DAY 34/138 1/22/2024 Sunrise: 5:40AM Sunset: 6:39 PM
Tahiti is an island paradise that lays claim to the invention of surfing. Its mile upon mile of sandy beaches, soothing waters and warm sun are ideal for leisure-seeking visitors. The island's volcanic origins deposited black sands on much of its coast creating a dramatic coastal canvas, while white-sand beaches stretch along the southern shores. point Venus on the east coast boasts dark sands and moderate waves. The waters of maui Beach, lined with palms, offer shallow, quiet surf for wading and snorkeling among stunning coral reefs.
Our excursion today was Vaipahi Gardens & Papara Surf Beach
Island Drive to Explore Flora and Scenic Spots -- Discover the tropical flora and stunning beachside locations of Tahiti on a scenic island drive. Travel with your guide to the east coast and stop for photos at Point Venus, the historic landing site of European explorers and the eventual settlers of this French Polynesian island. Here, you will see one of the most important landmarks of Tahiti: a gleaming white lighthouse, built in 1867 to commemorate the arrival of Captain Samuel Wallis a century earlier. Continue your journey south and enjoy refreshments at the Gauguin restaurant before visiting Vaipahi Gardens. Here, you will admire rare species of tropical flowers and precious woods. Next, head to Papara Surf Beach. Take in the stunning views of its coastline, and keep your eyes peeled for surfers as they paddle out on their boards to catch a breaking wave. Complete your island drive along the west coast before heading back to your ship.
This excursion gave us an opportunity to circumnavigate the island of Tahiti. Because there were heavy rains yesterday, our guide pointed out several waterfalls in the distant hillsides. Tahiti was quite a surprise to us because of the high density of housing and the numbers of cars on the road. Our guide said that Tahiti is the largest island of the Windward group of the Society Islands in French Polynesia. The population is a little under 200,000 residents.
These lovely ladies greeted us after we left the our ship, the Viking Sky.
I found this lady's hairpiece quite beautiful. We have been seeing these a lot.
The next photos are some things I found interesting as we circled the island.
Our first stop was at Point Venus where the first European explorers landed. There is a beautiful white lighthouse built in
1867 to commemorate the arrival of Captain Samuel Wallis a century earlier.
There was a monument to honor the Bounty on their way to Pitcairn Island.
On our way to the next stop we saw many beautiful murals on buildings.
Our snack break was at the du Musee Gauguin Restaurant.
Between the floral display on the restaurant grounds and
Vaipahi Gardens we were in for a stunning display of color and variety. This picture made me smile with the chicken inserting himself into the landscape.
And then there were the waterfalls
We were able to watch quite a few people surfing at several of the beaches where we stopped. Definitely lives up to its reputation for being a surfer's paradise.
This evening we had a special treat with an hour performance by a local dance/music group called "O Tahiti E". They have preformed locally, nationally, and internationally for many years.
It was a very long day full of beautiful scenery and ending with the evening performance by O TAHITI E. Good thing the next five days are sea days so I can get caught up with my blog and photos.
Comments
Post a Comment