We are still on the Arc WhatsApp group and there is a lot of chatter because there is a huge swell coming through, and everyone in the marinas and anchorages in Papeete, are having to take extra precautions. Rowan has checked it out and we should be right on the edge of it, and having discussed it with Kane they have decided we are ok here. Strangely the swell is coming for less than 48 hours. So fingers crossed, we wondered if it was the reason for so many boats to have left here, but there are 4 of us here in the end. The Swiss boat departed yesterday at 5pm, with just enough light to get them through the pass.
Late morning we went out to try and get across to the 3rd pass to snorkel but the tide was ripping through the pass near us, with choppy waves, so we turned back and snorkelled around the spit that runs along the pass near us. As soon as we got in 3 Reef sharks were around us, coming straight for us and then diverting as they got closer. A little unnerving when you can’t keep tabs on them because they are all around. The brave gutsy Swiss lady from yesterday also unnerved me slightly by saying she doesn’t snorkel here as there are too many sharks! We had a lovely snorkel, saw loads of fish and another Eagle ray, plus some swimming Moray eels. Both times we drifted with JeldiJeldi, it was incredible how fast we were being swept along.
Later in the afternoon Rowan went off on his own to snorkel on the bommie we had been to yesterday, it was bouncy with a big current so I was pleased I didn’t go.
I just love the sumptuous lips of the colourful clams
A little more tight lipped!
Black tipped reef sharks appear as soon as we enter the water
Another clam, more open, they close up as soon as the camera gets close
Black tipped is a very appropriate name
Love his big blue eyes
Patrolling
Coral gardens ……. the little black fish are like antelope grazing on the plains
So many little blue fish, they look green in a different light angle
Face to face with a grumpy looking Grouper, Rowan has the Go Pro on a very long extendable stick
So many fish, it is lovely to see such big schools
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