Matira Beach, Sand beach in Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Matira Beach is a sand beach on Bora Bora in French Polynesia, stretching roughly 1 mile (1.6 km) along the coast with fine white sand backed by palm trees and turquoise lagoon waters. The seafloor shelves gently, creating calm conditions for swimming across most of the shore.
The name comes from a whaleboat that arrived in Polynesia in 1790, marking the start of increased maritime activity in the region. The bay subsequently became an important anchorage for sailing vessels and trading.
The beach serves as a daily gathering place for locals who swim, paddle, and socialize along the shore. You can observe how the community naturally uses the space as part of their everyday rhythm.
Water sports equipment like paddleboards and kayaks can be rented directly on the beach, with restaurants and cafes positioned along the shore for food and drinks. The clearest water and fewest crowds tend to occur early in the day.
Swimmers can wade between two distinct bodies of water here, as the beach connects the lagoon on one side to the open ocean on the other. This unusual geographic feature creates a one-of-a-kind swimming experience.
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