Safety · Destination Guide
Mantas, sharks, coral gardens, and overwater-lagoon logistics in the Pearl of the Pacific
Updated Apr 20, 2026 • 29 sources
Bora Bora is generally straightforward when you respect boat logistics, current, sun exposure, wildlife distance, and conservative dive planning. The island's beauty is also its pressure point: reefs, rays, sharks, whales, and lagoon zones need low-impact behavior from every guest.
Normal guided dives are warm and generally moderate, but do not let the resort setting make you casual. The pass, reef-side sites, and drift dives can involve current, surface chop, and blue-water entries. Carry a computer and SMB, stay with the guide, avoid decompression obligations, hydrate, and schedule your last dive with a conservative no-fly buffer before the inter-island flight. If you are diving Anau, remember that plankton and suspended particles can reduce visibility. If you are snorkeling or freediving, treat boat traffic and pass current as real hazards.
Bora Bora has local medical support and an infirmary, but serious emergencies may be evacuated to Tahiti. Recompression support for diving accidents is in Papeete, not on Bora Bora. Carry dive accident insurance, medical evacuation coverage, and your operator's emergency plan. For urgent medical help in French Polynesia, use 15 or 112. For maritime distress, contact JRCC Tahiti through 16, +689 40 54 16 16, or VHF 16 in the Society Islands.
No hyperbaric chamber on Bora Bora
Dive conservatively because recompression support is in Tahiti/Papeete. Avoid aggressive profiles, monitor repetitive dives, and leave a no-fly buffer before inter-island flights.
Pass current and surface chop
The pass and reef-edge sites can be current-dependent. Snorkelers should not enter pass water without a guide, and divers should expect site swaps when wind, tide, or swell changes.
Wet-season disruption
From November to April, showers, humidity, swell, and cyclone-season weather systems can affect flights, lagoon tours, hikes, and resort boat transfers.
Sun exposure on boats and motus
Lagoon glare is intense. Use hats, rashguards, water, shade breaks, and reef-safe sunscreen, especially on full-day snorkel safaris and 4x4 viewpoints.
Do not feed sharks, rays, or fish. Do not touch mantas, turtles, coral, or giant clams. Keep fins off the reef, use moorings or operator-approved anchor protocols, and refuse tours that stage wildlife. Whale watching and whale swimming are regulated and should be done only with accredited guides. The Popora Rahui reserve south of Matira is an integral reserve where all activity is prohibited. Reef-safe sunscreen, rashguards, reusable bottles, and low-noise wildlife approaches are practical conservation choices.
Do Not Do This
Avoid entering when no hyperbaric chamber on bora bora. Confirm local briefings before committing.
| Contact | Role | Phone | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| All medical emergencies | Ambulance or general emergency dispatch | 15 or 112 | 24/7 |
| JRCC Tahiti | Maritime distress, sea rescue, and pollution reporting | 16, +689 40 54 16 16, or VHF 16 in the Society Islands | 24/7 |
| National Police | Police emergencies | 17 | 24/7 |
| Fire Brigade | Fire and rescue emergencies | 18 | 24/7 |
| Bora Bora Infirmary | Local medical support in Vaitape area | +689 40 67 70 77 | Weekday daytime clinic hours; use 15 or 112 for emergencies |
| U.S. Consular Services in French Polynesia | Consular assistance for U.S. citizens | +689 40 42 65 35; after-hours via U.S. Embassy Suva +679 772 8049 | Business hours for routine support; after-hours emergency line through Suva |