January 13, 2026
Today felt like we were inside a Computer Screen Saver! You know how everybody has one of those amazing beach shots on their home screens ? I am guessing we were in the place where most of them are filmed! Rangiroa is the 2nd largest atoll in the world, and its lagoon feels like its own ocean, it's huge! It is famous worldwide for "drift" diving and snorkeling, due to its fast moving current, crystal clear water and excellent visibility. We joined a group of 44 Residents in an all day adventure.
Janette, who is kneeling down in front of me in above photo organized the tour with the operator, (which turned out to be a bunch of cousins, as super large families are the norm here in Rangiroa )and they were so accommodating and entertaining. It was a really fun day. They made all the ladies these fun hats. Lunch was delicious on their private atoll and they serenaded us - a talented group!
The day started with us tendering in from Ship to Rangiroa dock and getting into 4 waiting speed boats. Then we were off too our first drift snorkel. The drift went sooo fast, that none of my fish photos came out clear, but I did get these cool visual shots .
After the drift snorkel we went 45 minutes through bouncy, choppy lagoon waves to get to the Blue Lagoon . Which is a cluster of small atolls, that enclose a small lagoon with the most amazing blue turquoise water. This area is also the nursery for hundreds of baby sharks. I think we counted 15-16 in this video, sooo cute ! Really! This is where we had lunch and chilled checking out all the creatures.
Just when we thought the bouncy boat ride couldn't get worse, we had to head back with strong winds and a storm coming in. Poor Bosco was green and motion sick for the next hour! He never heaved, thank God, but they had a bucket at the ready. I thought it was poetic that the Puka Runga boat was in background as we got off to enjoy the last spot of the day.
