Today's port has to be one of the most beautiful spots in the world….Bora Bora, French Polynesia. There are not enough words to describe the shades of blue, turquoise, and sapphire waters that surround this island and comprise their many lagoons. As many times that we have been here, we never tire of seeing the tall peaks of the volcanic mountains and the lush green hillsides of this island of 38 square kilometers with a shoreline road of 20 miles. No wonder it is home to over 10,000 residents.
According to the Daily newsletter, the bow would be opened at 7am as the Volendam entered the lagoon at Teavanui Pass and dropped anchor in the harbor in Vaitape. Except, the Captain had mentioned in his sail away talk yesterday, that the sail in would be at 6am. We were up early, so it did not matter as we could see the entrance right from our veranda although still very dark. And it was the earlier time after all.
We went to breakfast as usual, and only heard the quarantine message regarding forbidden things to take ashore. So far this trip, we seldom hear that the ship has been cleared, or the tenders are operating, and even tender ticket numbers called. In other words, there is very little communication over the ship wide speakers. Maybe this is the new trend for all HAL ships. We do know for a fact that the early tour groups will be getting off first in a tender port like today or yesterday. Then eventually, "open tenders" is called and you do not need to get tickets after that.
When the tender platform is open on the port side, we get to watch the action from our room. And that's when we decide to go when we see a boat pulling up to get loaded. The time to leave today was after 10am. It was going to be a nice warm day once again with temperatures in the mid 80's, a bit less humidity at 67% and light winds. The ride over was quick because we were quite close to the Vaitape dock. Another ship was already anchored when we arrived. It was the Paul Gauguin, a small luxury vessel of 19,200 gross tons. It holds up to 330 guests and has a crew of 209, giving it one of the highest guest to crew ratio. They have 7-to-14-day itineraries and are "all inclusive". One of their tender boats was at the dock when we arrived there, and some of the guests could ride on the roof.
While we were gone, an emergency maintenance was done on the hot water system in our quarter once again. It had no effect on our water supply.
Our plan for the day was to take the local shuttle to Matira Beach. It is walkable, but it would take way too much time. Riding the shuttle bus was a mere $5 per person and well worth it. There were excursions offered of course. The island discovery is one we have taken more than once for 3 hours for $70. A glass bottom boat was popular for 2 hours and $90. The shark and ray coral gardens was 3 hours for $150. A motu islet cruise and beach tour was 3 hours for $160, while a catamaran lagoon cruise with sharks and rays was 5 hours for $300. That included a BBQ lunch. To rent jet skis for 2 hours was an outrageous $570. A drink came with that excursion. A 4x4 off the beaten track was more affordable for 3 hours and $180. Once again, several independent tours were offered by the locals at much better prices.
Bypassing the souvenir hut, we got seats in the local shuttle to Matira Beach. The speed limit is slow, so it gave us a chance to get some photos along the way. We passed the area where the famous restaurant Bloody Mary's was located. The old icon is gone now, but there is a resort going up across the road with more over-the-water huts and new restaurant we assume. Last fall, we were told the property would be open for business by Christmas 2025. Not a chance……even by next summer, we highly doubt it will be completed. Many times that we came to Bora Bora, we made it a point to bus to Matira Beach, then walk back to Bloody Mary's where we would have lunch in their sand floor restaurant on a gentle slope of the hillside. The chairs were stumps of coconut trees and most uncomfortable. But it was the atmosphere and the place where many Hollywood stars and dignitaries spent their time belly up to the bar, so to speak. And one of the jokes associated with this place had to be the restrooms with some different type of decorations that might raise one's eyebrows. All in good fun. After lunch, we would pick up the shuttle back.
We walked Matira Beach for a ways, but due to high tide, the sandy beach area was much narrower. It's always fun watching locals as well as cruise ship guests basking in the sun and snorkeling in the aqua waters. We searched for some "floating" rocks, which turn out to be sting rays, but saw none today. Bird sightings were minimal. At the end of the beach, we exited at the covered pavilion which is usually filled with locals. But being that today was Monday, few people were out and about. Worth mentioning is the fact that there are fairly new restrooms and changing rooms at this end of the beach in case you came here to swim for the day. Beware……the sun is extremely intense and you will need a lot of sunscreen.
The Intercontinental Resort is located here and we always like to explore the property passing through the open-air lobby. We did not see a day pass being offered for cruise ship folks like us. But if we were staying at this nice place, we would not like the invasion of extra guests invading for the day. Happy to take some photos of the several restaurants and bungalows over the water, we made our way past the swimming pool, then continued on with our walk.
About a half mile more up the road, we found our lunch spot at the Maitai Polynesia Resort. Slowly walking the property, we entered the open-air restaurant about noontime when it opened. What is nice here is the fact it is never crowded, the food and service is good, and we are never rushed. A strong breeze seems to always flow through this venue, and it was most welcomed today. First on the lunch list were two Hinano draft beers (the big ones), followed by a pepperoni pizza to share. Two small French bread rolls were served with butter too. Not quite as good as the pizza in Papeete, but every bit as tasty. There are at least three dogs that live here, and they think nothing of plopping down under the chairs. Then they give you that "I am starving look" as you eat the pizza. Most times, they are content with a pat on the head. We saved enough room for a dessert of profiteroles. This will probably be our last chance to enjoy this treat. We stayed until 1:30pm, then decided it was time to head back.
One of the shuttles was just filling up as we made it back to the drop-off point. Within minutes, we were on our way back with about 12 other guests. Once back at the pier, we strolled into town, but not for long. A tender boat arrived and we got onboard for the short ride back to the ship. We managed to skip the souvenir hut altogether since there was nothing more we needed.
Relaxing with ice cold sodas, we spent the remainder of the afternoon in the comfort of our room. Of course, working on reports and pictures. A scenic sail away was held at the Seaview Pool at 4:30pm . The Captain came on the speakers and declared the day a glorious one. The temperature was still 82 degree with a breeze of 10 mph. The ship left through the passe after the anchor was hoisted around 5pm. We now have a long way to go to Tonga, arriving by Saturday. Friday will not exist for us, since we will be crossing the International Dateline. Not to worry, we will get that day back later in the cruise.
Dinner was light for us with a smoked chicken starter, a salad, and mains of sliced lamb. It was served over coconut rice, which one of us does not prefer. So the lamb came with just gravy….tender and tasty. No dessert again.
There was an "Island Dream" activity held in the Lido Poolside at 8:30pm with the Dam Band playing. After three days in the sun and heat, we would be most surprised if the after party was well attended. And there was an instrumentalist in the World Stage by the name of Andrei Cavassi with Brazilian, Argentinian, Greek and Spanish tunes. Prepare to be captivated!
Looking forward to three days at sea.
Bill & Mary Ann
