Of all the islands in Polynesia, this particular piece of paradise holds a special place for Betsey and me, as it was where we became engaged many years ago.   The Hotel Sofitel was the scene of the crime and we returned 7 years later to find it somewhat changed, but still at heart a quiet getaway.

One of the many excursion we undertook was a Dolphin Watching jaunt with the research assistant for Dr Poole, who has been in Moorea for the past 15 years.   Spinner Dolphins are the smallest of this family and are the only dolphin that can complete a full body rotation before they return to the water surface.   We hit pay dirt just minutes after leaving the dock, even though these creatures hunt at night in extreme depths and rest during the day.   They showed off their family pod and even took the time to delight us with a spin or two.

Like all the Polynesia islands, Moorea was formed by a 'Hot Spot' in the sea bed.   From here a rising column of magma produced a sea volcano and pushed it upwards to become an island.   As the volcano goes extinct, the vent empties and the weight of the outer cone starts the process in the return direction.   A Coral Reef starts around the perimeter, and as erosion and weather conditions shape the formation of the sinking caldera, the reef struggles to grow and maintain contact with the water surface.   This in turn forms the spectacular lagoons that are an integral part of the island chain.   A healthy lagoon is predicated on a healthy coral reef, which in turn has 2 enemies.   Fresh water flowing from the internal rise of the island will create breaks in the reef that then let in the second threat, humans.   Many modern day activities can destroy the reef as it attempts to maintain growth at the water surface level.   So as you vacation, be aware of your impact and tread lightly so that future generations of Polynesians may inherit the world of their ancestors.

We anchored in Cooks Bay and all around peaks and ridges of the caldera presented themselves to delight our eyes.   Whether it was Sharks Tooth or a green covered ridge exposing cyclone-induced patches of stone, the views were inspiring, as evident below.   But now it is time to journey on to Huahine.