Rare Tahitianbigkahuna Posted December 27, 2017 Author #301 Share Posted December 27, 2017 Taken from the main road on the north west side of the island of Bora Bora. We had stopped at a Pareo making shop. We were on the 4X4 ship excursion, BRB-1609 https://photos.smugmug.com/South-Pacific-Photography/i-sSWGFmR/0/a8f0fe89/X3/in%20front%20of%20pareo%20vendor2%20-%20z%20%281%20of%201%29-X3.jpg Up high above Bloody Mary's looking north west. The PG sits in the lagoon just off Viatape. The local high school can be seen in the middle foreground. https://photos.smugmug.com/South-Pacific-Photography/i-hj4kCmN/0/a69461ee/X3/bora%20bora%20high%20above%20Bloody%20Mary%20looking%20west%20%281%20of%201%29-X3.jpg Up high above Bloody Mary's looking east toward Tahaa/Raitea https://photos.smugmug.com/South-Pacific-Photography/i-JTjQz4p/0/1ab7d145/X3/bora%20bora%20high%20above%20Bloody%20Mary%20looking%20east%20%281%20of%201%29-X3.jpg Taken from Hiro's Rock looking toward the east side of Raiatea https://photos.smugmug.com/South-Pacific-Photography/i-47fXQ2q/0/4be2e0fc/X3/Above%20north%20guns%20looking%20east%20%281%20of%201%29-X3.jpg Taken from Hiro's Rock looking toward the canons that sit on the north east side of Bora Bora. https://photos.smugmug.com/South-Pacific-Photography/i-r7HrKfp/0/1dc91b6f/X3/north%20bora%20bora%20canons%20%281%20of%201%29-X3.jpg A telephoto of the canons and the bunker. There is a trail so you can walk to teh canons if you are driving around the island. Just ask where Hiro's Rock is located ... https://photos.smugmug.com/South-Pacific-Photography/i-Kfqp7wn/0/6f36aa03/X3/double%20guns%20-%20z%20%281%20of%201%29-X3.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Tahitianbigkahuna Posted December 30, 2017 Author #302 Share Posted December 30, 2017 The canons on the west side .... We were on the ships excursion BRB-1609. The 'road' to get to the canons is very rough and not always accessible so if your not in good health or have back problems this isn't the excursion for you. Also be aware that the vendor drivers sometimes consider the east side canons as delivering the 'canons' as mentioned in the excursion outline. Once you have arrived at the Pareo shop, one of the last stops make sure to ask one of the drivers that you want to visit the west side canons. If there are more than one 4X4 they may ask who wants to go up to the west canons and who wants to go back to the ship. They may opt to separate the group based on who wants what. Not everyone heard the option on our last trip after I made mention to a driver about going up to the canons .... so make sure you personally ask if your one that wants to make the rough drive up tp the west side canons. The road up .... https://photos.smugmug.com/South-Pacific-Photography/i-psm9gsj/0/97c33973/X3/road%20to%20the%20canons%20%281%20of%201%29-X3.jpg Looking east from one of the two canons. https://photos.smugmug.com/South-Pacific-Photography/i-cZd9TGX/0/611a1877/X3/south%20canon%20%20%281%20of%201%29-X3.jpg Looking west from the other canon ... the PG sitting there .... gracefully. A perfect photo op ;) https://photos.smugmug.com/South-Pacific-Photography/i-gGLNVsR/0/2e5ef1d9/X3/south%20canon%203%20%281%20of%201%29-2-X3.jpg Next up will be the PG Bora Bora private motu ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Tahitianbigkahuna Posted December 31, 2017 Author #303 Share Posted December 31, 2017 No further action so I'm going to discontinue this thread ... I'll add pictures to other threads when they help answer questions about a particular island or place of interest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare broberts Posted December 31, 2017 #304 Share Posted December 31, 2017 No further action so I'm going to discontinue this thread ... I'll add pictures to other threads when they help answer questions about a particular island or place of interest. Too bad. I've been enjoying the pictures and information. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
longhorn5 Posted January 1, 2018 #305 Share Posted January 1, 2018 I was really looking forward to seeing your pics and tips for the private Motu. We are leaving in a couple of days and this thread has been so valuable in our planning.. I know it takes time for you to post so please know that there are people out here that truly enjoy and look forward to your posts. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dolllover Posted January 1, 2018 #306 Share Posted January 1, 2018 No further action so I'm going to discontinue this thread ... I'll add pictures to other threads when they help answer questions about a particular island or place of interest. Just because people aren't responding doesn't mean they're not watching. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules Vacations Posted January 3, 2018 #307 Share Posted January 3, 2018 Would we be able to find short (half day) snorkel excursions from Matira Beach or the dock where the tender drops us off? Thank you for your amazing review!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Tahitianbigkahuna Posted January 3, 2018 Author #308 Share Posted January 3, 2018 Would we be able to find short (half day) snorkel excursions from Matira Beach or the dock where the tender drops us off? Thank you for your amazing review!! More likely where the tender drops you off at, usually there are a few with signs ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules Vacations Posted January 3, 2018 #309 Share Posted January 3, 2018 Thank you! Have you done the Lagoon Excursion with Maohi Nui or Lagoonarium-Open Air Aquarium Snorkeling Experience? The Lagoon Excursion looks to be the same as (Patricks) just without lunch. If it goes to the same places and I will only miss lunch and save $200 (2 of us) then would you recommend that? Thank you again! