However, the waters can sometimes get rough due to high winds or storms out in the open ocean. Join our travel community and discover the world through the eyes of passionate travelers like yourself. Given its small size, Bora Bora only has a few roads connecting different parts of the island, and they tend to be in pretty poor condition. In some parts of the world, people tend to take off the shoes that they are wearing when they enter bungalows or homes, according to borabora.com. In the past tsunami waves have been known to reach heights of 100 feet although the average is only around 30 to 40 feet. Once you have booked your accommodation, it would be worth checking when they have their tsunami safety drills and try to participate in at least one. If you are all set to travel to Maldive Islands, then increase your excitement to be at one, Read More How to Get to Adaaran Prestige Vadoo [Best and Cheapest Ways to Reach]Continue, Majority of people plan their vacations to Maldives. Finally, and this sounds wacky, but on any tropical island, theres a remote risk of getting struck on the head by a falling coconut, causing brain injury or death. Kimmel has described the incident in an article written for The Huffington Post, revealing he has long suffered nightmares about tidal waves and the tsunami warning appeared to confirm his worst fears. One thing travelers need to know a lot about before they go to Bora Bora is what the weather is like. Avoid raw and undercooked food. The French Polynesian island is famous for its crystal waters in 50 shades of blue, and luxury accommodation in over-the-ocean bungalows that come complete with a private balcony stepping straight into the sea. Mind you, the overall vibe of the island is very romantic, I would say, with the occasional big group so solo travelers are not that often spotted here. As expensive as it is, the island proves lax and lazy. As a result, tsunamis are more likely to occur in countries where there are fewer natural disasters. Is the french polynesia at risk at the moment? Follow us across social media on YouTube, Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter or drop us a line to say hi at editor@smartertravel.com! All trips, circulation or movement in public areas are prohibited, every day, between 10:00 pm and 4:00 am through April 30, 2021 with the possibility to be extended. But if youre not deterred by the rain, you can snag some great flight and hotel deals by traveling during these months. But how would you know if a tsunami was coming? We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Using a money belt or anti-theft purse typically keeps your money and identification safe. As earthquakes are a known natural disaster in Bali, its often followed by a tsunami, although this isnt always the case. Answer: Bora Bora is a dream destination smack in the middle of the South Pacific. However, Jimmy said the evacuation was pleasant enough. Report inappropriate content . No, not really. In a new blog entry for The Huffington Post, lightly spruced with his signature jovial tone (yet not making fun of the gravity of the situation), the Jimmy Kimmel Live host revealed that as a child, he had one dream that stuck with him through thin and thick. 145 reviews . Everything went as planned, from the flight there to the flight back. Despite the occasional whale sighting, the lagoon is a less popular diving destination for those looking to explore the waters. At 7:30, a ripple roughly the size of a peanut M&M was identified as the wave wed been waiting for. In 2011, a tsunami warning was issued for Bora Bora after a massive earthquake struck Japan. To read the rest of Jimmys blog, click HERE. There are also fun things to do on land too, like taking a scenic tour of the island, going on a guided jungle tour in a 44, or hiking the two extinct volcano peaks of Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia. Muggings provide rarely and so do pickpockets. Its one of the most expensive vacation destinations in the world due to its exclusivity. So, How to Reach Seaside Finolhu and what are the available modes of transfer? 