Moorea, Society Islands, French Polynesia

              Day? (have totally lost track of what day we are on!)
                                                 Maeva 
                                                               
                       Maeva (Mah-yeh-vah) means welcome in the local language. 
                     
                    Moorea, Society Islands, French Polynesia
                                                             Anchored in Opunohu Bay

Our ship anchored in Opunohu Bay, Moorea

                 

Tender ride to shore 15 minutes
Temperature 83º
Language: French
Money: CFP Franc (but US $$ accepted)

This is the shape of Moorea.
The paved circle-island road is 26 scenic miles long.
Notice the two nearly symmetrical bays!

Moorea is a high island in French Polynesia, part of the Society Islands, 9 miles northwest of Tahiti. Its position is 17º32'S  149º50'W. Moorea means "yellow lizard" in Tahitian. Like many of the other islands, Moorea was first settled by Polynesians from the islands west of it. They arrived on canoes coming down from South Asia looking for islands to settle. They arrived in Moorea 1000 years ago. There are some ancient stone rocks that are shaped like pyramids. On the rocks are carvings that tell when sacrifices sometimes took places. These landmarks are called Marae. One of the first European settlers arriving during the 18th century was Captain James Cook.
                                                                               


                       Perhaps Moorea could be nominated for the World's Most Gorgeous Island!
                                                         
                                                                               
We typically don't do excursions organized from the ship. They are too pricey. We get off, look for some locals who are advertising an adventure, discuss the price and make a decision.  Or, we look on Trip Advisor beforehand and check out the reviews for the area. Anchoring off of Moorea twice (first cruise and second part), we decided to do a small van tour to see the highlights of the island. There were only 6 of us in the van. Our local driver Grace kept our interest level up with her knowledge of the  gorgeous surroundings she calls home. She was born on this island and is raising two children.

Grace, pounding a rock on the walnut tree, demonstrating  the
method of communication used 'back in the day.'

Grace walking along the path to the Marae (ancient
stone temples found on the island's interior.)

                                               

Belevedere Point, the highest place accessible by car. 

   
                             

                 

Stunning turquoise waters inside the coral reef of the Hotel Sofitel.
You can  rent one of these huts for $500 a day! 

Happy about the tour so far!

Can't get enough of that color.

Part 2: Moorea
Swimming with the Sharks and Stingrays

Bob and our friend Kerry boating out to the swim area in the rain.

Exit one boat and get on the outrigger canoe for a ride into the reef.

These sharks and many others circled around us!

They were curious and looking for a handout!

Our outrigger took us out into the shallow waters of the lagoon.
The guide slaps the water and the stingrays come for a feeding!
Of course, the sharks are hoping for some too. 

Bob looking at the stingray while petting its head.
After photo-taking from the outrigger, I put my iPhone safely away
and joined in the fun. Touching a stingray is quite the experience.
It is very very soft and squishy. As long as you stay away from their eyes,
they like being petted. Go figure!

Nana (nah-nah)
Goodbye in the local language.