Reasons to visit Moorea

One of the most dramatic of the French Polynesian islands, Moorea lies only a few miles northwest of Tahiti (10 minutes by air or under an hour by ferry from Papeete). The little tropical island gem is characterised by spectacular bays, white sandy beaches and towering craggy volcanic peaks that form a jagged central spine, reflected in the surrounding crystalline lagoons.

Villages (more like "settlements") offering clusters of shops and stalls line the 40-mile long (64km) paved road that encircles the island, giving access to the few sightseeing opportunities and lovely beaches. All sorts of water activities and excursions are offered on the island, as well as several land-based activities like hikes and mountain safaris.

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Moorea is a favorite of all who venture to French Polynesia. Here, you'll find the real South Seas experience -- a casual, barefoot existence amid white sand beaches, multi-hued lagoons and, of course, quaint Tahitian-style hotels offering plenty of sun and fun activities.

Moorea's jagged mountains and volcanic spires reach into the clouds, while below, valleys are blanketed with the colors one only finds when tropical climates and rich, volcanic soils meet.

Approximate Air Travel Time

• New York City: 14 hrs
• Miami: 14 hrs
• Philadelphia: 14 hrs
• Boston: 14.25 hrs
• Los Angeles: 8 hrs
• Chicago: 13 hrs
• Dallas-Fort Worth: 11.25 hrs
• San Francisco: 10.5 hrs

Topography

The Society Islands are a volcanic archipelago located south of the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Most islands contained in what is known as the Society Islands are volcanic, with sharp and sudden peaks dominating the midsection of the island. Bordering both the sea and land of the islands are lagoons that are sheltered from the sea by a coral reef. The beaches have white sand and are backed by dense tropical foliage, heavy with blossoms.

Climate

The Society Islands are blessed with a mild tropical climate and temperatures that rarely vary from 75° with low humidity. The trade winds are constantly cooling the islands, and the rainy season still sees more sun than rain.

Things to do and see on Moorea

With a circumference of only 37 miles, and coastline served by paved road, Moorea can be encircled in a single day by bicycle or car. Be sure to stop in the villages and boutiques as you make your way around.

A 'must see' is the panoramic view of Cook and Opunohu bays from the Roto Nui (Belvedere) viewpoint, the Paopao open air market, and a distillery where exotic liqueurs are produced from the local pineapple, vanilla, mango and coconut crops.

For an adventure befitting Robinson Crusoe, arrange for a day trip to a motu, the tiny uninhabited islets that dot the surrounding sea. Your boatman will be happy to drop you off, returning for you at an arranged time.

While you're on Moorea, don't miss a chance to meet some of its 9,000 natives. As is true on all the islands, you'll see more of the traditional Polynesian life if you venture from the hotels.

Dining

(in the Society Islands in general)

The easy-going French Polynesians are at their dining happiest when surrounded by an abundance of fruits and seafood. Eating well is as much a part of the culture as the music and dance! The legendary breadfruit, the many exotic fruits and dozens of varieties of banana including the unique orange-skinned fei, the various starchy roots such as taro, tarua, and ufi are the basis of island cuisine. A "must-try" delicacy is the world-famous raw tuna marinated in coconut cream with limes. All these elements come together in the traditional ahima'a, the Tahitian earth oven where suckling pig, fafa chicken, and other delicacies like po'e, made of varieties of baked local fruit, are also prepared. The variety and abundance of fish, from perch to parrot fish that are caught and prepared on the spot make up the majority of the daily menu. The majority of dining choices for visitors are contained within the resorts, but there are some good local eateries sprinkled around the islands waiting to be discovered.

Nightlife

Most of the nightlife activities in the Society Islands revolve around the resort hotels. Ask at the front desk for information on what is going on. The most popular activities include traditional Tahitian dances and plays, as well as beach parties.

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