water world
of the beach is shaped like a wide “v” and has a laidback ambiance. I definitely felt on island time, and what better way to spend that time than snorkeling? The lagoon water in Bora Bora is famous because it is practically mind-boggling just how blue, clear and warm it is. The marina staff brought kayaks from the marina onshore and set them up on a small section of beach right by the sea. In addition to kayaks, paddleboards are also brought to the beach in Bora Bora in the afternoon by the ship’s marina staff for guests to use. While gently
kicking around in the lagoon just a short distance from shore, I saw a massive crab with fuzzy red legs sticking out from under a cone- shaped shell and dozens of colorful fish. I came across an underwater rock formation when I went out
I also snorkeled while spending the day on Motu Mahana, Paul Gauguin Cruises’ private island located off the coast of Taha’a. Just as I had done in Bora Bora, I disembarked with my snorkel gear in hand and found a place to store it (a shaded lounge chair where I did some blissful reading later in the day). After grabbing a bite to eat, I was ready to don my snorkel equipment and head into the water to swim around, which I did off and on throughout the day at my leisure. Easy as could be. As fun as snorkeling
was in Motu Mahana, my favorite activity I did while on the tiny island was kayaking. At Motu Mahana,
Complimentary snorkel equipment can be picked up at the retractable watersports marina.
into deeper water and I contentedly stayed splayed out on the surface, watching the fish dart in and out of the rock crevices while I breathed through my snorkel. Unlike with other snorkel equipment I’ve rented on vacation, I didn’t have trouble with this mask slipping off my face or getting water in the tube. I also loved simply floating in the salty lagoon—flipping onto my back to take in views of Bora Bora’s lush green peaks and then onto my stomach to watch through my mask the way the aqua hues beautifully rippled with the light underneath the surface.
they helped me get the kayak situated on the water and then gave me tips on where to go. I immediately headed to the rocks I could see in the not too far distance. Stretching across the water
near one end of Motu Mahana is a long brown rock wall jutting up a couple of feet from the surface that is adorned by tiny waterfalls cascading over the edge. Beyond the rock wall, a break occurs and I could hear small waves crashing as I paddled alongside it, luxuriating in the sun on my shoulders, the peacefulness of the sounds of nature, and the views of the sea. While the island towns and tropical landscapes were enticing, it is the translucent blue ocean and watersport excitement with Paul Gauguin Cruises that fill my daydreams and keep me lusting for another trip to French Polynesia.
Dive the South Seas
BY ALEXANDRA M.
I traded the cold, crowded New York City streets for a 10-night adventure to the Society Islands & Tuamotus aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin. As an avid SCUBA diver with experience diving some of the best spots in the world, I was eager to get in the water and see what the South Pacific had to offer—and it did not disappoint. Our Rangiroa dive was spectacular! I was impressed by the biodiversity of wildlife and health of the coral reef. There were dozens of fish species, giant clams, moray eels, and… SHARKS! More than I have ever seen. As we knelt quietly on the sea floor, a school of blacktips approached us and began digging in the sand with their snouts in search of their next meal. It was an experience I will never forget. The Tuamotus have been added to the list of my favorite dive destinations worldwide.
Whether you’re a novice or experienced diver, a Paul Gauguin Cruises dive excursion is like no other. The vibrant marine life you see will stay embedded in your mind forever, but it’s the enthusiastic marine staff and passionate crew members that help elevate a Paul Gauguin Cruises dive over others and make it truly memorable.
To learn more about The Gauguin’s SCUBA diving programs:
pgcruises.com/scuba
Paul Gauguin Cruises |
pgcruises.com
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