Finally, we arrive in Raiatea!

Day 8. -- Raiatea

Our Captain, Michael, Susan & Cathy

Today we sailed on a 46 foot Leopard Catamaran from 9 am to 6 pm.  It was wonderful.  We had a crew of 3, with Summer as our captain & two hostess, to serve us lunch.  

It was 'Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous!"

Summer & Susan 

We had booked this excursion through Sunsail.  I had been impressed with Sunsail when we took a trip using them in the British Virgin Islands.  So when my new found Cruise Critic Friend Dave, mentioned this excursion to me, I was all for it.  Funny thing happened on the way to paradise, Dave & Kelly found a Dive they wanted to do instead, so I ended up taking the lead on planning of this excursion.  Not that there was much to do - as Dave had already done all the research & planning!  Thanks again Dave!  All that remained for me to do was find enough people (14 total)  to make the price work and prompt everyone to send in their payment.

Here is what impressed me with Sunsail.  Our original Catamaran that we had reserved, was booked for our new date in Raiatea.  Sunsail made arrangements for us to get a different vessel through the Moorings.  I really respect & appreciate their efforts to accommodate our groups new date.

Plenty of room for all

What a view as we sailed along!

We had been very lucky with our Raiatea plans.

This is livin'!

What a incredible vessel.  It was luxurious. So much space on a CAT compared to a Sailboat.

We spent the morning sailing, sunning and enjoying good company.  Summer was an excellent skipper, who showed anyone who wished the navigation instruments on the boat and where we were headed to.  He worked hard to catch the wind and sail quickly along the water.  He was constantly chatting with us, explaining and pointing out things as we traveled.  Edward enjoyed taking a turn at the helm.

Our 2 Hostess for the sail making lunch

WOW the color of the water!

While we had been sailing our hostess had been busy

making us a fresh feast.

Lunch was traditional dish, Poisson Crew, which is fresh tuna marinaded in coconut & lime juice and they served it with rice with shaved carrots.  For dessert we had the most delicious fruit salad that had mangos, papaya, bananas, pineapple & fresh orange squeezed over the whole thing.

We sailed to an area they call the coral garden pass.  This is an area where the ocean meets the Lagoon and the current is strong.  You walk on land to the mouth of the channel where the ocean is coming in to the lagoon .  You then ease in to the water and swim to get in to the middle of the channel then you just let the current carry you down the channel.  It's like flying.  It is the most exhilarating feeling .

We had our masks and snorkels on an so your see all kind of fish as you fly through the pass, it is so amazing.  We stayed and snorkeled in this area for 2 hours.  I ran the channel 4 times and would have done it more if there was time.

Here are three pictures that Cathy took.  This will sort of give you an idea of what snorkeling this coral garden was like.

The water is crystal clear.  The dark spots you see in the water are the coral heads.  Fish of all sizes, shapes and colors can be glimpsed as you sail by on the fast current.

I wish I had Kelly's Go Pro on my head as the current carried me down in to the lagoon

.

This snorkel is also in my top 5 favorite things.

After we all re-boarded our Catamaran we sailed back to Raitia as the sun set.  What a perfect end to a beautiful day.

Captain Summer & the gang 

Mentioned in the blog :Sunsail Charters, you can find them at this address: 

http://www.sunsail.com/destinations/south-pacific/tahiti-french-polynesia

Pictures by Andrea & Cathy.  Thanks Ladies!

Until next time, travel safe!
Susan