Sea Lion Island is prized for its incredible diversity of wildlife, which reflects the high quality of the island’s native habitat and the absence of rats and other introduced predators. Its rodent-free status ensures the survival of numerous small bird species, including the endemic Cobb’s wren and the tussock bird. There are about 40 nesting birds, including seabirds such as southern rockhoppers, Magellanic and Gentoo penguins, and southern giant petrels.

As for marine mammals, the island is home to two species of nesting seals, the southern sea lion and the southern sea elephant, which in turn attracts killer whales that prey on them. Finally, there are more than 56 flowering plants on Sea Lion Island, including two Falkland endemics.

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History of Bora Bora

Bora Bora is a picturesque tropical island that is 9 kilometers long and half as wide. Its natural architect is the lava of a long-extinct volcano, coral reefs and sand. The crater, washed out by water, has formed a sea bowl, fenced off from the main ocean currents. It is always filled with clean, clear and warm water. Nature has created her masterpiece here, gifted the island with the natural wealth of the ocean and the healing sea air. There are many interesting places here, and the most majestic of them – towering at 727 meters Otemanu Peak in the heart of Bora Bora.

An uninhabited land. The island remained uninhabited for a long time. It was a wild, uninhabited wilderness. Not before 400-450, the Polynesians, the original inhabitants of the Pacific Islands, came here by boat and began colonization. Discovery for Europe. The first European to discover Bora Bora for the Old World, though he mistakenly thought the land was Chinese, was James Cook. He sailed nearby in 1769. There is an alternative version about the British discoverer Samuel Wallis. Colonization. In 1786, the French colonized the island, declaring it part of island France. Kingdom of Bora Bora. In the early 19th century, Bora Bora and several surrounding islands united to form their own independent kingdom of Bora Bora. But in 1888, France sent its troops here and overthrew the local monarchy. World War II period. During World War II, the island became a strong base for the U.S. Navy. It housed an air base and fuel supplies to repel attacks from Japan. But during the war period, Bora Bora fortunately did not become a battleground. Our days. After the war, the island remains part of the French possession of Polynesia. Today, Bora Bora has its own municipality. The local government considers the island’s largest city, Waitape, the unofficial capital.

Today, Bora Bora is one of the most popular resorts in the world

Population and language in Bora Bora

The island is inhabited by just over 10 thousand permanent residents. The rest are tourists or temporary workers. The bulk of the islanders – Polynesians, but there are also the Chinese, mestizos, representatives of other nationalities. The main language is French, but Tahitian is also widely used. Both languages have the same official status. Speak English comfortably in hotels or points of service – stores, places of recreation and entertainment, the airport. If you dive into the hinterland of the island’s capital, you may not understand everything from the speech of the locals. Even good French may not help every time, because here it is generously diluted with Tahitian.
Religion and culture

55% of the islanders are Protestants. Almost a third are Catholics. There are supporters of Mormons, Adventists, Buddhists, and Confucianism.

Tahitian culture is an original blend of the ancient beliefs and mystical knowledge of the ancestors of the Polynesians, the Maohi, and the French cultural traditions. It combines the spirit of the ancient gods and the purity of nature with the sophistication of one of the oldest European civilizations. That is why the Tahitian culture is unusual and distinctive.

The omnipresent mystery of Mana

The ancient Polynesians revered the power of Mana, a supernatural ability that manifests itself in a chosen few, those who come or live on the island and receive this power from nature. Mana is the omnipresent mystery that binds all living things and that which has gone before. It can be aimed at gaining power, success, victory, wisdom, acquiring the gift of well-being and peacefulness. The island may offer to immerse yourself in the search for your Mana, but it will require complete detachment and a strong work on yourself.

Polynesian Tattoos

One of the most famous manifestations of Polynesian culture in the world is tattoos. The word “tattoo” itself is an indigenous word of the islanders. Tattoos are a special art that reflects life and special, important moments in the life of an islander. Here they are made by the best masters in the world, knowing the theory and practice.

Javelin Throwing and Surfing Like a King

Tahitians keep their legends and remember the traditions of their ancestors. This is not manifested equally everywhere, but especially interesting are the festivals and special performances organized by the keepers of island culture. Javelin throwing was revered by the ancient islanders as an activity equated to a divine manifestation of strength, agility and marksmanship. Bora Bora’s kings and chiefs preferred to prove their worth to the community and their strength through the art of surfing, and male warriors competed in canoe races and rock lifting.

