Getting Around Bora Bora

The airport is located on the northern edge of the lagoon on Motu Mute. Catamaran ferries shuttle passengers for free on a 25-minute ride to and from Vaitape Wharf, the island’s principal settlement.

Once on the main island of Bora Bora, the most popular form of transportation is “le truck.” These converted cargo vehicles serve as public open-air buses and are an inexpensive and often entertaining way to travel about the island. While there is no regular le truck service, they seem to be available when needed, especially around flight and ferry departure times. Ask the driver how much the fare will be before getting on the truck and pay the driver when you are ready to get off.

Taxis can also be hired within the primary towns, at most hotels, and at airports and ferry terminals.

Inter-island ferry transportation is also available. The boats dock at Farepiti, which is just north of Vaitape. The fast Ono Ono Jet Cruiser runs three times a week and makes the trip from Tahiti to Bora Bora in about seven hours with stops at a few of the other Leeward islands (Tel: +689-67-78 -00).