March 08: Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia - Fourth Day of Two-Day Port Call

February 18, 2026

"Papeete is largely closed on Sundays due to a combination of strong religious traditions, a cultural emphasis on rest, and, historically, regulations limiting commerce. Sunday is observed as a quiet, family-oriented "chill-out" day, with many locals attending church in the morning before relaxing, making it a day for resting rather than shopping or business." [Google]

We, and the numerous other passengers who prowled around the city, can attest to the validity of this statement.

Pam and I had decided yesterday that we were just going to go for a walk this morning, then spend the afternoon on phone calls to family, including two grandsons who had birthdays. After a relaxed breakfast, we set out.

Walking along the water's edge on a seawall, we spotted some odd metal structures just below the surface. The structures served no purpose related to the seawall, so they were apparently intended to attract coral. If not, the presence of coral and fish was a nice by-product of whatever their purpose.

We moved from place to place watching the activity. I was like being in an outdoor aquarium or snorkeling without getting wet. I shot the following pictures with my cellphone.

We continued on into Les Jardins de Pa'ofi'a (Pa'ofi'a Gardens). When we got to the far end, we sat in a tiki hut for a while, looking out towards Moorea. Having walked the busy boulevard that parallels it on the first day we were in Papeete, we opted to return along the water, again spending time watching the fish.