Mobile Communications, Internet, Television

Cell phone and internet services on the island are provided by VINI, which has a monopoly in all of French Polynesia. On the company’s website, you can see a list of mobile operators who cooperate with the company and provide roaming without changing SIM cards. The list includes almost all countries in Europe and other continents with guaranteed 2G and 3G connectivity (with some exceptions). The same company provides Internet connection and purchase of TV broadcasting access. There are no problems with communication even in remote corners of the island. If there is a need to change the SIM card, it can be purchased at stores and retail outlets around the island.

Shopping

The best things you can take home with you from the local stores and boutiques are handmade and high quality pearl jewelry. They are mined here in the wild. The jewelry is sold in specialized stores and departments.

Documents for crossing the border

Visitors pass through customs and passport control at Faa’a International Airport. Bora Bora is part of French Polynesia, so there are special rules of border crossing and residence of citizens of other countries. They differ from the established rules in France.

Visa-free. Citizens of the European Union and the European Economic Area, as well as Switzerland, Andorra, San Marino and the Vatican may enter Bora Bora without a visa. A passport is sufficient for border crossing.

Visa. If a visa is required, it must be obtained in advance through the French Embassy, indicating specifically to visit French Polynesia. The list of documents is standard and includes besides the national passport and documents confirming the purpose of the trip, tickets, hotel reservation, photos of the applicant. Details on the conditions for submission of documents preferably in the consulate or embassy of France.

Citizens who have a residence permit or long-term visa of Schengen countries need a passport and the visa itself, or a residence permit (original). If it is a question of entry from another country that is not on the lists listed above, you will need:

• A national passport;
• documents confirming the purpose of the visit;
• Money sufficient for the stay;
• documents confirming the possibility of returning home – return ticket, insurance and other guarantees.

Bora Bora infrastructure

The epicenter of tourist and administrative, commercial life is the village of Waitape. It is located on the west of the island – opposite the largest cut-through channel into the volcanic lagoon of Bora Bora. Nearly half of the island’s population lives in Waitapa. There are supermarkets and stores selling souvenirs, various necessities and pearls.

Choosing a Hotel in Bora Bora

The tourist island is equipped with comfortable hotels for all tastes and wallets. You can spend a luxurious vacation in an overwater bungalow resort Conrad Bora Bora Nui, or no less comfortable 4-star Sofitel Bora Bora Marara.

Holidays in Bora Bora: Seasonal considerations

Bora Bora is in a tropical climate. Temperatures are virtually unchanged year-round and remain at 28-32°C. The water is 27-29°C year-round. There are only two seasons in Bora Bora – winter and summer. Winter provides a season with high temperatures and no heavy rains. Summer is a warm season with long periods of rainfall:

rainy season – November-March;

dry winter – April-October.

The driest period without tropical downpours in Bora Bora: June through October.

Dress for the weather

Bora Bora is characterized by a consistency in weather and temperature. And if the trip is planned for the dry season, then it makes no sense to take warm clothes with you on the road. But do not forget that the stores in Bora Bora are designed for tourists and their prices are quite high.

April-October – lightweight shoes that open your feet.

November-March – more humid period. You will need a closed or not soaking second pair.

If trips to the mountains are planned – then take sneakers with a good, thick sole. Do not forget that the soil of the island is a solid volcanic rock. During the rainy season, it’s best to take a waterproof jacket or a compact raincoat on your trip. As a rule, the sand on the beaches is fine and pleasant to the touch. But if you make a swim to the coral reef – it’s better to stock up on special shoes to protect your feet from broken coral.

