Bora Bora
The sun climbed sharply above the eastern horizon and set the morning ablaze in a shower of radiant light. The first full day of our voyage through the very heart of the South Pacific had begun in sunlit, tropical brilliance; save for a few distant, low-level clouds strung along the watery horizons. The National Geographic Endeavour was steaming a northwesterly course over gentle seas towards our first destination, the idyllic pearl of the South Pacific, Bora Bora.
Most of us took the early hours to acclimate to our new home for the next week. We unpacked after a late evening arrival, explored the well-appointed ship, fraternized with fellow traveling companions, and reposed on deck. Around mid-morning, our vessel passed the rugged, verdant peaks of Raiatea and Taha. Bora Bora, with its two central volcanic peaks, girdled by an impossibly aqua-blue lagoon and lushly-covered motus, loomed in the distance.
The National Geographic Endeavour showcases a multitude of expedition cruise hallmarks. She’s outfitted with a fleet of Mark V Zodiacs, an armada of inflatable sea kayaks, snorkeling and diving gear, and a beautifully constructed glass-bottom boat. Designed to enhance and expand our South Pacific experience, all would be employed in the course of various activities in the coming days. To this end, the expedition staff hosted a series of briefings and orientations regarding the safe and proper use of all said equipment and forthcoming activities.
Shortly after lunch, our vessel entered Bora Bora’s lagoon and dropped anchor between Vaitape, the island’s main town, and motu Toopua. Our entire afternoon was dedicated to a host of island activities. A number of us chose to take the circle island tour, a circumnavigation of the main island on a sixteen-mile road originally constructed by the United States military during WWII. The tour showcased an island of contradictions: breathtaking central volcanic peaks, lush vegetation, and expanses of turquoise water juxtaposed with the toys of the wealthy and seemingly perpetual five-star development.
Many of us optioned to go to motu Tevairoa on the northwest edge of the lagoon. From the motu’s sandy beach our activity options were myriad. The entire compliment of the National Geographic Endeavour’s watercrafts was deployed. From our thatched roof base camp on the beach, we kayaked, swam and snorkeled, ate BBQ, and took rides in the glass bottom boat over the coral bommies that dotted the lagoon floor. Indeed it was an invigorating yet relaxing afternoon, a splendid introduction to the languid, sun-drenched South Pacific lifestyle.
By late afternoon, the winds had risen, and dark, moisture-laden storm clouds quickly closed in overhead. In an instant the rain began to fall. Beneath this warm tropical torrent we returned to our ship. The rains ceased almost as dramatically as they began. The National Geographic Endeavour weighed anchor, and steamed into open waters towards a tropical sunset painted in the light pastels of a Gauguin painting.
The sun climbed sharply above the eastern horizon and set the morning ablaze in a shower of radiant light. The first full day of our voyage through the very heart of the South Pacific had begun in sunlit, tropical brilliance; save for a few distant, low-level clouds strung along the watery horizons. The National Geographic Endeavour was steaming a northwesterly course over gentle seas towards our first destination, the idyllic pearl of the South Pacific, Bora Bora.
Most of us took the early hours to acclimate to our new home for the next week. We unpacked after a late evening arrival, explored the well-appointed ship, fraternized with fellow traveling companions, and reposed on deck. Around mid-morning, our vessel passed the rugged, verdant peaks of Raiatea and Taha. Bora Bora, with its two central volcanic peaks, girdled by an impossibly aqua-blue lagoon and lushly-covered motus, loomed in the distance.
The National Geographic Endeavour showcases a multitude of expedition cruise hallmarks. She’s outfitted with a fleet of Mark V Zodiacs, an armada of inflatable sea kayaks, snorkeling and diving gear, and a beautifully constructed glass-bottom boat. Designed to enhance and expand our South Pacific experience, all would be employed in the course of various activities in the coming days. To this end, the expedition staff hosted a series of briefings and orientations regarding the safe and proper use of all said equipment and forthcoming activities.
Shortly after lunch, our vessel entered Bora Bora’s lagoon and dropped anchor between Vaitape, the island’s main town, and motu Toopua. Our entire afternoon was dedicated to a host of island activities. A number of us chose to take the circle island tour, a circumnavigation of the main island on a sixteen-mile road originally constructed by the United States military during WWII. The tour showcased an island of contradictions: breathtaking central volcanic peaks, lush vegetation, and expanses of turquoise water juxtaposed with the toys of the wealthy and seemingly perpetual five-star development.
Many of us optioned to go to motu Tevairoa on the northwest edge of the lagoon. From the motu’s sandy beach our activity options were myriad. The entire compliment of the National Geographic Endeavour’s watercrafts was deployed. From our thatched roof base camp on the beach, we kayaked, swam and snorkeled, ate BBQ, and took rides in the glass bottom boat over the coral bommies that dotted the lagoon floor. Indeed it was an invigorating yet relaxing afternoon, a splendid introduction to the languid, sun-drenched South Pacific lifestyle.
By late afternoon, the winds had risen, and dark, moisture-laden storm clouds quickly closed in overhead. In an instant the rain began to fall. Beneath this warm tropical torrent we returned to our ship. The rains ceased almost as dramatically as they began. The National Geographic Endeavour weighed anchor, and steamed into open waters towards a tropical sunset painted in the light pastels of a Gauguin painting.
