Gobsmacked in Taha'a

Raiatea and Taha’a

Woke this morning to overcast skies as the ship was coming in to dock at Raiatea. Went upstairs for a quick cup of coffee and pineapple. This pineapple is to die for. It’s grown on Moorea and so sweet and so good, I’m probably ruined forever for ‘regular’ pineapple.

Headed out to meet my excursion: l’excursion Bleue. The trip started out very chaotic and I was starting to doubt all those great Trip Advisor reviews. First, the man couldn’t find me on his list, despite the fact that I paid a deposit and had the Email/Receipt to prove it. Then we were shuffled about for awhile and finally settled into a small boat. (Thank Goodness—as the large boat sat 38 people and 95% of them were Chinese.) Our little boat had 6 other new friends from our previous excursion and Cruise Critic. And there were 4 others as well.

We finally got underway and rode over to Ta’a to a Pearl farm. Our group had already seen a demonstration and the shop was loaded with all the Chinese people. It was crazy. We told our guide, George, we were ready to go but he kept saying our boat was the lead boat and we needed to wait for everyone to finish. The sun was out and we wanted to take advantage of that for our first snorkel. We waited and waited and were getting quite annoyed. I think George finally realized how we were feeling, and seeing most of the Chinese still in the store, he agreed to take us ahead of the other boat to the first snorkeling stop. To top it off, 90% of the Chinese did not go in the water.

So, off we flew to our first stop. Beautiful water, sunny skies. It was magnificent. George stopped the boat and threw some fish into the water. The black tip sharks and the rays were there in minutes. He assured us it was safe and gave us a few shark etiquette tips. It was very unsettling swimming with that many sharks but they really just ignored us. The rays got much closer. AND I have some amazing video and pictures. All of a sudden, the bar was raised for any future snorkeling. Once we got back on the boat, we were all gobsmacked. I can’t begin to describe how amazing it was.

Next, we headed to a vanilla farm. That was quite an interesting little tour. It’s amazing how profitable this enterprise is. However, it is a lot of work. Afterward, was the obligatory little store selling all sorts of vanilla products. I did buy some vanilla beans!

We then headed over to George’s Motu where a very tasty lunch had been prepared for us. Fresh fish, chicken, poisson cru, salads, fruit and this amazing coconut bread. This motu was what you think of when you think of the ‘South Seas’. A beautiful sandy island with palm trees and coconuts, surrounded by the amazing colors of water. They had comfy beach loungers. Very nice…but we were anxious to get to the next stop……

The drift snorkel!!! George anchored the little boat in very shallow water—only about a foot or so. We slogged through the water and across a motu, inhabited only by chickens and roosters! After about a 10 minute walk, we reached the other side of the motu where we entered the water once again. George led the way and it was so cool. All you needed to do was float and the current took you back along the coral garden. It was breathtaking. I think I am ruined for snorkeling any place in the Caribbean. I have never seen such beautiful coral or so many fish—all so colorful and more varieties than I’ve ever seen. We even saw eels which George coaxed out of their coral to ‘greet’ us. They are hideous looking and very, very scary.  

Adding a video: That's a huge freakin' eel.

More pictures:  I loved the coral here. It was in great shape!

When we finished there, we headed back to the boat for the long ride back to the ship, anchored in Raiatea. I was looking forward to visiting the local shops—especially the supermarket called Champion. We were all disappointed when we realized the entire town was shuttered and closed for business. Today is Sunday and I guess they observe the Sabbath the way we used to when I was a kid.  Have to get there next time. J

Tonight was Italian night in the dining room. We had an excellent meal, once again. And once again, it’s 10PM and I am very tired. Another early day tomorrow in Bora Bora and more snorkeling!! Patrick’s tour has a lot to live up to!