Transportation on the island

Motu Mute Airport. The inland island airport Motu Mute (international coding – NTTB) has the designation in the directories – Motu Mute/Bora Bora. It accepts only aircraft from the international airport of Faaa (flight time – about 50 minutes). The airport is built on a Motu island separated from the main island, and to get to Waitape you can use the free boats of Air Tahiti. The duration of the trip is about 20 minutes. The frequency of flights is every 20 minutes after the plane lands. Major hotel resorts offer their own shuttle service. Port and ferry Aremiti. To travel to the island by sea, you can take the Aremiti ferry. It runs between several islands. You can also put your car on it. Ticket for one passenger costs from 1500 to 950 Pacific francs. For children under 2 years – the trip is free. Students can also travel on the ferry for free, but only with a supporting document and if they are not more than 26 years. You can buy tickets online or at special terminals in Papeete in Tahiti. The ferry terminal is a 10-minute drive from Faa’a International Airport. Cabs. Bora Bora is a small island and is bordered by a good paved road. It can be reached by car in 30-45 minutes. A bicycle or scooter can take 1-2 hours. There are also local cab services and private transfers. If you need a transfer, you can order one directly from the hotel. The cab will come and take you to the right place. You can also order it yourself. Bus. The bus runs at intervals of 1-1,5 hours on the ring road of the island. This is the only public transportation in Bora Bora.

Beaches and Activities in Bora Bora

The island has several great beaches with clean sand and clear water. Some of the most popular spots include the open public beach at Matira Point on the southern tip, the private beaches of the Pearl Beach Resort & Spa Bora Bora Bora and the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora Bora on the reef islets at the northern end.

In addition to relaxing on the chic beaches, the island’s resorts offer a wide range of activities:

Diving. Bora Bora is a great place for diving. For experienced divers and those who go on a boat trip with a trainer, underwater safaris are organized. You can also watch whales, sea turtles, giant stingrays and other inhabitants of the Pacific waters. There are certified scuba trainers on the island and places to buy or rent equipment. The main dive sites are on the coral lagoon line and the open sea. Shark feeding. Dangerous, at first glance, kind of entertainment. The sharks approach the boat, but some of them stay away. This type of interaction with marine predators is practiced in the shallow waters of the lagoon and is recommended for those who want a thrill. Fishing. Ocean fishing does not compare to conventional fishing. Everything is different here: the undulating sea, the freshness of the salty sea wind and magnificent scenery. Kayaking and canoeing. The traditional occupation of Polynesians is canoeing. Whoever can learn how to sail these endurance and most simple boats, can safely classify themselves as a conqueror of the Pacific Ocean. Kitesurfing. This type of surfing is popular at the most famous beach on the island – Matira Point. Parasailing. There are professionals on the island who will help you soar over the sea with a boat and a parachute. Parasailing will give you stunning views of the Bora Bora lagoon from above. Boat rides, boat trips. There are many suggestions for hiking around Bora Bora or for boat trips to other islands, to the high seas by boat or by boat.

What to visit in Bora Bora

There can be many options. The island has a lot to see and something to diversify your vacation. You can read more about local attractions here. As for the most popular places:

Galleries. The culture of the island is also filled with the colors of modern art. Among the places to visit are Bora Art Upstairs, Kincaid Galleries and artist Alan Despert’s gallery. The Maritime Museum (Musee De Marine) is a collection of models of sailing ships and boats created by French craftsman Bertrand Darras. Of architecture, the Catholic Church of Saint Pierre-Celestin in Waitapa is a luminous temple right at the foot of the mountain.

Festivals

The biggest festival, Heiva Nui, takes place on the island in July and August. It is the largest and most colorful event that brings together vocalists, dancers, and athletes. The festival is built on authentic Polynesian culture and shows the richness of ancient crafts and everyday life. Here you can buy unique handmade souvenirs. But do not forget that the festival attracts a lot of tourists and hotel accommodation should be taken care of in advance.

Another festival is Bora Bora Liquid. It is held in December and lasts four days. This festival is dedicated to water and everything associated with it. There are spectacular canoe races, relay races, films about the island and concerts dedicated to the festival theme.
Bora Bora Turtle Center

There’s a unique place on the island that can’t be found anywhere else on the planet. The Bora Bora Turtle Center is a center for rescuing, studying and communicating with the turtles of Polynesia. Scientists and staff are not only engaged in the treatment and development of the sea turtle population, but also study the life of coral reefs, the entire ecosystem of Bora Bora. There is also a museum and a large aquarium.

