Manihi, Tuamotu Archipelago

Manihi, Tuamotu Archipelago

Manihi is a beautiful oval-shaped coral atoll surrounded by a necklace of islands with white sandy beaches that stretch indefinitely. Long neglected by visitors, this island is however one of the most beautiful ones you can find in French Polynesia. Situated 400 miles northwest from Bora Bora in the Tuamotu Archipelago, Manihi has a very small population of around 650 people. Nothing comparing to its marine population! Manta rays, reef sharks and multiple fish species such as the famous butterfly fish all living together in majestic coral reefs. The lack of tourism allowed nature to keep its untouched beauty. Many protected areas have been established and given its geography, not everyone has the opportunity to visit this atoll.. Unfortunate;y our visit was at low tide- so how come Silversea Concierge arranged this as an excellent swiimiing venue??!!

April 10th

A morning at sea. A talk by Damon on manta rays and fish. Arrived off Manihi soon after noon. A very long zodiac ride ashore and then a welcome with drums and a dozen young girls dancing before being given a short walk around the not over attractive village - 600 souls in all - by the village nurse.

We then had to be transported by zodiac axroos the atoll entrance to ger to the beach part of land. This was a 25 minute walk through amazing coconut palms, a step back in time; we were glad not to have waited for the one shuttle bus. After the uplifting walk we were very disappointed that it was impossible to swim at the beach, the tide being a long, long way out!. We wandered out for 10 minutes or so, still hardly ankle deep. But a group of 6 colourful musicians plus a refreshing coconut to drink partly made up for it.

We chose to walk back but the heavens opened and we were truly drenched by the time we goy back to the zodiac. Invited to dine with the captain , Paivlin Koev when we returned to the ship, gone 4.. Had a briefing on the plans for Tuesday, then a quick drink - needed it after another dose of Marieka. - before going in to meet the captain. 8 of us; Sir Keith and Lady Sabina Whitson ( HSBC and N Z estate!), Elsa and Victor and 2 others from Manchester. I thought Pavlińs views on expedition staff quarters on the Silver Endeavour were harsh!. The dinner lasted for 3 hours, a trifle too long!

April 11th. Fakarava, Tuamotu Archipelago.

Up early and ashore by 7.20, then straight on to a 40 seater truck to the beach area. This was just what we had been expecting for the previous two beach stops. Wandered along it as far as we could in bothe directions, watched laid back demonstrations of plant plaiting and lei, the garlands they make to go round our necks. Then had a coconut drink before wandering out to sea, with David´s help. Some coral underneath still frightened me!, but then stole a noodle off Gillian and felt much happier. Chatted to a group of 3 and learnt that Jamie and Marieka were getting married on May 21st!. Once back on land there was a very genuine dance display. We had to leave by 10.10, but we would have liked a little longer. Back on board I packed one suitcase before lunch, and the second one after lunch before having a coffee and watching the 1985 film of Mutiny on the Bounty. Then a walk round a deserted deck before going to the cruise overview, watching the cruise video and then enjoying the crew farewell. Final canapés in the bar followed by a last supper with Ian and Christine.