Fishing
For combined sailing and fishing, American Richard Postma's Taravana (tel. 72.39.99 or 67.77.79; taravana@mail.pf) is the world's first sail-powered luxury game-fishing boat. This 50-footer is available for day trips or charters to the other Leeward Islands, including Tupai, a small atoll northwest of Bora Bora. Sailing or fishing costs 90,000CFP (US$900) for a half day, up to 120,000CFP (US$1,200) for a full day; prices include food but not alcoholic beverages. You can go on a nonfishing sunset cruise for about 6,500CFP (US$65) per person. Among Richard's first guests were actors Dennis Quaid and Meg Ryan (when they were still a couple). Former Baywatch star Pamela Anderson came along later.
Hiking
On every trip here, I walk along Matira Beach by following the round-island road between the Hotel Bora Bora and Matira Point. It's a flat and enormously beautiful hike. Some maps and older guidebooks show a hiking trail from Faanui village across a pass in the mountains to the east coast, but don't believe them. There is a trail from Vaitape to the top of Mount Pahia, but this is an arduous hike and should be undertaken only with a guide. Otemanu Tours operates Muont Pahia Excursions (tel. 67.70.49; otemanu.tours@mail.pf), which will guide you to the top for about 15,000CFP (US$150) per person. Or contact Stéphane Duwa, the Trek'in Bora Mountain Guide (tel. 67.56.40; duwasteph@yahoo.fr).
Horseback Riding
You won't be able to ride horses into the spectacular mountains of the main island since Reva Reva Ranch (tel. 67.63.63 or 78.26.36; ranchrevareva@hotmail.com) is out on flat Motu Pitiaau on the eastern reef. The 1- and 1 1/2-hour rides along the beach and across the motu cost about 6,600CFP to 8,000CFP (US$66-US$80), respectively, including boat transfers from your hotel.
