Discovering the wildness of Moorea

Moorea is a scenis island, with impressive outviews,

 unspoiled tropical environment,

a fishy lagoon with infinite shades of blue,    

and plenty of quiet white-sanded beaches.

Don't forget your camera and bathers !

1,4 millions years ago, a 3300 m high volcanic crater emerged from deep South Pacific Ocean. A violent explosion blew up half of the island, so that only 136 K2 of the southern part of the volcano remained as a Caldeira where the ocean bedded in both sides of a central mount called Rotui, creating the 2 famous bays (very impressive landscapes in both bays).

The highest point of the island is summit Tohiea (1207 m), which faces the Sacred Rotui Mount. But the morst famous mountain is Moua Rua, or mythic Bali Hai, breathtakingly shaped and not climbable. Bali Hai Mount was the background of many moovies shooted in Opunohu Bay. 

Erosion sculpted peaks rising from the tropical vegetation all over the island, allowing great shots all around the 60 Ks of ring road.

Rotui Mount (899 m), is the issue in many legends, 

probably because of its in a stunning location, and its

octopus shape surrounded by 2 bays. Its vegetation is 

different from the tropical forests of Moorea, and

outstanding with small trees like in Huahine and many 

black peaks. The walk up the summit is not really difficult

but walkers afraid of hights should avoid it since the trail

is right on an edge all the way. Great views on both bays!

Another medium hike to do : Pierced Mountain, in tahitian language Moua Puta, with a hole close to the summit allowing over view on both sides (caldeira and towards Tahiti).

Different kinds of safaris are organized around Moorea. Just pick your style of excursion : 

4X4                                       AC BUS                                 HIKES

                SCENIC MUSTS :                              

Other things to see around the island :

Just 12 miles away from Tahiti, Moorea is a good base to picture Tahiti soft profiles, 

turning all red at sunset, and fringed with lights at night.

Over Water SAFARIS

Cristal clear blue water of Moorea lagoon

shelters all sorts of animals locally easy to approach like stingrays.

Around the pass, Dolphins, Whales, Turtles and Reef Sharks can be watched.  

Lagoon Safaris are numerous but some of them take you outside the pass to watch whales and dolphins.

Among those VAEA MOOREA recommandes MOOREA BOAT TOUR and SEA MANA.

Some others take you to a coral islet for a picnic and fish feeding. If you choose to join one of them please make sure you do not litter because storms washes out these islets and plastic bags end up in the lagoon, risking often to kill turtles and spoiling the endangered environment of lagoons.

A great place to discover the variety of lagoon fauna is the LAGOONARIUM, a private islet managered by a great guy with a long experience of atoll life. It's cheap, really cheap, and the best thing to do with kids !