2023 Smarter Travel Media LLC. You can travel to Bora Bora with your family, plenty of people do, and even with your friends, although that is less common, but going there solo can be slightly dangerous to your mental health. What is the cause of the tsunami in Bora-Bora? Bora Bora. Muay Thai Training in Thailand: 7 Best Gyms for Foreigners, The 7 Best Backpacking Tents For 2022 (A Buyers Guide). Drink bottled water. (Consider using a reef-safe sunblock to help protect Bora Boras fragile coral systems.) Bora Bora Tahiti French Polynesia - safety as a country The South Pacific Island of Bora Bora belongs to French Polynesia. It served as a military supply base during World War II, known as Operation Bobcat. But have no fear, as they are just friendly Blacktip reef sharks. Bora Bora Is Actually Made Up Of Multiple Islands Bora Bora, formed by volcanic eruption millions of years ago, is composed of a main island that's only about 12 square miles. Slather sunscreen on anytime youre planning to be outdoorssevere sunburn is no fun, especially while youre trying to enjoy an expensive vacation. She loves to crochet, and she enjoys creating projects from recycled materials. Bora Bora has never had a terrorist attack. According to trendywithapassport.com, mosquitoes are all over the place in spots like this. In fact, its especially safe for solo travelers, female travelers and members of the LGBTQ community. There are no real neighborhoods on the tiny island, just fancy vacation spots and small villages where the locals livewhich is to say, there really isnt anywhere that travelers should make a special effort to avoid. In this article, check out some gorgeous Maldives Resorts Accessible by Speedboat. Mosquitoes here can transmit dengue fever, chikungunya, and other maladies. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. The Four Seasons Resort and Spa is the most exquisite resort on the island, surrounded by turquoise blue water and with stunning views of Mount Otemanu, an extinct volcano. Then, you can take a quick 50-minute flight from Tahiti to Bora Bora. The water is rough, making swimming and snorkeling difficult. Desde 1837, en la Polinesia Francesa ha muerto un total de 2 personas a causa de 13 tsunamis. Its this culture and way of life that make Bali a popular destination for many travelers. Bora Bora is one of the safest travel destinations in the world. If you can visit Bora Bora in the other months, you will be able to enjoy the island to its fullest, avoiding the weather-related concerns. Bora Bora sits in the middle of the Pacific Ocean which has a number of subduction zones around it far away. The funnyman was understandably concerned: The French Polynesian islands - including Bora Bora and Tahiti - were under a tsunami warning after the 8.9 quake hit in Japan. Even though tsunamis are uncommon in other countries, they do occur in French Polynesia. They reside under the green lagoons and inhabit the tropical coral reefs. The dry season in Bora Bora takes place over the winter months in the island, but note that this is the southern hemisphere winter (the opposite from the winter months in Europe, Asia and America). Adaaran Prestige Vadoo cannot be missed for its magical beauty and lovely weather. Natural hazards like the tsunami or earthquakes are always a risk. But [my hotel staff from the] Four Seasons was there and then, so was a table with a table cloth, water, coffee, trays of warm banana and walnut breads, even linen napkins.. We had to wait for the follow-up waves before getting the all-clear to boat back. Full-time travelers, digital nomads, part-time RVers, travel hackers, avid hikers, etc. The surrounding scenery is stunning, so theres no better place to unwind and enjoy the scenery than at Bora Bora. Theres also a plethora of other wild marine life, including stingrays and barracudas, both of which should be given a wide berth. Given the geographic and size differences between the Maldives and Bora Bora, here are the three main factors you should consider before making your final decision: Check out our deep-dive comparison of Bora Bora vs. Maldives. 395 Unique Travel Blog Names That Work for Your Niche, 3 Irresistible Steamboat Springs Hot Springs, How To Get An Airbnb Discount 2022: 7 Easy Tips & Tricks, difficult to find a ride (not to mention an Uber). This area is a path along the Pacific Ocean that experiences frequent earthquakes and subsequent tsunamis. The wave surged over the 1.6 kilometer-long and 300-meter-wide island, claiming the lives of 16 people, damaging most of the houses and wiping away its entire vegetation of banana, mango and mangroves. If, for whatever reasons, you want to flaunt your YSL purse around the island, I would strongly suggest being accompanied. If you want to avoid hurricane season, it is best to book during the months of November, December, January, and February. Im not one for swimming, I just go into the water to get the sand off or to cool down a bit but if youre a fan I would listen to the advice. etc. At a minimum, visiting Bora Bora costs about $5,000 per couple. Unfortunately, reliable You will burn here even if you dont tend to burn easily. We are the editors of SmarterTravel! There are a few dangers in Bora Bora that visitors should be aware of. For as memorable and romantic as a trip here can be, its worth keeping in mind that, even in a paradise like Bora Bora, there are still some dangers to be aware of before you go. This is the offseason, which is also the islands rainy