Moorea - Opanahu Bay

Questionable Logic
Ewan Briggs
Thu 16 Jul 2009 08:51
Position: 17:29.47S 149:51.13W
 
We've moved over to the next door bay to enjoy the beautiful scenery and be nearer to some friends, and visit the stingrays.
There was a nice free spot in the middle of the anchorage over a shallow sand bank, just about deep enough for us, so we've got about a metre under the keel most of the time, although it's been as low as 30cm... The good news is that the guage seems to be about right - measured from Jems ankle to mid thigh...
Our anchor dragged for the first time here when we were trying to set it. Got caught up in the tripping line, but we were able to snorkel down to it, untangle it and then reset it - interesting to watch the anchor in action, not often that you get the chance to do that.
The water is so clear here, that you can clearly see the bottom in the moonlight. It makes it look even more shallow than it is though, which can be a bit disconcerting.
 
One of the major attractions to this bay - and indeed Moorea - is a visit to the stingrays just west of the entrance to of the bay inside the reef. In about waist deep water we were visited by about 10-15 very hungry and curious stingrays. They litterally swim right up to and into you. They're very friendly and managed to keep their stings to themselves, and loved the few bits of raw tuna we'd brought (not so keen on the tinned ham though - funny that....).
 
   
Stefan with the Rays                                                Steve gently hands off an eager ray                            Another stunning sunset
 
 
 
Getting nudged by a couple of hungry rays.