Bora Bora and Aitutaki, Cook Islands

Our first stop on our ship was at beautiful Bora Bora. As we had been here before and explored the island itself we spent most of our time on a snorkeling adventure.  The first stop was at a reef where sting rays and reef sharks were not only plentiful but also very friendly.  It took a bit of getting used to to having one of these large creatures come right up so close that they are touching you. Was a really neat experience in crystal clear water that was as warm as a bathtub.  After this unique experience we went off to another coral reef where there was a wonderful variety of colourful tropical fish.  After lunch we did a trip into town to visit a black pearl jewelry store as the one Tina got on our last visit had been stolen unfortunately.  With a beautiful new necklace in hand we were back on the ship and headed for the Cook Islands.

We arrived at the small island of Atui where a visit was planned but unfortunately the seas ere so rough that it was impossible to send the zodiacs to shore.  This would have been the first visit by tourists in two years to the island so the locals were very disappointed as were we.

Our next stop on Wednesday April 3rd made up for our disappointment of yesterday.  Today we spent the day at Aitutaki which is an almost atoll.  The main island is 6.97 square miles and the lagoon is 29 square miles and is teaming with tropical sea life.  We were welcomed at the pier with dancers and drummers as fresh flower leis were placed around our necks and we were handed a coconut full of coconut milk to enjoy.  Boarding local boats we went over to the uninhabited Honeymoon Island which is a wonderful snorkeling site with an abundance of corals and many varieties of fish.  There is also quite a collection of very large colourful clams which were really interesting and different to see.  After a lengthy snorkel we went for a walk around the beautiful island in the lovely white sand which we learned is actually parrot fish poop. One parrot fish creates up to 5tons of sand poop a year from cleaning the coral.  The red terns were nesting on the ground in the trees and we even found one with a new chick which was adorable.

The giant stingray were very friendly and would come up and rub against you which sent a few people back to the boat quickly

The black tipped reef sharks were curious but harmless though we were warned not to pet them as they could mistake ones hand as a food offering 

A feeding frenzy 

Being greeted at Aitutaki 

Gorgeous white sand beaches and crystal clear water that is as warm as a bathtub. Heavenly!

Tropical birds nesting on Honeymoon Island

These giant clams were quite abundant on the reef 

Many colourful fish were swimming and eating off of the corals

Quite a beautiful undersea world

Getting to quite like this drink witch is offered to us at each stop as the coconut is so abundant here