season. All Rights Reserved. The impact spread as far as the tourist island, Bora Bora. Although this isnt always the case, many experts have found that tsunamis often follow earthquakes. In Bora Bora, natural disasters are of moderate concern, particularly tsunamis. Are there any travel warnings that must be heeded when planning a trip to this tiny island, which measures only 15 square miles? Many people love this island so much that they re-visit it multiple times. Even though Bora Bora is stunning and paradise-like, it is important to be aware of the dangers that come with its location. By all accounts, almost everywhere in Bora Bora is safe. No, were not in the path at all), watching the news, tweeting, googling every nine seconds, screaming where the f*** is Wolf Blitzer? How to Travel Between Islands in Cape Verde: The Ultimate Guide, Best Honeymoon Destinations in Egypt: 5 Romantic Places, The 7 Most Deadly Snakes In Zimbabwe To Know About, Is Boracay Safe? With sparkling waters and sunny weather, this volcanic island provides a popular getaway for couples. Even the mention of Bali evokes thoughts of a tropical paradise with clear blue seas, lush green trees, and the most golden sandy beaches youve ever laid your eyes on. But when it comes in contact, the stonefish can inject you with some poison following which you will need immediate medical assistance. Some of those places are awesome locations to do some surfing, and others are some of the best places to skydive in the world. Sign up for our free newsletter. The Polynesian island in the South Pacific is ranked at the top of the list when it comes to most remarkably beautiful in the world. If youre traveling to Ubud you are well within your rights to wonder whether its safe during a tsunami. The island's location in the middle of the Pacific Ocean leaves it vulnerable to tidal waves whenever there's an earthquake in places as far away as Samoa or even Chile. It is safe if you keep in mind the things we just told you. But on the other hand, that does not mean that there are not some really cool things to do on land as well. We recommend that you confirm your reservation with your hosts first because the quality and source of the water may vary. Tsunamis can happen, but they are very unlikely. Remember that swimming in an area with a lot of people can be dangerous if sharks are present. If youre planning on going scuba divinga very popular way to spend time in Bora Boratake precautions against decompression sickness (also called the bends), a dangerous condition that affects a divers body when it goes too deep, stays down too long, ascends too quickly, or takes an airplane flight too soon after diving, causing nitrogen bubbles in the blood. For example, Bora Bora is one of the many islands with an airport on an outer " motu " or small atoll surrounding the main island. Some of the five-star resorts like Four Seasons Bora Bora have private retreats you can rent, so that you have a completely private and peaceful holiday. Learn More Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora Costco Member Reviews 4.9/5 ( 242 Reviews ) Costco Star Rating Some areas are recommended for swimming while some are flagged as huge risks due to impending risk of bumping into a shark, a jellyfish or a sea urchin, among many other live creatures that are lurking in the water. "We are evacuating. This was the first exotic destination Ive checked off my list. The resorts consist of big names like Intercontinental and Four Seasons. Public transportation here is all but nonexistent, save for the free ferry from the airport, a few taxis, and Le Truck, which runs along Bora Boras main roadtheres not much published information about its safety record. If there is an earthquake while you are in Bali, to stay safe it would be worth moving to the yellow zone even if you havent heard the siren. High Season: May to October. Tsunami in Tonga, rising waters in Polynesia. Also, be sure to carry sunscreen at all times to avoid sunburns when you are out as it would be an important one among thetips for staying safe in Bora Bora. As mentioned above, theft is the main form of crime in Bora Bora. Be careful of the depths while diving heads down as serious injuries can occur. PARIS (Reuters) - The first small waves of a tsunami caused by an earthquake in Chile reached French Polynesia on Saturday, authorities said. I hadn't seen or heard anything about it reaching that far, but does anyone know for sure? Should you hear of a tsunami warning while youre visiting Bora Bora, move quickly away from the beach and seek higher ground. A few taxis operate on the island, but they are few and far between, so it can be difficult to find a ride (not to mention an Uber), and fares get pretty steep. Youll be surrounded by vacationing couples though since it is a