Moorea

As ships are moored or anchored in this port, you will be tendered ashore to the village of Papeotai or at the small marina next to the Hotel Kaveka. On occasion you will be anchored at Cook's Bay and tendered to the same and only road on the island. Distance to Maharepa (downtown) is from Papeotai 9 miles and from Kaveka 6 miles.

Transportation to this island is usually done from Tahiti by air transport in flights of about 5 minutes or through numerous ferries that move from the port of Papeʼete to Moʼorea. It is also possible to hire a private boat transport.

Taxi: Available at tender docks and offer a quick and convenient way to reach Maharepa. Shuttle Services: Some cruise lines or local operators provide shuttle services to key locations. Car Rentals: Available for exploring the island at your own pace.

Merchants set up tables of shell jewelry, key chains, pareos and other souvenirs at each tender drop-off spot on the island.

Webcam

Printable map to take along.

Moorea, which has often been likened to James Michener's mythological island of Bali Ha'i, is a small island jewel of the vast ocean that can be perceived in one loving glance. The craggy volcanic peaks, reflected in the tranquil waters of Cook's Bay and Oponohu Bay, rise like a shark's jaw from the island's basaltic base. The lush mountain slopes are covered with rain forest or pineapple plantations, and white sand beaches border crystalline lagoons.

The belvedere lookout is a must stop on any itinerary, whether you do a tour (all tours include a stop here), rent a car or bike up. this lookout is 'famous'. It's best to take pictures before 10 am when the sun is behind you.

All beaches are public, but the best one is 1/4 of a mile down a dirt road off the main road between the Sofitel Ia Ora and the airport gas station.

There is virtually no public transportation on Moorea, and taxis are expensive.

There are several little booths right off the tender dock offering tours and the little buses are parked right there. A 3 hour 4x4 tour well set you back around $50.

Scooters and bicycles are also available and can be a great way to explore the island on your own. If you want to rent a car, do so in advance.

Tahiti (Papeete) is only 12 miles and 30 minutes by fast ferry.

Le Petit Village is where the island's tourist shops and artsy boutiques are clustered. You'll find everything from Tahitian vanilla beans to black pearls to beach clothing, especially pareos.

Shops usually open about 7:30am and close at 5:30pm (Noon on Saturdays) but there is always a long lunch hour. Except in hotels, all shops are usually closed on Sundays.

Everything is very expensive in French Polynesia. Even budget accommodation is tough on the budget, as is food, even groceries. So if you visit, take lots of money, you will need it.

Bargaining and haggling over prices in markets and stores is not customary.

1000 CFP francs = 8.38 euros.

US dollars and Euros are widely accepted.

Official languages: French, Tahitian.

There is an internet cafe at Le Petit Village.