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Tahitianbigkahuna Posted January 4, 2018 Author #310 Share Posted January 4, 2018 Thank you! Have you done the Lagoon Excursion with Maohi Nui or Lagoonarium-Open Air Aquarium Snorkeling Experience? The Lagoon Excursion looks to be the same as (Patricks) just without lunch. If it goes to the same places and I will only miss lunch and save $200 (2 of us) then would you recommend that? Thank you again! The first time I saw Patrick was over 15 years ago when he was still fire dancing. I've taken his tour several times over the years and with the exception of one time the experience was very good. Go for it ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tymike Posted January 4, 2018 #311 Share Posted January 4, 2018 Just because people aren't responding doesn't mean they're not watching.[/quot I couldn't agree more! Although my first PG cruise is over ( :() I hope for more so I am following your thread with great interest. I haven't commented or asked any questions because I have two cruises planned (on different lines) for the next two summers so I'm not in a PG "planning phase" at the moment. That doesn't take away from my appreciation of your photos and commentary. Please believe that there are probably many folks looking at your thread on a daily basis but not being part of the 'action'! :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lisah168 Posted January 4, 2018 #312 Share Posted January 4, 2018 Please believe that there are probably many folks looking at your thread on a daily basis but not being part of the 'action'! :) Ditto! Would love to see you continue with this thread... Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare macbest Posted January 4, 2018 #313 Share Posted January 4, 2018 I have looked at it daily every day for months in anticipation of my cruise on PG on Saturday! Thanks so much for all you have contributed. Your info is invaluable! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Want2BGypsy Posted January 4, 2018 #314 Share Posted January 4, 2018 Happy New Year TBK! Awe! I hope you change your mind! I actually printed out this thread and brought it on our cruise for reference. I now fully understand why you keep going back. What a beautiful place with equally as beautiful people! I was looking forward to hearing more of your adventures and seeing your incredible photographs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Tahitianbigkahuna Posted January 4, 2018 Author #315 Share Posted January 4, 2018 The pictures / info will continue, just on new threads which will individually highlight an island / motu ;) There is a new thread I stated for the Bora Bora private motu. Soon I'll put one up on Motu Mahana .... Then over to Rangiroa .... If you have and individual question regarding a certain island / motu just ask as a new post. I will answer your questions with pictures included plus this will make it easier for everyone else to join in with their own experiences. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules Vacations Posted January 4, 2018 #316 Share Posted January 4, 2018 The first time I saw Patrick was over 15 years ago when he was still fire dancing. I've taken his tour several times over the years and with the exception of one time the experience was very good. Go for it ... I should have asked my question another way. The 3 stop snorkel with Patrick is about $100 (3 hour) and the (5 hour) with lunch is double that price at $200pp. Is the lunch really worth it? Thank you again!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Tahitianbigkahuna Posted January 4, 2018 Author #317 Share Posted January 4, 2018 I should have asked my question another way. The 3 stop snorkel with Patrick is about $100 (3 hour) and the (5 hour) with lunch is double that price at $200pp. Is the lunch really worth it? Thank you again!! The snorkel stops will be similar and very likely the same. The lunch is fun and if you have ever dreamed about sitting in the South Pacific with your feet in the water while taking in incredible views all while chomping on Polynesian food then go for it. If that isn't interesting to you then take the shorter tour and eat lunch back on-board ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SWFLAOK Posted January 4, 2018 #318 Share Posted January 4, 2018 We totally enjoyed the lunch on the motu, prepared by Patrick's family. There were only 12 of us on this portion of the tour. We did a circumnavigation of Bora Bora, and stopped at their dock. There were nothing but smiles on all of our faces as we explored the motu on our own, and the food was delicious. Perfectly grilled lobster tails as well as pit roasted suckling pig, and a delicious chicken stew with coconut and spinach. The banana dessert was delicious, even if we were a little apprehensive about the pink color. Good champagne and wine were provided. We considered it to be a meal that was more than worth 100 dollars in French Polynesia (even taking into account the buffet lunch we missed on the Paul Gauguin) and the atmosphere couldn't be beat. You only live once, and 100 dollars isn't much compared to the total price of the trip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jules Vacations Posted January 4, 2018 #319 Share Posted January 4, 2018 We totally enjoyed the lunch on the motu, prepared by Patrick's family. There were only 12 of us on this portion of the tour. We did a circumnavigation of Bora Bora, and stopped at their dock. There were nothing but smiles on all of our faces as we explored the motu on our own, and the food was delicious. Perfectly grilled lobster tails as well as pit roasted suckling pig, and a delicious chicken stew with coconut and spinach. The banana dessert was delicious, even if we were a little apprehensive about the pink color. Good champagne and wine were provided. We considered it to be a meal that was more than worth 100 dollars in French Polynesia (even taking into account the buffet lunch we missed on the Paul Gauguin) and the atmosphere couldn't be beat. You only live once, and 100 dollars isn't much compared to the total price of the trip. Thank you! That does sound amazing!