Bora Bora lagoon is so picturesque that being able to float under a parachute 300 metres up was irresistible.
Last time we stayed on Bora Bora we were booked to go, but the wind came up overnight and the trip was cancelled. This time we were determined to make it. While Le Meridien no longer had a booking arrangement with Bora Bora Parasail they were still able to get their agent in Vaitape to make the arrangements.
We caught the Le Meridien launch around to Vaitape and were picked up in a van and driven to the wharf on the eastern side of Matira Point. We went out to where the crew were preparing the boat and parachute for our trip, but as we were a little early we had to wait a few minutes. We soon climbed aboard and headed out onto the lagoon.
All ready to go
The crew were to inflate the parachute before we were hooked on, so they powered up the boat and shook the fabric out. Imagine our consternation when there was a big CRACK! as the parachute billowed open and one of the shrouds supporting it snapped off! The crew looked nonplussed as the canopy swayed across to the left, then they decided we would have to return to the wharf to replace the parachute.
After getting back they decided that they would just retie the shroud and hope it held when opened again. Our hearts were beating a bit faster as we headed out again and the parachute was given air. This time everything worked as it should, so we were hooked onto the harnesses.
Parachute inflated properly on the second attempt
It was then time to be sent aloft so with a quick wave we were up, up and away! It didn’t take long and we were up to 300 metres, gazing down at the sparkling lagoon. The following pictures show the magnificent view, with Bora Bora, the various motu and, in the distance, the neighbouring islands of Raiatea and Tahaa. The water was so clear that we could easily see stingrays swimming below us.
Soaring up from the boat
Above the lagoon with the boat heading towards Motu Piti ‘U’tu Tai (left) and Motu Piti ‘U’tu Uta
Tahaa (left) and Raiatea in the distance
Passing over the shallows east of Paoaoa Point
One of the deeper sections of the lagoon. Tahaa in the distance
The colours of the water are stunning
Looking back at Bora Bora. Mt Otemanu to the right with Paoaoa Point closest
Motu Piti ‘U’tu Tai (left) and Motu Piti ‘U’tu Uta, with the barrier reef behind
Doing a sharp crosswind turn
Motu Piti ‘U’tu Tai with three snorkelling boats anchored just to the left
Selfie at 300 metres
All too soon it was time to come back down and we were winched back to the boat.
Being winched back to the boat, getting ready to end our flight
Luckily, the crew had a booking at the Four Seasons, which was past Le Meridien, so they offered to take us all the way back to our resort. That added a pleasant cruise in the sun to our trip. Despite the mishap with the parachute the first time, parasailing over Bora Bora lagoon is definitely something we will do again if we visit the island in the future. It is a fantastic way to experience the colours of the lagoon.