Moorea is another French Polynesian island, and it is right next door to Tahiti. So close in fact, that we left Tahiti at just before 6.00 this morning and arrived by 7.00! The journey was beautiful, around 2 sides of the heart shaped island, viewing more lush green hills and jagged mountains and small villages. The island is encircled by coral reefs, and so the water varied from dark royal blue to gorgeous bright turquoise. As we sailed along the shoreline we could see a number of the amazing luxury resorts which have been built here by the lagoon. The ship turned into the narrow pass in the reef and into Opunohu Bay, where it anchored ready for passengers to be tendered ashore. I couldn't think of a prettier place to be anchored! Words cannot describe the beauty.
Our tour didn't start until later in the morning so I spent a few hours admiring the surroundings (while writing the Tahiti blog!). We then met in the theatre for our tour - Lagoon Cruise and Picnic. We started by getting the tender boat ashore before boarding our motorised boat. This took us out of the bay, past a shipwreck, some of which was poking up as the waters were so shallow! We then sailed past the Intercontinental Hotel, which is incorporated solely of wooden huts - some up the hillside and some on stilts in the water with their own steps directly into the sea. Paradise! And from only $1000 per night we were told!
The boat then took us to the middle of the lagoon for our first snorkelling stop, where we could see a number of other ships had already anchored. We soon saw why - this spot was a local hangout for friendly stingrays and black tipped reef sharks - they were everywhere! I was in the water within seconds, and surrounded by these amazing creatures, who were not at all phased by the dozens of people swimming nearby. We swam around for ages admiring them, and taking lots of photos with my underwater camera. As it was so bright it was impossible to see the display so I just randomly pointed and clicked, and ended up with quite a collection! I did my very best to take a selfie with a shark (I'll put the best attempt on Facebook!) We did see some people who had bravely (or foolishly?!) taken their phones and selfie sticks into the water!!
I then went to say hello to the stingrays, who were mainly gathered round the guide (who I think had some tasty nibbles for them!). They were amazing, swimming in and out of people, and sometimes under them or up their bodies! They were quite happy to be stroked and tickled! There were also some different fish around the area.
Eventually it was time to get back on the boat :-( We said goodbye to these beautiful animals and set sail again, this time towards a small private motu (island) just off the shore. This was our base for the next 3 hours. And what a base! We started off in the shady area by the lagoon where there were tables set for the lunch we were given - lots of fresh fish for JL, and plenty of salad, bread, rice and pasta for me, with fresh pineapple and banana to finish. And as much as you wanted to drink to accompany it.
After eating, the guide gave us a demonstration of how to open a coconut, and how to make coconut milk! We then had lots of time to explore the island, walking through the trees to the white sand beach on the other side, and along the lagoon path to see the main island of Moorea on one side, and another small private island on the other. We said hello to the friendly dog who had come ashore on one of the boats and was enjoying exploring! When our lunch had digested a bit we headed into the lagoon for some more snorkelling. There was a strong current so we were advised to walk for a bit and then get in and float back! Which we did, several times. There were lots of coral formations with a range of colourful fish, and a couple of resident stingrays who kept swimming back and forth. I took lots more pictures!
We then relaxed back on the shore for a while, soaking up the relaxed atmosphere and the incredible views. I kept in the shade as much as possible after the other day! At last it was time to go back and everyone made their way gloomily back to the boat - we all wanted to stay!
When we got back to the small village where we had started, we had a look around the stalls there (mainly selling jewellery made from Tahitian black pearls), and at the pretty church, before getting our tender back to the ship.
Back on the ship we rinsed all our snorkelling stuff and spread it out to dry (poor cabin steward!) and then I just had time for a cup of tea before dinner. From there we went to see the next classical piano concert (which I may have dozed through the end of...!) and then to the theatre to see the evening's act - a guy called Bob Arno doing a show called The Art of the Steal. He is a professional pickpocket, but rather than using his skills for crime, he uses them for entertainment, awareness raising, and also works with police forces worldwide to help improve public safety. Before the show even started he had surreptitiously wandered round the theatre and taken a number of people's watches without their knowledge, and as the show progressed he 'invited' volunteers onto the stage to lose their jewellery, wallets, key cards, ties, and even in one case shirt and underpants (we're not quite sure how he did that one!). He was amazing! He has apparently done a show which is on YouTube if you are interested!
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