Undoubtedly the most famous island in Polynesia and arguably one of the most beautiful places on earth, Bora Bora has a surprisingly small 20-mile circumference. Just a one hour flight from Tahiti, Bora Bora is absolutely sensational. Whether you first see it by air or sea, you are greeted with a coral reef dotted with emerald islets that circle the main volcanic island like a necklace of pearls. The main island, which has only one navigable pass to the small town centre of Vaitape, rises from white sandy shores to the basalt obelisks of Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia. The lagoon waters are shaded the most stunning array of blue and turquoise - home to coral formations that teem with countless brightly colored fish and playful dolphins. The culture is a mix of Polynesian, French and American from the 5,000 G.I.s that were stationed here in World War II. Here you can truly relax and soak up the sun and the beauty of your surroundings. To take even one step further from civilization, escape to a sandy motu. Nearly every type of water sport is available, but Bora Bora is famous for its snorkeling and the hand feeding of the local non-threatening sharks. Explore the island by foot, bicycle or 4WD, or just sit and enjoy your surroundings.