After the excitement and energy of Bora Bora yesterday, today felt like the perfect time to slow things down a little. We were definitely in a more relaxed, chill mode — the kind of day where you move at island pace. We didn’t even leave the ship until almost 11:00 a.m., which was easy enough since we were docked right at the port. Getting on and off was simple and stress-free — always a nice bonus when you’re in the mood to take things as they come.
My loose plan was to stroll through the local market and then take a leisurely twenty-minute walk to a nearby swimming area. As often happens, that plan changed quickly — and for the better.
After wandering through the market, full of colourful produce, vanilla beans, and local crafts, I noticed a little snorkel shop nearby. Curiosity got the best of me, so I popped over to check out a few items. That’s when I spotted a small sign offering a boat shuttle to a nearby motu — Motu Fetapo. The sign said $25, so I asked the fellow on the boat if that was round trip. He smiled and said yes, but that today it was only $20. That was all the encouragement I needed! I found Jan, and off we went on our next little adventure.
Just five minutes later, we were stepping onto a true island paradise. Motu Fetapo is one of those spots that looks like it’s been pulled straight from a postcard — soft white sand, a calm, shallow lagoon on one side, and on the other, a coral shelf that drops dramatically into the deep blue. The snorkelling there was incredible. At first, it took a bit of trial and error to find the best entry points through the coral, but once we figured it out, it was easy — and absolutely worth it. Bright fish, healthy coral, and that mesmerizing feeling of floating over the edge where the reef gives way to the open ocean.
It was such an easy, perfect way to spend the afternoon — relaxing under palm trees, chatting with a few other cruise folks and locals, and just soaking up that peaceful island atmosphere. Best of all, the shuttle dropped us off and picked us up just steps from where the ship was docked.
As we set sail later in the day, the ship glided slowly through the lagoon, weaving between Raiatea and its close neighbour, Taha’a. The two islands share the same lagoon and are separated only by a narrow channel, so the scenery along the way was stunning — mountains reflected in turquoise water, small motus dotting the reef, and the light shifting as the sun began to dip lower. The commentary over the loudspeakers described how Raiatea and Taha’a are like twin sisters: Raiatea is the hub, home to the airport, marinas, and main town of Uturoa, while Taha’a is quieter, famous for its vanilla plantations and laid-back charm. It’s easy to see why people often visit both — they really feel like one place, joined by that beautiful lagoon.
Raiatea itself has a fascinating past. Known as the “sacred island,” it was once the cultural and spiritual heart of ancient Polynesia. The great marae (temple) of Taputapuātea, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the gathering place for chiefs and navigators from across the Pacific — a launching point for voyages that spread Polynesian culture far and wide. Later, in the 19th century, Raiatea even had its own monarchy before eventually becoming part of French Polynesia in 1888.
Today, about 12,000 people call Raiatea home. The island is a blend of traditional life and modern industry: a little agriculture, a growing pearl trade, and a good deal of tourism — though it feels much quieter than Bora Bora. Uturoa, the main town, serves as both a supply and transport hub for the region, with a friendly, down-to-earth vibe.
Our day here ended perfectly — a calm sail out through the lagoon, spinner dolphins dancing at the bow, and golden light spilling across the sea. Another wonderful day in French Polynesia — a little adventure, a little history, and plenty of that island magic that makes it so hard to leave.
Tomorrow, we’re off to one of our long-time favourites — beautiful Moorea.
No comments:
Post a Comment