Moorea, French Polynesia
Created by: Teka Dexter
Moorea, French Polynesia
- Transportation
- Hotel/ Accommodations
- Food & Beverage/ Restaurants
- Recreation/ Entertainment
- Itinerary
- Reference
Introduction
Location: Moorea, French Polynesia
In French Polynesia, the island of Moorea stands up magically out of the ocean like a huge temple – majestic mountains that get lost in the clouds, green waterfalls that run down the cliffs softened by ferns. The peaceful plains bordered with emerald green pinnacles give you the feeling of living in the realm of nature. The bright blue lagoon of Moorea brings the romance of your dreams in the tropical seas. The bright colored houses, surrounded by gardens of hibiscus and birds of paradise or Tipanier bypass the crown island. Simple villages with a population of bon vivant who will recall that this is the true, happy life. One of the most memorable places of the islands of Tahiti is the unforgettable beauty of Moorea. Moorea is an island of volcanic origin located 18 km north-west of Tahiti with a circumference of 37 km. Many people have described Moorea as one of the most beautiful places on Earth.
History
Like many French Polynesian islands, Moorea was first settled by Polynesians from the islands west of Moorea. They arrived on canoes coming down from South Asia looking for islands to settle. Many tourists will be interested in cultural history. There are some ancient landmarks on Moorea known as marae, which consists of ancient stone rocks shaped like pyramids. There are carvings on the rocks which tell when did sacrifices happen. The oldest marae is the ‘Āfareaitu Marae, located in the island’s main village. It was made by the early Polynesians in the year 900. In 2019, the population of French Polynesia is estimated at 288,506 people with 16,191 inhabitants of Moorea Island. Furthermore, the 2007 census found that 87% of the population in French Polynesia was born in the country, 9% were born in metropolitan France, 1% were born in overseas France outside of French Polynesia and 2% were born in foreign countries. The last census that asked about ethnicity occurred in 1988, at which point 66.5% of the population was ethnically Polynesian, 7% was ethnically mixed Polynesian, 11.9% were European (primarily French), 93% were of mixed Polynesian and French descent (referred to as the Demis) and 4.7% were East Asians (primarily Chinese)- from the Institute of Statistics of French Polynesia.
Weather
The climate in French Polynesia is a tropical climate that brings lovers of the tropics to French Polynesia. On average, the temperatures of Mo’orea are hot and the sun usually shines. Consequently, the weather is always good. There are two main seasons in French Polynesia, the hot season and the rain season. The rainy season starts in November and ends in March. Most tourists arrive between mid-March and mid-October to enjoy the beautiful landscapes and tropical sun. These are the best times to enjoy the mountains, swim in the blue water and tan during clear skies.
Tourism
In French Polynesia, the tourism industry survived many challenges mainly after the subprime crisis. Since 2010, the Tourism industry has gradually raised its leverage, and the arrival of tourists has increased. In 2010, the number of tourists was down to about 155 000 which has grown to over 200,000 in 2018.
Moorea is the perfect playground for anyone loving adventure on both land and sea. Because of its stunning landscapes, Mo’orea is visited by many western tourists who travel to French Polynesia. Particularly, Moorea is very popular for a honeymoon destination or excursion to nature or turquoise waters of the seas. Approximately, tourists stay in Moorea for a couple of days and not much more than one week. The reasons why this location is so attractive is that it is one of the most beautiful paradise islands between the sea and the mountains. It is a good land where people enjoy traveling to relax, and to enjoy sunbathing. The soundless waters of the blue lagoon, gilded with a diversity of coral reefs, welcome all kinds of activities from outrigger canoeing to paddleboarding, kiteboarding, water skiing and even surfing around some of the passes. The majestic mountains, with eight soaring summits hovering over a lush green valley, is perfect for hiking, exploring by ATV, or even horseback riding.
Transportations
Air
Moorea’s airport is served by Air Tahiti with 15-minute flights from International Faa’a Airport in Tahiti departing several times a day.
Water
Terevau and Aremiti are the two ferries companies operating up to eight times daily between Moorea and Papeete (Tahiti).
Ground
Taxi service, cars or scooter rental and bus are available but Moorea is a small island where you can either use bikes or Quad.
Getting Around Moorea:
Moorea is located in the Pacific Ocean. If you come from other country you need to take the plane to come in Tahiti to the International Airport of Faa’a. Afterwards, you can take a smaller plane or a ferry and get to Moorea. There is only one company which goes to Moorea – Air Tahiti. There are two ferries company: Terevau and Aremiti. When you reach Moorea, you can rent cars at Avis Pacific Car company located near the harbor but also take a bus or rent a scooter. People sometimes rent a bike or a quad to go around the island.
