February 27, 2025

SANTOS - BRAZIL

Some ports I just don't get great photographs and Santos is one of them. Above is stock photo. I did spend a day on this beach at area called Channel 5, which is up in the top 1/3 of this photo. There were way less people on the beach that day and the sand is more brown than beige - but rest looks the same. Water temperature was slightly warm with cool pockets. We were only suppose to be in this port 2 days, thus the mad dash to Sao Paulo the first day. However, due to a late delivery of our fuel, we were there 3 days and left so late, we have to skip the port of Ilhabeta, and head direct to Paraty. Life at Sea has to stay fluid! Since I already used a stock photo, below is another one to show the busy Port in reference to the beach above. 

I spent the third day in Santos shopping at a Hypermarket Carrefour for a fan, booze, snacks and refills of my daily toiletries. The AC in my cabin and several others in my section of the Ship is not working all that well temporarily so an oscillating fan greatly improved things! I came across some odd chips while seeking out snacks - honestly didn't buy them to try so can't vouch for taste but highly suspect I missed anything good! Would you give them a try?

By Patricia Patrick January 14, 2026
Since Janette Emerich is generous enough to share her drone photos with all of us on board the Ship, I have to share them with you all. This beauty is why I said we felt like we were in a screen saver the whole day in Rangiroa! I love the height perspective in the photos it really captures so much more. Blue Lagoon below:
By Patricia Patrick January 13, 2026
The water in Rangiroa is so spectacular, I wanted to spend more time drift snorkeling and checking out the area called " The Aquarium ". So today I went back out for a 3 hour session to do 3 drift passes in Tiputa pass and then spent an hour in an area with wonderful healthy corals and tons of fish, earning it the nickname " The Aquarium ".
By Patricia Patrick 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.