Bora Bora is, without a doubt, one of the most gorgeous places to visit on the planet. With its teeming reefs, clear oceans, immaculate beaches, kind hospitality, and vibrant culture, it’s a favored honeymoon destination and a favored hideaway for celebrities. This stunning beauty has attracted some of the world’s most prestigious luxury resorts. One of French Polynesia’s 118 islands, surrounded by thousands of miles of Pacific Ocean.
In this article we’ll discuss the recent trend about shark attacks in Bora Bora, so follow up with me….
Types of Sharks in Bora Bora
There are many types of sharks in Bora Bora, the most popular and seen ones are mention below:
Blacktip reef sharks
Blacktip reef sharks are the most prevalent type you’ll see. Because they aren’t aggressive, you can easily approach them. They prefer to swim in inshore waters and live on tropical coral reefs. However, they become accustomed to their surroundings and do not change them for many years.
Fish and other tiny invertebrates such as crustaceans and cephalopods are the main sources of food for blacktip reef sharks. Sea snakes and sea birds are also among their prey.
Their dorsal fin, which is visible above the water, is the most distinguishing feature. That’s how they’re perceived. They’re also hard to miss, with a length of 1.6 meters.
Aside from them, the waters of Bora Bora are teeming with “Lemon sharks.” These are frequently observed on shark feeding cruises. That’s understandable, given that fish is their primary source of nutrition.
Don’t be concerned about not noticing them in time. These sharks may grow up to 3 meters in length, and their color makes them stand out amidst the lagoon’s blue.
The oceanic whitetip shark
The oceanic whitetip shark, also known as Brown Milbert’s sand bar shark, brown shark, lesser white shark, nigano shark, oceanic white-tipped whaler, and silvertip shark, is a big pelagic requiem. Tropical and warm temperate oceans are home to this shark. Its long, white-tipped, rounded fins are the most distinguishing feature of its stocky body.
Though slow-moving, it is opportunistic and aggressive, and shipwreck survivors are said to be at risk. Because its big fins are highly coveted as the main ingredient in shark fin soup, recent studies suggest drastically dropping populations, and the whitetip shark, like other shark species, faces growing fishing pressure throughout its range.
The lemon shark
The lemon shark (Negaprion brevirostris) belongs to the Carcharhinidae family of sharks and is considered a near-threatened species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
Lemon sharks can reach a length of 3.4 meters (11 feet). They are frequently found in shallow subtropical seas, and they have been seen to frequent and return to certain nursery areas for reproduction. These sharks employ electroreceptors to find their major source of prey: fish, which they often feast on at night. Lemon sharks benefit from group living for a variety of reasons, including improved communication, courtship, predatory behavior, and protection.
The females of this shark species are polyandrous and have a biennial reproductive cycle, and they give birth to live pups. Lemon sharks aren’t considered a significant threat to people. Although the lifespan of the lemon shark is unclear, the average shark lives for 25 to 30 years.
Sharks feeding in Bora Bora
Below are the method of sharks feeding?
Shark feeding time
When sharks are seeking food, they are most active during night and dawn. By remaining out of the water during these hours, you can lessen your chances of encountering a shark. Sharks also have poor vision, thus when visibility is poor, they are more likely to mistake a human for their natural prey.
Shark feeding frenzy
When predators are overwhelmed by the abundance of food available, a feeding frenzy occurs in ecology. A large school of fish, for example, might send adjacent sharks, such as the lemon shark, into a feeding frenzy. When referring to sharks or piranhas, this phrase is most commonly used.
Now we’ve arrived at the section where we’ll look at one of the most thrilling things that you must participate in while visiting this magnificent island.
The adventure of feeding the sharks at Bora Bora.
A feeding excursion — Taking an excursion may be the greatest way to get the most out of this thrilling activity.
You’ll have more fun and appreciate the swim if you’re alongside someone who has more experience. Viator’s is an example of such an exciting tour. That’s because you can either board a boat or watch the show from there, or you may slide into the clear water and see the guide feed the animals with their own hands.
Furthermore, they have all of the snorkeling equipment you’ll need, so all you’ll need is your daring attitude.
Food for the sharks – You’ve come to the proper website if you’re wondering what food the sharks require during the feeding.
Bora Bora’s sharks usually dine on dead fish. Because they are smaller than the other shark species in the sea, they eat these animals to fill their need.
