A wide, shallow lagoon surrounds the island's vertical mountains where poetic threads of waterfalls tumble down fern-softened cliffs. Peaceful meadows flanked by pinnacles of green will fill your senses and renew your belief in the majesty of nature.

Upon your arrival at the ferry terminal or at the small airport you can rent a car or a scooter , or take the local public transport, the "truck" to take you to your destination.

Attractions:
Only 40 miles around on a well paved road along the shore, this dramatic and lush island can easily be circled by car, scooter or on bicycle for the more physically inclined.

The Belvedere Lookout is probably one of the most spectacular lookout in the world. Located between Cook's and Oponohu Bay in the lush interior of the island, the Belvedere is a must for all visitors. Picture taking is best in the morning before 10 am when the sun is behind you. Access is easy ,either form Cook's or Oponohu Bay. There is a small sign on the road.

In the village of Afareaitu there is an access road to the waterfall, which may be more or less dramatic depending on the recent rainfall. Access is possible with a 4 wheel drive only, and we recommend using one of the local 4x4 excursions.

The long-awaited Jack Nicklaus designed golf course in Moorea is now open (May 07). This is Nicklaus Design’s first venture in the South Pacific. The 18-hole championship course in Moorea has currently the first 9 hole available but the course has been created to preserve the unspoiled natural heritage of one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, while providing a challenge for the professional and an inspiration to the amateur.

You can go on a whale and dolphin watch departing daily with marine biologist Michael Poole. Ask at you hotel desk.
The best ancient temple ( Marae) can be seen on the way up to the Belvedere. It is not a structure but flat coral slabs forming a sort of enclosure

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 no town to speak-of on Moorea, but you will find a few areas along the road with clusters of shops selling miscellaneous goods, local crafts and colorful hand printed fabrics (pareos).

- The Sofitel Moorea Resort   reponed 2 years ago as a brand new resort. Now arguably the best property in Moorea.

- The Moore Intercontinental Resort and Spa is on a spacious and lush property, offering A/C rooms,garden and beach bungalows as well as upscale private over the water bungalows. There's a large pool, 2 restaurants, 2 bars and a spa, diving center as well as many activity options.

- The Sheraton Moorea Lagoon offers 106 rooms including 56 over water bungalows, with all the expected amenities. There are also 2 restaurants, 2 bars and a small spa. Usual facilities and activities are available. Nice bungalow decor, very good good snorkeling.

- The Moorea Pearl Resort opened in Oct. 2002 on the location of the old Bali Hai. Offers a variety of bungalows as well as A/C rooms. A four star resort.

There are a few "budget" hotels lagoon-side such as Les Tipaniers, Hibiscus and Kaveka offering basic but fair accommodation in small to medium size bungalows located on good beaches.

There are also some excellent restaurants sprinkled in different areas of Moorea (see list below). Many will do pick-up and drop off for a small fee.

Moorea's loveliest beaches are located between the Moorea Village and the Hotel Beachcomber, as well as near the Sofitel Ia Ora (between the airport and the boat terminal) .

Every kind of water activities and excursions is available on Moorea, as well as land based activities and sports (no golf, only in Tahiti).

Moorea is a must, if only for a day's visit, and is even better if you can heed her special call for a longer stay.

