We arrived here Sunday morning after making the all night passage from Ua Pou. The passage had wind and waves on the portside, so we had a bit of a rough ride and with salt everywhere. Timed perfectly with our arrival, one of those tropical downpours fell like a car wash; sure enough after we anchored, the boat was squeaky clean. By all previous standards, this is a crowded anchorage – 6 boats. The only place to drop the anchor was in 100 feet of water, so we let out 350 feet of chain and haven’t moved in the last two days. There is a steady offshore breeze with occasional gusts (williwaws) which makes for the perfect temperature inside and outside. We were told by many that this is the most spectacular anchorage in the Marquesas and we definitely agree. Giant black lava rocks peak though lush mountain ranges; coconut trees cover cliffs surrounding the anchorage. With the scenery, the moderate temperatures, and clear water visibility, this is the place to stay. Yesterday, we tested a dive just on the north side of the anchorage. With visibility of 50+ feet, we were treated by a wall of coral and tropical fish in 84 degree water. We saw several octopus, gliding along crevices, quickly changing colors to fit in the environment. Eels stuck their heads out through rocky holes, checking us out. Deep down at 80 feet, I looked up along the sharp underwater cliff, thousands of silver trouts hovering right above – it felt like magic. We didn’t see any of the big fish (sharks, mantas) that are rumored to be here – will be looking for them on today’s dive. Last night, one of the boats in the anchorage coordinated with a local family to prepare a polynesian dinner. We joined 10 other cruisers (2 boats from Germany, 1 from Finland and 3 American boats) for chicken, fish, papaya salad, coconut milk, banana feast. Between the company and the bit of music the host provided at the end of the night, it was a unique and memorable experience to say the least. We have limited (Iridium) internet access, so will have to wait to post pictures. [google-map-v3 width=”350″ height=”350″ zoom=”7″ maptype=”satellite” mapalign=”center” directionhint=”false” language=”default” poweredby=”false” maptypecontrol=”true” pancontrol=”true” zoomcontrol=”true” scalecontrol=”true” streetviewcontrol=”true” scrollwheelcontrol=”false” draggable=”true” tiltfourtyfive=”false” addmarkermashupbubble=”false” addmarkermashupbubble=”false” addmarkerlist=”-10.4647,-136.6697{}cruiseship.png” bubbleautopan=”true” showbike=”false” showtraffic=”false” showpanoramio=”false”]