Rangiroa: Did I really snorkel a few feet away from sharks?

Day 8 – Rangiroa

The weather cooperated this morning and provided sunshine for my snorkel trip to the aquarium. I had nothing planned here and there were 2 tour operators on shore offering trips to the aquarium. I paid 5000 XPF for a 2-hour tour. 7 of us went out in a boat and tied up with the company’s other boat, which was anchored to some sort of stationary buoy.

I thought the current was, once again, very strong, and with no fins, I took a noodle to help me. The company had a man in the water in entire time. He wore a wet-suit and paddled around keeping an eye on things. The guy in the boat was also attentive.

I have never seen so many fish and sharks in one place in my life. The guy in our boat kept throwing bread to the fish and in like 2 seconds there is a feeding frenzy and you are surrounded. It was slightly unsettling for me. I prefer fish to keep their distance. LOL 

The water was about 20 feet deep and there was tons of coral. I am told there were eels as well, but I didn’t see any. I stayed close to the boat because of the current and the choppiness of the water. The 2 hours went by in an instant and we were taken ashore again.

The video with the sharks in it is too long to upload with the internet speed. I mean, I am, after all in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean!  But the video I am uploading here, is just an idea of how fish there were. They were not even feeding them bread at this point. It was crazy!

I came back to the ship to shower as it was only a little after 10 and we are here until 5.

I went back out and it immediately starting to pour rain. UGH. I sat at a little bar near the pier with Phil and his 2 friends from New Zealand. Very nice conversation! After about an hour, it cleared and I walked down the little road towards what I think is Taputa Pass. I stopped here for about an hour and watched the dolphins leap out of the water. It was amazing. I hope I got some good pictures!

Little kitty at the bar!

Tiputa Pass



Adorable little school girls!

I am back on the ship now—I was convinced it was much later and my phone died so I had no idea. In actuality it is only 2PM! So, still time to attend some events on board this afternoon.

Back from dinner! It’s about 9:30 and tomorrow is a sea day. There are many choices for entertainment this evening, but I hear the casino calling my name!