From Raiatea we sailed to Bora Bora. If you picture in your mind a tropical paradise, this island is what you will see.

We decided to explore the island by catamaran. We cruised the lagoon surrounding the island, poking into secluded coves and sailing by the over-water bungalows that make up one of Bora Bora’s most exclusive resorts (starts at $1500.00 a night we were told). There are white sand beaches with coconut palm treat swaying in the breeze. It looks like a movie set. This island has to be shown in photos rather than described in words.

The crew anchored the boat in about 15-feet of water and we all went swimming. There are lots of multi-colored fish and live coral. There are also a number of good dive sites on the island.

After our swim we had rum punches and a leisurely sail back to the pier. We got off the catamaran and took a walk to the town. Passing the city hall we were right in the middle of a wedding with flowers everywhere, decorated pick-up trucks, the bride and groom in full dress — a good omen I would say. Laura bought a pareo , a Polynesian sarong. We stopped at a market to get a six-pack of Hinano beer (brewed in Tahiti) and then walked back to the pier to take the tender back to our ship.