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Many people have described Moorea as the most beautiful
place on earth, and its this magical island that inspired James Michener
to write about mythical "Bali Hai." Moorea is only 11 miles from Tahiti,
and one of the features that is so striking about this island is the jagged peaks
and spires that give the island its unique profile. The volcanic peaks, reflected in the
tranquil waters of Cooks bay and Opunohus bay, rise like a sharks jaw
from the islands basaltic base and reach into the clouds. Below, valleys are
blanketed with the colors and white sand beaches border magnificent crystalline lagoons.
Mooreas lagoon, along with Bora Boras, is one of the most beautiful in the
Society Islands, and harbors 3 "motus" (small islands). Moorea is a favorite of all who venture to the South Seas. Here,
youll find the real South Seas experience - a casual, barefoot existence amidst
white sand beaches, multi-hued lagoons and, of course, quaint Tahitian-style hotels
offering plenty of sun and fun activities.
MOOREA HOTELS
Moorea has excellent hotels to fit most any budget ranging
from large five star resorts like the Moorea Sheraton and the Moorea InterContinental Resort & Spa to smaller, family owned properties like Les Tipaniers and Hotel
Hibiscus. For detailed information regarding the hotels in Moorea we invite you to
visit the Moorea
Hotels page in the
"hotels" section of our website
With a circumference of only 37 miles and coastline served by paved road, Moorea
can be encircled in a single days bicycle or car tour. Be sure to stop in the
villages and boutiques as you make your way around. Enjoy horseback riding along the beach
or into the interior, hiking up to a hidden waterfall, or drive to the Belvedere lookout point, high in
the interior of Moorea for spectacular views of Opunohu and Cooks Bays.
Viewed by boat, Moorea is a spectacular sight. You can arrange for a day trip to a
motu, the tiny uninhabited islets that dot the surrounding sea. Your boatman will be happy
to drop you off, returning for you at an arranged time.
If your time on Moorea permits, you should plan to experience a Tahitian
"tamaaraa" with food cooked in the traditional "himaa" - a pit filled
with heated volcanic stones. Dancers from one of the local villages will then entertain
you with the songs and dances that have helped make Tahiti famous. This fun filled feast
can be enjoyed several evenings during the week at the Tiki Village, Sunday at noon at
both the Bali Hai and the Moorea Village.
Please also see our
Moorea tours and activities
page for additional information.
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For information and assistance in Moorea, a Tourism Committee
office is located at the commercial center "le PetitVillage" in Haapiti, and at
the Temae Airport. Additional information may be found at their website www.gomoorea.com
Moorea is an island of Volcanic origin, situated 11 miles Northwest
of Tahiti and has a circumference of 37 miles. Many people have described Moorea as the
most beautiful place on earth.
One of the features that is so striking about this island is the
jagged peaks and spires that give the island its unique profile. Geologists speculate that
thousands of years ago, the northern rim of the volcano either fell into the sea or was
blown away by a volcanic explosion, leaving the heart-shaped island of today.
The south
rim of the ancient volcano makes up the mountain range on Moorea. At 3,959 ft., Tohiea is the highest pike. Others include Moua Puta (the mountain with a hole) at 2,722
ft., Rotui at 2,624 ft., and Moua Roa (Bali Hai from the film South Pacific) at 2,499 ft.
Mt. Mouaroa is the mountain that is commonly referred to as the "sharks
tooth." It is frequently depicted on post cards and is the image on one side of the
100 CFP coin. This unique geology forms spectacular two bays, Opunohu Bay on the west side
of Mt. Rotui and Cooks Bay on the east side.Mooreas lagoon, along with Bora Boras, is one of the
most beautiful in the Islands. It harbors 3 "motus" (small islands).
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Moorea is a garden of permanent flowers (hibiscus, tiares, pink
laurel, etc.) There are numerous coconut groves throughout the island, along with
pineapple, grapefruit, and vanilla plantations. In the lagoon and the ocean, all sorts of
tropical fish are present. There are many reef sharks which do not prove to be dangerous.
Snorkeling and scuba diving can be practiced with a professional without risk.
The airport is located in the village of Temae on the northeast
side of the island. Air Moorea has many flights between Moorea and Tahiti. Flights depart
every hour beginning at sunrise and continuing to dusk. Air Tahiti also stops on Moorea.
AIR MOOREA
Tahiti-Faaa International Airport
Flight time: 7 mins / 40 daily flights. Air - taxi
service every 30 minutes from 6:00 to 9:00 am and from 4:00 to 6:00 pm, hourly departures
from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Daily half-hourly departures from Moorea to Papeete from 6:15 am
to 9:15am and from 3:15 pm to 6:15 pm. Hourly departures from 9:15 am to 3:15 pm. No
reservations.
