The Volcanoes Of Bora Bora

History states that the island of Bora Bora was first created as a result of excessive volcanic activity rising from the ocean floor of the Polynesian waters it now calls home, and the recession of those volcanoes is what caused the giant coral reef that surrounds the island. It is also speculated that in millions of years the island will be as the lost city of Atlantis was, swept back into the ocean and spoken of only in hushed tones by history students and archaeologists who search for proof that it ever really existed.

In the meantime, however, the island of Bora Bora is very much a reality and a favorite haunting spot for tourists travelling from the continent. Its beautiful beaches and friendly population make it a vacationers dream; however, it is its volcanoes and the constant, underlying threat of a volcanic blast that may blast the island back into oblivion (regardless of how unlikely that may be) that keeps it from becoming boring.

The center of Bora Bora is itself a volcano two towering peaks of an extinct volcanic structure that draw the attention of tourists all over the world. Mount Otemanu, also known by the natives as Tai Manu and Temanu, meaning “sea bird”, overlooks the lagoon whose sparkling crystal waters draws swimmers and water enthusiasts from all over the island, standing 2, 385 feet above sea level. This is the highest point on the island.

Mount Pahia, its little sister, sits beside it at 2,159 feet above sea level to form the twin towers of the island paradise. Any tourist looking to see what a real volcano looks like should pay a visit to these volcanic siblings.

Mount Pahia itself is claimed to have played a role in the beginning of the island's civilization. Mythology states that the Ofai Honu, being blessed with godly power, mated with the cliff of Mt. Pahia (then called Hororai) and from this mating was born a son, Firiamata O Vavau. Vavau was the first great chief of the island people, and it was he who gave his name to the island (until the arrival of explorers from Europe Bora Bora was known as Vavau, meaning “First Born”)

Of course, the fear that the sight of these two peaks may cause a visitor from the mainland is nothing but speculation. The volcano from which these two were formed has been extinct for some time. For anyone interested in exploring the depths of the coral reef left behind the beaches of Bora Bora offer to tourists the opportunity to try their hand at snorkeling and scuba diving. Take care, however; life below the surface of the water is not as innocent as it may seem. These reefs can pose a potential hazard to the unprepared tourist.

The volcanic sisters of the island of Bora Bora provide tourists with a valuable insight into the island's formation and its history. If you are ever in Bora Bora be sure that you pay them a visit; it is a memory that you will not soon forget.