Polynesian legend declares that Moorea was formed as the second dorsal fin of the fish that became Tahiti. This off-shoot was called by the poetic name « Aimeo i te rara varu », for the eight mountain ridges that separate the island. Also known as Eimeo or Aimeho, the island’s name was later changed to Moorea –yellow lizard- following a dream by one of the high priests. Moorea’s mountains and valleys present a dazzling palette of tropical colour with every shade of green imaginable delicately blended together. Mooea is Tahiti’s little sister island, just 17 Km. (11 miles) across the Sea of Moons. Moorea’s magnificent beauty covers an area of 136 sq.km (53 sq.miles), with a paved coastal road extending 60 km. (37 miles) around the island. There are pretty pastel-painted houses, often built of bamboo and thatched roofs, surrounded by multi coloured flower gardens. Most of the island’s 11,682 inhabitants live in the small villages between the lagoon and the mountains, and you’ll see some luxurious modern homes on the mountain slopes overlooking the sea. The interior island safari tours show you Moorea’s most breathtaking scenery, with views from Le Belevedere Lookout of Mt. Rotui, Cook’s Bay, Opunohu Bay and the fertile Opunohu Valley, with its agricultural farms and miles of spiky green pineapple plants.
1. Aïto Off Road Safari
By 4 wheel drive vehicle. Min 4, max 40, duration 3h30, euros 55
Climb onboard a four wheel drive vehicle for a ride through Moorea’s deep valleys and mountains. Start your adventure with a drive to Paopao valley, passing pineapple plantations, and crossing the Paopao Opunohu trail to the territorial domain of Opunohu. A stop at one of the numerous “marae” (ancient sacred site) will give you the opportunity to learn more about Polynesian culture. The tour continues to the Belvédère lookout point for an incredible panoramic view of Cook and Opunohu bays. We return via the interior trails of the Agricultural school of Moorea and learn a bit more about the local flora. Moorea, the “green garden” of Polynesia is known for its school which welcomes children from all the outer islands. Stop here to sample some homemade jam. We then follow a small path lined with grapefruit, lemon and orange trees which opens out on to a panoramic view stretching across Opunohu bay, the lagoon and the sea. Before the tour ends we will have a final stop at the fruit juice factory and distillery of Moorea to sample their produce.
The vehicles are purpose built, but comfort depends on the roads used. This excursion involves very bumpy roads, steep ascents and descents and is not recommended for guests who suffer from motion sickness, vertigo, acute back problems or pregnant women. The vehicles are high off the ground and may be difficult to board for some guests. Itinerary and order of stops may vary depending on weather conditions. We recommend sunscreen, hat and sport shoes for this tour.
2. Lagoon Cruise with Picnic lunch
In a covered boat. Min 20 , max 100, duration 6hrs, euros 99
Board a modern covered boat and set off in comfort for a cruise on the beautiful Moorea lagoon. You will have the thrill of discovering the island from the lagoon just as the first explorers did in the 18th century and see the magnificent scenery unfold before your eyes: sharp peaks and high mountains, green valleys, pineapple plantations, and lush forests… During the cruise, the captain of your vessel will tell you all about Moorea, its legends, and its history. We will then stop at a gorgeous little island covered with dazzling white sand and surrounded by crystal clear water. The water is shallow enough for you to walk straight from the boat to the beach. The stingrays will come up to welcome you and in exchange for a piece of fish they will delight you with their graceful swimming. Enjoy some great snorkeling and discover the marine flora and fauna of Moorea. Before lunch, you will learn how to prepare the famous Tahitian raw fish marinated with coconut milk.
Picnic buffet will include: salads, Tahitian raw fish, grilled fish and chicken, fresh picked fruit, soft drinks and beer. Lunch will be followed by a "coco and pareo show". You will have more time to enjoy the refreshing waters of Moorea, snorkel or just relax on the beach. The stingrays are in their natural environment and so their presence cannot be guaranteed. You should know how to swim & be able to cope with occasional currents. Sunscreen lotion and hat are highly recommended for this tour.
3. Helicopter Flight over Moorea
Min 4, max 5, duration 1h30 including transfers, 20 minutes flights, euros 168.
The tour leaves from the dock and takes you straight to Moorea airport where you will board the helicopter for a 20 minute flight. With its rugged peaks and lush valleys, Moorea is certainly one of the most beautiful islands in the world. This tour, offering as it does a bird’s eye view of green volcanic peaks, the gorgeous lagoon with its ever changing colours, and white sandy beaches will be a unique and enchanting experience. Seating assignment is according to weight and balance and is determined by the pilot.
M o o r e a, Oponohu Bay 1. Aquascope
Transfer by road to the aquascope base. Min 6, max 8, duration 1hr, including the transfers, euros 54.