Hotel / Accommodation
In Moorea islands, there are various types of accommodations. This island is a wonderful island that people love to visit when they come to French Polynesia or for business. As result, you can find three types of accommodations:
- Resort hotel
- Mid-level hotel
- Economy hotel
Moorea has a lot of natural sceneries, with majestic mountains and crystal-clear waters. The price of your accommodations will define the type of service you are going to have.
There are different types of tourists coming to visit Mo’orea. Most of the guests are newlyweds coming to their honeymoon, or those who want to travel and relax in the Pacific. There are also families coming to enjoy their vacation. They choose the different categories of hotel depending on their needs. Sometimes there are business conferences about the environment or culture, and business people come to enjoy the quality of services offered in a resort hotel.
Below you will find different hotels in Moorea categorized by types of accommodations:
HOTELS / RESORTS
| Name | Category | Cost | Amenities | Audience | Stars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Manava Beach Resort and Spa Moorea | Ressort | 356$ to $720 | Private white sand beach and catch some rays in the ocean, full-service spa, Water activities, very good room services and equipment, bungalows and mini villa with private pool or stilt, luxury bedding,
Free WIFI & high-tech equipment | Family, Couple (Honeymoon, take a break), celebrate wedding | 4 |
Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa | Ressort | $350 to $ 702 | Business services, beautiful view on the sunset and the sunrise from bungalows, all garden bungalows, all garden have a private pool Bar, eco-friendly hotel, accommodations and facilities for people with reduced mobility, luxury bedding, Free WIFI & high-tech equipment | Business man, Family, Couple (Honeymoon, holidays), celebrate wedding | 4 |
Hotel Fenua Mata’i’oa | Mid-level | $285 to $496 | Beach and enjoy scuba diving, Diner onsite, minibars, high tech equipment in room, room surrounded by flowery nature, premium bedding, many activities around | Couple for honeymoon or relax, Family | 3 |
Hotel Kaveka | Mid-level | $143 to $ 264 | Private beach and enjoy snorkeling, Diner onsite at the restaurant of the hotel, rooms offer balconies or patios, premium bedding, ceiling fans. | Family or couple, celebrate wedding | 2.5 |
Fare Aute | Economy | $95 | Garden, guesthouse has barbecue grills and front desk, Free WIFI, room feature kitchen and refrigerators and ovens, TV, premium bedding | Family or couple | 3 |
Motu Iti pension | Economy | $88 | Beach and enjoy kayaking, diner onsite, free WIFI and free wired Internet | Family | 2.5 |
Food & Beverage / Restaurants
Moorea is a little island in French Polynesia. Unfortunately, there are not lot of restaurants in Moorea, but there are many food trucks and snack shops. The majority of them open only for lunch. Although it is possible to find some food trucks open by night where you can eat burgers, chicken/ steak and fries, in or take out, for only $7- $8 (1000 xpf). In this area, there are also some restaurants with local food such as raw fish and coconut milk, shrimps from Moorea, “Ma’a Tahiti”, and meals with pineapples grown on Moorea.
Moorea is an island which is influenced a lot by the western gastronomy like most of other islands in French Polynesia. The favorite local food travelers should try is the “Ma’a Tahiti” made of different things: raw fish with coconut milk, Po’e (fruits mashed and cook), Pork and vegetables, Chicken and fafa (Taro leaves), Fafaru, Uru (bread fruit), Taro, Banana, fried fish. Some restaurants do it on Sundays. If travelers want to taste local food they must talk with local people in Moorea.
If travelers wish to cook by themselves there are only two market places – “Champion” and “Super U”. You can find many stalls of fruits and vegetables around the island.