Excursions

Excursions and tours in the resort of Bora Bora has a special place. Holidays will be filled with vivid impressions. Among the most memorable activities on the island:

Safari Tours. An artillery battery of legendary large-caliber American guns at the World War II pier, twists and turns as if drawn by nature, mountain cliffs and lush tropical vegetation – all this can be seen during a jeep tour of Bora Bora. Helicopter Tours. From a bird’s eye view the beauty of the island becomes more expressive. Cruise around the island on a yacht. During the romantic voyage offer to taste local and European cuisine, and meet the sunrise or sunset under the gentle surf of the ocean waves.

This is important. The jungle is dangerous. Only the coastal part of the island is inhabited and inhabited. Trying to explore the tropical jungles of Bora Bora or climbing the slopes of Otemanu by yourself may turn into a hike with unpredictable consequences. The jungle is full of dangers, including poisonous plants and features known only to local guides.

Cuisine

Bora Bora’s traditional and national cafes and restaurants offer delicious local seafood in an assortment. A popular gourmet dish for tourists is roisson cru or raw tuna marinated in lime juice and coconut milk. Tropical pineapples, coconuts, and bananas grown on local islands are fresh and rich in flavor. Gourmets consider them the best in the world. Restaurants on the island also have menus of European, American, and Japanese cuisine. A special place for a meal is the coral banks, where you can spend an unforgettable picnic. There they prepare the most delicious dishes of local cuisines.

About the local peculiarities

Divine Flower. If you are offered the gift of a gardenia on the island, a white or pinkish, delicate flower, you should definitely accept the gift and give thanks for it. Gardenia taitensis is a symbol of island Polynesian culture. In local mythology, it has a special place and is considered a divine gift that the gods brought the most perfect in spirit, people. That is why you can often find ornaments or symbols made in the image of a flower on the islands.

There is no reason to worry! The islanders live by the principle of “aita pea pea”. Translated, this sounds like “no reason to worry. The local people do not believe in the material problems and values of the modern world. They are unhurried and carefree, appreciating life here and now, although they are emotional and have a great sense of nature.

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The island takes its name from its discoverer, British captain James Brown, after the brothers Edward, Thomas, and William Jarvis, who were Brown’s ship owners and employers. Bunker Island has been referred to in English as Bunker Island, in honor of the American captain who was long credited with the discovery of the island. Recently, however, this name has been used less and less frequently both in descriptions of the island and in its mapping.

The total area of Jarvis Island is just under four and a half square kilometers.

Jarvis Island is currently a dependent unincorporated unorganized U.S. territory administered by the U.S. Department of the Interior under the Congressionally mandated National Wildlife Refuge Program. The government of the Republic of Kiribati is currently contesting the territorial ownership of Jarvis Island, as well as other US possessions within the Line Archipelago (Johnston and Palmyra atolls and Kingman Reef), and is demanding its transfer to its jurisdiction.

History

Jarvis Island, uninhabited at the time, was discovered to Europeans on 21 August 1821 by the British ship Eliza Frances under the command of Captain James Brown, who named the island after his shipowners and tenants.

In 1824, Jarvis Island was visited by the American whaling ship Hortensia, commanded by Captain Barrett Banker, who mistakenly believed that he was the discoverer of the island. Naturally, in this case, Banker named the island after himself.

On February 27, 1858, the United States annexed Jarvis Island under the Guano Act and proceeded to colonize it.

In the middle of that year, the American Guano Company, which specialized in guano mining, begins developing Jarvis and Baker Islands by building a narrow-gauge railroad to transport the mined material and two-story dwellings for the quarry workers.

In 1879 guano mining on the island suddenly ceases, and the workers’ settlement falls into disrepair.

In the early 1980s, New Zealand tried to revive the guano industry by bringing workers to the island and rebuilding housing on the island. However, falling demand and prices for guano lead again to the desolation of the island, and the last inhabitant in the workers’ camp, left as a watchman, commits suicide here in 1883.

The British John T. Arundel & Co. resumed guano mining on Jarvis in 1886, which was the basis for Britain’s annexation of the island on June 3, 1889. Owner and manager John Tower Arundel personally visited the island in 1909, ordering the construction of additional buildings for workers and a lighthouse, which was later named after him and operated until 1935.

On August 30, 1913, the bunker ship Amaranth, carrying a cargo of coal under Captain Nielsen, en route from Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, to San Francisco, collided under poor visibility with a coastal reef on the south side of Jarvis Island and broke in two on impact. The surviving crew of the Amaranth reached Apia and Pago Pago on the islands of Samoa by two dinghies.

