Overview

You can make a good case that Moorea, not Bora-Bora, is the most beautiful island in Polynesia. Moorea's lagoon may not be as spectacular, but the island is more lush, the mountainous landscape just as dramatic, and its two magnificent bays on the north shore (Opunohu and Cook's) are the stuff of sailors' dreams. And there is simply more of it: Moorea is six times the size of Bora-Bora and has better beaches (Temae is just one of several white-sand wonders), better diving (more than 20 dive sites, most along the north coast), and more things to do, from hiking through the Paopao Valley to horseback riding on the sand.

Yet many visitors come here simply to do nothing, because Moorea has somehow managed to hold on to that slow-down-it's-the-South-Pacific feeling. There is really no town, and in the small clusters of shops along the road that circles the island, you'll be hard-pressed to spend those colorful Polynesian francs on much besides pareus (wraps) and black pearls.

Tahiti's bustling city of Papeete, only nine miles away across the Sea of the Moon, might as well be in another galaxy; for now at least, Moorea remains its own sea of tranquillity.

 Plan Your Trip

DIVING

Sharks are a regular feature on most Moorea dives, and at Tiki, a place that lies beyond the reef off the northwestern coast, you can always count on seeing black-tipped reef sharks and lemon sharks (some up to ten feet long), plus a full house of tropical fish. It's a relatively shallow dive, and the water is particularly clear - which is why it's a favorite with photographers.

SIGHTSEEING

Car, bicycle, or scooter, take your pick (the last is the locals' favorite), because the island's shoreline road is only about 40 miles around. For the best view on the island, get an early start and turn inland at Opunohu Bay; then follow the signs to Le Belvedere Lookout Point. Near it you'll pass the ancient Polynesian temple site of Marae Titiroa, one of several early stone structures. The lookout's sweeping vista of the northern coast - perhaps the finest in Polynesia - is best seen in early-morning light.

CULTURE

Even if you're not a churchgoer, plan to attend at least one Sunday service on Moorea to hear the choral arrangements of Christian hymns sung in lilting Tahitian. The parishioners are welcoming, and their soaring harmonies are nothing less than ethereal.

 Forums

 News & Events

 Related Articles