We arrived to Makatea early in the morning. We were greeted by a view of beautiful coral cliffs, which have risen out of the water. The morning was filled with activities, including birding, viewing the sulfur mines (once a major industry in French Polynesia), and snorkeling in a cave system with a freshwater supply. The system is known as the grotto, and it was lit up by the dive team with very well-placed dive lights.

After an amazing Mexican lunch on deck 4, it was full steam ahead for water activities. The divers went to a point on Makatea and had an incredible dive in the amazing island’s blue waters. Not too far from the divers, the snorkelers were enjoying the same amazing reefs and clear blue waters of Makatea.