Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Rangiroa, French Polynesia

The high winds and rain forced the cruise line to cancel all shore excursions in Rangiroa.  So, we went ashore on the tender anyway and went for a walk along the beach and visited one of the island hotels.


Rangiroa, meaning "huge sky", is the largest atoll of Tahiti and her islands, and one of the the four largest in the world. It has more than 240 motu (islets) separated by more than 100 "hoa", small channels that make up its ring of coral.


The island features warm, blue tropical waters. Even though the sun was not out very much while we were there, the colors on the water were still magnificent.


We gathered under this tree during downpours and when the sun would peak through.  The tree was located close to the tender area. Dolphins chased the ship into the lagoon upon our arrival. 
 

Debbie and I walked down the road to visit the Hotel Kiaora.  The grounds were beautiful. 



Most of the hotels and airports in French Polynesia are covered but are open to the outside.
  
 


This dock led out the the cutest bar. Other than one guest checking into the hotel, we did not see anyone outside. 


Our next port of call is Raiatea, the only port other than Papeete that has a harbor deep enough for the ship to moor at the pier. No tenders, YEA!

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