December 28, 2024

MANTA, EQUADOR

The port immigration officials in Manta, Ecuador take a rather long time to process us, as we have to pick up our passports and everyone on the Ship has to be seen and processed, regardless of their plans to get off the Ship. Therefore, we decide to just spend the afternoon, checking out the port shops, the Mall across the street and the Beach. The Little / Olson Family join Scott, Bob and Sarah, Sherry and I. The Mall del Pacifico is packed with Holiday shoppers as it is the last Saturday before Christmas 12/21/24. We quickly get our essentials and then seek the sunshine of the beach.

In the port shops, we discover a unique plant called TAGUA, it first produces a tasty fruit in the seed pods. These fruits if left alone turn into a hard ivory that they craft into a variety of statues and products.

RAJA AMPAT - FINAL DIVES FOR NOW!

By Pat Patrick • April 19, 2026
I got to do 14 dives and 5 snorkel trips over our two weeks at Eco Cove Resort. I feel much more confident and comfortable diving, practice does truly help! Eco has these t-shirts that list all their Resort excursions - we made a nice dent in all of them and it's hard to pick a favorite!

RAJA AMPAT - SPECIAL SUNSET!

By Pat Patrick • April 19, 2026
Friday nights at Eco Cove Resort are sunset excursion time. All the guest are taken over to tiny Yeben Rock Island. This time the tde ws coming in quickly and alot of the island was already covered by water but that didn't dampen our party! We had a cooler of beer this time too! We also have become feriendly with the 2 families that were there sharing with us.

RAJA AMPAT, ECO COVE RESORT - FEELING CHILL!

By Pat Patrick • April 19, 2026
Eco Cove Resort in Raja Ampat - Oh what a wonderful place! I have truly loved my time here! Sharing it all with wonderful friends, made it even better. Here's some highlights above and below the water.