Moorea

Moorea (or Moʻorea) is a high island in French Polynesia, part of the Society Islands, 17km northwest of Tahiti in the southern Pacific Ocean.

Le Petit Village at Hauru Point is where the tourist shops and art boutiques are located, popular souvenirs include local vanilla beans, black pearls and clothing.

The Moorea Dolphin Centre, located at the InterContinental Moorea Resort and Spa, is home to bottlenose dolphins and offers a variety of programs to learn about and interact with them.

Take a lagoon cruise, explore around the island and snorkel in safe, shallow waters.

Jeep safari are also available, exploring the lush interior of the island. Most include a visit to Magic Mountain and Belvedere Point for panoramic views of Opunohu and Cook's Bays.

Visit Tiki Village and experience life in a traditional Tahitian town.

Visit the Fruit Juice Factory located along the shores of Cook's Bay. This is the best place to buy delicious jams and liqueurs made from the island's fresh fruits. Afternoon samplings are available at their tasting counter.

There are many beaches on Moorea, including Opunohu Beach, 1 mile west of the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa and Teavora & Temae beaches, on the east coast. Access is near the Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort.

Cuisine here is a mix of French and Polynesian style. Local favourites include grilled mahi with coconut milk and lime, lobster ravioli and steak dishes.

Cruise ships usually anchor at Bahia d'Opunoha on Moorea and tender passengers ashore. Sometimes they use Papeete Harbour in Tahiti. A ferry ride will then takes visitors to Vaiare Bay on Moorea.

Locals selling handicrafts and souvenirs are sometimes at the tender drop off points.

Taxis can be ordered for journeys around the island.