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rhodabow
This tour is fabulous and very different from others. The pearl farm is located on a coral reef shelf with a drop off where the oysters are cared for and raised. This unique farm allows visitors to learn about the pearl making process and enjoy a snorkel opportunity to view the coral reef up close and then drop off just a bit to see the oysters in their semi-natural, protected environment. Snorkeling gear is provided and a close up educational experience including watching the technician implant the shell nucleus and implant grafts, where applicable. There is a small shop with a variety of pearls and the manager/owner was very accommodating. One of the customers wanted to purchase a lovely strand of matched pearls but wanted a slightly smaller length. Once the length was agreed to, the technician was able to remove the extra pearls, restring and complete the purchase before we had to return. There was 20-30 minutes for the snorkeling and a bit more for shopping and answering questions. A bonus was some freshly picked island fruit available for customers as well as bottled water - all free. The boat ride out from shore took only 10 minutes or so and allowed a nice view of the island. This is not wheelchair or walker accessible. If you need assistance getting into or out of a small boat and/or help getting up and down stairs or moving on an uneven surface, this is not the tour for you. The building has wooden floors with spaces between the boards, canes and wheeled devices will not work well.
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Rustco
During our cruise visit with the Pacific Princess to Raiatea, we had a pleasant shore excursion to Anapa Perles. Summer and Ronnie explained and demonstrated how pearls are made, harvested, and graded. We were provided a lovely snack and opportunity to snorkel among the oyster lines and coral garden.Summer was very patient and helpful while we shopped for a pendant and ring. There was a nice selection from which to choose without being overwhelming.The short boat ride to and from the pearl farm along with the beautiful sunset made for a very memorable day. Plus, it adds a special touch to think you have snorkeled where your pearls were born.
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Casalli
We sailed in Tahiti and, naturally, pearls had to be on the agenda! We wandered around some of the islands but everything seemed a little too "overdone"; too much to choose from , too hard to make a choice. Hubby had researched anapapearls and encouraged the "girls" to hold out. Boy! Are we glad we did: we anchored nearby - in exclusive surroundings, were met by Summer and taken to "the best office in the world". We joined the divers snorkelling for and selecting pearls, then went to the "office" and were introduced to the process of pearl cultivation, selection, quality and all the other interesting "stuff", like shopping. Well, I chose a double-strand bracelet and a rock of a pearl that I wanted to have set on my return to Australia. The results are fantastic but the biggest surprise has been the value for money; when anapapearls say wholesale prices, they mean it! A great experience that will always bring satisfying memories when I wear these gorgeous pieces of jewellery! A must for everyone!
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beachfam_rp
We chose this excursion from our Windstar cruise and it was a highlight of our trip.After a short shuttle ride to a small dock, we were taken by inflatable boat to a small "hut" just off shore. We were met there by 3 "guides" - 2 Tahitian and 1 ex-pat American. Summer, the American woman, and a Tahitian man gave us a wonderful demonstration of how the pearls are created ,harvested, and evaluated for quality, giving us lots of opportunities to ask questions and take photos. It really was fascinating.Afterwards we used the snorkeling gear we brought to see the lovely coral reefs and fish, and then get a breathtaking view of the strings of oysters hanging deep in ocean. When we were done, we shopped in their little display area/store for some beautiful pearls. The prices were good and they were obviously good quality, though the selection was limited.Overall this was an amazing part of our trip to Tahiti. One that we would highly recommend.
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mareike1321
Die Führung und Erklärung des Perlengewinnungsprozesses war sehr interessant gemacht. Es wurden alle Schritte beispielhaft gezeigt und nachvollziehbar erläutert. Die Leute waren sehr freundlich und geduldig. Wir konnten nach der Führung in Ruhe alles anschauen und auch jedes beliebige Schmuckstück in die Hand nehmen und ausprobieren.Es herrschte eine sehr angenehme, vertrauensvolle Atmosphäre.Reservierung war möglich, wir wurden mit dem Boot abgeholt. Vor der Farm ist ein wunderschönes, verhältnismäßig intaktes Riff und wir durften schnorcheln, so lange wir wollten. Natürlich auch, um die Austern unter Wasser anzusehen. Wegen des schönen Riffs lohnt sich der Besuch doppelt bzw. auch für Leute, die sich nicht so brennend für die Perlenherstellung interessieren.Wir waren eine Gruppe von sechs Personen. Wir haben einige Schmuckstücke erworben und für die Führung nichts bezahlt. Keine Ahnung, ob eine Gebühr erhoben wird, wenn man nichts kauft.
