Bora Bora

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.

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.