And now we’re back in the Society Islands, with their striking central mountain peaks and their encircling coral reefs. This is a smaller island, maybe 5,000 population.
The sunrises and sunsets have been lovely, almost every single day. This morning’s excursion makes two stops before dropping us off.
The first stop is a pearl farm — about which more details in the next post. Our second stop was for snorkeling.
The snorkeling spot was between two motus (islets on the barrier reef). Shallow water (5 ft) with lots of coral and many different sorts of fish. Most striking was the 100-200 count school of surgeonfish, in their lovely pale yellow with some subtle gray stripes. There was a strong current though, and I had to swim steadily just to maintain my position. That gets tiring after awhile.
Then our boat headed to the private motu – owned by a local family and leased to Ponant Criises. What a special place! All kitted out with a lunch grill-buffet, two bars, hoards of deck chairs, all spread out in the shade of a coconut grove. Our onboard musicians serenaded us with Polynesian music. Entirely special and relaxing.
Lodging: MS Paul Gauguin
Kitsambler's Journeys 