A Day on Moorea from Your South Pacific Cruise

One of the less known about destinations to cruise is the South Pacific. This is a bit of a shame, as this is a very beautiful destination. For example, one of the ports that is called is Moorea part of French Polynesia. Have a look at the following description and find out why it is high on my “still to be visited” lists. As usual, contact me if you need more information or need help sorting out a cruise to this magnificent location.

Sailing into the bay of Moorea is one of the most magnificent sights you will ever have! You slip through the narrow reef pass and into Moorea’s Opunohu Bay early in the morning. The mountains on either side of the bay – and go almost vertically up. Mel Gibson’s movie “The Bounty” was filmed here, as were parts of “An Affair to Remember” with Annette Benning and Warren Beaty. There is a small road around the island. This island is very dramatic in appearance. It has many sharp volcanic peaks, lush plantations, white sandy beaches, and a surrounding coral reef. From the ship, the view is the best yet in French Polynesia!

Where You’re Docked
Ships dock in Cook’s Bay and tender passengers to a makeshift village that springs to life only when cruise ships are in. There are a few cafes, pizza parlors, and shops in Cook’s Bay and that’s about it.

Getting Around
For car rentals, advance reservations are highly recommended. There is virtually no public transportation on Moorea, and taxis are expensive. Even hitching a ride is chancy as there is so little traffic.

Shopping
Go shopping at Le Petit Village where the island’s tourist shops and artsy boutiques are clustered. You’ll find everything from Tahitian vanilla beans to black pearls to beach clothing, especially pareus.

What to See and Do
For an on-land vista of Moorea, Belvedere Lookout, high up in the mountains, offers stunning views of Cook’s Bay, Opunohu Bay, and Mt. Rotui. All the shore tours come here, and it’s well worth seeing. Try to go early in the day before the rain and mist set in.
If you’ve never seen Polynesian dances or attended a Hawaiian luau, Tiki Theater Village will satisfy your curiosity. You’ll be immersed in island culture and crafts.

Water-based tour operator Moorea Mahana Tours offers boat trips to a motu for a barbeque lunch and swimming with stingrays. It’s one-on-one and a far more pleasant experience than the Caribbean’s overcrowded Stingray City excursion.
With its craggy peaks and two gorgeous bays, Moorea makes for a magical sight from above. Parasailing with Mahana Parasail is a fantastic way to see the island. You’re aloft for anywhere from 12 to 15 minutes.
Rent a bike and ride around the entire circumference of the island. It takes about six hours on mostly flat, well-paved roads. And there’s not much traffic.
Go eco-touring. Iaora Tahiti Ecotours offers outings on bird watching, archaeology, botany, history, coral reef ecology, geology, and Tahitian culture, upon request. They also conduct culture-oriented tours, such as Ancient Moorea, island tours, and a hike to Fautaua Falls. Advance inquiries and reservations are absolutely necessary.

Staying in Touch
To make a long distance call you need to purchase a phone card, available at the post office. They come in a variety of increments. There’s an Internet cafe in Le Petit Village and one at Maria Tapas Cafe, about 15 minutes on foot from Pearl Beach.