Aside from that, they can be fed clams, mollusks, crabs, lobsters, and other small sea creatures.
Whale shark feeding
Whale sharks feed in three different ways: Swimming slowly with mouth open, straining plankton from the water; passive—swimming slowly with mouth open, straining plankton from the water;… Whale sharks use active-suction filter-feeding while swimming steadily, allowing them to suck water into their mouths at greater speeds. Ram-filter feeding is another name for this method of feeding.
Take NOTE
Tips for feeding the sharks – The most important thing to remember is that sharks can be aggressive.
Sharks at Bora Bora, such as the Blacktip reef and lemon sharks, are accustomed to human presence and are rather sociable. Be cautious, though, and keep an eye on them.
However, don’t force yourself to feed them with your bare hands. First and foremost, because it is prohibited, and second, because of the potential dangers. As a result, leave the work to the specialist who will be in the water with you. Simply relax and enjoy the ride.
Those who are too terrified to even think about swimming so near to the sharks should stay in the boat and watch the feeding from there.
Bora Bora Shark Diving
Bora Bora welcomes its eager tourists with lovely bungalows perched above the lagoon, beautiful sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, the magnificent mountain Otemanu, and many other natural beauties. The interesting sharks, however, are without a doubt the most well-known tourist attractions.
Sharks are the national symbol of French Polynesia, and they play an essential part in the region’s culture, coral ecosystems, and tourism.
The last fatal shark attack in French Polynesia occurred over 50 years ago, so it’s safe to assume that sharks at Bora Bora aren’t particularly dangerous. The most common shark you’ll encounter during your expedition is the Blacktip reef shark, which is not aggressive and allows you be close with them.
While some fear of sharks is understandable given that they are wild animals, the lagoon sees a large number of people swimming with sharks on a daily basis. Because there haven’t been any documented unfavorable interactions, it’s evident that attacks are exceedingly unusual.
shark attack in Bora Bora
After all, the island is encircled by a barrier reef, thus there are plenty of sharks in Bora Bora. There’s also a slew of other wild marine creatures, such as stingrays and barracudas, which should be avoided at all costs.
However, be assured that shark attacks in Bora Bora are extremely rare—only two have been recorded in the last century. The most recent incident occurred at Bora Bora’s Anau lagoon in 2015, when a blacktip shark attacked a nine-year-old kid’s hand while the kid was attempting to feed the animal.
Other marine species to be aware of when you are in Bora Bora include the coral itself, as well as the sea urchins, both of which may cause painful puncture wounds if not properly protected, so wear protective water shoes whenever you’re in the water. Lonely Planet recommends against picking up cone shells because they may be harmful. The well-hidden stonefish, which may pass for a rock yet inject poison when stomped on, is also a cause for concern.
Bora bora wildlife
Because the islands arose from volcanic activity in the midst of the Pacific Ocean, far from any other continent, there are few creatures here. Horses, cows, pigs, chickens, lambs, goats, dogs, and cats are the only land animals brought in by humans. In this tropical paradise, there are no snakes or dangerous land creatures. You may see large holes in the ground when walking around the island. Crabs are the ones who make these. Hermit crabs are also occasionally seen on the beaches.
There are a lot of marine creatures, despite the fact that there aren’t many terrestrial animals! Hundreds of different fish species can be found here, as well as sea turtles, sharks, dolphins, manta rays, gray rays, leopard rays, and even humpback whales.
BORA BORA: BEST TOURS, CRUISES, & SAFARIS
There are various diving with sharks options in Bora Bora, depending on your tastes, time, and price, and to help you select, here are some of the greatest excursions, cruises, and safaris available.
Snorkeling in a Private Lagoon with a BBQ Picnic
Opt for a private lagoon snorkel trip with a scrumptious BBQ picnic if you want to explore Bora Bora’s underwater beauty, stop at pristine beaches on small islands, and enjoy a delectable Polynesian-style lunch.
After being picked up from your hotel or the Vaitape port, you will join your own boat for a 5-hour snorkel trip that is completely customized to your needs. While you relax on the deck, the private yacht brings you to the best snorkeling places in the world, where you can swim in sparkling lagoons, snorkel among vibrant corals, and observe gentle stingrays and blacktip reef sharks. You can also choose properly grilled fish, chicken, or beef, which will be served with salad, fruit, and other accompaniments.
