Day 34 - Mayotte: Lagoons, Turtles, and a Perfect Beach Day in the French Comoros

We arrived in Mayotte, part of the French Comoros, bright and early to wonderfully calm waters. The sun was shining, the air already warm, and the views of the lush countryside were absolutely beautiful.


I woke to yet another stunning sunrise, before heading to the gym, followed by my usual veggie juice and breakfast on the pool deck. The temperature was already climbing toward 30 degrees, promising a hot and glorious day.

After a shower and getting ready, Joe was up and prepared for the adventure ahead.

Because the ship was anchored offshore, we needed to take the tender to the port — but with the seas so flat and clear, it was an easy crossing with no drama.


Exploring the Market & Boarding the Zodiac

We had a little time before our tour began, so we explored the local market. It was full of vibrant colours, handmade crafts, clothing, baskets, and fresh produce. Everything was tempting, but we resisted heroically and came away empty-handed (for once!).

Shade was scarce at the pier, and seating even scarcer, but a very kind woman offered her chair to Joe while we waited to board the zodiac boat. Boarding it was a bit of an obstacle course for him, but we managed it with teamwork and determination.

Our captain spoke only French and local dialect, so communicating instructions involved a fair bit of miming, smiling, and guessing — but we all got there in the end!

Into the Lagoon — Turtles, Dolphins & Desert Island Bliss

As we entered Mayotte’s huge volcanic lagoon, the captain slowed the boat so we could watch sea turtles gliding just beneath the surface. Moments later, dolphins began playing near the boat, leaping and swirling — absolute magic.

He then took us to a tiny uninhabited island, part of the Mayotte archipelago. Once he dropped anchor, we had to clamber out of the zodiac into knee-deep seawater, wading our way to the warm, soft-sand beach — an adventure in itself!

Joe was in his element.
This was his perfect scenario:

🏖️ A beach
🌊 Warm, crystal-clear Indian Ocean
🩳 The freedom to swim as much as he wanted

We had a hilarious moment trying to help him change into his swim shorts while preserving his dignity with a towel — but we succeeded!


As I’m not a swimmer, I was happily on photo duty, capturing Joe’s joy as he splashed, floated, and swam like a carefree child. I lay on a towel under the blazing sun, suitably lathered in sun cream so as not to be exposed to more sunburn moments, with no thoughts crossing my mind — just stillness, peace, and bliss.

The only disappointment for Joe?
The refreshments were non-alcoholic punch only…
No cold beers.
A major tragedy in his book!

Full Throttle Return & Setting Sail for Madagascar

The return zodiac ride was noticeably faster — the captain had the engine at full throttle, slicing through the lagoon as we sped back to the pier. Wind in our hair, sea spray on our faces — exhilarating!

Once everyone was back aboard the Navigator, the Captain lifted the anchor and set a course for Nosy Be, Madagascar.

Naturally, Joe made a beeline to the deck bar, finally securing a much-deserved cold drink after the alcohol-free island dilemma.

Since we had missed lunch, we went for an early dinner at Compass Rose, which was delicious as always.

Then it was back to our suite to unwind, and get organised for tomorrow’s early start — our next adventure in Madagascar awaits.

Daily Reflection:

Today was a reminder of how healing simple joys can be —
sunshine, soft sand, turtles, the ocean, and moments with no thoughts at all.

Highlight of the Day:
✨ Watching Joe swimming joyfully in the warm Indian Ocean, living his happiest beach life.

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