Bora Bora – November 3, 2025

“A Day in Paradise with Maohi Nui”

Bora Bora — the very name conjures up visions of turquoise lagoons, swaying palms, and overwater bungalows resting peacefully above a coral-studded lagoon. Often called “the Pearl of the Pacific,” Bora Bora lies about 230 km (143 miles) northwest of Tahiti and is part of French Polynesia’s Leeward Islands.

🌴 A Little History

Bora Bora was first settled by Polynesians in the 4th century CE and originally known as Pora Pora, meaning “First Born.” It was sighted by Dutch explorer Jakob Roggeveen in 1722, later visited by Captain James Cook, and eventually annexed by France in the 19th century. During World War II, the U.S. military used Bora Bora as a supply base, leaving behind an airstrip that still serves the island today.

Today, Bora Bora is home to around 10,600 residents, with tourism as its primary industry. The island’s economy thrives on luxury resorts, lagoon excursions, diving, pearl farming, and handicrafts — all supported by a warm and welcoming Polynesian culture that keeps visitors coming back year after year.

🐚 Our Adventure with Maohi Nui

After a few months of back-and-forth emails and a few logistical hiccups, we were thrilled to learn — just about a week ago — that our ¾-day lagoon tour with Maohi Nui was officially a go! The only challenge left? We needed to recruit at least two more couples, ideally three, to make the trip work.

So began our little “mission” around the ship — hand-picking fellow adventurers for the day. It was actually quite fun! Within a few days, we had gathered a great group:

• Laura and Bryan
• Steve and Mary-Anne
• Willy and Christine

None of them had ever been to this part of the world — or had any idea of the magic waiting just beyond Bora Bora’s shores.

After locating our guides (a small challenge, but we found them within ten minutes), we climbed aboard our outrigger canoe with Rico, Rocky, and our driver — whose name escapes me at the moment — and set off into the impossibly blue lagoon.

🌊 The Lagoon Experience

Our first stop, just ten minutes out, was a moment we’ll never forget — swimming with manta rays the size of Volkswagens gliding gracefully beneath us. It was a surreal and humbling experience.

Next up: a shallow sandbar where we waded waist-deep with rays and blacktip reef sharks circling gently around us. Incredible!

After a short ride — maybe twenty minutes — we arrived at the coral gardens, an underwater world of color and life where we snorkeled among vibrant coral and curious fish. It was another “wow” moment, and the smiles all around said it all.

🏝️ A Feast on a Private Motu

Our next stop was a private motu, where the Maohi Nui team had prepared a traditional Polynesian feast cooked underground for hours — tender suckling pig, breadfruit, and local favorites. Delicious doesn’t begin to cover it.

We had some time afterward to relax and soak up the beauty of the beach. Somewhere in that bliss, I managed to lose my sunglasses to the ocean — but, miracle of miracles, Steve found them sitting calmly on the seafloor about twenty minutes later. Hooray indeed!

🌅 The Grand Finale

With the afternoon sun high and hearts full, our guides took us for a slow cruise around the island, pulling up alongside the world-famous overwater bungalows for photos and views that truly capture the essence of Bora Bora.

It was a fantastic day, full of laughter, first-time experiences, and new friendships. Our thanks go to Maohi Nui and their incredible crew for showing us the best of this paradise.

My new friends are still glowing from the experience — and honestly, so am I.

A great day indeed. 🌞