Snorkelling in the lagoon
A non-exhaustive list of creatures and corals you might see while out 🪸
My favourite thing to do with visitors is go out on the boat. We bring coffee, snacks, books, and (of course) snorkelling gear. The boys might fish with their spearguns while I just go around looking at all the pretty things.
The boat’s been out of action for a while, getting some repairs done. I’ve missed going out on it. We just got it back into the water and had a little outing this morning.
Over the last couple of years, I’ve seen some beautiful animals and corals in the lagoon. Here are just a few of them.
1. Humpback whales
Ok, technically this was outside of the lagoon in open ocean, but it was incredible. I wrote about it here.
2. Dolphins
The dolphin pod we see in the Bay of Vaiare is composed of very small, very cute pointy-nosed friends. I’ve tried to get into the water to swim with them, but they haven’t been super keen to hang out so far.
3. Turtles
I always feel like I’m blessed by the turtle gods when I see one. Always so wise and majestic soaring through the water.
4. Sharks
Ok, I know that the black tip sharks here are not the same as the big bitey ones in Australia, but I have to admit, my heart still does a bit of a thump when I see one.
5. Giant clams
You can find these in psychedelic colours like blue, purple and green. They can be eaten and are delicious with some lemon, although quite chewy.
6. Sting rays and leopard rays
One time, I saw something big moving in the water. My heart jumped into my throat. Then I saw her, a beautiful, massive ray flying through the water. She went from super chill to super fast the opposite direction when she saw us, bumping into my sister-in-law’s leg on her way!
7. An octopus
I’ve only seen an octopus one time, and it went to a coral and changed colour (!) to camouflage itself. So cool!
8. Moray eels
I’ll admit these guys freak me out a little bit. I know they have crazy strong jaws and are attracted to shiny things, so leave your jewellery behind while swimming.
9. Spiral worms
Like colourful tassels for the corals! I remember seeing these in animation form in The Little Mermaid but didn’t realise they actually exist in real life.
10. Finally…all the fish!
Long fish, round fish, big fish, small fish. Angelfish, parrotfish, trumpetfish. The colours! The shapes! The fish might even be the best part of snorkelling in the lagoon here in Mo’orea.
If you liked this round up of pretty creatures from the lagoon, you might enjoy reading about our daily swim or a recent visit to Temae beach.
I loved this experience even if I did not stray far from the boat 🛥️ 😎