Departure from the pier of Papetoai and transfer by boat to the aquascope’s anchorage. The Aquascope is an air-conditioned, semi-submersible watercraft that stays on the surface. It features an 180-degree viewing chamber that allows you to gaze at Polynesia’s underwater kingdom while staying high and dry. For those of you who do not snorkel, it is a wonderful opportunity to see the coral and fish. You go down a fairly steep little stairway and sit on a bench below the water line. The fish are fed from above, so they come right up to the glass and you can see really well.
The aquascope is air conditioned, however guests suffering from claustrophobia might find it oppressive. Refreshments will be served. You will see some submerged tikis and discover the wonders of underwater world.
2. Dolphin watching expedition
By covered boat. Min 10, max 35, duration 3h30, euros 74.
Join marine biologist Dr Michael Poole or his assistant in this eco tourism and research project on wild, free-ranging dolphins. Dr Poole has been studying dolphins in French Polynesia since 1987. Spinner dolphins, the slightly larger rough-tooth dolphins, and pilot whales can be seen around Moorea, with spinner dolphins regularly coming inside the reef. With a bit of luck you will see schools of acrobatic spinner dolphins, while an excellent commentary provides information on the life and habits of these wonderful mammals. Learn about the geology and evolution of French Polynesia while viewing the dramatic beauty of Moorea from the sea. Dolphins are found on 95% of the tours, but the detailed explanations given and the sheer magnificence of Moorea’s coastline will ensure a rewarding time for all, even on those few occasions when no dolphins are found. For those who are visiting between July and the beginning of November, there is also a chance to see the humpback whales who come to the area to mate and calf. Upon your return to the ship, you will be served fresh local fruit.
This is an observation tour and not a “swim with dolphins” tour. No swimming is allowed with the dolphins. All these creatures are in their natural environment, we cannot guarantee the presence of dolphins. The company offering this tour follows international ecotourism guide lines and actively contributes to the preservation of the dolphins and whales in Polynesia.
3. Sail aboard the 'Margouillat'
By catamaran. Min 6, max 14, duration 3h30, euros 90.
Welcome aboard Margouillat (named after a friendly species of Polynesian gecko), a luxury sailing catamaran of 43 feet. You will appreciate the spaciousness of this craft which ensures your comfort whether you are on deck, in the solarium or cockpit area, or in the panoramic saloon. You will start your day by visiting the two most beautiful bays of French Polynesia : Cook’s and Opunohu bay. As we sail both inside and outside the lagoon, you could be lucky enough to meet some wild dolphins.. the captain will anchor in the clear waters of a coral garden, and the crew will guide you for snorkelling activities.
Itinerary may change or be reduced depending on weather conditions. You should know how to swim. Sunscreen lotion and hat are highly recommended.
4. Botanical & Agricultural Walk
Transfers by minibus & on foot, Min 2, max 15, duration 3hours (2 hrs walking), euros 60.
The drive from the ship to the Moorea Agricultural Domain takes 25 minutes. The tour continues on foot with a pleasant downhill stroll lasting 2hrs and covering approximately 1 ¼ miles (2km). There will be frequent stops to discover the local flora and admire the wonderful scenery. Moorea is one of the world’s most beautiful islands and prides itself on its exotic plants, trees, fruits and flowers. Throughout the tour, your knowledgeable guide will point out interesting plants and tell you about their origins and how they are used. In this way, you will learn something of the island’s natural evolution, as well as its human colonization. Your imagination will be fired with tales of ancestors, explorers, missionaries and colonial life and you will gain an insight into Polynesian life both past and present.
The walk is on dirt paths, so wear comfortable walking sandals and clothing. Bring insect repellent! This tour is escorted by a mountain guide who specialises in hiking.
5. Aquablue dive in Moorea
Transfer by van then by boat. Min 2, max 8, duration 3 hours, euros 60.
The AQUABLUE team will take you by minibus to the Hotel Intercontinental Moorea where you will meet your guide, before boarding the Aquablue boat. After a ten minute trip on the magnificent lagoon at Moorea, the boat will anchor either between Motu Tiahura and Motu fareeone or at another site opposite the village of Papetoai. The choice of mooring depends on the weather. Your guide will explain about the equipment and safety regulations and will help you to climb down the ladder, and then finally you will experience the amazing sensation of walking underwater in the midst of multicoloured tropical fish. You will be able to breathe just as comfortably as if you were on land and will soon be able to move very freely. The fish are quite inquisitive, so you will get the opportunity to admire a wide variety of different species :butterfly fish, triggerfish surgeon fish, parrot fish and groupers. You may also have a close encounter with one of the Hawaii sting rays which are often seen in the area. You will have half an hour to explore this underwater world and experience new sensations at a maximum depth of 4 metres. You do not need to know how to dive or even swim, the dive helmet is suitable for everyone.
There is a 15 minutes transfer by road each way. You will spend approx 2 hours at sea, 30 minutes underwater, then snorkelling. Photo and video service available on each dive. This trip is not suitable for people in bad health, those with heart conditions or for pregnant women. The trip is almost never cancelled, even when there is heavy rain. All equipment supplied : mask, snorkel, dive shoes and dive helmet.