that they re-visit it multiple times. Full travel advice: Health Local laws Can you imagine taking in gorgeous views at every turn, with the fresh ocean breeze blowing through your hair? Bora Bora Tourism Bora Bora Hotels Bora Bora Bed and Breakfast Many locations claimed that the waves reached a height of 30 feet or more when they hit the shoreline. Plan your trip soon and worry little regarding the safety concerns. In a new blog entry for The Huffington Post, lightly spruced with his signature jovial tone (yet [] A volcanic eruption between 3 and 4 million years ago was responsible for the caldera of an extinct volcano, which is now known as Bora Bora. The water in Bora Bora is extremely safe to drink because it is desalinated, and it is a huge desalination facility. If a crime is committed in Bora Bora, it will likely just be a petty crime like pickpocketing or bag snatching. This is the offseason, which is also the islands rainy season. The surrounding scenery is stunning, so theres no better place to unwind and enjoy the scenery than at Bora Bora. While Bora Bora is a singular small island within French Polynesia. Bora Bora is the name for a group of islands which are part of the Leeward Islands. While a tsunami did not end up affecting the late night host and his girlfriend, Molly, while they were vacationing on the Tahitian island, he revealed it was a dramatic experience that began with him joking about tidal waves, before the earthquake even struck. There are a lot of cheap places for backpackers to go if they're traveling on a budget, but it doesn't seem like Bora Bora is one of them, unfortunately. For information on international flights, contact your international airline. Rest assured that, as mentioned before, Bora Bora is an extremely safe place. Bora Bora is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Large crowds will pass through here when ferries and cruise ships dock, making it more attractive for pickpockets. Using a money belt or anti-theft purse typically keeps your money and identification safe. If youre planning a trip to Bora Bora, safety might be foremost on your mind, simply because its a fairly remote destination with a culture thats all its own. In 2011, a tsunami warning was issued for Bora Bora after a massive earthquake struck Japan. The roads are not wide. Youll need to watch your bags and purse at the ferry stop, hotels, and shops. Thus, they need to know contact details of island resorts. Some of those places are awesome locations to do some surfing, and others are some of the best places to skydive in the world. Copyright 2022 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. The island is part of the Society Islands archipelago and is home to a volcanic mountain range and a beautiful lagoon. You wont fall privy to any Nigerian-type scams in Bora Bora. In fact, some people visiting Bora Bora have even incurred traumatic brain injuries from these hard-shelled tropical fruits. During the rainy season, which lasts from November to February, you should avoid traveling to Bora Bora, which is usually regarded as a vacation spot in the summer. And, apart from the expense, there is absolutely no reason why you shouldnt go! But perhaps the best part of this resort is the Sunset Bar & Lounge. Bali is located within ' The Ring of Fire ' making the island particularly vulnerable to tsunamis. In terms of public transport, there is only Le Truck. Sadly, Indonesian officials estimated the death toll of this particular tsunami had reached a staggering 200,000 with the majority being in the Northern Sumatras Aceh province. A Complete Safety Guide For Travel, Is Mexico Better Than Argentina? According to the evacuation procedure, people have approximately fifteen to twenty minutes after the siren sounds to evacuate the red zone areas. You can depend on the island to keep things quiet and enjoyable. By email : [email protected]. Yes quite a lot of sharks, actually. Is India A Good Travel Destination? But that doesn't just mean you need to spend it sipping cocktails in a pool-side lounge chair. NEXT:Traveling To Russia: 15 Things To Prepare For. Since the weather here can get exceedingly hot we recommend you to be ready in your most optimal and basiccomfortable clothing. tetus.lima has uploaded 69 photos to Flickr. Read Interesting Article Also: Bora Bora New Years Eve. Once you have booked your accommodation, it would be worth checking when they have their tsunami safety drills and try to participate in at least one. Bora Bora Is Actually Made Up Of Multiple Islands Bora Bora, formed by volcanic eruption millions of years ago, is composed of a main island that's only about 12 square miles. Imagine the force of a five-pound dumbbell falling about 50 feet. The island's location in the middle of the Pacific Ocean leaves it vulnerable to tidal waves whenever there's an earthquake in places as far away as Samoa or even Chile. Many cruise lines stop here, and you can fly in as well from Tahiti. This resplendent beauty has understandably drawn the biggest names in luxury resorts: Four Seasons, Conrad, InterContinental, St. Regis, Le Meridien, and so on. In Bora Bora, take all the precautions youd take when traveling to any tropical islanduse plenty of sunscreen, stay hydrated, read up on what to do in case of a hurricane or tsunami, watch for falling coconuts, and, if youre planning to go scuba diving, beware of decompression sickness. Papeete is the capital of French Polynesia, so this will be your travel hub if youre visiting other islands nearby too. Speaking of which, there are indeed many sharks in Bora Borathe island is surrounded by barrier reef, after all. However, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there has never been a hurricane directly recorded in the Society Islands, of which Bora Bora is a part. Bag snatching along with pickpocketing are two of the main concerns here so an expensive bag would easily attract only unwanted attention. Nothing close to one has ever occurred there. Hoping for some direction please. Jimmy Kimmel has revealed that his evacuation in Bora Bora last week, after the now officially 9.0 earthquake in Japan sent a tsunami warning across the Pacific, was the realization of one of his worst nightmares come true. The first waves hit Gambier Archipelago at 10:50 a.m EST and Tahiti at 12:50 p.m. EST but Tahitis seismological center said the waves were only 36 centimeters high. I spent the next 8 hours lying to my family via email (everything is fine! Jimmy Kimmel has revealed that his evacuation in Bora Bora last week, after the now officially 9.0 earthquake in Japan sent a tsunami warning across the Pacific, was the realization of one of his worst nightmares come true. RELATED:The Maldives Vs. Bora Bora: Where Should You Honeymoon? Its less than an hours flight from Papeete, Tahiti. Thankfully, the tsunami never reached the island and everyone was able to evacuate to safety. But as tips for staying safe in Bora Bora, . Youll see them coming with their dorsal fin sticking out of the water, and youll get to observe them close up. The dry season in Bora Bora takes place over the winter months in the island, but note that this is the southern hemisphere winter (the opposite from the winter months in Europe, Asia and America). There have been 13 tidal waves classified as tsunamis in the entire French Polynesia (the size of Europe) since 1837, resulting in the deaths of two people. While this may be obvious, youd be surprised at the number of people who go down to the beach to take a closer look. For example, Bora Bora is one of the many islands with an airport on an outer " motu " or small atoll surrounding the main island. Outside Papeete, drink boiled or bottled water. 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