Baie d'Oponuhu, Moorea
Seaduced
John & Jane Craven
Thu 1 May 2014 05:24
There are two bays on the northern side of Moorea, Cooks Bay, and Oponuhu Bay, the irony being that Captain Cook only went to the second bay, not the one that bears his name!
We anchored in the second bay following recommendations, as the water is much clearer here for swimming and you can see what is in there. In Cooks Bay, you know the sharks, lots of them, are lurking there somewhere, but you can't see then as the water is very murky.
The weather had improved a bit and the sun had come out by the time we anchored, so it was time for a swim - the water was fabulous, cool and clear, perfect. A BBQ dinner finished off a great first day on anchor.
Frankie snorkelling,
and Georgia as well
The bay in Moorea
and again
As we all wanted to go diving, we went to find the dive school and book ourselves in before heading to a beach cafe for lunch and probably the nicest meal we have had in ages. Frankie and Georgia both learned to dive in Egypt 5 years ago and so needed a refresher before doing anything else, so Monday afternoon off they went. John and I decided to stay on board the boat as by this time the wind had picked up and the waves were making dinghy travel wet and unpleasant, so we had arranged a car pick up for the girls. It was a good job we had already been out for lunch as the thought of travelling to the next bay by dinghy was very off putting, and the situation didn't improve for the next few days.
After having done the refresher and passed with flying colours, Frankie & Georgia were booked in with us to do two dives the next morning. It was an early start, we were picked up at 7.30am! Frankie did really well diving Lemon Shark Valley like a pro, but unfortunately Georgia was put off by the sharks she saw as soon as she jumped in.
Enjoying a slightly damp boat ride
Getting kitted up
Black tip reef shark
Team Craven, me, Frankie & John
Some pretty reef fish
Me & Frankie successfully attempt an underwater selfie!
Despite seeing sharks on the first dive, the second dive was a bit disappointing, a bit darker and murkier. After this, both girls said they weren't too bothered about having another go.
The problem with the bay we were in was that we couldn't easily get ashore dry, and there was nowhere to go ashore, so we decided to move to the other bay. The day we set off the weather really kicked off - we had up to 42 knots of wind, fortunately on the nose and only for about a mile as we went round the corner. Once we got well down into the bay, the wind dropped to nothing and we had a lovely calm night. We could also easily get ashore to explore the island, and go out in the evening, which we did with Pat, Stuart and Murray from Brizo.
Our last day on Moorea, coincided with the May Day bank holiday, meaning everything was shut! We decided to hire a car for the day and take a drive round the island. The island is beautiful, with lots of gorgeous beaches and lush gardens. Most of the shops, bars and restaurants were unfortunately closed, so we headed to the beach for the first time in ages and hung out there, relaxing and reading.
View over the bay from the Belvedere look out point
The oldest Protestant church in Polynesia
Gorgeous lagoon
Now we have to head back to the marina in Tahiti, to drop off the girls and hopefully get the head sail fixed. Once the rigger gets the foil down and looks at the problem we will have a better idea as to what will happen next.
Sent from my iPad