Off the deep end

There was time for one last snorkel before we started having to pack up and go back to New Zealand.

The differences between above the sea, and below the water.

These fish hung around the shore line, we would watch them from the beach.

Erik went a little deeper than I did.  He saw Banner fish, snapper, as well as the usual suspects.

Schools of fish hid in this gap between the coral gardens.

One of the biggest fish Erik saw during the Vanuatu visit.

Titan Trigger fish, Moorish Idol, and Angelfish exploring the sea floor.

Iridescent colourings on the deeper fish.

Snapper, damsels and butterflies.

Not sure what this sea creature is, perhaps a type of sea star?

Island Life, Mele Island, Vanuatu

Once the urchins had completed their schoolwork, and Erik had completed his cycling, we all ventured over to Mele Bay for shopping at the market. 

The urchins needed some souvenirs, (even though they had picked up plenty of shells).  The market sold sarongs, bags, bracelets, massages, necklaces, dresses and sunglasses. 

Several of the stall holders gave the children bracelets, as a thank you for the school supplies.  I managed to get some sarongs with turtles on them, as a reminder of the turtle santactuary.

Once back on Mele Island, the plant life caught my attention, with the brightly coloured leaves of the tropical plants.

I have seen these as house plants in New Zealand, but the colours were vibrant on the island.

There is an ancient Banyan tree near the restaurant.

Mama grows these flowers, but they are not as purple, her ones are yellow and white.

Finally, I took one more walk around the island, time for farewell.  Tomorrow we fly home.

The bananas are nearly ready.  There were quite a few hands on this banana treee.

Thank you for a wonderful warm relaxing break Vanuatu.  I will be going back to the real world tomorrow.

Looking towards Port Vila

Cuttlefish, fish, and coral safari

Once Erik got back from his ride, and the urchins had done their schoolwork.  Erik and I ventured out together snorkelling the reef.

I am fascinated by how the reef is being regenerated after Cyclone Pam.  Baby bit of coral have been "planted" on concrete platforms.

 Fortunately for us, a Cuttlefish was interested in the sea life that was growing amongst the platforms too.

 Watching the Cuttlefish change it's colouring so quickly is amazing.

Trumpet fish

Erik and I swam with more fish, and saw some brilliant coral structures.

 More blues, fish and coral.

A school of cod joined us, and the sea was full of different types of fish.

Slowly we made our way back to shore.  This beautiful wrasse kept me company part of the way.

 There is so much fish life here, there is always a new fish to see, and more coral to discover.

 Tiny bit of red coral growing in the larger coral.   I love the colour, shapes and textures of the coral

 Such a variety of fish life in extrememly shallow water.

Getting closer to shore, the fish eat the sea bed.  A cleaner fish hung around the parrot fish.

 Just as our snorkelling safari finished, we spotted a Titan Triggerfish eating the coral.