Bora Bora--Sharks and Sting Rays and Coral, Oh My!
Snorkeling in French Polynesia.
We left Papeete, Tahiti, last night around 10:00 PM and were anchored off Bora Bora by 8:00 AM. We sailed 150 miles overnight and awoke to the rising sun illuminating the motus and islands of Bora Bora. Another day filled with water sports activities was on the agenda.
Considering the immense beauty of Bora Bora and the surrounding lagoon, taking in the scenery and participating in water activities are the major things to do. The island is home to approximately 4,200 inhabitants, and the majority work in the tourism industry.
We chose the 3-hour, Regent-included Lagoon Cruise with Beach Break excursion. The featured highlights included:
Board a covered boat in Vaitape Bay and head into Bora Bora lagoon for some exceptional sightseeing.
Cruise by the islets of Motu To’opua and Motu Tapu with breathtaking views of Mount Otemanu.
Snorkel at a spot in the lagoon where reef sharks and gray rays often glide by.
Stop at a private island for a South Pacific beach break.
We tendered to shore in calm waters, always a nice way to begin each excursion, and were met by Polynesian musicians. Near the pier, a handful of folks offered private tours, and an indoor marketplace featured the typical Polynesian fare—shell jewelry, pearls, carvings, and batik fabric items. The catamaran was an easy stroll from the tender dock, although we hurried to get on board because the approaching storm we’d been watching let loose. Not that we were going to get any wetter than we would when in the water!
Snorkeling was pure joy. Standing in chest-deep water, so clear that the bottom was nearly visible, we found ourselves in a part of the lagoon where reef sharks and gray rays swam by, often within reach. Hundreds of colorful fish darted past our legs or concealed themselves in the corals, swimming in and out of their hiding places.
This photo of the reef shark isn’t very clear, but I took it after I’d already climbed back onto the boat. I didn’t have a waterproof camera, which is something I wish I had brought with me. I hope to pick up several before we reach the Great Barrier Reef!
Hotel villages that stretch over the lagoon! Imagine sleeping here, with your own swimming pool just a dive away, and a personal chef to prepare every meal for you. All for just ten grand a night!
Look at the color of that water! The water is so deep a turquoise that it almost appears to be a light of its own.
We stopped at a private island for a South Pacific beach break. The boat dropped anchor in shallow water, and we all waded to shore in waist-high water.
Some people swam and waded in the warm, turquoise water, while most of us enjoyed fresh fruit snacks and chatted, taking advantage of the shady spots under the palm trees.
The crew on the boat was multi-talented—they manned the boat, assisted with snorkeling and safety, and provided our entertainment. Not only did they sing and play musical instruments, but they also told plenty of punny jokes. We had a great time and felt well cared for and well entertained.
There were no new-to-Sherpa beers available on the island of Bora Bora, so he took out a beer from his destination stash once we returned to the ship. Lenga Scottish is brewed by Cerveza Coiron in Punta Arenas, Patagonia, with an ABV of 5.8%.
Sherpa’s Take: “Beautiful deep amber color, rich malty taste, but not complex. Lightly carbonated and very smooth. Pleasant flavor and no aftertaste. Not my preferred style of beer, but if you like ambers and nut browns, you’ll like this one. I wouldn’t buy it again, but for its style, it’s a 7.5/10.”
Tomorrow, we are once again in Bora Bora.
It’s hard not to comment about that stunning water! Simply gorgeous. For a long time, as a tiny child, I thought Bora Bora was a made up place. Obviously I learned better as I got older, and it is so fun to see pictures of it now!
That water!! So beautiful!