Quick Service Restaurants:
| Name | Cuisine | Meals | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Snack Rotui | Fast Food,
French,
Chinese,
Polynesian | Lunch | View of the Cook’s Bay,
Seating, | $ |
Chez Fifi | French,
Polynesian | Lunch | Table services,
Seating, | $ |
Allo Pizza | Italian, Pizza, Fast Food | Lunch / Dinner/ Late Night | Vegetarian friendly,
Vegan Options, | $$-$$$ |
Casual Restaurants:
| Name | Cuisine | Meals | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fare La Canadienne | American,
Canadian,
Grill | Lunch/Dinner, | Vegetarian friendly, Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Validated Parking, Full Bar, Wine and Beer | $$-$$$ |
Rudy’s | French, American, Seafood, European, Polynesian | Dinner, Late Night | Reservations, Seating, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service | $$-$$$ |
Le Lezard Jaune Cafe | French, Seafood, Polynesian, Grill | Late Night, Dinner | Outdoor Seating, Seating, Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations, Television, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options | $$-$$$ |
Fine Dining Restaurants:
| Name | Cuisine | Meals | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
K Restaurant | Polynesian, French, European | Dinner, Late Night | Outdoor Seating, Parking Available, Reservations, Seating, Free Off-Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Digital Payments, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service, Validated Parking, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options | $$$$ |
Arii Vahine Restaurant | French, Seafood, Polynesian | Breakfast, Dinner, Brunch | Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Table Service, Free Wifi, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options | $$$$ |
Pure | Polynesian, French, International, European | Breakfast, Dinner, Brunch, Lunch | Reservations, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Table Service, Highchairs Available, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options | $$$$ |
Recreation / Entertainment
The Island of Moorea has so many activities to offer especially for discovering the nature and the ocean. Most of tourists who come to Moorea love to be in connection with the nature, but also to have all the traditional experience with Tahitian food, feasts in the sea and beautiful sunshine. Travelers come to Moorea because it is a paradise on Earth, with its crystalline waters and the beautiful mountains where many companies offer activities to discover the island and its beauty. The Rotui plantation is a famous activity that people love to do because they can also see how the Rotui juice is made. There are many different things to do such as snorkeling, canoeing, diving, but also nature activities, sports and recreations. There are also some sports and eco events. You can see the different recreations activities available in Moorea in the table bellow:
Water Activities:
- Snorkeling with rays and sharks
- Transparent Kayak
- Sea scooter
- Coral gardeners ecotour
- Jet Sky
- Parasailing
- Scuba diving & Diving
Natural Wonders:
- Tropical Garden
- Waterfalls
- Rotui Plantation (Pineapple)
Sports & Recreation Spas:
- Safari Tour
- Skydiving
- Beach walk
- Golf
- Electric Bike
- ATV tour 4WD
Itinerary
A Family Itinerary
Day 1 : Have an aquatic adventure
Explore the aquatic world. Ideal for the whole family with a day of ocean vibes that take you under sea and the pleasure of the marine life in the pacific.
Morning: Moorea’s Lagoonarium
Moorea is surrounded by many little islands called “Motu”. “Motu” Ahi is where you can find the Moorea’s Lagoonarium, a good place to start the day! It is located in a marine reserve, where you will be introduced to the many kinds of sea creatures living there. You can get tanned under the coconoot trees and enjoy the translucent blue water, but also go snorkeling among the corals and colorful fish with a chance to see tropical fish, sting rays, lemon sharks, grey reef and black-tipped sharks. You can also hold a baby shark.
Afternoon: Moorea Jet Ski tour
What could be more interesting after discovering the sea life than to drive to the ocean by yourself or with the Moorea Jet Ski tour. Include a 3-hour tour and discover the beautiful stunning sights of the island by water. Visit two bays and have the opportunity to swim with dolphins, turtles and whales.
Nearby, you will find many little snacks or shops where you can buy food and enjoy your day with monoi (sun oil).
Day 2 : Art, history and culture
Start your day by heading to the art galleries and artisanal shops in Papetoai. There are many places where you can buy black pearls, handcrafts, artwork, books, shells and more. If anyone gets hungry, there is a restaurant Le Bateau nearby which serves traditional French and Tahitian cuisine in a floating restaurant.
Afternoon: The island’s marae
“Marae” are a sacred stones structures where Māohi people (first Tahitian) practiced their religion. There are several Marae on Moorea. For instance, the larger Āfareaitu Marae as well as the Titiroa Marae are close to Belvedere Lookout.
By the end of the day: Tiki Theatre Village
A cultural mini center on Moorea featuring a replicated traditional village and a pearl farm with cultural demonstrations on weaving, tattooing, and carving, but also traditional performances. In the evening, there is the night show which features fire dance and includes a Polynesian buffet and welcome punch.
Day 3 : Relaxation and landscape
Take the time for yourself and for meditation which are very important. Moorea offers many natural spots for taking photos and memorizing your holidays at the Belvedere or by the Afareitu’s waterfalls.
Morning: Le Jardin Spa & Beauty
This spa offers traditional relaxing massage performed by talented therapists, using pure essential oils and natural exotic ingredients like raw-organic coconut body oil, zesty orange, sweet vanilla, fruity mango or avocado.
Afternoon: Belvedere lookout
A beautiful view of the Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay, from an iconic mountain in Moorea. Family pictures with different shades of blue water and nature in the background, will create unforgettable memories of your holidays in Moorea.
At the Sunset: Moorea Sailing Cruise- Taboo
Taboo is a cozy sailing catamaran. Take place on board to enjoy a quiet and relaxing cruise,while discovering the romantic side of Moorea ideal for honeymoon. Have a drink and live the moment with a Polynesian sunset.