We awoke early on day 2 in Moorea. We wanted to see the MS Amsterdam come into Opunohu Bay from Papeete. Carolita, our guide from Jo’s Tours, picked us up at 8:30 am for an Island Tour. And then we drove to the tender dock at Opunohu Bay to pick up 5 more tour participants from the ship.
We awoke to see two ships coming into Moorea. The MS Amsterdam approaches from the right. The Europa approaches from the left.The MS Amsterdam is coming to get us! She had left Papeete at 5:00 am and is coming to spend the day in Moorea. We will reboard this afternoon after our island tour.Amsterdam (on the right) and the Europa (on the left) will cross. The Europa, being smaller, will dock in Cook’s Bay. The MS Amsterdam is on her way to Opunohu Bay.We will watch the MS Amserdam anchor in Opunohu Bay from our bungalow!Entering Opunohu Bay with the Europa also arriving in Cook’s Bay! They are doing this in sync!! This is such a cool picture!And here she is in Opunohu Bay. Although the other bay is named for Capt. Cook, Opunohu Bay is actually where he first anchored!The first Baptist Church built in Moorea is right here at the tender dock on Opunohu Bay.
Our first stop was the Belvedere and the incomparable view! Moorea is famous for its amazing mountains and verdant valleys.
This sign at the Belveder shows all the noted mountains and mareas.The formations are fantastic. This is “Woman Looking Skyward.” If you look closely, you’ll see a woman with her face to the sky, nose in the air, and hair falling behind her.Woman Beating a Tom TomOpunohu Bay as seen from the Belvedere. Moorea is known for its amazing mountains and verdant valleys.Cook’s Bay from the Belvedere.
We also saw several marae. These are ancient temples. And they are still revered today.
Marae i te Ti’i Roa. An Ancient Religiuos SiteMarae Ahu o Mahine. Another Religious SiteMaraes still seem to be revered as parks are built around them.story of the marae
As we continued the tour, we proceeded to the Manutea Distillery. This is where fruit juices are turned into 20-proof spirits! Samples were provided. We tried them all!!!! Everyone bought bottles to take home!
The Manutea Juice factory and distillery. Not only do they produce, box and bottle fruit juices. They distill liquors! We stopped here for a tasting and everyone left with juicy libations to take home.
Our final stop was Le Paimapo Beach where we fed some stingrays. Even saw a shark!
Entrance to a Le Paimapo beach and park.Stingrays looking for a handout.Sting RaysEven a shark is there.SharkCarolita feeding raw fish to the manta rays.Feeding the RaysMoorea means beautiful yellow lizard. Hence the lizard on this roadside marker.A beautiful Royal Poncianna TreePineapple FieldPineapple on the bushInteresting. How do you suppose this happened?!?
We returned to the tender dock and re-boarded the MS Amsterdam.
Opunohu Bay Anchorage as we depart.
As we sail away from Moorea, we pass the InterContinental Hotel and OUR bungalow! No how appropriate is that!!!
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