Visiting Moorea couldn’t be easier:
It’s just a 10-minute flight or a 30-minute high-speed catamaran ride from the international gateway at Papeete in Tahiti, but its striking landscape with cusps and a winding, underdeveloped coastline lined with simple villages make it feel like a kilometers of distance. modern civilization.
Accessible location
That does not mean that it lacks infrastructure, far from it. Moorea is home to an impressive selection of world-class resorts, a wide range of sights and activities, and some of the most easily accessible adventures in Tahiti.
This means that it is equally ideal for couples on a romantic getaway / honeymoon or families seeking ease and convenience. Plus, its accessible location translates to room rates that are a bit easier on the wallet than on some of Tahiti’s more remote islands.
The magic island
A few things really set Moorea apart, known as ‘the Magic Island’: it has beautiful beaches, Tahiti’s only golf course, and a vast and incredibly lush interior, including the Opunohu Valley filled with every imaginable tropical plant and fruit.
With its eight mountain ranges, Moorea also boasts some of the most impressive panoramas in the South Pacific, enjoyed from the vantage points achieved whether by rental car, 4WD tour, or your own two feet.
Waters full of life
While overshadowed by the world-famous lagoon of its more famous brother, Bora Bora, the waters of Moorea are teeming with life.
Some of their most popular and memorable activities involve getting up close and personal with sharks, rays, and dolphins.
Additionally, the island’s twin bays are not just geographic markers, but also gathering places for cruise ships and leisure boaters who congregate to enjoy Moorea’s many natural splendors.
Size and population
At 80 square miles, Moorea is part of the frequent Society Islands of Tahiti and is home to some 16,000 people. It is located only 10 nautical miles from the main island of Tahiti.
Airport
The small Moorea airport is located on the northeast coast and has Air Tahiti and Air Moorea flights from Tahiti Faa’a International Airport. Flights take 10 minutes and depart approximately every half hour. It is also possible to fly from Moorea on Air Tahiti to Bora Bora, Huahine and Raiatea.
Transport
Transportation to and around Moorea is fairly easy.
A cheaper alternative to flying, high-speed ferries make the trip from the dock on the coast of Papeete to the passenger dock on Moorea in Vaiare six times a day and takes about 30 minutes.
Upon arrival, most resorts provide transportation from the airport or passenger pier in Vaiare (please arrange this in advance with your hotel or tour company). Taxis are available and the public transport service, known as Le Truck, operates between the ferry dock and the main villages on the island along its circular road.
Rental cars can be hired, as well as helicopters for sightseeing excursions. A variety of tour companies operate 4X4 tours in the mountainous interior. Water sightseeing is also possible via speedboat or canoe rides (which can be arranged by your resort, tour company, or cruise ship).
Cities
Moorea does not have an urban center, instead the island is home to a number of small villages, such as Paopao and Haapiti, that line the coast.
They are easy to visit on a self-drive or circular island tour, stopping to sample many “made in Moorea” products, such as pineapple and coconut flavored rums and liqueurs, mango and passion fruit jams, and other agricultural products. Fresh farm reward.
Geography
Moorea is not an exceptionally large island, but its heart shape is endearingly unique and its topography is one of the most memorable in Tahiti.
Its interior is a mosaic of bright green valleys filled with working plantations and pineapple fields, all surrounded by eight mountain ridges.
Your iconic vantage point at Belvedere Overlook is a must. Stay here for panoramic views of Moorea’s two massive bays, Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay, which dominate the island’s north shore. Accessible via 4X4 drives or hiking, Moorea also has several inland waterfalls nestled deep in its picturesque green valleys.
Sales hours
Stores are generally open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. The only stores that open on Sundays are in hotels and resorts. There is no sales tax.
About the Author
Donna Heiderstadt is a New York City-based freelance travel writer and editor who has spent her life pursuing her two main passions: writing and exploring the world.
