This morning, March 26, we arrive just off the island of Raivavae in the Austral Islands, part of French Polynesia. This is the quintessential south sea island. A high central mountainous island that seems to float in clear blue waters surrounded by a fringing reef.
It is so beautiful, so remote, I cannot get the theme song from Gilligan’s island out of my head. Don’t know about a movie star, but I know there are several millionaires with their wives on board. I am sure there is a professor or two.
We loaded onto the zodiacs for a trip to shore. The landing was at a beach where we were met by local islanders playing music, dancing and giving flowered leis. Very friendly and generous people. The island is 5-7 million years old, and first settled around 1000 AD. We got on a bus for a tour around the island. Archaeological sites on this island are on private property, so the upkeep varies depending on the interest of the property owner. Our first stop was to see a Tiki. This is the only one remaining on the island, in the backyard of one of the local people.
Arriving on the island. 
Arriving on the island. 
The last Tiki. 
From here we stopped at a Marae, a sacred meeting place, often the burial site of a chief or king. Those on Raivavae, were not well kept. The first one we saw was barely discernible through the brush. But the later one was much better kept, restored by one of our drivers, he showed us the results of his work. This Marae included the tomb of a chief’s daughter.
the tomb.
Our tour ended on the other side of the island, were we again boarded zodiacs for a ride out to one of the surrounding reef islands. Here we had some time before lunch to do some snorkeling. The waters were shallow. Beyond the shallows were several large coral outcroppings with abundant fish.
Heading out across the lagoon. 
The party awaits. 
Landing. 
The party begins 
Clam. 
Coral 
Here, on the beach, the locals had prepared a lunch of various local foods. This included a clam ceviche. The shells left from the clams were cleaned in the ocean and then we used them for plates!
Collecting the dinner plates. 
The food was amazing. 
On the beach.
After lunch there was more music and dancing.
Bidding farewell. 
Bidding Farewell.
Then back to the ship for our next destination.
March 27 Rurutu
Rurutu is the northern most island in the Austral archipelago of French Polynesia. Here again, there was a welcoming ceremony of music and flowered leis upon landing at the port. The locals had prepared various fruits and drinks for us while we waited for all the passengers from the ship to come ashore. Once all were ashore, we boarded a combination of cars, buses and trucks to tour the island.
An island greating. 
Our first stop was at Te Ana a’eo Cave where the locals put on a dance and music exhibition. Totally amazing talent.
The ladies show their strength 
Then the Men. 
From here we were taken to various spots on the island stopping along the way at a picnic site for some refreshments. Here there was a restored Marae. We also stopped at Avera Taro Plantation.
Taro plantation 
Tomorrows lunch.
From the plantation we returned to the port where the musicians and the dancers had regrouped for a final show and goodbye.
Beating the taro. 
weavers. 
Tomorrow a day at sea, on our way to Bora Bora!
Loving the blog, Howard. Does the platform support video? Would love to see some of those if possible. If not, I’ll have to wait anxiously for your return 🙂
Really interesting (and beautiful) thanks for the peek!
I really enjoy your posts.
How enthralling!! Such amazing places, people, history and so much more 🙂
Remarkable and beautiful. Thanks!