Bora Bora Day Two

We arranged with the boat the first day to come back for us at 9 for another 2 hours. This time one of our table mates, Frank, and a woman Mel picked up on the pier went with us, as well as the Canadian couple. Amanda had no plans for the day, no swimsuit, but was game to join us anyway.  Mel and I arrived on the pier early so I could go to the Post Office. Mel decided he should have a swim cap to protect his head from the sun so we walked to 2 different grocery stores and even the marine shop with no luck. We only had 15 minutes before we were to meet everyone, but the Post Office would be closed when we returned so I went there. You had to take a number and it was hot inside. I don't know what the islanders were doing at the counter but they weren't just buying stamps! It took a long time for my number to be called. Fortunately I was only a couple of minutes late.

We headed out to see the rays and sharks again first. That had been the most fun the day before. This time I had water shoes on (with Bora Bora embroidered on them!) ;rather than just socks, so was easier on the feet. After the rays, we had time to circle the island or go to a coral garden. We all opted for the latter. It was beautiful, with a lot of coral and fish. There was quite a current though, which pulled us away from the boat making it hard to get back to the boat. Frank actually told another boat that he needed help so the guide on that one threw him a ring then towed him back to our boat. Guess the current scared him.

At our request, our guide had arranged for us to be dropped at the Hilton for lunch and more swimming. We arrived at about 11. What a beautiful hotel! Hotel Bora Bora was the original hotel with "rooms" over the water. It became the norm in Bora Bora, so you seen them all around the island. Hotel Bora Bora was opened in 1961, then closed 3 years ago. The Hilton was designed in the same style, with the rooms out over the water. Each one has a deck and ladder so you can swim right from your room. They cost starting at $900 per night, not cheap. Our guide pointed out a pension where you can stay for about $120 per night per person, including 2 meals which is right on the beach. Nothing is included at the Hilton!

Lunch was delicious! I ordered Tuna Tartar in coconut milk along with a Mai Tai. Mel and I shared mahi-mahi on skewers with a coconut milk curry sauce. Very good. After eating we hit the beach. Turns out, the best snorkeling was right there between the rooms! There was a larger variety of both coral and fish. I saw a lot of clams, which were beautiful and interesting. They get imbedded in coral so only the "mouths" show, which are bright colors, teal, blue or green. I'd never seen such a thing before.

 

I took an outdoor shower by the pool to get rid of the salt and got dressed. I did some marathon shopping in the gift shop before returning to the pier via the hotel's water shuttle. It dropped us off at an expensive pearl shop. We did one last pass thru the market then headed to the ship. I think Bora Bora will be our favorite island for a long time. It'll take a lot to top it.