Every year tourists flock to French Polynesia to enjoy this paradise on earth. One of the main attractions there is the chance to swim with sharks and rays. I have had the privilege of such an experience, however, it was quickly tainted by the objectionable practice of grabbing a small shark by the tail and throwing the poor creature into the boat, thrashing and choking, all for cheaply entertaining tourists. If you ever happen to be in this archipelago and will be joining a boat tour, please ask the Captain and the crew before hand if they conduct such an activity, if they say "yes", politely ask them to refrain from this, otherwise, you will take your business somewhere else. Explain to them that this is very dangerous for the tourists and especially for the shark. It can change behavior that can prove detrimental for this marine apex predator.
Local Polynesian girl surrounded by juvenile black tip sharks,
Lagon Bleu, Rangiroa
Bora bora mountain, French Polynesia
The smoke you see at the base of this mountain in
Bora bora is not mystical fog, it is smoke from burning
trees and brush to clear land for development. It is a
shame indeed.
Fairy Tern, Lagon Bleu, Rangiroa, French Polynesia
Lagon Bleu, Rangiroa Atoll, French Polynesia
Baby black-tip sharks, Rangiroa Atoll, French Polynesia
These baby Black-tips, above, have become used to cruising
these extremely shallow waters waiting for hand-outs from people.
Although very tempting, it is imperative to remember that people-food
is not appropriate for sharks and changes their behavior with people
which could potentially be dangerous.
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