Today is the final day, we decide to go to the beach and walk across the lagoon to one of the motu. We have been told this is possible and indeed it is.
This is where we have to walk back to. Did I mention that a couple of rays swam around us on the way. The warm water never got higher than our waste.
Bye Bye Maupiti
We catch a boat to take us back to the airport which is far more fun than any other airport transfer I have used in the past.
The plane lands, empties passengers and luggage, reloads and within 20 minutes we are in the air and 30 minutes earlier than scheduled. Wonderful service.
Great views of the island we just left
The flight to Papeete left early and arrived 30’ early meaning that we had to wait for our driver to the hotel. Hotel which is not far from the airport. We enjoy ur welcoming drink and the spacious and comfortable room (anything is comfortable after the one in Maupiti) but there is no time. We catch a lift to the port where we know a place and can enjoy the the sunset and a drink or two and a bite to eat.
No telephone signal, an extremely weak internet so I guess any blog updates are impossible for the next couple of days.
Will try nevertheless (it took half the night to upload this photo).
Our captain round the lagoon for the morning. An extremely jolly man, extremely knowledgeable and typically Polynesian.
Some highlights for today
The Maupiti Pass
It is very clear on this photo that there is only one passage to enter the lagoon. It is one of the few, if not the only one, south facing entrance to the lagoon in the archipelago. The pass is also considered as one of the most dangerous in the South Pacific.
The Maupiti pass, called Onoiau, is located in the south of the lagoon and is oriented north-south. It is long and very narrow, which makes it subject to weather conditions. If the wind is too strong from the east or south-east – i.e. if it exceeds 15 knots – the swell that rises crashes into the entrance to the pass, making passage dangerous or even impossible.
Similarly, if there is a residual southerly swell, even without wind, it can interfere with the entrance. The recommended limit is 1m50 for the swell. Beyond that, it is better to wait before venturing towards the small island. Finally, you must also take into account the current in the channel, which is always outgoing, and can be more or less strong. In particular if there has been (or still is) a lot of wind and the lagoon has to be emptied of its excess water or depending on the tide.
Today it is extremely calm and no wind and the captain took us through the narrow passage. The view of the waves on each side was very impressive and I certainly would not approach them in bad weather or during high tides. Once we were through the captain proudly said “now we are in the ocean”.
The Manta Rays
I sit most of the time right at the front of the boat on the look out
And of course we do spot a few rays and immediately jump in the water. Quite a sight everytime. They are so majestic.
The Coral Garden
Similar to other islands, there is a specific spot called the “Coral Garden”. It is a paradise for snorkelling as the current simply carries you and all you have to do is admire the corals and the fish. It really feels like you are floating in an aquarium.
I have a lot of videos which I am still sortig out before linking them
The “Oven”
After the morning’s boat tour, the captain drops us off on one of the islet (motus) where every weekend the locals (popolation on the island is 1.450) and a few tourists gather for lunch and an afternoon of local music and dances.
Lunch is cooked in the ground and covered with branches and leaves. Vegetables, fish etc are cooked for hours. Tastes fine accompanied by a Tahiti beer.
We are treated to a boat trip round the island in the lagoon on the way back from the motu to our accommodation. That was not expected and was a the crown on a very pleasant day. it is less than a 5 minutes walk from the beach we are dropped off to the house.
Although the island is only 40km away and visible from our current position, we could not find direct flights available and must fly back to Raiatea and fly to Maupiti from there. The flight times are incredibly short we must however spend 3 hours in Raiatea.
Last swim here
The water is ever so calm this morning, got to make the most of it.
Taxi was on time, shuttle boat to the airport (BOB) as well. We are quite early in fact.
So I guess it is bye bye Bora Bora
So it is bye bye Bora Bora
Video link will follow
And hello Maupiti
The airport
Maupiti is another kettle of fish. Locals say it is how Bora Bora was 30 years ago. Basically it is pretty wild still and very little infrastructure. Our accommodation for the next 2 nights is pretty basic.
Had a fairly good night sleep, the intense water exercises yesterday certainly had something to do with it. I have to admit that some of last night dreams included colorful fishes.
Breakfast is over and it is time to relax. We are extremely lucky with the house we rented. The location could not be better.
Today is our day on Bora Bora, moving on westward tomorrow morning.
Having some time for myself this morning, I have tried once again to upload all my pictures and videos in the cloud but it is proving to be impossible. It will have to wait till I get home.
