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Moorea VacationMOOREA-
Land of Bays and "Bali Hai"

ball71.gif (523 bytes)ACTIVITIES ball71.gif (523 bytes)TOURIST BUREAU
ball71.gif (523 bytes)GETTING THERE ball71.gif (523 bytes)GEOGRAPHY
ball71.gif (523 bytes)GETTING AROUND ball71.gif (523 bytes)RESTAURANTS
ball71.gif (523 bytes)HOTELS IN MOOREA

Many people have described Moorea as the most beautiful place on  earth, and it’s 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 Cook’s bay and Opunohu’s bay, rise like a shark’s jaw from the island’s basaltic base and reach into the clouds. Below, valleys are blanketed with the colors and white sand beaches border magnificent crystalline lagoons. Moorea’s lagoon, along with Bora Bora’s, 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, you’ll 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

MOOREA TOURS AND ACTIVITIES

With a circumference of only 37 miles and coastline served by paved road, Moorea can be encircled in a single day’s 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 Belvederemoorea arial photo.jpg (24133 bytes) lookout point, high in the interior of Moorea for spectacular views of Opunohu and Cook’s 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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MOOREA VISITORS BUREAU

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

GEOGRAPHY

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 "shark’s 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 Cook’s Bay on the east side.Moorea’s lagoon, along with Bora Bora’s, is one of the most beautiful in the Islands. It harbors 3 "motus" (small islands).

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FLORA AND FAUNA

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.

GETTING THERE

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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GETTING AROUND MOOREA

"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
Cook’s 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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MOOREA RESTAURANTS

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"
Cook’s 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 Cook’s 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
Cook’s 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
Cook’s 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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