53c Raiatea, Pearls, Pearls and more Pearls

Black Pearl farms are scattered throughout the glistening lagoons on Tahaa
and Raiatea, and touring one of these farms was our next stop. Each step of
the process to create these beautiful cultured pearls was explained to us.
We watched on as the craftsmen meticulously retrieved the completed pearl
and carefully insert a new sphere of shell which the living oysters would
slowly cover in a stunning array colours over time.

53d Raiatea, drift snorkelling the coral gardens

Next was the highlight of the day: snorkelling in one of the coral gardens
that can be found dotted around the island. With views of Bora Bora not far
in the distance we drifted through the corridors of coral and watched as the
colourful tropical fish darted from one side of the garden to the other.
Although the current was not as strong as it could have been, as mesmerised
as I was, there were moments of nervousness as I was pulled too close to the
coral for my liking.

53e Raiatea, Motu lunch

Next, we were taken to another part of the island for a Motu lunch. A
spread of fish, chicken and vegetables were beautifully laid out, enticing
everyone to over fill their plates. Plastic bottles of homemade rum punch
filled our glasses over and over again.

53f Raiatea, Vanilla

Our last stop before we headed back to Raiatea was a Vanilla farm. First
introduced in the 1800's, Tahaa is also known as the "Isle Vanilla" and it
now produces over 70% of French Polynesia's vanilla. Packets of pods, jars
of paste and powder were all available for us to purchase. Oils infused to
create medicinal and therapeutic products were also on sail.

53g Raiatea, sailing away..

Back in our little jet boat we completed the full navigation of this small
island and headed back to the dock that we left from this morning.

On leaving Raiatea, we were treated to a different passage to that which we
used on the way in. Carefully our pilot and captain navigated us through
the narrow channels. Reefs on either side so close it felt like you could
reach out and touch them.

We witnessed an amazing seascape as we sailed away from Raiatea: the
wonderful sunset colours against the dramatic outline of its neighbour Bora
Bora.

Please, please, please .. I wanna come back here!!!

52 Tahiti - Papeete

In the early morning as the sun rises it is always a beautiful sail in to
Papeete. The water starts off a beautiful deep blue colour; but it's easy
to spot the outlying reefs, the water lightening to turquoise as the water
becomes shallower and shallower. So clear is the water that you can see
straight down to the sandy bed.

52a Tahiti - Papeete

Booked to spend the day on a catamaran with Poe Charters, our skipper Mana
and his trusty first mate Lorita did an excellent job looking after us. We
started off by heading out to the deeper waters towards Morea. What we
found were whales: mum and her young calf. Memories of Alaska came flooding
back while we followed the playful pair as they frolicked in the water. We
saw humps, we saw tails, we saw fins, they moved around in all directions,
running away from the noisy speed boats that tore towards them.

52b Tahiti - Papeete

Then it was off somewhere a little shallower and close enough for those
snorkellers who wanted to venture towards the reef. The water was lovely and
refreshing, combating the hot sun that was baking our skin. You forget how
burning the sun is, when it reflects off the water.

52c Tahiti - Papeete

Lunch was a Tahitian Ceviche, made up of raw tuna marinated in lime and
lemon juice, carrot, onion, cucumber and tomatoes. Bound together with
mayonnaise, made it resemble a coleslaw. Served with rice it was a
delicious and filling lunch. Accompanied with juices and fresh tropical
fruits, that always taste just that little bit better when consumed on a
South Pacific Island.

Always of interest is Tahiti Airport. It's runway is so close to the waters
edge that before any vessel can cross either end of it, the skipper must
contact the tower to ensure there are no planes landing or taking off. Even
Captain Lye and the local pilot had to radio for permission before the Sea
Princess could enter the harbour earlier that day.