BORA BORA, FRENCH POLYNESIA

July 21, 2012

We sailed over to Bora Bora from Raiatea.  It's only 34 miles and the winds were blowing out of the NE at 15 kts so it was a fast passage.  We left Raiatea at 0800 and took a mooring at the Bora Bora Yacht club at 1418 hrs.

I have been waiting to post my comments on Bora Bora until we had the chance to take the dinghy all the way around the island.  The wind has been fresh and gusty so this wasn't possible until today: 30 July 2012.

Upon entering the island through Teavanui Pass one is immediately aware of the beautiful mountain that graces the western side of the island:  Mount Pa'hia 2200 ft.  On the eastern side is Mount 'Ote-manu which is 2400' ft.  Both mountains are extinct volcanoes with colapsed craters in some places but beautiful peaks in others.  I think that what makes them so majestic are the wonderful violet, mauve, and purple hues that grace them throughout the day as the sunlight dances around.  The beautiful lush green that grows on the mountains are another fabulous sight to behold.  Then one has the coconut palms and white sand to set it all off.  Next is line beauty are the waters inside the lagoon.  These change color form indigo blue to aquamarine, brown, black and purple and finally white.  It just depends upon the make-up of the bottom: sand, coral, rock and seaweed.  Bora Bora is hyped as one of the most beautiful islands in the South Pacific.  Personally, I don't agree but it is awe inspiring in its colors.

The island has the best developed tourism and a very good international marketing team.  It is an ideal place for the affluent tourist or honeymoon couple since it has all the water activities, hiking, diving with manta rays, bicycling, etc, etc.  There is enough to keep one busy.  The hotel resorts are luxurious and provide everything for their clients.  The Four Seasons, Hilton, Meridian, St. Regis and a host of others have absolutely stunning Polynesian type bungalows with all the modern amenities.  On the yachting side things are a little leaner but mooring are available as well as the possibility to anchor in the lee of beautiful motus.  Transportation to restaurants can be arranged free of charge from the establishment.  One of the most famous ones is "Bloody Mary's" and has hosted many of the famous movie stars and Sen. John McCain.  Nothing too fancy but great food at reasonable prices.

Tomorrow or the next day we will set sail from here to Palmerston Atoll, Cook Isands: 662 nm.  If the weather is decent we will take a mooring there for a few days before going continuing on to Niue.