Best of Moorea

Restaurants:
Te Honu Iti - up scale, expensive, romantic, one of the nicest places on Moorea. Ask for a table by the railing so you can watch and feed the fish.
Alfredo’s - nice ambiance, good food, better than most in service.
Le Bateau (the Floating Boat) – located in front of the Linareva Hotel in Haapiti, nice ambiance, small and quaint, good food, expensive, look out for the killer drinks, two rounds and you’re three sheets into the wind!
Le Nouveau Monde - at Cook’s Bay, new management, rated highly by the locals.
Le Mahogany - nice ambiance, very good French, Tahitian and Chinese food.
Chez Michelle - at Cook’s Bay, next to the bridge, small place, Internet access available, good food with reasonable prices.
Chez Capo - located in Moorea Airport, nice place, very good Polynesian specialty food.
Mayflower – Very good French Food, friendly staff, try the Curry Shrimp
Le Cocotier - excellent French Food.
Aito - good fish house
Le Plantation - very nice, tropical plantation type ambiance.
Le Sud - no details
Le Pecheur - on Cooks Bay, no other details
Les Tipaniers - nice place, good food.
Sheraton Moorea BBQ - excellent food, very nice time.
Tortuga’s – a good Pizza and Itallian seafood place, located n Haapiti between the Hibiscus and Moorea Village hotels.
Le Motu Pizza - across from Club Med, excellent sandwiches and burgers.
Allo’s Pizza - near Club Bali Hai, will deliver to most hotels.
Blue Pineapple (L’ananas bleu) - located at the Club Bali Hai on Cook’s Bay, serves breakfast and lunch, great hamburgers and fresh seafood.
Royal Chicken - roulotte on the road between the Hibiscus and Moorea Village for some of the best rotisserie chicken ever, call for take out/pickup.
Miss Pizza – great hamburgers, as well as pizza, inexpensive, across from ICB
La Licorne d'Or (Gold Unicorn) - Might be the finest on Moorea and certainly the prettiest. A ways south of the Sheraton, but they pick up and deliver (in an ancient Fiat).
Roulotte Chez Mariana - in Maharepa. It's in the magasin parking lot right next to Le Mahogany. She's not there Mondays and Tuesdays. Best Chao men, poisson cru, and boeuf au legumes anywhere on the island.
Roulotte Tavairai - in Maharepa. Look for the christmas lights and it has a semi permanent hut where you eat. Excellent chao men and poisson cru.
Roulotte in Pao Pao - at the mouth of Opunohu bay as you are coming from CBH. It's between the Sheraton and the sailing school. It's also semi permanent, with a very small trailer and a separate cooking area. It has separate toilettes too. It's easiest to find if you look for the two 10x20 portable tents (car type) set up to shelter you as you eat. Excellent food.
Jules and Claudine Roulotte - at the wharf in Pao Pao. This is in walking distance from Club Bali Hai, before the supermarche. It has lots of bright yellow tables and chairs to eat at.
Roulotte Papetoai - near the magasin in the main part of the village.
Pizza Daniel - near marker 34, close to Haapiti, very unique setting and great pizza.

Activities:
Shark and Ray Feeding – Moorea Campground Shark and Ray Feeding Tour (Location on map: PK 27.5, Phone: 56 14 42) which you can book directly. The morning tour runs from 10:00 – 1:00pm, and the afternoon runs from 2:00 – 5:00pm. Visitors are charged 2000 CFP or about $20.00. The Campground is about 50 yards from Moorea Village. Bring your own mask and snorkel, and beer or soft drinks. Great value for the money.
4x4 Island Tour- Albert Tours among others.
The Dolphin Experience - at the IC Beachcomber, three levels of price. Be sure and make a reservation in advance.
Boat rentals – Moorea Loca Boat, no permit required, located at the "Les Tipaniers" hotel - Phone 78 13 39
Whale & Dolphin viewing – Dr. Poole’s Whale & Dolphin Watch
Hard Hat Diving - Aqua Blue excursion. If you don't scuba dive but would like a similar experience this excursion is great. Put on a hard hat helmet and walk on the lagoon floor, lots of fun, easy, and no risk.

Shopping:
Black Pearls - Island Fashion Black Pearls   just before Cook's Bay (pick-up available - Phone 56 11 06)
Belvedere Lookout - general store within walking distance of lookout.
Pineapple Distillery - watch your drinking, particularly in the afternoon as they have sobriety stops around the Island.
Le Petit Village - near Intercontinental, small shopping center with a Grocery Store, Souvenir Shops, Bank and Internet access.
Magasin Vaiterua Market - take a right out of the Sheraton and walk about 15 mins., small store with breads, juices and beer. Also another store about 15 mins. walk to the right out of the Sheraton, good meat and cheese selection.
Socredo Shopping Center - located in Maharepa, many shops, restaurants, etc.
Raehau Shopping Center - located in Maharepa as well.
Mereat' Art - Little roadside boutique at PK 13.9, to the left about 200m when exiting the Sheraton grounds

Rent a car and take a cruise around the Island, many shops and places to stop, great views around every corner. Also, lots of beaches to stop at and take a snorkel or a dip.