Time flies doing very little and it is time for lunch. Why not try the Inter Continental next door?
Today is kind of a lazy days after yesterday’s snorkelling marathon.
Back to the hotel next door for a couple of Happy Hour cocktails 🍸
Mai Tai
For the last dinner on the island, we walk the few hundred yards to “Bora Bora Beach Club”
Whilst having dinner, we watch some manta rays in the very shallow water.
I have been up since 1am. Simply cannot sleep. Sitting outside watching the stars and listening to the distant rumble of the waves breaking over the reef. Here in the lagoon, the ocean is calm, not a ripple on the surface.
First full day on Bora Bora. We have organised to be picked up early afternoon by the H2O guys who will, with their boat, show us this famous lagoon. We expect to do a lot of snorkeling and see a lot of fish of all sorts.
But right now it is breakfast time, sitting outside off course.
Not a bad spot really
Just had a chat with our neighbour about his boat which is superbly coloured. His pride and joy since 9 years. New colours since 3 years.
Went for a walk in search for a coffee but no luck. It is time for a swim anyway.
Believe me, the water is even better than what it looks like on the picture.
Spent the afternoon on a boat and in the water. Came across many great and small things. Videos I took will not load from here so here are a couple of screen shots.
Up early yet again but today is fine as we are moving on after 3 days on Raiatea Island. After breakfast the car is packed and we are off the the airport.
It is a pleasant drive north on the coast. We know the way quite well by now.
As it always seems to be the case here it is a very easy and friendly process to check in. There is time for a drink of fresh coco and admire the view a last time. Our destination today is the island in the background.
Woke up early at 5:30 am as a result of going to bed extremely early and before 9pm. It is of course still very much dark and I can hear the constant roar of the waves crashing on the lagoon reefs.
Best time to do some blog updates. It would be perfect if WiFi was available in order to upload all photos. This will have to wait.
Time to get up and watch the sun rising
I am not the only one who is awake. My friend Sebastian is picking fights with all the other crabs.
After breakfast we start driving around the island with the intention of finding the road going up and across. We find it easily. The warning ❗️ sign at the bottom of the road says: You are entering an area infested with “Fire Ants”. In the meantime I have checked what these are: The fire ants (Solenopsis invicta) are known to cause one of the worst burning sensations in the world.
The view from the top is pleasant
On the way down and along the coast we come across the Botanical Gardens of Faaroa. It is worth a visit. Many lovely flowers and trees.
The photos will be uploaded into the cloud
Time to go to the main and only town for a bit of food & wine shopping for the last evening.
Then look for a place to eat in the way back. But it is Monday and nothing is opened. We know however that the restaurant at the resort is serving food and we head there.
Lunch is good, a nap is then highly recommended and the hammock at the bungalow is just the job.
Nothing special is planned for the rest of the afternoon. Aperitif is scheduled, as usual, for 6pm. Pre-aperitif at 5pm.
Slept very well for our 1st night on Terra Firma and namely on the island of Raiatea.
Up early watching the ocean from our beach bungalow before going to get some breakfast.
Nice spot for breakfast
Today we want to drive around the island. Not a problem in our rental vehicle. We are prepared for 4WD adventures if needed.
On the southern and western part of the island the nature is pretty wild and somehow very well kept.
There is not much on the island, a handful of very small villages, a couple of marinas. In the main small town there is a maritime port where cruise ships, one at a time, can dock which is the case today.
We had reserved lunch in one of the best restaurants, at least that is what we thought but they had no records of it. There are not that many restaurants and on top of that today is Sunday meaning almost everything is closed.
We finally find a so-called snack next to the ocean. The beer is good and lunch excellent and needed.
Back to the bungalows in the afternoon for a lazy afternoon punctuated by the sight of rays making a racket in the water. Mating season apparently.
Today is our last half day on board Early start as usual. 6:30 and everyone is on deck fighting for coffee or tea.
The sea is calm and the sun is up
Bora Bora in the distance
First order of the day is the so-called Coral 🪸 Garden and is a couple of minutes away with the annexe.
Located between the two islands is a corridor of 400 to 500 metres long and possibly 50 to 100 metres wide with a fairly strong current flowing through. Corals and the associated fish 🐠 population flourish. The water is not deep.
The idea is to walk to the start and let the current carry you through the make of corals. You simply float and observe through your snorkelling mask 🤿. One of the best thing I have done in a long time. Did it twice in fact.
I do it my way 