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Sharks, Rays & A Guerrilla Boat Tour

Nikki Wynn

Jan 27, 2019 — 3 min read

If there is one thing that we cultivate, it’s spontaneity. Which is just a nice way of saying we don’t plan. But plans and nomadism don’t go together so well. We’re never fully certain where we’re going, when we will get there, what we will do, or who we will meet once we are there. It’s a beautiful thing!

So, everything is guerrilla style…

Guerrilla filmmaking refers to a form of independent filmmaking characterized by low budgets, skeleton crews, and simple props using whatever is available. Often scenes are shot quickly in real locations without any warning, and without obtaining filming permits.

-Wikipedia

With that in mind, click the play button. We explore more of Moorea, make new friends, get kissed by sting rays and find ourselves surrounded by sharks. We also find ourselves questioning the impact of it all.

That’s right, the mother in law is coming. Jason’s mom (Mary) joins us next week and little did any of us know, it would be the beginning of whale season! So stay tuned, it’s good momma-son adventures.

Don’t Feed The Wildlife

We are crazy about wildlife. I would put seeing creatures in their natural habitat as one of the top five reasons we travel and live this unsedentary lifestyle.

We try to be responsible humans, and the more of our planet we see, the more we want to preserve it. But it’s not always a clear path. And our experience swimming with the sharks and rays in Moorea was a cloudy one.

jason wynn swimming with sharks in moorea french polynesia

swimming close to sting rays in moorea french polynesia

Several years back we found the website for World Animal Protection. It’s a non-profit and they have a statement we’ve used to help navigate us when it comes to responsible animal tourism.

If you can ride it, hug it or have a selfie with the wild animal, the chances are it’s a cruel venue. Don’t go.

And while we didn’t feed the wildlife or support the tour operators, I still feel torn about the whole experience. Guilty by osmosis.

I don’t feel it’s all bad, just a little “humans gone wild”. I think there is a balance that can be struck with a little education and regulation. Each wild encounter we have creates a connection, captivates our emotions and inspires us to protect it. I believe it is possible to have the amazing experience and do so with far less impact.

So, in the spirit of doing what I can to educate ourselves…here are some interesting reads I found.

swimming with sharks in moorea, french Polynesia

🙏Thank You!

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