IMAGES OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC

Left Galapagos for the 3000 mile crossing to the Marquesas which took 24 days, 1 day less than our Atlantic crossing. Picked up this Boobie as a passenger for 3 days. On arrival the hull was covered in goose barnacles which had to be scraped off. The Marquesas are volcanic islands covered in lush vegetation, probably due to the amount of rain that falls. They are truly spectacular. We were entertained with a hog roast and Polynesian dancing. Next stop after a 4 day passage was the Tuamotus, volcanic atolls, coral reefs surrounding a lagoon. They are very low lying so navigation has to be very careful. The lagoon is enterred through a pass through which a strong current flows. The colour and clarity of the water here is fantastic. We had a fish BBQ on the beach and caught an octopus. Many reef sharks which are harmless and we swam with them. Black pearls are farmed here by a process of culture. They are then made up into jewellery. Local children love to play in the dinghies. We are now in Tahiti.