The main island is encircled by a single road, approximately 32 km in total length. Most of the island's restaurants, guesthouses, and shops are in and around Vaitape on the western shore.
Le Truck: The local bus — an open truck with bench seating — circles the island irregularly and cheaply. It is the authentic way to travel but runs on an unpredictable schedule. Ask locals at the Vaitape quay about current departure times.
Scooter rental: The most practical way to see the main island. Rental shops in Vaitape hire 50cc scooters by the half-day or full day. The road is flat and the traffic light — a circumnavigation of the island takes about two hours without stops. Bicycles are also available for hire, though the equatorial heat makes cycling more demanding than it sounds.
Boat transport: Getting between the main island and the motu (reef islets) where most hotels are located requires a boat. Resorts run their own shuttle boats. For independent travellers, water taxis and boat rentals are available at Vaitape quay. Renting a small outboard boat to explore the lagoon independently is one of the great underrated pleasures of Bora Bora.