Most people know about Teahupo'o in Tahiti, but most don't know about Bora
Part of the French Polynesia islands it lays a quick 20 minute flight from Tahiti.
Tahiti, the island, while it has its charms, it's pretty run down and smacks of coastal Mexican towns, (but without the cime).
While you won't be surfing giants, you will be surfing well constructed and often predictable and consistent waves.
There are 2 prime spots for surfing Bora Bora —Teavanui Pass & a right off the reef out behind Motu Pitiaau. They play to different weather conditions opening up an extended surf season of sorts.
The best known, most regular, and easiest to reach is left of Teavanui Pass. It’s a great setting overlooking Motu Tapu & Mt Otemanu on one side & the Pearl Beach Resort on the other.
The best known, most regular, and easiest to reach is left of Teavanui Pass. It’s a great setting overlooking Motu Tapu & Mt Otemanu on one side & the Pearl Beach Resort on the other.
In a south/south-westerly swell, it pumps & a local guide headed on out to show us how it’s done in what were pretty good surf conditions:
The right on the opposite side of the pass also works but in a north/north westerly blow, the prevailing wind in the event of a cyclone! From around December each year, the right can be the go, especially after cyclonic conditions in the area.
The right also pumps in a good south-easterly swell. The wave will break just past the eastern side of Motu Ahura & follow the reef around toward the Pearl Beach Resort, offering surfers a great ride of 150m plus.
When waters are calm, and near the shallows, Teavanui Pass makes for one of the best snorkeling spots in Bora Bora.
The same winds also open up the chance to surf Bora Bora’s other spot, a little-known right that breaks along Point Tupititi, a westward projecting section of the reef behind Motu Pitiaau.
If you head over to the westernmost point of Motu Pitiaau, a magic spot once reserved for the clients of Club Med.
From here, it’s a bit of a hike, but the rewards can be there as reef breaks tend to give a good consistent wave in the right conditions. If you head off by foot along the coral-filled section that separates the Motu from the seaside extremities of the reef.
You’ll find the spot quite easily, but it’s a decent walk. Here’s what greets you.
