Aerial view of Opunohu Bay in Moorea Island, French Polynesia
THE ORIGINAL ISLAND PARADISE

Cruise to Moorea, French Polynesia

Moorea is the picture-perfect vision of an ideal island paradise. Formed by volcanic activity, this heart-shaped island hidden a few short miles off the Tahiti mainland holds beaches that look out to the brightest blue waters you can imagine, and the soaring green peaks of the mountains here are the stuff of legend. Head to Tiki Village to experience a traditional Polynesian dance. Hike up to Belvedere Lookout for views of famous Cook's Bay and volcanic Mount Tohivea. Go snorkeling in the lagoon at Opunohu Bay, or check out the Moorea Dolphin Center to get up-close-and-personal with nature's cutest, most intelligent sea creatures.
National Language French
Currency Accepted CFP Franc (XPF)

Things To Do in Moorea

A sting ray in the ocean

Lagoon Around the Island

A sting ray in the ocean

A sting ray in the ocean

Lagoon Around the Island

Check out Lagoonarium de Moorea, an enclosed lagoon overlooked by Motu Ahi mountain. It's the lagoon of your dreams: warm waters glimmer with coral gardens and friendly floating turtles. Take a dip in its aqua waters and find out why the Polynesian Corals are worth the fuss.

A dolphin sticking its head out of the water

Say Hi to Sea Life

A dolphin sticking its head out of the water

A dolphin sticking its head out of the water

Say Hi to Sea Life

Intercontinental Moorea Resort and Spa has designated a portion of their private lagoon as a rare natural refuge for sea creatures in need. Take a tour of the dolphin center, and swim with them in their natural environment. Before you leave, peek at the nearby turtle sanctuary — home to adorable growing baby turtles.

The jungle landscape in Moorea Island, French Polynesia
The jungle landscape in Moorea Island, French Polynesia

Bird's Eye View

Soar through the deep green forests at the adventurous Tiki Parc. With varying levels appropriate for all ages, you can live out tales of island exploration along a series of rope courses, bridges and zip-lines. Remember to wear sensible clothes and close-toed shoes.

A pan seared fish filet on a white plate
A pan seared fish filet on a white plate

Local Cuisine

In Moorea, you'll find plenty of the Tahitian signature dish, poisson cru — raw fish marinated in lime juice and coconut milk. You'll also encounter chicken fafa, baked in an underground oven with coconut milk and spinach. The island also offers higher-end spots serving innovative, regionally inspired fare like prawn curry or mahi-mahi with ginger and lemon sauce.

Assorted tifaifai quilts
Assorted tifaifai quilts

Shopping

There is one must-have Moorea keepsake on the top of every visitor's list — a famous black pearl. You can find these pearls and other authentic crafts at the Moorea Marketplace or the charming Le Petit Village. Seek out tifaifai, traditional Polynesian quilts embroidered with geometric flower patterns.

Insider's Tips
Insider's Tips
1 The coconut milk you buy in a store is nothing like real island coconut milk — be sure to try some!
2 Head to the Belvedere lookout point before 10 a.m. to snap the best photo overlooking the island.
3 Taxis are moderately expensive here — book a tour to save on transport costs.

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