Writer:Terry Ward

Stroll the main road, just just five minutes south of the cruise tender docks, to reach Artist Studio–Jean-Pierre Frey. Works by the late artist, who was born in Montmartre but finally settled in Bora Bora after sailing the world, are on display in the waterfront studio where he once worked. Frey’s unique mixed-media oeuvre blends collage, acrylic painting, snippets from nautical charts, and calligraphy into beautiful pieces inspired by his aquatic adventures throughout Polynesia and abroad. Paintings by Moorea-based artist Donatien Jumel, known for his colorful and joyous renderings of French Polynesian life, are also for sale in this lovely gallery and studio.

Voyage under the Milky Way

Among the world’s most legendary navigators, Polynesians are known for their sophisticated knowledge of ocean currents and ancient use of celestial navigation. You can do a little stargazing and sailing in the lagoon of Bora Bora, too, during private Legend Telling and Stargazing tours with Lagoon Service Bora Bora. During three-hour evening tours that depart before sunset from the Vaitape pier, local guides and sailors who grew up on Bora Bora share legends and stories about how their ancestors used the stars to navigate. You’ll arrive at one of the lagoon’s secluded motus and gather on wooden benches around a campfire on the beach to enjoy tapas (charcuterie, olives, fresh coconut, and tuna rillette toast) and rum punch and roast marshmallows while waiting for the show to start. Once your eyes adjust to the darkness, the sky overhead will prickle to life with the Southern Cross and other constellations that the guides will point out while sharing even more French Polynesia lore.

Cruise the lagoon aboard a sumptuous sailing yacht

The luxury racing yacht, Vitamin Sea II, cuts a striking silhouette—all jet-black sails and tangerine sunbeds—against the impossibly turquoise backdrop of the lagoon. One of the newest and most luxurious sailing yachts available for private charter in Bora Bora, the 46-foot-long beauty can accommodate up to 20 guests, with pickup by speedboat from Vaitape so you can seamlessly meet the ship where she docks on a private motu. Captain Dylan and his all-female crew gets the sails working on even light-wind days, so you can expect to be properly sailing more than motoring during your adventure. (He’ll even let you take the helm to try steering, if you’re so inclined.) Favorite stops during a typical charter include a crystalline snorkeling site called Aquarium, where tropical fish converge in thick clouds, and Eagle Ray Alley, where you’ll likely see more than a few spotted wings patrolling the waters, with all snorkeling gear provided. Guests love stopping at a floating bar in spectacular Matira Bay, located on Bora Bora’s southern tip, for a Champagne lunch, while two-hour sunset “apero” sails include snacks and drinks.