Day 51: Bora Bora - The South Seas paradise par excellence

Bora Bora is considered the South Seas paradise par excellence. The 38 square kilometer atoll, which belongs to the Society Islands, is located about 260 kilometers west of Tahiti and is one of the islands 'under the wind'. The unique feature of Bora Bora is its classic atoll shape with a main island of volcanic origin and the 727-meter-high Mount Otemanu, as well as about 30 small coral islets (motus) arranged in a ring around the turquoise lagoon. The main town and seat of local administration is Vaitape on the west coast of the main island, which has a supermarket, banks, a post office, a gendarmerie station, and a school. Approximately 4,600 of the 9,600 inhabitants of Bora Bora live in Vaitape. A coastal road connects all settlements and hotels.

Our provider is called MAOHI NUI. The boats, built in traditional Polynesian style, can accommodate 12 passengers each; there are cushions on the wooden benches and they have a sunshade. Payment: 150 USD or 15,000 CFP in cash.

The tour has three stops - weather dependent and safety first: The first stop outside the reef is for observing and snorkeling - especially with sharks ('plack tip reef sharks and possibly lemon sharks'), the second stop we visit stingrays in the shallow water of a lagoon, then - for the third - we stop at a coral garden - snorkeling is announced - corals and a diversity of tropical fish can be seen.

Afterwards, we have a Polynesian feast on a private island (motu): There is roast pig, chicken with spinach, manioc, taro, cooking bananas, breadfruit, fish salad with coconut milk, tropical fruits, and a traditional dessert made from bananas or pumpkin with vanilla.

We are the last large cruise ship allowed to enter the lagoon. From 2023, all ships with more than 1200 guests must anchor in front of the atoll. It is impressive when we slowly enter the lagoon, directly towards the imposing mountain Mont Pahia and Vaitape.

We are greeted at the pier by Patrick, who distributes us to his four boats. Our first stop is a shallow part of the lagoon. In waist-deep water, we can swim with stingrays and small reef sharks. While we stroke the rays with their partly spiky, partly soft backs, touching the sharks is prohibited.

Afterwards, we can observe a manta ray, which circles around the bottom about 6-8 meters below us. At one point, it comes directly towards me from below but turns away after 2 meters. I notice how I relax again.

The third stop is at the coral reef. I had imagined the corals to be more colorful, but the different fish shimmer in all possible colors. I enjoy the current that slowly drifts me along the reef until I realize that I have to swim against this current back to the boat. And without fins. The relaxation is suddenly over, and a hard piece of work lies ahead of me.

Now we are heading to a small island that, along with many others, forms the atoll ring. The lunch is prepared in a typical underground oven, served on large leaf plates, and eaten with fingers. Takes getting used to, but delicious. As a "dessert", a fire dance is performed.

On the way back, we still have the opportunity to splash around in the shallow water of the lagoon, which marks the end of a wonderful tour.

As dusk sets in, we raise the anchor and slowly glide towards the narrow entrance of the lagoon. Bora Bora gradually disappears into the darkness.