Aquabike Adventure in Bora Bora

While sailing in French Polynesia on the Paul Gauguin (800/338-4962) in September ’13, I took advantage of one of the ship’s excursions in Bora Bora: the “Aquabike Adventure.” The excursion cost a total of $299 for two people.

A rep from Aquabike Adventure (Tiipoto, 98730, French Polynesia; phone 689 76 60 61) picked up my friend and me at the dock and took us on about a 15-minute boat ride to the floating dock where the Aquabikes were kept.

After a short period of instruction on how to accelerate, stop and steer while following our guide, Mat, the bottom of the deck lowered us into the water. My friend and I sat on bicycle-type seats, she (the driver) in front and I behind her, while a large, oval Plexiglass dome was lowered over our heads. 

Mat adjusted the oxygen outlet so that the water came up to about five inches below our shoulders. While our heads and the tops of our shoulders would remain dry under the dome, everything else was open to the water. In an emergency, it would have been very easy to get out of the vehicle.

Upon our immersion, the dome was immediately surrounded by dozens of small fish, as they were accustomed to being fed by the guides and participants. 

Eventually, each of us reached out to feed the fish, and it was such a fun experience! I was as excited as a two-year-old! The little fish teeth reminded me of puppy teeth on the tips of my fingers, only not as sharp.

Mat was in scuba gear and using a water scooter to get around, bringing us shells to look at, etc. As we propelled through the water on the motorized craft, gliding over coral, it was easy to reach out to take pictures, give my camera to Mat, feed fish or just revel in the joy of the experience. 

From the top of the dome, a rope attached to a buoy stretched 10 feet above, so everyone knew where our bike was in the water. The oxygen tank was good for two hours, and, with the excursion lasting only 30 minutes, there was plenty of oxygen in case of any longer immersion. 

In three trips to French Polynesia, this was the coolest excursion I have ever taken. We were the only passengers on the ship who took the excursion — a pity, because it was so much fun. One can also sign up directly through the website; I think the price is slightly lower when booking directly.

The 30 minutes passed way too quickly, of course, and after a snack of fresh fruit and juice, we stopped for a short snorkel on the way back to town. All in all, it was the best morning of the entire trip. 

JUDITH ANSHIN

Contributing Editor