The desire to dive into the crystalline waters of Bora Bora is undeniable. Even the most swim-averse can’t resist dipping a toe in what might be earth’s most beautiful ocean–the South Pacific. Here, the water changes blue hue with every cloud pass: turquoise, teal, cerulean, cobalt, cyan, sapphire, aqua. From dawn to dusk, every shade is revealed, while a consistent clarity highlights the vibrant marine life within, beckoning visitors to take a closer peek.
Part of French Polynesia and its 118 islands and atolls spread across five main archipelagos, Bora Bora is surrounded by a lagoon encircled by a barrier reef, which helps create its calm, clear waters. The region is a veritable paradise for snorkeling, diving, and water sports—all of which are offered at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, where a proprietary interior lagoon teems with exotic marine life. The resort’s Vaitea Lagoon Sanctuary is home to octopus, eagle ray, lizardfish, Picasso trumpet fish, soldier fish, fire fish, unicorn fish, spotted puffer fish, parrotfish, peacock damselfish, clownfish and butterfly fish. Sea urchins, anemones and shrimp are also present, along with many other native marine life species. And resort guests are more than welcome to explore, with complimentary masks and snorkels at the ready.
Yet the lagoon is more than just a spectacular snorkeling location; it is also a research facility, led by marine biologists from WiseOceans, an organization focused on ocean conservation and education. At Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, the WiseOceans team offers programming that allows resort guests to engage with and help protect the local marine environment, furthering the delicate and wondrous ecosystem.
Via the resort’s coral adoption and grafting program, guests are invited to aide in reef restoration by “adopting” a piece of coral. Amongst the many guest activities available during my stay, this was my favorite, and the most meaningful. After a presentation on the importance of coral reefs to the health of our oceans and marine life (they provide habitat and shelter and play a crucial role in nutrient cycling), WiseOceans marine biologist Marc offered me a selection of adoptable corals, and invited me to give a name to my selection. On the menu: Pavona, or “potato chip” coral, Staghorn, Mushroom, Diploria, or “brain” coral, and Porites, etc.
I chose a sad-looking cluster of Pavona, much in need of resuscitation, and named it “Ruffles” for its potato chip association. I clipped Ruffles’ noticeably dead pieces with a pair of needle-nosed pliers while Marc engraved a name tag for my adoptee. Then we donned our masks and snorkels, and set off within the astonishingly crystal clear lagoon to hang Ruffles upon an underwater structure that disperses millions of microscopic larvae. This larvae will eventually grow into a new colony of corals, helping to repopulate the surrounding reefs. As Ruffles’ adoptive “parent,” I’ll receive updates throughout the coming year from the resort’s marine team regarding Ruffles’ health.
Marc and I then snorkeled the lagoon as he excitedly pointed out the various species that swam above, beneath, and beside us, each species entirely unaffected by our presence. We searched for the female octopus that is known to hide within a particular shallow cave; we marveled at a rare spotting of a barracuda, and Marc explained to me the unique reproductive behavior of the Reticulate Pipefish, found in abundance, snaking throughout the sea grass. (Like the Seahorse, the males carry fertilized eggs until they hatch.) The colorful and fantastical snorkeling experience was akin to swimming within a stocked aquarium.
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora provided a number of memorable moments such as golden sunsets, colorful rainbows, relaxing spa treatments, and delicious meals, amongst which my coral adoption was a highlight. Cheers to a long and healthy life, Ruffles!
