Bora Bora, French Polynesia

         

We were in Bora Bora once before for 2 days so decided to just have a relaxing day at the Hilton Hotel where we knew there was good snorkeling.  We were off the ship by about 8:30. This was the first port in the entire cruise where we had to tender in. Not as easy as just walking off. There is a market at the pier so I walked thru there for a few minutes. After the primitive islands we have been to, everything seemed to be very expensive. I left Mel in the shade at the pier and raced down the road a bit to a Chinese supermarket. I had remembered that they had better prices than the tourist places for vanilla. I had to buy some vanilla powder for our granddaughter. I also found some nice Tahitian cookies in tins so bought one. On the way back to the pier I stopped at a couple of tourist shops. The same cookies were 3 times the price so I ran back to the supermarket to buy more. I also bought some vanilla shampoo which is wonderful. 

Back at the pier we met with another couple to go to the Hilton pier. Their hotel is on one of the outer islands. While waiting, the manager of the Hilton was dropped off in his private boat. He then returned and rode the same boat as us, back to the hotel. He was a very friendly Frenchman. 

We arrived on the island at about 11. We immediately got in the water with our snorkeling gear. They have coral and a lot of fish right off the beach. It was a nice day of snorkeling. The manager came over to talk to us while we were eating lunch. He asked our names when we told him that we would be staying at the Hilton in Moorea. Wonder what surprise he will have for us? For lunch Mel and I ordered a seafood plate for 2. I think it would have fed the 4 of us, it was enormous. There were a dozen grilled shrimp, 2 different kinds of seared tuna, an entire deep fried fish and one fish that was very fishy tasting, which we didn't eat. Other than that one piece, it was delicious. 

                                              They look like ghost fish!

              

                                                 This guy followed me for a long time. 

We went back in the water for a bit then used their outdoor shower to get rid of the salt and get dressed. We took the 4:00 boat back to town. They took us right to our tender pier which was nice. We hopped on a tender and were back on board by 4:45. It had been a nice, relaxing day. Nice when we don't have to race around trying to see everything in one day!