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hangover Posted January 14, 2018 #320 Share Posted January 14, 2018 Really enjoying, heading out for Feb 23 and March 7_18 spending a few nights on Tahiti so reading your thread for suggestions. Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Tahitianbigkahuna Posted January 15, 2018 Author #321 Share Posted January 15, 2018 Really enjoying, heading out for Feb 23 and March 7_18 spending a few nights on Tahiti so reading your thread for suggestions. Thanks Glad to be of help :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kkelley Posted January 17, 2018 #322 Share Posted January 17, 2018 Thank you kindly for all of the time and effort invested in this thread. I have spent the last several days reviewing trying to glean information out of it for our next trip no the PG. I has been 15 years since we did it the first time and I don't remember so many things. We only did the 7 day at that time. So it feels like starting over. I was anxious to read about the Bora Bora PG Motu. I will look to see if you have started another thread and if not ask questions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Tahitianbigkahuna Posted January 17, 2018 Author #323 Share Posted January 17, 2018 Thank you kindly for all of the time and effort invested in this thread. I have spent the last several days reviewing trying to glean information out of it for our next trip no the PG. I has been 15 years since we did it the first time and I don't remember so many things. We only did the 7 day at that time. So it feels like starting over. I was anxious to read about the Bora Bora PG Motu. I will look to see if you have started another thread and if not ask questions. Basically this is the continuance: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2579274 And then this: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2581234 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pops150 Posted February 6, 2018 #324 Share Posted February 6, 2018 Howdy once more! OK.....getting ready to book for 14 days in August. :D Can not dredge up your suggestions on cabins/decks. I don't need a balcony but would enjoy seeing the passing scenery. Money is not a big deal - mostly I want to be "in the mix" and enjoy the other guests, the crew, the locals, etc., etc. Been an anthropologist all my life but that is NOT going to influence my attitude toward this trip! This is for fun. As always, look forward to hearing from you. Pops Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Tahitianbigkahuna Posted February 6, 2018 Author #325 Share Posted February 6, 2018 (edited) Howdy once more!OK.....getting ready to book for 14 days in August. :D Can not dredge up your suggestions on cabins/decks. I don't need a balcony but would enjoy seeing the passing scenery. Money is not a big deal - mostly I want to be "in the mix" and enjoy the other guests, the crew, the locals, etc., etc. Been an anthropologist all my life but that is NOT going to influence my attitude toward this trip! This is for fun. As always, look forward to hearing from you. Pops I've been on decks 3, 4, 6 and 7. A balcony was never a big deal to me but my BH gets all excited when we get one. She loves to sit there in the morning and enjoy a cup of coffee while the PG enters the lagoon of another island, this is typically around 7 - 8 am. I'm always up on deck early so I have a 'big' balcony with un-obstructed views ;) Many returnees love decks 3 & 4, they are less money and it's easy access to the tender. As we say, the PG is a small ship and it's easy to get to an open deck for views. So ask yourself, are you an early riser who will go up early, grab a cup of coffee and enjoy the scenery on deck somewhere? Or ... are you a late raiser who would rather see the scenery while your in your night clothes and/or getting ready plus you like to order breakfast room service. Once you answer that you will arrive at the right answer your your individual situation. I prefer going mid-ship no matter the deck. Less movement and as you will be in more open water /sea days it's something to consider. In reality the lower down plus mide-ship will move less. Movement doesn't really bother me .... sort of like being a baby and being rocked to sleep but for some it can be an issue .... Remember most cabins that are not suites or verandas are very similar in size, the balcony is the only major difference. The majority of PG frequent cruisers are a active 40 - 70 somethings, they like getting on-deck, not many sit on the balcony all day ;) The nice thing about this forum is there are a bunch of seasoned PG cruisers on here. I would guess others will chime in and give you their take on the decks/cabins they prefer. After you have decided on a cabin type book it. Yuo can always come back and give us your cabin number and ask for feedback .... Hope that helps ... Edited February 6, 2018 by Tahitianbigkahuna Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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