Just after setting off at first light for Makogai Island, a large pod of what we think were small whales was sighted. They were larger than dolphins but had heads like whales. Anyway we were excited because this was our first close encounter with any whales since the start of our trip.
Our guide book informed us that “sevusevu” was required on this island so we all covered our knees and shoulders with respectable attire and gave some kava to a man on the island (he said he was the chief) who then showed us around the small research centre with some turtle and clam hatcheries. We think he was an employee of the department of fisheries rather the the village headman though. The island also used to be a leper colony and we were shown around some of the graves and what remained of some of the buildings.
Paul and Holly went snorkelling on a couple of really good bommies and saw some giant clams, real big ones!