Manihiki & Penrhyn - Snorkelling any good?

As I am now starting to lean over to the Cooks and catching the cargo ship to the northern group, I have started to wonder what do do there in the north.

One activity could be snorkelling;

However, Penrhyn atoll seems to have lots of passages into the lagoon. This could work out as a bad visibility in the water because the swell lifts up sediment, reducing the clearness of the water.

Manihiki doesn't seem to have that problem and this is promising, but can anyone confirm my hopes and fears?

Also, one will probably become the daily entertainment of the islanders if one goes to these places, right?

What to take to these remote places as gifts of appreciation?

Especially if someone has had an actual experience about these places and can contribute, that would be perfect. But any chat will do, as long you're trying to help somehow.

-J

Here's a good Manihiki trip report: http://www.andrearichichi.com/travel/cooks/manihiki.htm

I was in Manihiki in 1996, before Martin basically wiped out 90% of the houses. From what I've learned most of the villages have come back, but the "kawas" ---the little islets in the lagoon---have not been rebuilt that much.

That cited referral above is a very good description. I would add, however, that flies dominated Tukao a lot more than in Tauhunu when I was there. It was horrible. Perhaps Martin left a lot more scrub for them in Tauhunu, when the two 30ft waves basically levelled the village. Tukao was also hit, but it seems more coconut trees were left standing. In any event, bring a good insect repellent!

Flights were usually once a week, but they have been sporadic the past few yrs. Contact Air Rarotonga by e-mail for the latest on this. Their website may not be up to date on Manihiki flights.

Airfares to Manihiki also wnet up about 60% a couple of years ago, so it's ext6remely expensive to fly there now, instead of just very expensive.

If Kora Kora is still there, he has a nice little rental on the beach above Tauhunu village. There are probably other places where one can stay,, but I'd pick that as a good option. You can reach him via Air Rarotonga, or he probably has an e-mail now.

The water is very clear for snorkeling. The beaches are better just south of Tukao, really brilliant sand and turquise water. As in that posting, don't worry about the little sand sharks you'll see everywhere.

Flights to Manihiki are not often, those to Penrhyn even rarer. And Penrhyn's lagoon is probably triple that of Manihiki's I haven't been to Penrhyn, but I've heard first-hand accoutns that lead me to believe Manihikians are a lot friendlier than Penrhyn islanders. Penrhyn also gets large sharks, although they don't seem to bother anyone.

Daily entertainment will, unfortunately, probably be a DVD or video at someone's house, unless there is a wedding, etc. But Kora will let you know what is there for the week you'll be there.

So, if you can afford it, it's worth the time to visit. Buy some black pearls for your relatives, they will cost about 25% of what they cost back home. Bring a few souvenirT-shirts from your home, maybe pens like that as well. Even recent DVD movies would be appreciated.

Have fun.

Well according to that report, it's not worth it with all the flies and bad snorkelling.

Thanks for this, cleared my plans up a little more - No Manihiki or Penrhyn for me!

-J