Bora Bora is a French island in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, nestled between Tahiti and Moorea. It is a heavenly place, with white sand beaches, turquoise blue waters and breathtaking volcanoes. Even though the town itself is small, there are plenty of activities to do to fully enjoy it. The main characteristic of Bora Bora is the proximity to nature and the environment, which makes it an ideal destination for animal and marine life lovers.
One of the highlights of visiting Bora Bora is the chance to see giant tortoises in action. These gigantic sea turtles spend their time moving between the shallow waters and you can see them swimming freely around the coral reefs. It’s easy to spot them while diving or snorkeling, and it’s a great chance to see them up close in safety.
Moreover, Bora Bora is one of the best destinations to admire the sunset. The light is perfect at dusk, the colors are incredible and quietly on the sand you can enjoy a magnificent scene. What could be better than sitting on the edge of the beach and watching the turtles that wander quietly in search of food.
There are several species of turtles in the waters around Bora Bora. The main species are green turtles, red-eared sliders, Kemp’s sliders and leatherback turtles.
Green sea turtles are the most common. On average, they can reach a diameter of about 140 cm and they live for more than 100 years. They are very present in the lagoons around the island, as it is an ideal place to feed and mate. Green turtles are carnivorous and feed on fish, crustaceans and algae.
Red-eared sliders are rarer and rarer to spot in the lagoons. They are a little smaller than green turtles and usually measure no more than 1 meter in diameter. They feed on bivalves and molluscs while diving.
Kemp’s turtles are one of the largest species of sea turtles in the world and are considered one of the most precious and rare animals to be found in the seas around the world. These turtles can reach a diameter of 200 cm and they usually live more than 150 years. Kemp’s Tortoises are primarily herbivorous and feed on algae and aquatic plants.
Finally, leatherback turtles are available in the waters of Bora Bora. They are among the largest and slowest sea turtles and can reach a maximum size of 2 meters. Leatherback turtles are omnivorous and feed on algae and fish.
The visit of Bora Bora Turtle Center is a must during a stay in Bora Bora. This center dedicated to sea turtles offers a wide variety of activities to observe these impressive animals. You can participate in boat trips to observe turtles in the wild, swim in the ocean with them, or learn in detail about their ecosystem and their feeding habits. A unique and unforgettable experience for young and old!
The Best Ways to See Turtles in Their Natural Habitats
You can observe the turtles in different ways: by diving, snorkeling, kayaking or boat. Each of these means offers intimate moments and a unique experience with these fascinating sea creatures.
In Diving, you can explore the seabed to watch the turtles move freely. The best dive sites are Matira Reef and Manta Reef, where turtles are common and very abundant. Sea creatures such as stingrays, sharks and reef fish are also very present, making it a charming place to view marine life.
In snorkeling, you do not need to be an expert to admire turtles. Snorkeling is easy and allows you to observe underwater creatures with minimal effort and time. The most popular snorkeling spot is Tiputa Island, which is a great place to spot turtles and other sea creatures.
By kayak, you can paddle near the coral reefs in the middle of the transparent turquoise waters and enjoy an excellent view of the turtles. Matira Beach is a great place to kayak, and a certified guide will help you find the best spots.
We have a boat, a boat tour through the lagoons of Bora Bora will allow you to admire turtles and surgeonfish from the deck. Most boats also offer stops for swimming, snorkeling and diving. You can book an excursion with many local travel agencies, such as Bora Bora Blue Adventures or Xtrem Tours.
The spots not to be missed to admire turtles in their natural environment
Tiputa Island is an incredible place where you can admire turtles up close and without any danger. Most turtles are very comfortable around humans, so you can feed and pet them.
baby beach is the best place to observe the smallest sea turtles. This small spot is only a few steps from the main beach of the island and is home to many baby turtles.
Matira Reef is the largest and most popular of Bora Bora’s three reefs. The reef is rich in marine life and is home to the tallest and longest turtles. You can also admire many species of predatory fish, including the magnificent surgeonfish.
The right reflexes to admire the turtles while respecting their environment
It is very important to pay attention to a few instructions to preserve the environment and marine species:
Do not feed turtles terrestrial food because it can be very harmful for them and for their environment. It is best to feed them only foods that are made specifically for them.
don’t get them too close because some animals may feel threatened by your presence. Stay at a safe distance and admire the turtles from a distance.
don’t swim with them because it can be very dangerous. They can be very fast and you can hurt yourself without even realizing it. Likewise, it is forbidden to touch or caress them as this can disturb and frighten them.
Don’t go near the nests, because they can be fragile and threatened by your presence. In addition, the variety of marine species is protected by international legislation and it is forbidden to enter marine nesting areas.
Comply with island regulations, where it is forbidden to fish for turtles and their eggs. All marine species are protected and watched closely by local authorities in order to preserve their environment.
Specialized agencies to support your discoveries
There are many travel agencies in Bora Bora that offer turtle watching tours. These agencies offer all the necessary services to explore the island and admire the turtles in their natural habitat.
Bora Bora Blue Adventures is an agency specializing in sustainable tourism, which offers activities based on respect for nature and the animals of the island. The company offers boats, kayaks, dives, jet ski trips and walking tours to observe underwater flora and fauna.
Xtrem Tours is a tourist agency that offers sea excursions around the island and excursions to discover nature. They offer diving and snorkeling trips as well as marine safaris to admire the marine fauna and flora around Bora Bora.
Conclusion
Bora Bora is a paradise island that offers a multitude of activities including the discovery of sea turtles. Turtles are very abundant around the island and can be observed in their natural habitat in a safe and intimate way. There are many local travel agencies that offer excursions to discover the magnificent marine fauna and flora of the island while respecting the environment.