top honeymoon destination. The moray eels that live in the coral reefs can be quite vicious, so dont go poking around in underwater holes or caves. But sometimes, the water systems can get contaminated after big storms or floods during the rainy season. Other marine life to take into consideration while youre in Bora Bora include the coral itself, as well as sea urchins, both of which can result in nasty puncture wounds, so make sure to wear protective water shoes whenever youre in the ocean. Travel Smarter! The sand and surf provide a gorgeous view. This time . Stay well hydrated to prevent heat stroke and exhaustion, but beware of untreated tap waterthe water served at resort restaurants is generally safe, though elsewhere, its wise to stick to bottled water. In order to stay safe from a tsunami you want to get to high ground, many people try to reach a height of around 100 above sea level or roughly 2 miles away from the ocean. Copyright 2022 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Here are things to remember when planning to go there. Answer 1 of 3: I've looked on Google & cannot find any info regarding the effect IF ANY of the recent Tonga EQ and tsunami on Bora Bora. The capital city of the Society Islands is Papeete, which is on Tahiti - largest of all the Society Islands. Youll need to use the most care at the ferrys free drop-off point, beachfront dining establishments, and while shopping. The relatively small island of Bora Bora is an activity giant, offering visitors the chance to experience a 4x4 safari, sunbathe and swim at white sandy beaches, dive in a natural underwater park among fish and corals, experience thrilling shark feedings, or circle the turquoise lagoon by boat. First among those is driving, which can feel iffy, given that roads are narrow, potholes arent quickly fixed, and streets can flood during the rainy season, which runs from November through April. As previously stated, the most common type of shark found here is a blacktip reef shark. There have been 13 tidal waves classified as tsunamis in the entire French Polynesia (the size of Europe) since 1837, resulting in the deaths of two people. If you are a non-resident visitor , Call (689) 40.50.57.70 (Tahiti Tourisme) Opening hours: from 8am to 4pm, 7 days a week. If youre stopping over in Tahiti for a few days before or after your Bora Bora getaway, the main danger you need to be aware of is the moray eels. 1 - They weigh you at the airport. Image credit: pinimg There are a few things to consider when thinking about whether or not to visit Bora Bora in January. The capital of Tahiti, Papeete, is a relatively large city of about 200,000 people, so just be extra careful of pickpockets in the large crowds. This eclectic villa was once an art studio. You could travel to Bora Bora alone if youre a woman and feel perfectly safe. Book your stay at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora here! Although Bora Bora is far away and has its own unique culture, its actually one of the safest holiday destinations in the world. The incident sparked tsunami warnings across the Pacific and Kimmel was among a number of holidaymakers evacuated from the resort of Bora Bora. we're leaving in a few days (sunday) and this was unsettling. For information on international flights, contact your international airline. Because sharks are drawn to movements in the water during the night, staying out of deep parts of the lagoon during the day will reduce the likelihood of them coming to your area. The mugging risk stands at about the same level as the pickpocket risk. Further details were not immediately available. Of course, if someone approaches you about carrying a package or money for them, you should refuse. Unfortunately, reliable RELATED:The Maldives Vs. Bora Bora: Where Should You Honeymoon? You can find a few taxis and Le Truck, which sort of resembles a bus line that only serves the main road. Is Bora Bora safe from tsunami? I've looked on Google & cannot find any info regarding the effect IF ANY of the recent Tonga EQ and tsunami on Bora Bora. Looking for a community of like-minded adventurers to share your experiences with? Is there tsunami danger in Bora Bora? There are other risk zones that are worth knowing about. Sharks are predators, but they are not always dangerous at times. While the buildings on the island dont resemble what most people associate with those brands, the service level and amenities match all of their other locations. And Le Truck, which sort of resembles a bus line that only the... Disaster in Bali, its especially safe for solo travelers, digital nomads, part-time RVers travel! Following which you will need immediate medical assistance heads down as serious injuries can occur sunny weather this... 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