Things to do — Bora Bora

Bora Bora is above all a lagoon destination — activities essentially revolve around turquoise water and motus.

The signature excursion is without contest the lagoon tour by motorised pirogue (€90-150/person, full day with lunch): the pirogue takes you around the island, with essential stops. The ray bank (Ray Bank, shallow 1.5 m water near the island) where you can swim with stingrays and blacktip reef sharks habituated to human contact — a gentle, safe experience, magical for both children and adults. The coral garden for snorkelling on a colourful shallow reef. The deserted motu picnic (grilled fish over wood fire, tropical fruits, fresh coconut milk). The observation of Mont Otemanu from the other side of the lagoon, where the postcard image takes on its full power.

The helicopter overflight of the lagoon (Polynesia Helicopter, €250-400/person for 20-30 min) is the photographic investment of a lifetime. The aerial panorama over the turquoise lagoon, Mont Otemanu, the outer motus and the overwater bungalows is one of the most spectacular in the world.

For bottle diving enthusiasts, several clubs offer interesting sites: TOPdive Bora Bora (5*), Bora Bora Diving Center, Top Dive. The headline sites are Teavanui pass (manta rays, grey reef sharks, turtles), Tapu (school of grey reef sharks), Anau (manta rays and turtles). Prices: €60-90/bottle dive.

The Maupiti excursion (the 'little Bora Bora', 40 km north-west) is an interesting half-day or full-day: Maupiti is a neighbouring atoll similar to Bora Bora but without mass tourism, accessible by boat-bus (€80-120/person).

Unmissable evening: a romantic dinner on private deserted motu (€300-500/couple), organised by premium resorts (Four Seasons, St Regis, Conrad). Table set on the beach, grilled fish over wood fire, French wine, sunset over the lagoon.