On March 26, 1935, Jarvis Island is reannexed to the United States and, along with Howland and Baker Islands, begins to be partially colonized by American volunteers as part of a government program. The colonists rebuilt the old workers’ camp during this period, naming it Millersville, reconstructing the lighthouse and building a small dirt airstrip with landmarks visible from the air.

After the outbreak of World War II in the Pacific, a Japanese submarine approached the west coast of Jarvis Island and shelled the Millersville structures and airstrip. The shelling caused considerable damage to the settlement, but no casualties.

On February 7, 1942, the USCGC Taney (WHEC-37) corvette evacuated the colonists from Jarvis, and the island itself was reportedly shelled twice more by Japanese submarines, resulting in the complete destruction of Millersville, the lighthouse and the airstrip.

In the postwar period, the United States abandoned its intentions to repopulate Jarvis, and in 1958 a severe cyclone that struck the island wiped out both the remaining structures of Millersville and other traces of human colonization.

On June 27, 1974, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Rogers Morton created the Jarvis Island National Wildlife Refuge, which was significantly expanded in 2009 to include coastal waters.

In 1990, the feral cat population introduced to Jarvis Island by colonists was completely wiped out as it had been causing significant damage to the island’s nesting seabirds for years.

Origin and geography of the island

According to its origin, Jarvis Island should be classified as a coral island. According to experts, the island began to form during a period of time distant from us by about 2-3 million years ago. During this period, after another underwater volcanic eruption or earthquake, a basalt plate rose to the sea surface, forming a shoal. Corals and seaweed later formed the island’s future base, and sea currents brought mud and sand.

Jarvis Island is trapezoidal in shape, about 1.8 kilometers long and 1 kilometer wide. Unlike the atolls, Jarvis has no inner lagoon. Many experts consider the island’s dried-up inner lagoon its central part in the area of an abandoned guano quarry. Like other coral islands and atolls, Jarvis is surrounded by a powerful coral reef, which is uninterrupted along its entire length and creates a serious obstacle to the mooring of ships to the island, even with a small draft. The shoreline and coastal beaches of the island consist of dark and white coral sand, coral and coral rubble. The relief of Jarvis is lowland and flat. Its highest point is the coastal dune on the west coast, up to 7 meters above sea level. There are no natural sources of fresh water on Jarvis.

Climate

Jarvis Island has a tropical, desert climate, with high daytime temperatures reaching 30 degrees and above. Despite the proximity of the equator, the nights here can be quite cool, sometimes the temperature at night can drop to 7-8 degrees Celsius. A strong, gusty wind constantly blows on the island. Precipitation that falls on the island in the form of short-term rainfall is quite rare, and their number does not exceed 250 millimeters per year. Tropical storms, which are particularly powerful and destructive at these latitudes, are also frequent.

Population

At the moment, Jarvis Island is officially uninhabited, all the buildings made by the people who once lived here, either partially or completely destroyed.

Flora and fauna

The flora of Jarvis Island, due to its sparse soil and corresponding climatic conditions, is mostly herbaceous and shrubby plants. Closer to the central parched lagoon there are rare shrubs.

The animal life of Jarvis is represented only by birds. Cats, introduced by man, feral, and damaging to nesting birds, were exterminated back in 1990. Rats, which were also imported by colonists, did not take root on the island.

A large number of waders nest on the island, three species of which make up the bulk of the bird population.

Coral reefs and coastal waters abound with many species of tropical fish and crustaceans, there are several species of green sea turtles. In search of food, sharks, bottlenose dolphins and royal mantas sometimes come close to shore. Blue corals, which make up most of Jarvis Island’s coral reef.

Tourism

Jarvis Island is currently closed by U.S. government agencies for general tourist visits. You can visit the island only by getting a special permit from the U.S. Department of the Interior, which are issued only to scientists and researchers, and responsible representatives of the U.S. Department of the Interior, Coast Guard and environmental organizations.

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It was discovered in the early 19th century. Since 1857 officially belongs to the USA.
The island has an elongated shape and is surrounded by a coral reef. Its width – no more than 800 meters, length – 2.5 kilometers. Length of the coastline – 6.4 kilometers. The highest height – 3 meters. On the island is the lighthouse Earhart.

