The Magical Island
A few minutes from the island of Tahiti by plane, and only thirty minutes by high-speed catamaran, Moorea soars magically out of the ocean in an explosion of green velvet - what you would imagine a South Seas island to be.
A wide, shallow lagoon surrounds the island's vertical mountains where poetic threads of waterfalls tumble down fern-softened cliffs. Peaceful meadows flanked by pinnacles of green will fill your senses and renew your belief in the majesty of nature. Pastel-painted houses surrounded by gardens of hibiscus and birds of paradise, circle the island in a fantasy of happy, yet simple villages.
A favorite among repeat visitors who all agree: the beauty of Moorea is unforgettable...
Aimeo I Te Rara Varu
This, the island's poetic name, comes from
the eight majestic mountain ridges; however, the name was later changed to Moorea-meaning "Yellow lizard"- following a dream by a high priest. Polynesian legend describes the panorama of volcanic ridges as the second dorsal fin of the fish that became the island of Tahiti. These pinnacles later inspired the mythical "Bali Hai" that was based on James Michener's book, Tales of the South Pacific.
For the visitor, Moorea offers drama and adventure:
- Discovery of the peaceful circle-island road dotted with fruit-tasting stops, pineapple fields, quiet beaches, and unique shopping experiences.
- Enchantment from the dramatic landscape of bright-green valleys encircled by the sentinel-like mountain ridges.
- Excitement of the liquid playground with warm lagoon waters for snorkeling, jetskiing, canoeing, and diving.
- Discovery of the many shops featuring "made in Moorea" products.
- Enjoyment of the surprising number of fine-dining restaurants within the resorts and in small villages that line the shores
- Exploration of the historic sites hidden under a canopy of lush forests
- Relaxation in the majestic setting of the resorts and their Polynesian spas.
Some of the most popular activities and sites for visitors include:
Snorkeling Heaven
Plantations
Mountain Exploration
Belvedere Overlook
Swimming with the Dolphins
Diving
Parasailing
Fruit Juice Factory Tastings
Papetoai Village
Other activities and sites
Snorkeling Heaven
Because of the lack of strong currents, and the abundant marine life, the shallow waters around Moorea are ideal for year-round snorkeling. All ages can enjoy dozens of perfect snorkeling spots close to the resorts and around the island. Local guides will take you to snorkel among schools of gentle rays.
Plantations
The fertile valleys are home to plantations of cotton, coffee, sugarcane, and pineapple. Considered by many to be the sweetest tasting pineapple on earth, Moorea's harvest can be enjoyed at village stores, road-side stands, or the tasting counter of the delightful fruit-juice factory.
Mountain Exploration
The majestic mountains are fully accessible to everyone. By air, helicopter tours fly into canyons and along ridge tops. By road, a 4x4 ventures past plantations, across streams, into deep valleys, and up to waterfalls. By foot, guided hikes of all levels follow winding rainforest trails and up to high mountain overlooks.
Belvedere Overlook
Moorea's most spectacular sites are seen from this easily reached overlook. Located in the center of the island, visitors marvel at the panoramic views
of the twin bays and the plantations of Opunohu Valley. The overlook is a popular stop on circle-island or 4x4 tours.
Swimming with the Dolphins
Encounters with the ocean's friendliest residents are waiting at Moorea Dolphin Center at the InterContinental Resort Moorea. Here, adults swim side by side with dolphins, while children wade in the waters with them. For an educational excursion, expert guides lead dolphin-watching boat tours into the ocean to observe them in their native habitat as well.
Diving
Some of the finest diving in the world can be found at Moorea-year round.
The drama of Moorea's landscape continues below the sea with an infinite range of canyons, chasms, and promontories. Fish feeding is common here so divers are often surrounded by schools of small and large marine life.
Parasailing
Moorea has always provided visitors with a natural high, but parasailing lets you soar to literal new heights. Pulled by a 28 ft. boat, you can ascend as high as 300 feet over Moorea's glistening lagoon.
Fruit Juice Factory Tastings
Visitors enjoy a pleasant stop along the shores of Cook's Bay at the Fruit Juice Factory for shopping and tastings of juices and liquors made from island-grown fruits.
Papetoai Village
History buffs will want to make a stop at the historic octagonal church located in the northern coastal village of Papetoai. Established by the London Missionary Society in 1822, the church is the oldest European building in use in the South Pacific.
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