Bora Bora Beach Barbeque

Our second day in Bora Bora, we visit another small motu for a day on the beach, swimming, snorkeling, paddling, and generally doing anything that involves large expanses of warm water.

 Hanging out on the motu

Across the way, we see one of the large resorts with huts over the water for which Bora Bora is famous.

 Resort complex

Looking the other way, we see the twin peaks of Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu, mountains that define Bora Bora.

The mountains

But, enough sightseeing, it's time to get back in the water (did I mention that the water temperature is around 82°F (28°C)).   We also grab some snorkel gear and explore the reef around our motu, viewing the vibrant colors of the tropical fish hanging out in large schools or swimming around on their own.

Playing in the water

Looking at the fish

As the day comes to a close, we go back to the ship, clean up, and return to the motu for a barbecue dinner and Polynesian music and dance show.  Unfortunately, there is no audience participation allowed in the fire dancing.

The music starts

The sun sets

Dinner is ready

The show goes on

We return to our ship which is brightly lit up to welcome us all back from our day on the motu.

Welcome home

Another relaxing day in paradise.

A Lazy Day in Bora Bora

We anchor just outside the harbor at Vaitape, Bora Bora and walk through the sleepy town.  We pop into a Tahitian Pearl shop (or two or three) and try not to gasp when they tell us the prices of some of the truly beautiful pieces of jewelry.

At anchor in Vaitape

 A quiet day in the city

 Ferry terminal

Weather forecasting

We catch a taxi (we sit in the back of a pickup truck) to La Plage Matira (Matira Beach), 7 km (4.4 miles) along the coast.

 Taxi ride

The restaurants are not yet open, so we walk the beach, enjoying the view and wading in the water.

 Along the way to the beach

 Looking up and down Matira Beach

  Incredible water

Birthday party in the water

For a little refreshment, we pop into the Bora Bora Beach Club, with incredible views of the sea.

 Bora Bora Beach Club

But, soon its time to catch a taxi back to Vaitape, where we wander a bit more, enjoying the street art on the sides of the buildings in town.

Back in Vaitape

 Street art

It's been a lazy day in Bora Bora, but that's the general theme of a week in French Polynesia:  sit back, relax, and unwind (and enjoy the food, water, and people).