Cruise Report

Mar.14th

The morning after leaving Papeete, the Ocean Dream arrived in Bora Bora, which is known to be particularly beautiful among the islands of Tahiti. Tahiti’s main island has a volcano which rises from the center and Bora Bora island is made up of circular islands spread around it. The emerald green ocean is breathtakingly beautiful with striking mountains rising in the distance. We hopped onto smaller boats from our ship docked in the bay and headed to the island. We were amazed at the physical strength of the people from the island who were keeping up with our motor boat in their small canoes. When we arrived at Vaitape, the city in the center of the island, we were welcomed by spirited live music. Vaitape is home to souvenir shops, small cafes, restaurants, bakeries and supermarkets, and it is also the heart of local life.

The main island of Bora Bora is only about 40 kilometers in circumference. You can take a bus from Vaitape and reach Matira beach in about 10 minutes, which is located at the southern end of the island. The ocean surrounding Bora Bora’s is said to be the most beautiful in the world. One of the most beautiful ocean views is here at Matira Beach. The clear blue and white sand beaches extending in all directions seems almost heavenly.

Paul Gauguin, is a renowned painter who spent his later years in Tahiti. The last piece he painted was Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going? As I stare out at the ocean, I feel like I can understand why he painted here in Tahiti and why he ended up staying after wandering for so long

Our trip to Bora Bora feels as if it was a short dream. Every moment spent on the island and its unforgettable vistas are engraved in my memory. People often say things such as, “I want to visit once before I die”, but the magnificent scenery of Bora Bora is a slice of heaven on earth that is must visit in one’s lifetime. Finally our journey has come to the final chapter as the ship heads towards our last port of call in Samoa.