Day 4 - Friday 19 July - Isle of Pines, New Caledonia

Anchored in the bay of the Isle of Pines just after 8am while we were eating breakfast. Watched the small islet in the picture below with rainbow as we breakfasted. Cruise Director's announcement of weather was "partly sunny, partly cloudy and temperature in mid-20s". At present it is more cloudy, with showers and a chance of sunshine! But if you are snorkelling you are going to get wet anyhow! We have an excursion to the Natural Aquarium at 11.45am so we are getting our gear together to then go on a tender to shore.

 View to main island from our cabin balcony.

Islet with rainbow

Lovely day on the island and only had to shelter from one light shower. 

Spotted one of the island's famous sea snakes as we walked off the jetty onto the island. Later captured a photo of Alison with another one.

Before going on our excursion at 11.45am we walked around to the snorkelling area near the Sacred Rock.

Philip also took a stroll up to the local police headquarters and captured a photo of the savage guard dog!

Our shore excursion to the Natural Aquarium was money well spent. 15-20 minute coach trip to a village and then walk up a shallow beautifully clear river and then through the forest to emerge on the edge of a crystal clear lagoon. After some fun and struggle with lots of laughter we managed to get our new flippers on (They had been much easier to try on in BCF on dry land!), we goggled up and headed off towards the rocks and coral in the lagoon area. Not much in the way of colourful coral but there sure were heaps of reef fish in all sizes and colours. Very large sea urchins and some clams. Philip got into a staring match with one medium sized black fish which finally decided that it wanted to win and so rushed mouth first straight at Philip's goggles. Philip conceded territory and swam off.

The Natural Aquarium

Back onboard and for those who need to hear about our food tales, we have enjoyed some frehly made pizza topped with lots of chilli flakes.

Tonight was Caribbean Theme Night so we dressed for dinner - Philip in his Johnny Depp Pirates of the Caribbean hat with attached wig and Alison in her Pirate Princess Minnie Mouse Ears. We knew those purchases from Disneyland would come in handy one day. Showtime entertainment in the dining room was the Conga Line - our whole table joined in so you can see that we are seated with people who have the Carnival Spirit spirit!

When we returned to our cabin we decided that our steward's newly created towel animal for the evening should share in the fun.