Moorea

Why Moorea in Polynesia is special
Moorea is one of the world's most picturesque tropical islands - and the sheer beauty of its Cook's Bay (see photo) and Opunohu Bay moves one's spirit.

Moorea tips and insights
Moorea is mesmerizingly scenic
You view jagged mountain peaks, lush tropical foliage, and white-sand beaches bordering turquoise lagoons surrounded by coral reefs. Two majestic bays reach far inland, including Cook's Bay.

Top 4 Moorea highlights

• Belvedere Lookout
  Enjoy a stunning view of the peaks, bays and lagoons from a vantage high up a mountain.
• Circle tour
  Drive around Moorea along its photogenic shore-hugging road. Do it with an organized tour or on your own with a rented car or scooter. This 65-kilometer (40 mile) drive takes an average of 4 hours.
• Luxury resorts
  Unwind in your over-the-water bungalow at one of Moorea's lagoon-fronting resorts.
• Water sports
  You have a wide choice including snorkeling, diving, fishing and sailing.

Domestic tourists
Foreigners are not the only visitors. Droves of Tahiti residents come over for weekend getaways.

Geology
Moorea is the southern half of a gigantic volcanic caldera dating back 2 million years. The northern half of the caldera lies submerged under the sea.

Location
Moorea is just 19 kilometers (12 miles) from Tahiti. Each is clearly visible from the other.

Getting there
Most tourists reach Moorea by ferry or airplane from Papeete, Tahiti's capital city. The first takes just 30 minutes, the latter, 10 minutes. Other travelers arrive on cruise ships and private yachts. Most set anchor in Cook's Bay.