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If Tahiti has too much going on, and the Marquesas are too slow, then Goldilocks and her newly wedded partner would discover on their
honeymoon that Moorea is just right.
Due to the proximity to Tahiti, travel expenses to Moorea are only a quarter of the cost of a flight to Moorea - and only
5% of the cost if you take a ferry! Additionally, room prices are also cheaper, while many of the activity options remain
the same including SCUBA diving, trekking and 4X4 excursions.
Also, all Moorea resorts are island-based, with no need for a water taxi to transfer you to the island to explore the
dolphin center, Tiki Village, fruit plantations, Belvedere Overlook and other activities Moorea is known for.
Water activities around Moorea
Snorkelers head under water at InterContinental Moorea Resort and Spa during a BigDay 2007 site inspection.
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SCUBA diving and snorkeling: Moorea has shallow lagoons perfect for snorkeling and renowned dive spots. Manta rays,
leopard rays and sharks are not uncommon in this stunning area of the world.
From mid-winter until early spring, divers might
even be able to spot migrating whales! Hard hat diving - where you walk along the sea floor and breathe the air from above -
is also available.
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Swimming with the dolphins: At the Moorea Dolphin Center, located on the grounds of the
InterContinental Moorea Resort and Spa, guests
and other visitors are able to experience the once-in-a-lifetime sensation of swimming with the world's most intelligent animal,
the dolphin!
Other water activities: Jetskiing, boat cruises, deep sea fishing and surfing are also available on the island. Ask your BigDay
specialist about other water-based activities.
Land activities on Moorea
Plantation tours: The lush, interior valley of Moorea is a ripe breeding ground for plantations. In the past, they have been
dominated by coffee, cotton and sugarcane, but nowadays pineapples rule the trees. Tastings and tours are available.
Traveling around Moorea on a 4X4. Photo courtesy of Tahiti Tourisme.
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Fruit juice and distillery tastings: Tour the island and taste juices and liquors made from locally grown fruits at the
Fruit Juice Factory or Pineapple Distillery.
Tiki Village and Papetoai Village: Tiki Village is a
town specializing in local handicrafts and preserving the traditional ways of the Polynesian people. It's kitsch,
but in a good way. For less touristed history, visit the Papetoai Village, where the London Missionary Society erected
a church (that's still in use!) in 1822.
Click here to see the Tiki Village in Google Earth.
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Hiking: Trekking through Moorea is spectacular, taking in rainforest trails and high peaks along with the valleys of
Paopao and Opunohu.
Stops at the Belvedere Lookout in the center of the island are especially popular, with a tour of the
marae along the way. The Lookout takes in a sweeping view of the three-fingered island, including both valleys
and Cook's and Opunohu Bays. The best views are early morning.
Click here to see the Belvedere Lookout in Google Earth.
Air activities above Moorea
Parasailing: Sail 300 feet above the beautiful waters of Moorea and get a whole other perspective on her
beauty while being pulled by a speedboat.
Helicopter tours: Get the bird's eye view on a 35-minute helicopter sightseeing tour above Moorea.
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