Anau Cave Hike at Mount Otemanu
Hidden in the jungle above Anau village, a volcanic cave carved into the flanks of Mount Otemanu rewards adventurous hikers with soaring rock walls and sweeping lagoon views — an experience that feels a world away from the sunlounger crowd.
The cave that swallows you whole
Mount Otemanu — whose name in Tahitian translates to 'mountain that swallows people' — is the highest point on Bora Bora and the island's defining natural monument. The hike to Anau Cave begins near Anau village on the eastern side of the main island and is recommended for intermediate-level hikers aged 12 and over.
The volcanic rock walls of Anau Cave rise nearly 20 metres (65 feet), and the final approach involves some technical climbing on the cave's exterior face. The reward is a dramatic vantage point from which the lagoon's impossible blues fan out below you.
A local guide is strongly recommended for this route. Operators such as Bora Bora Mountain Trek (borabora.mountaintrek@gmail.com) lead the hike; confirm availability before your visit as schedules vary seasonally.
The trail through the jungle
The hike begins at the mountain's base, accessible by a short drive from Vaitape and then a 10-minute boat ride from the motu resorts. The first section follows a dirt road through dense tropical vegetation before the trail steepens and becomes rockier as you climb deeper into the jungle.
Along the way you pass remnants of World War II bunkers and cannon emplacements — the same Operation Bobcat infrastructure visible from Point Fitiuu — adding a layer of history to what is already a visually extraordinary walk.
Allow a half-day for the full experience: travel time from the motu resorts is roughly 20 minutes (10 by boat, 10 by car), plus two to three hours on the trail.
Anau Cave Hike at Mount Otemanu on video
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