Sometimes included in the Phoenix Islands, along with Baker Island, lying 70 kilometers to the south.
The total area is 1.62 km².

Climate

The climate on Howland Island is typical equatorial. Throughout the year, it is quite windy. Winds often bring storms to the coast of the island, which are accompanied by brief but heavy rains. The air temperature throughout the year is constant without significant variations. The average temperature is around 30 degrees and the relative humidity is over 90%. Tropical cyclones sometimes strike the island, but are rarely severe.

Population

At present, Howland Island is uninhabited, and the village on it, named Itascatown, has been completely destroyed, as have the airfield airstrips. Of the man-made structures on the island, only the Earhart Lighthouse, which now remains in a dilapidated state.

Nature

Flora on Howland Island is quite poor and consists mostly of herbaceous plants, dominated by pisonia (Pisonia siphonocarpa) and wild creeping grapes. Previously, the island was home to a few stunted trees, but naturalists who visited the island in 2000 testified that there are no more woody plants on the island.

The animal world also does not grace the island with a variety of species and is represented only by birds. Man-introduced mammals black rats and cats, which went feral, were exterminated around 1965.

Nesting waders, stoneflies, petrels, and sandpipers, which are especially abundant here during reproductive periods, are found on the island.

The island’s coastal waters and coral reef are home to many tropical fish and green turtles, which come ashore to lay their eggs.

Howland Island lies halfway between Hawaii and Australia, about fifty miles north of the equator. Like most small Pacific islands, it was used by the United States for guano. There was also an attempt at colonization, interrupted by World War II, when Howland was attacked by Japanese terrorists. This happened the day after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. All attempts at colonization ceased immediately after the war. Howland is now a nature preserve, known primarily for the fact that it was supposed to be a stopover during Emilia Earhart’s round-the-world flight. Her plane disappeared somewhere near the island, and the details of her disappearance are still undisclosed.

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Whether you are interested in culture or nature, you will find something for yourself here. Corvo is a popular island for bird watching, part of a UNESCO-registered biosphere reserve. You can also hike, enjoy scenic views, go scuba diving, and visit various museums and churches.

Caldeirão do Corvo (Caldeirão do Corvo)

Occupying most of the northern half of the island, Caldeirão do Corvo is one of the most spectacular craters in the Azores. With bright green pastures on its sides and lagoons in the center, the views from here on a clear day are breathtaking.

From this vantage point, you can follow the PR2 COR trail around the inside of the crater to get a closer look. The circular path is about 5 km and takes two and a half hours.

Vila do Corvo

Walk 4 km from Caldeirão along the Trillo da Cara do Indio and you will reach Vila do Corvo. This is the only settlement on the island and the center of life for locals and tourists. Take time to explore this small town, wander its narrow streets and capture the old houses.

To learn more about the island’s inhabitants and traditions, visit Ecomuseum in the eastern part of town. To learn more about nature and the biosphere reserve, go to the Centro de Intepretação de Aves Selvagens do Corvo (Wild Birdwatching Center on Corvo Island). Here you can immerse yourself in the world of bird watching and learn about the different species of migratory birds that visit Corvo. The center is also home to the last mill on the island, which operated until the 1960s.

Continue down the road toward the coast and you will see the Church of Our Lady of Miracles (Igreja de Nossa Senhora dos Milagres). It’s worth going inside to admire the colorful stained glass windows and centuries-old sculptures. When you finish here, walk to the south coast to see the local windmills (Moinhos de Vento), a series of stone windmills overlooking the ocean, lighthouse and airport.

Praia da Areia

This is the only sandy beach on the island and an ideal place to relax at the end of the day. The beach is surrounded by dramatic scenery and volcanic cliffs. You can sometimes see Portuguese naval sailors here, so be on the lookout if you plan to swim.

Best Activities for Kids in Corvo Island

Being a small island, Corvo is the perfect place for families to explore. You can easily get around the island on foot, or if you’re feeling tired, you can call a cab. Cars are usually waiting outside the port, and locals are always willing to help. Cooperation is key in such a small community.

Where to eat in Corvo

There aren’t many restaurants in Corvo. You can bring something for a picnic or try to visit one of the following places:

Caldeirão Restaurant: Located near the airport, this place operates as a restaurant and cafe. It serves a buffet, but you can also order a la carte dishes. Outside you can enjoy a fantastic view of the sea.