Lunch, Jet Ski, and Shark/Ray Safari
Join a Jet Ski safari and experience the thrill of adrenaline while exploring the Polynesian paradise with a knowledgeable guide. After being picked up from your hotel or the Vaitape pier in the morning, ride your jet ski for a 2-hour trip supervised by a professional guide. Expect to view beautiful bays, Motus, and Mount Otemanu, as well as reef sharks, stingrays, and a wide variety of fish.
Before returning to the water for your 2.5-hour shark and stingray safari, have a great lunch at a famed Bora Bora restaurant, where you may choose from a menu of seafood, burgers, sandwiches, and local specialties. The tour comes to a close with a last snorkeling stop at a colourful viral garden.
Beach Picnic and Luxury Tour
During this ultimate luxury trip, a thrilling 26-mile boat journey around the island, explore Bora Bora’s lagoon and barrier reef, indulge in luxury, and experience the distinctive flavors of a Polynesian-style barbeque lunch.
Snorkel and view the incredible underwater life of the South Pacific Ocean, interact with blacktip reef sharks and other marine species, appreciate the local hospitality, and relax on a white-sand beach with Mt. Otemanu as your backdrop during this luxurious water adventure. Then, while learning how to cook some of the local favorites, savor the delectable Polynesian-style BBQ.
Vaiana Toa Boat Tour with Lunch and Ambassador Boat
There are many trips and excursions available if you are traveling with a group of friends or family. For example, the Toa Boat Vaiana Experience allows you and your loved ones to sail around Bora Bora’s magical lagoon, encounter colorful fish, rays, and sharks, explore the coral gardens, and enjoy a delectable “Vaiana” lunch.
The double-deck pontoon boat has all of the facilities you’ll need for a luxurious trip, and it’s the ideal way to see the famous Bora Bora lagoon in elegance while snorkeling for hours.
Frequently ask questions
Are there great white sharks in Tahiti
There are more than 350 species of sharks known in the world, and 19 of them have been spotted in the waters of Tahiti.
Rays of all varieties can also be found here, and they frequently arrive with sharks (they are close cousins sharing a prehistoric ancestor). Sharks and rays are both cartilaginous fish, meaning their skeletons are entirely formed of cartilage.
Is it safe to swim in Bora Bora?
Yes, but there are a few considerations. Accidentally walking on a stingray is the most prevalent type of stingray injury. When you’re in the lagoon, shuffle instead of picking up and placing your feet by moving your feet along the sand. This will wake up any sleeping stingrays and allow them to move out of your way. While in the lagoons, it’s also a good idea to wear reef or water shoes to avoid being harmed by stingrays, stonefish, or even coral.
Are there snakes in bora bora
NO there are no snakes. While the island has no natural mammals, it does have a large number of dogs, cats, sheep, and cows.
My Opinion About Sharks in Bora Bora:
Among the floating homes, stunning sandy beaches, and Mount Otemanu, sharks are one of Bora Bora’s most popular tourist attractions. Everyone who visits the island is captivated by these fascinating aquatic creatures. No one leaves Bora Bora without seeing the sharks.
Tips for Staying Safe in Bora Bora
Despite the fact that Bora Bora is a very safe destination to visit, there is a tiny danger of low-level crime, so you’ll want to keep your valuables safe and concealed.
- Use as much sunscreen as you would on any tropical island, remain hydrated, and study up on what to do in case of an emergency in Bora Bora.
- If there is still a hurricane or tsunami, keep a close eye out for falling coconuts, and if you’re considering scuba diving, be cautious of decompression sickness.
- Bora Bora is home to a large number of sharks, while human attacks are uncommon.
- Even so, as well as Bora Bora’s stingrays and barracudas, it’s better to stay away from them.
- To avoid damage from stonefish, urchins, and the coral itself, always wear trustworthy foot protection when you’re in the water.
- Mosquitoes are also common in Bora Bora, so bring insect repellent and make sure you’re up to date on your vaccinations before you go.
Have you been to Bora Bora Before?
Please leave a comment, tweet, or share this article in order to help us grow the site, and if you’re a blogger with the same niche or related content on this blog, you can link back, and also contact us to return the favor, in order to helps each other grow online in our blogging Journey
Related Articles:
