Moorea

With its 16,000 inhabitants, it is the second most populated island of Polynesia. Many locals have chosen to live there while continuing to work in Tahiti, preferring its tranquility to the bustle of Tahiti.

Entirely surrounded by a lagoon with magnificent waters, it has everything if not more than its big sister. An impressive relief, majestic bays and sandy beaches make it a wonderful island. No wonder it is the third most visited island in Polynesia after Tahiti and Bora Bora.

While tourism is obviously one of the pillars of its economy, this island has diversified thanks to its Rotui fruit juice factory, which is a major player in the local activity. It is also thanks to this that we find so many pineapple fields on the island making it the first pineapple plantation of Polynesia.

Discovered at the same time as Tahiti, they share the same history. However, it was only in 1777 that Captain Cook first visited it and anchored in one of its bays. He was the first Westerner to officially put Moorea on a map, this is why his name was given to one of the most beautiful bays in the world, the Cook’s Bay. It remains today a privileged refuge of the numerous boats visiting its lagoon.

“Moo” meaning Lizard in Tahitian and “Rea” meaning Yellow, the island of the Yellow lizard owes its current name to a legend counting a huge golden lizard that would have swum from the small neighboring island, Maiao. Exhausted and struggling against the currents, it would have turned into an island to become what we know today.

Some people see the shape of butterfly; others better like to see a heart. One thing is sure, whether you arrive in Moorea by the sea or by the airs, you will be immediately seized by this mountainous panorama. If Mount Toheia is the highest, Mount Mou’a Puta is the most famous. With a hole in its summit that earned it the nickname of the breakthrough mountain, it is a curiosity that attracts the eyes of tourists. The legend has it that it was the Tahitian hero named Pai who threw his spear from Punaauia in Tahiti to Moorea to prevent Hiro from robing Mount Rotui. His spear would have pierced Mount Mou’a Puta to finish its route to Raiatea.

If there is a mandatory stopover during your stay, it is the Belvedere. Accessible by a small road, you will drive through the lush vegetation to find yourself in the middle of the crater, 240m above sea level. There, you will face one of the most beautiful panoramas of Polynesia. Overlooking the two majestic bays, you can admire all around you the mountain peaks that make the reputation of the island. Eight mountain ranges radiate from this site and it will be difficult to leave this magical place without feeling humble and privileged.

Dividing the island in two and separated by the famous Mount Rotui, the Cook’s Bay and the Bay of Opunohu are incomparable beauties.  One kilometer wide and penetrating up to three kilometers inland, it is easy to see why it has been an outstanding shelter for all boats for centuries. Surrounded by sharp mountains, a mystical atmosphere emerges from these marine refuges.

With a beautiful lagoon it would be a shame not to go and admire it more closely. Locals offer this type of activity and they are numerous on the island. You can also opt for canoe rental if you are a little sportier.

From August to October you can also choose a guided boat trip to observe the whales! As Moorea is one of their favorite havens, you may be lucky enough to be able to meet the majesty of the oceans…

With its eight mountain ranges, the island offer beautiful hikes. However, you will have to be a hiking expert because the paths are not very well marked. Do not forget that we are in the tropics and therefore the sun is very unforgiving, so leave at dawn to avoid suffering from too much heat. You can go on some tracks alone or opt for the company a guide. You will be able to follow him without having to worry about the path and listen to the information he will share with you.

Located in the Opunohu Valley, the rope park welcomes everyone in a magical setting. Surrounded by all the summits of the island, a peaceful atmosphere resides here. You can jump from tree to tree safely and take the time to admire the views that offer different platforms.

You will have no problem finding a place to eat. If you need a quick lunch or prefer a more gourmet dish, you will find a restaurant that will welcome you.

For a lunch with a breathtaking view, you can go to the beach restaurant of the Hotel Les Tipaniers. ‘Feet in the water’ you will be served local dishes. You can even go for a swim on the sublime beach after your dessert!

Not to miss but remember to book in advance, the Snack Mahana is a local institution. At the edge of the lagoon, the tables set in the garden, you can taste the delicious Mahi Mahi breaded with vanilla sauce. Something to stimulate your taste buds!

If you want a quick and typical lunch, go to the Lilikoi Garden Cafe. Nestled in the middle of a coconut grove, Laurence will welcome you in her garden where she cooks from her trailer some light and local dishes. A cheerful atmosphere and good mood guaranteed! Feel free to talk to her, Laurence loves the stories of travelers who come to meet her and she will give you many tips for your next adventures.

For a more chic but affordable atmosphere, the Hilton Hotel Crêperie is a place to discover in the evening. Hidden in the middle of the overwater bungalows, you can order there delicious crepes and admire under your feet the lagoon and black tips sharks swimming between the corals. An unusual and unforgettable experience!

It all depends on your stay. If you don’t want to go too far from your hotel, you can rent a bike with well-defined bike paths available. If, on the other hand, you want to go on an adventure you will need to rent a car or scooter, with the beautiful coastline and steeper terrain this is recommended.

Once you are in Tahiti, you will have two options to go to Moorea: by the sea or by the air! Fast ferries make it possible to reach the island quickly (count between 25 and 50 minutes). Air Tahiti also offers ten minutes flights from the Faa’a Airport.