Takaroa, Tuamotu Archipelago, French Polynesia, 5/17/2023, National Geographic Orion
Aboard the
National Geographic Orion
French Polynesia & Pacific Islands
Today we had an expedition-style day ashore on Takaroa. We strolled through the small town, met the mayor, learned about copra production and pearl farming, and even visited a shipwreck from the early 1900s. In the afternoon, we got our feet wet while enjoying some relaxing beach time.
Berit grew up on the rocky shores of Marblehead, Massachusetts, where she explored the marine environment through changing tides and seasons, nurturing a love of natural history and marine biology.
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We arrived early in the morning to the ever so beautiful Ra’iatea. Options this morning included a visit to see how pearls are farmed or the chance to snorkel around the crystal-clear water of the pearl farm, which is located near a pristine coral reef. The afternoon was filled with a delicious Sunday roast for lunch aboard National Geographic Orion . In the afternoon, guests visited the Marae, a place of cultural importance for Polynesians, and learned more about the local history.
We arrived to Makatea early in the morning. We were greeted by a view of beautiful coral cliffs, which have risen out of the water. The morning was filled with activities, including birding, viewing the sulfur mines (once a major industry in French Polynesia), and snorkeling in a cave system with a freshwater supply. The system is known as the grotto, and it was lit up by the dive team with very well-placed dive lights. After an amazing Mexican lunch on deck 4, it was full steam ahead for water activities. The divers went to a point on Makatea and had an incredible dive in the amazing island’s blue waters. Not too far from the divers, the snorkelers were enjoying the same amazing reefs and clear blue waters of Makatea.
Early this morning, we arrived at the Tuamotu Archipelago, a completely different landscape than what we have experienced previously on this voyage. As we approached Rangiroa atoll and entered the pass, a single bottlenose dolphin came to escort us into the lagoon. With a strong outgoing tide and standing waves, the dolphin surfed our bow and did some spectacular leaps. We spent the whole day exploring this glorious island. SCUBA divers did multiple dives while snorkelers enjoyed “The Aquarium,” where the volume of fish is off the charts. We also went ashore. Some of us took a casual stroll, and others were enticed by the black pearl. Too soon, it was time to head out of Rangiroa and on towards Makatea!
