Friday, February 4, 2023 – Photo of the Day -Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Where in the World Are We?

Bora Bora is an island group in the Leeward Islands. The Leeward Islands comprise the western part of the Society Islands of French Polynesia, which is an overseas collectivity of the French Republic in the Pacific Ocean. Bora Bora has a total land area of 12 sq mi. The main island, located about 125 nautical miles northwest of Papeete, Tahiti is surrounded by a lagoon and a barrier reef.

In the center of the island are the remnants of an extinct volcano, rising to two peaks, Mount Pahia, and Mount Otemanu; the highest point is at 2,385 ft. Bora Bora is part of the Commune of Bora-Bora, which also includes the atoll of Tūpai. The languages spoken in Bora Bora are Tahitian and French. However, due to the high tourism population, many natives of Bora Bora have learned to speak English.

Bora Bora is a major international tourist destination, famous for its seaside and offshore luxury resorts. The major settlement, Vaitape, is on the western side of the main island, opposite the main channel leading into the lagoon. Produce of the island is mostly limited to what can be obtained from the sea and from the plentiful coconut trees, which were historically of economic importance for the production of copra.

Today’s Excursion – SAIL BORA BORA BY CATAMARAN

We sailed a catamaran through the gorgeous lagoon surrounding Bora Bora, admiring the stunningly beautiful scenery both above and below the water’s surface. After departing from the pier, we began cruising the lagoon that surrounds Bora Bora, an island of almost mythical beauty. The catamaran featured trampolines for sunbathing and shaded seating. Because the catamaran has a shallow draft, it cruised into areas off-limits to other vessels, presenting us with spectacular, up-close views of the lagoon’s coves and Bora Bora’s iconic overwater bungalows.

The shoreline was jungle-like with plenty of coconut palms swaying in the sea breezes. From this perspective, we also enjoyed an excellent view of Mount Otemanu, one of two extinct volcanoes rising from the center of the island.

We stopped to swim and snorkel along a coral reef teeming with brightly colored tropical fish. We saw many of the most common species such as clown fish, yellow Moorish idols, and emperor angelfish. We spotted a male blue parrotfish nipping at the algae clinging to the reef. The female parrotfish sport different colors. We also spotted graceful eagle rays, spinner and bottlenose dolphins, and a green turtle, a species ancient Polynesians held sacred.