BBC Caffé & Lounge: This small café in Vila do Corvo serves dishes like burgers, steaks and francesinhas. It can be quite lively in the summer.

Where to stay in Corvo

Most people only come to Corvo as part of a day trip from Flores, so there aren’t many accommodation options on the island. However, if you’re looking for authentic rural Azorean life, you can choose from one of the following options:

Joe & Vera’s Vintage: This guesthouse is located in the heart of the village, next to the church, and is perfect for exploring Corvo. It offers double and twin rooms with private bathrooms, a kitchenette and a mini library. There is also a terrace from which you can admire beautiful views, and breakfast is included.

Hotel Comodoro: Just a short walk from the airport, this guest house has rooms equipped with flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges. Some rooms have access to terraces with mountain and ocean views. The guest house has a shared kitchen and dining area, as well as a lounge and deck. Breakfast is included.

Best times to visit Corvo

Corvo is easiest to reach from Flores Island, so it’s best to visit both islands at the same time. The best time to do this is during the summer months, July through August. During this time of year, temperatures are pleasant but not too hot, and there is almost no rain.

Festivals Corvo

Festas da Nossa Senhora dos Milagres (Festas da Nossa Senhora dos Milagres): One of the best ways to understand and experience this mid-August festival is to stay in Vila do Corvo overnight. Around August 15 every year, the city is taken over by the Nossa Senhora dos Milagres festival. There are musicians, food, drinks, religious ceremonies and a food auction to help fund the festival. The celebration ends with a great fireworks display.

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The population lives mainly by fishing and scavenging (for example, about a thousand Tuvalu citizens mine phosphates on Nauru). An important component of the national budget is the sale of stamps. And since 2000 the islanders got a new, unexpected article of income: the Internet. The International Commission, which allocates the so-called domain names on the Internet, usually two-letter combinations that end sites and e-mail addresses, has assigned the state of Tuvalu domain tv. Every TV company in the world is flattered to have an address ending in tv, and to register and maintain the address has to pay, so the Tuvalu money flowed. Now the average annual income of an islander is about 720 American dollars.

But the islanders’ main trouble is not their scarcity, but the flat topography of their land. The highest point of the islands rises 5 meters above sea level, and most of the territory protrudes from the sea no more than 2 meters. Meanwhile, at a particularly high tide (and such tides occur twice a month), sea level can rise by 2 meters. If a big tide coincides with a storm, the height of waves exceeds 3 meters. If twenty years ago, flooding on the island usually happened once a year – in February, when the Pacific Ocean storms, now it is almost monthly. The fact is that as a result of human activity and the burning of fossil fuels, the temperature of the Earth is rising and the ice is melting. The temperature of the ocean has also risen, and water, like almost all bodies, expands as a result of heating. Over the past one hundred years, according to various estimates, the ocean level has risen by 10-25 centimeters. Not only the inhabitants of the distant islands, but the Dutch as well think about their future, since most of their country lies below sea level. In strong storms, New Orleans (USA) can also be flooded.

At the 1997 Kyoto conference on measures against global warming, the Prime Minister of Tuvalu expressed his grave concern that his people would be the first victims of global warming. The next candidates for complete disappearance under the waves of the ocean are the Kiribati Atoll and the Maldives. Forty-three islands in different oceans have formed a Union of Small Island States. The Alliance demands monetary reparations from industrialized countries that emit massive amounts of greenhouse gases. Some of the islands, if such reparations can be obtained, intend to surround themselves with dams. Ocean level is now rising by half a centimeter a year. How long will Tuvalu have before it sinks – 50 or 100 years?

But even now life is already difficult for the islanders. Salty ocean water is penetrating into the underground aquifers, and fresh water has become brackish. A desalination plant has been built on the island and another one is about to be built. In any dug hole, if it is deeper than 50 centimeters, salty water appears.

As one travel agent’s advertisement for a trip to Tuvalu reads, “Hurry up and see these fascinating islands, because in a few years you will only be able to visit them by wearing a scuba tank.

The state’s only airfield, with a single runway, was built by the Americans during World War II. The soil for this was taken from the coast, which now adds to the erosion of the coast by the surf.

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