Sharks & Stingrays: Oh Wow!!!

Our ship departed Tahiti this morning about 6 am. The trip to Moorea took about 2 hours (only 18-miles), and after breakfast we changed into our swim suits and headed to the ship tender for our Shark and Stingray snorkel excursion.  

 

 

We tendered into a small port and then boarded a smaller boat for our snorkel tour.

 

We boated around the island giving us scenic views of the emerald landscape before setting anchor at our first snorkel spot.  It was perfect snorkeling - clear warm water, white sand and a depth that we could stand in. 

 

 

We jumped in and found ourselves among many stingrays and sharks - and some of the rays were very large and friendly.  There were many other large colorful fish everywhere.

 

 

Here you see a number of reef sharks before we got in the lagoon.

Once in the water, they came so close, Bill even ran his hand over the top of one.

 

We also had the opportunity to pet several stingrays as they like to rub up against you. In fact, our guide had some tuna and they knew it. Just put some in your hand and they take it like a cat licking you hand. So cool, but we should have bought a inexpensive waterproof camera.

 

 

Gorgeous sunny day in the lagoon around Moorea.

 

Our next spot was a coral reef where we saw lots of beautiful tropical little fish swimming among the coral reefs. It was like being in an aquarium.

 

 

 

Once we departed our snorkel tour boat, we were greeted and entertained by the locals.

 

After lunch we explored the entire ship finding great places to sit and read, enjoy looking at the gorgeous scenery and beautiful colored water. We even played a game of croquet.

 

After an R&R period, we had dinner in another specialty Italian restaurant - Toscana. For desert Bill had Chocolate Lasagna...and it was very good!