AIR TAHITI
Has regular flights serving Moorea and connecting to most other islands
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"LE TRUCK"
"Le Truck" transports passengers between the ferry dock in Vaiare and their
hotels or private lodgings, and charges a nominal fee to transport them to their
destination in Moorea. On East Coast, departure from Vaiare quay, at each ferry arrival;
On West Coast, departure from Moorea Visitors bureau located at commercial center "le
Petit Village", in Haapiti. Daily shuttle service rotations officially set up by
"le truck":
BY TAXI
Taxi service is available at Moorea airport and around the island
RENTAL CARS
EUROPCAR
P.O. BOX 1067 Papetoai
Haapiti (facing Club Med.) Tel. (689) 56. 34. 00
Temae airport Tel. (689) 56. 41. 08
Vaiare quay Tel. (689) 56. 28. 64
Moorea Beachcomber Parkroyal hotel Tel. (689) 56. 30. 97
ALBERT RENT-A-CAR
P.O. BOX 77 Temae
Cooks bay (Club Bali Hai) Tel. (689) 56. 19. 28
Maharepa (Bali Hai Hotel) Tel. (689) 56. 30. 58
Haapiti (Club Med) Tel. (689) 56. 33. 75
AVIS RENT-A-CAR
P.O. BOX 41 Temae
Vaiare Quay Tel. (689) 56. 12. 58
Temae Airport Tel. (689) 56. 12. 48
Bali Hai hotel Tel. (689) 56. 13. 58
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LA PLANTATION
Open air dining featuring French cuisine, fish & seafood
BP 1504 Papetoai
TEL : (689) 56 45 10 LE COCOTIER
Maharepa
Tel. (689) 56. 12.10
French cuisine with seafood specialties.
Lunch/Dinner/Bar/Res. Closed Sunday.
Visa/Amex/Diners cards
TE HONU ITI "Chez Roger"
Cooks Bay PK4, Paopao
Tel. (689) 56. 19. 84
Lunch/Dinner.Closed Fridays. Visa/Mastercard
Offers complimentary transporation from your hotel with reservation
LE SUD
Cook's Bay
Tel: (689) 56.42.95
Excellent French and Mediterranean Seafood
Lunch/Dinner. Closed Sundays. Visa/MasterCard
RUDY'S
PK6 Maharepa, Situated between Cooks Bay Resort and the Hotel Bali Hai.
Tel (689) 56. 36. 12
Excellent seafood, steaks, surf/turf
Lunch/Dinner. Closed Sundays. Visa/MasterCard.
ALLO PIZZA
PK7.8 Paopao
Tel: (689) 56.18.22
Delicious variety of pizzas cooked in a wood burning oven
Offers dininig in or carry out.
ALFREDO S
Cooks bay area
Tel (689) 56. 17. 71
Pizza, pasta, and traditional Italian cuisine. Excellent Food. Make Reservations.
Call for transportation from your hotel.
Lunch/Dinner. Closed Sunday. Visa/Master cards.
MOOREA HOTEL RESTAURANTS
CLUB BALI HAI
Cooks Bay
Tel. (689) 56.13. 68
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner/Snack/Bar/ Panoramic view/Entertainment. All cards.
MOOREA INTERCONTINENTAL
Haapiti
Tel.(689) 56. 19. 19
French/haute cuisine. Special BBQ dinners on some evenings served poolside with
entertainment.
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner/Pool/Snack/Bar/Entertainment/Special events/Dance show. All cards.
LES TIPANIERS
Haapiti
Tel. (689) 56.12. 67
Italian food. Home made spaghetti, lasagna, pizza, fresh fish, sashimi, home made ice
cream. Good prices and excellent food.
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner/Beach-snack/ Bar
All cards.
SOFITEL MOOREA BEACH RESORT
Tel. (689) 56.12. 90
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner/Snack/Bar.
Entertainment/Special Buffet/Tahitian feast/Dance show. All cards.
HOTEL HIBISCUS
Tel. (689) 56. 26. 00
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner/Italian specialties. Amex/Visa/Master cards.
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MOOREA SUPERMARKETS
Pao Pao - (689) 56.10.28
The usual supermarket fare. Good for in room or beach lunches and breakfasts.
Chez Toa: Vaiare
The largest supermarket on Moorea. Everything you could want as far as groceries go. Good
prices.
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