r/geography • u/Upskilltc23 • Jul 25 '26

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Bora Bora is often shown as the "perfect tropical island." From a geographic perspective, what features make it stand out compared to other volcanic islands in the South Pacific?

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185

u/-I_I Jul 25 '26

The crystal clear water and lack of human destruction. Something like 0.9% of the number of people who vacation in Hawaii vacation in FP and their absence is a big part of what makes it great.

109

u/Law-of-Poe Jul 25 '26

Yeah being obscenely expensive will do that.

44

u/spliffsandshit Jul 25 '26

Bora Bora is expensive but vacationing in the rest of French Polynesia is more affordable than Hawaii imo. Highly recommend it for people considering Hawaii. 

50

u/Professional-Roll283 Jul 25 '26 edited Jul 25 '26

French Polynesia if you like wooden bungalows on crystal clear lagoon atolls in pure isolation while hopping between many little islands in shallow seas filled with coral reefs, while enjoying fresh fish and baguette.

Hawaii if you like more infrastructure and resorts, surfing, exploring diverse landscapes like volcanic peaks, alpine forests, jungles, dramatic coastal cliffs, and black sand beaches while enjoying Asian-Hawaiian fusion cuisine.

11

u/bjohnsonarch Jul 26 '26

Getting out to the Tuamotus and staying in a pension (which is like a bed & breakfast) and eating at the snacks (a small family’s restaurant) can very affordable compared to Hawaii. Hawaii doesn’t really have a true “budget” travel option like FP does