Moorea - holiday on the exotic island of French Polynesia

Moorea is one of the 114 islands of French Polynesia, which stands out for its stunning coastlines and the shape of a huge heart created by nature itself. The symbolism has made the island an attractive destination for honeymoons and romantic getaways. Along with Bora Bora , Moorea is Polynesia's most popular tourist destination. Majestic mountain spiers against the blue ocean, evergreen jungle, pineapple plantations, authentic fishing villages and luxury resorts - all this and much more about the Polynesian island of Moorea .

general information

Area: 133.5 km²
Highest point: Mount Tohiea - 1207 m
Population: more than 16 thousand
Administrative center: Afareaitu commune
Distance from Tahiti : 17 kilometers

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Geography of Moorea

One of the windward islands of volcanic origin, which belongs to the Society Islands archipelago. Moorea is located northwest of Tahiti , a 15-minute flight away. The island's triangular shape, with two deep bays to the north, resembles a heart cut by mountain ranges. The central part of Moorea is surrounded by numerous motu islets.

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How to get to Moorea

Moorea can be reached from Tahiti : by ferry (30 minutes journey) or by domestic flight.

Nature of Moorea

On the flowering island you will see all the richness of Polynesian nature - lush vegetation and beautiful coastlines. Peaks with dense forests, valleys of an ancient volcanic crater, pineapple plantations, snow-white beaches, a diverse ecosystem of coral reefs and a calm lagoon provide the opportunity for an intense active holiday. One of the most beautiful islands in French Polynesia, artists from all over the world flock to Moorea to find their inspiration.

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Climate and weather in Moorea

The tropical island in the Pacific Ocean is characterized by a hot and humid climate. The whole year in Moorea can be divided into two seasons - wet and dry.

Wet season . Lasts from November to May and is accompanied by heavy rains. During this period, the island is also much more exposed to the trade winds, especially on the northern and northwestern sides. Maximum air temperature is 28-31°C.
Dry season . The cooler, that is, optimally comfortable period of the year with minimal precipitation lasts from June to October. Average maximum temperatures are 28-29°C.

The sea water temperature in Moorea is favorable for swimming and water activities throughout the year - from 26°C to 28°C. The high season for holidays in Moorea is considered to be from May to October.

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Transport to Moorea

There is not a single city on Moorea , only colorful villages. The road surface is surprisingly very good. Public transport is available, but not often and not much. The only bus service to Moorea runs from the ferries to the village of Vaiare . The bus runs from early morning until 5:30 pm with limited traffic, and passes many amenities along the coastline. You can wait 30 minutes or even an hour. The fare costs about $6.5 one way. Late in the evening, the only option to get to your destination is a taxi (the fee is prohibitively high - $10 per kilometer). You can only catch him near the airport or call him to the hotel. A car will be a comfortable, but also costly way to travel. You will find several rental shops in Moorea .

If you go around the entire island by car along the ring road, you will spend a little over an hour. These are not such long distances, so a scooter will be an excellent alternative to a car. The approximate cost of motorbike rental is $50 per day. There are also mountain bike rentals everywhere in Moorea .

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Moorea cuisine and restaurants

Moorea has an excellent selection of dining options and, most importantly, tourist-oriented cuisine. Both restaurants and eateries can offer a selection of both Polynesian and European dishes. You won't have to search long for burgers , fries or pizza here. For a romantic dinner, be sure to visit the beautiful French restaurant Toatea Creperie ( Hilton Hotel Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa ).

A few good places, based on traveler reviews:

Le No Stress
Fare La Canadienne
Hello Pizza
Green Pearl Restaurant
A L'Heure du Sud

Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa

What to see in Moorea

Nature has created incredible landscapes on Moorea that surround you on all sides, no matter where you find yourself on the island. Mountain routes, bays, valleys, waterfalls and beaches are the main assets. In addition, more than 10 ancient marae , sacred ancient sites for worship and sacrifice, remain on Moorea . In old villages everything is imbued with the authenticity of local culture. Let's highlight the most popular locations among travelers that need to be included in your vacation plan.

Mountains in Moorea

This is a mountainous island of volcanic origin, on which bizarre ridges have formed. Despite their relatively low altitude, the mountains in Moorea are some of the most difficult to climb. The peaks are impossible to climb due to their spire shapes and steep cliffs; they can only be admired from observation platforms located at a relatively acceptable height.

To get a clear view of the Moorea Mountains , head to the Belvedere Lookout , located almost in the center of the island, overlooking the main peaks and two iconic bays. Here are the most stunning views that should not be missed: Mount Muaputa and Cook Bay, Mount Rotui , separating the two bays, Opunohu Bay , Muaroa and several other peaks. Along the road to Belvedere in the Opunohu Valley you can see several marae built in the 15th to 18th centuries.

Mouaputa . Or a pierced mountain. Its spire rises directly above the port of Vaiare . Many legends are associated with this peak, in particular due to the through hole formed on the spire. The height of Mouaputa is 830 meters, but the slopes are very steep.
Tohiea . The highest point on Moorea is 1207 meters. This dormant volcano is visible from as far away as Papeete , Tahiti .

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Best beaches in Moorea

Temae Beach The most beautiful public beach on Moorea is located on the northeast side of the island. Snow-white coastline with shady palm trees, a wide, clean and calm lagoon with stunning views of the island of Tahiti .
Ta'ahiamanu Beach One of the most photogenic beaches in Moorea . A narrow coastline with overhanging tropics and mountain spiers and a blue lagoon. The rich underwater world contributes to excellent snorkeling
Tiahura Beach The Motu Tiahuru coastline is one of the most tranquil and pristine in Moorea . Here you can see stingrays and reef sharks close to the shore. Local eagle rays are so accustomed to people that they can be petted. The animals have become a local attraction on Tiahura .

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Moorea Island Marae

Places of power with special energy. This is what Polynesian people are marae . Ancient sanctuaries still play an important role in the lives of the islanders today, because mana , the divine power, lives in them. In Moorea you can see several structures that will help you feel the spirit of the ancient Polynesians. The oldest marae are concentrated on the coasts, while younger structures from the 17th and 18th centuries are located inland. This is due to the stages of land settlement.

The best preserved stone platforms can be seen in Titiroa Marae . If you are interested in ancient traditions and religions, choose a marae tour . The tour will give you the opportunity to hear history and legends, and you will not waste your time searching for temples on your own.

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Excursions and tours in Moorea

This is the most versatile island in Polynesia in terms of active entertainment and travel. Moorea is sure to find something for everyone. Among the most popular destinations:

Snorkeling tours with stingray feeding and humpback whale watching.
Diving . There are several dive operators on the island .
Hiking to the Three Coconuts Pass.
Hiking to pineapple plantations with a visit to the main marae and access to the Three Pines pass.
Visit to a juice and pineapple rum factory.
Visit Tiki Village . A reconstructed village with traditional Polynesian dwellings, learning about local crafts and authentic cuisine.
Safari tour through Belvedere Lookout, Opunohu and Cook Bays.
Aquablue helmet diving offered by local dive centers .
Sunset catamaran cruise.
Sea excursions on jet skis .
Helicopter excursions.
Canyoning , zipline .