GPS: 18 43.312S 174 06.075W
Run: 4.8nm (8.7km)
We had a third day at Port Maurelle snorkelling around the reefs. Tony saw a large turtle and also got stung by a jellyfish! It is amazing how clear the water is in this bay. So many beautiful and interesting coral and fish. We are so lucky to be in such a beautiful area. In the afternoon we took the dinghy across to Swallows Cave which is absolutely stunning. The colours of the water in the cave were incredible. We had been advised to go around 3pm to get the best light and we did. Stella had her Go pro under the water and got some amazing footage. The inside of the cave was fascinating as well the rock formations, stalactites etc.
Yesterday morning we set off to find Mariners Cave another great snorkelling place but hard to find as the entrance is underwater even at low tide. Hannah and Tony swam off the back of Imagine over to the rocky shore but were not sure enough that it was the entrance to try diving down and up. However we did see some dolphins which were diving around the bow of the boat. We overnighted at Nuapapu Matamaka and snorkelled again. We had another bbq and enjoyed dinner out on the deck watching the beautiful sunset and enjoying watching the flying foxes.
We spent some more time snorkelling this morning where we saw some cool things including another sea snake but were met with a constant barrage of tiny jellyfish stings that could be compared to constant static shocks and some in places they should not have been! This afternoon we moved to Baka’eitu. When we arrived another boat was in the bay which turned out to be Essence (whom we’ve seen a few times on our travels so far). This evening Stu and Pamela from Essence (along with their friends Carolyn and Brent who have flown up to join them for a week) came over for drinks, nibbles and to share stories. After they went back to their boat we enjoyed a lovely beef peanut curry dish that Hannah made. Maybe another movie tonight that Tony can fall asleep in!
Night all
