Next stop on the Circumnavigation of Australia was a stop on Komodo Island.— Yes Komodo is in Indonesia, but it is very near Australia, and in ancient times was probably connected! We toured the Island again, yes we toured it in February but it was great to tour it again. This time we added snorkeling on a pink sand beach. Enjoy the slide show, and to see more Komodo Dragon pictures in the Post of March 16 2013.
Georgetown is the capital of Grand Cayman, the largest of the Cayman Islands, and known for its spectacular diving and snorkeling. The area is also know for exceptional clarity and color of the sea due to the fact that there are no natural rivers or freshwater draining into the ocean around the sea. We made a stop there on the way to the Panama Canal before heading down the West coast of South America. We did two one tank dives, and enjoyed our time in the water. Attached are some photos from under and over the water! Not the best underwater pictures, but perhaps you can get an idea of some of the beautiful fish and coral that takes me underwater every chance I get. Click on the Welcome photo to see the gallery.
In 2004 over 80% of the buildings were either damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Ivan- the worst to hit the island in 86 years. However, because tourism accounts for the majority of the island’s economy, most business were quick to repair and re-open. Georgetown is home to to the Cayman’s financial industry and the town boasts over 600 banks! Points of interest for visitors include the turtle farm, and Stingray City, but the relaxed atmosphere and beautiful waters give Grand Cayman special allure.
Colorful Crocea Clams plus other beauties of Pacific Ocean
One of my favorite things to do is Scuba Dive. This trip I was unable to dive, so snorkeled instead. Here are some pictures from underwater Bora Bora in a beautiful area called The Coral Garden.
3 Crocea Clams
Turquoise Crocea Clam
Crocea Clams–Less Colorful
Tube Worm
“Flowers” in the ocean
Sea Urchins plus beautiful blue coral
Bora Bora, located about 160 miles northwest of Tahiti and approximately 2,600 miles south of Hawaii, was discovered in 1722, and is arguably the most beautiful island on the planet. Colorful Crocea Clams Plus other Beauties of the Pacific Ocean are just some of the things seen under water
Its ancient name of Vava’u suggests that the original inhabitants of this seven-million-year-old island arrived from Tonga.
And interestingly, in the local Tahitian language there is no “B,” so its actual name is then Pora Pora, meaning “first born.”
Bora Bora’s fabled blue lagoon is, according to novelist James A. Michener, “so stunning, that there are really no adequate words to describe it.”
Volcanic in origin, Bora Bora’s rugged main island, and a few smaller islands, are completely surrounded by coral reefs.
Made famous by books, movies, and its stunning beauty, the island is now besieged by tourism and overcrowding. Regardless, if you must visit a South Pacific island (and you should), Bora Bora would be an excellent choice.
