Moorea islands is a popular destination for tourists who come to enjoy its beaches, lagoons, and coral reefs. The island also has a rich cultural heritage, with a number of traditional Polynesian villages where you can learn about local customs and traditions. Moorea has a range of accommodations, including hotels and resorts that cater to a variety of budgets and preferences.
Where is Moorea Islands?
Moorea is an island located in French Polynesia, in the South Pacific. Moorea it is part of the Society Islands group and is located just northwest of Tahiti, which is the largest and most well-known island in French Polynesia. Moorea island is about 17 kilometers (10.5 miles) west of Tahiti and can be reached by a 30-minute ferry ride or a 7-minute flight from Tahiti. Moorea island is known for its stunning natural beauty, including its crystal clear waters, lush vegetation, and dramatic mountain peaks. If you are planning to go on vacation to moorea, here are popular spots in Moorea Islands:
Opunohu Bay
Opunohu Bay is a popular destination for tourists visiting Moorea, offering a range of activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and hiking. The bay is also home to a number of historic sites, including ancient marae (Polynesian temples) and ruins from French colonial times. The bay is known for its stunning turquoise waters, lush green hills, and picturesque landscape.
Cook’s Bay
Cook’s Bay is a scenic bay located on the north coast of Moorea Islands. The bay is named after the famous explorer Captain James Cook, who visited the island in 1777. Cook’s Bay is surrounded by steep, lush green mountains and has crystal-clear waters that are perfect for snorkeling and swimming. Cook’s Bay is a popular spot for water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing. There are also several hiking trails in the area that offer breathtaking views of the bay and surrounding mountains.
Belvedere Lookout
The Belvedere Lookout is a popular tourist destination located in the heart of Moorea’s lush mountains. It offers panoramic views of the island’s two bays – Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay. The Belvedere Lookout is surrounded by lush vegetation and tropical flowers, making it a great spot for nature lovers. There are also several hiking trails in the area that offer even more stunning views of the island. The lookout is also a popular spot for sunset watching, as the sun sets behind the mountains and creates a beautiful display of colors in the sky.
Tiki Village
Tiki Village is a cultural center located on the Moorea Islands. You can experience Polynesian culture through traditional dance, music, and crafts. The village is set in a tropical garden with thatched-roof huts and a small lagoon, providing an authentic Polynesian atmosphere.
You can enjoy a traditional Polynesian meal, which typically includes local specialties such as poisson cru (raw fish marinated in lime juice and coconut milk) and taro root. The meal is accompanied by live music and dance performances featuring traditional costumes and instruments. Tiki Village also features a handicraft center where you can learn about traditional Polynesian crafts such as weaving, carving, and tattooing.
Moorea Lagoonarium
One of the most popular lagoonariums in Moorea is the Moorea Lagoonarium. It is located on a small motu (island) in the middle of the lagoon and is accessible only by boat. The lagoonarium has several pools with different species of fish, coral, and other marine life, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles. You can snorkel in the lagoonarium and observe the marine life up close. The lagoonarium also offers feeding sessions where you can hand-feed the fish.
Moorea Pineapple Plantations
Moorea is well known for its picturesque pineapple plantations, which are a popular attraction for tourist. One of the most popular pineapple plantations in Moorea island is the Moorea Fruit Juice Factory. The plantation offers guided tours, during which you can learn about the history of pineapple farming on the island, see the different stages of pineapple growth, and taste various pineapple products, including fresh juice, jams, and syrups.
Aside from the guided tours, you can also explore the pineapple plantations on your own. There are several pineapple fields throughout the Moorea Islands, and many of them have small stands where you can purchase fresh pineapple and other local fruits.
Moorea Dolphin Center
At the Moorea Dolphin Center, you can participate in a variety of dolphin encounters, ranging from a simple introduction to the dolphins to more immersive experiences such as swimming and playing with the animals. The center also offers educational programs and presentations that highlight the importance of conservation and the threats facing dolphins in the wild.
It is important to note that while dolphin encounters can be an exciting and educational experience, it is crucial to choose reputable facilities that prioritize the well-being of the animals and operate in accordance with ethical and responsible standards.
Moorea Green Pearl Golf Course
The Moorea Green Pearl Golf Course is a golf course located on the islands of Moorea. The course is set amidst the beautiful natural scenery of the island, offering stunning views of the mountains and the turquoise waters of the lagoon. The Moorea Green Pearl Golf Course features 18 holes spread over 55 hectares of lush tropical terrain. The course is designed to challenge golfers of all skill levels, with a variety of holes that require accuracy and strategic play. Some of the holes are set near the water’s edge, providing a unique and picturesque setting for golfers to enjoy.
The Moorea Green Pearl Golf Course offers a range of amenities for you, including a pro shop, a driving range, and a restaurant that serves delicious local cuisine. The course also offers golf lessons and clinics for tourist who looking to improve their game. The Moorea Green Pearl Golf Course is situated on the grounds of the Moorea Pearl Resort & Spa, a luxury resort that offers a range of accommodation options, including bungalows and villas set amidst tropical gardens or overlooking the lagoon.
