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Moorea French Polynesia Cruise Port Guide
Location:
As ships are moored or anchored in this port, you will be tendered ashore to the village of Papeotai or at the small marina next to the Hotel Kaveka. On occasion you will be anchored at Cook's Bay and tendered to the same and only road on the island.
Merchants set up tables of shell jewelry, key chains, pareos and other souvenirs at each tender drop-off spot on the island.
Printable map to take along.
Cruise calendar for this port.
Watch a destination video.
Live Nautical Chart with Wikipedia Markers
Monthly Climate Averages for Moorea French Polynesia
Sightseeing:
Moorea,
which has often been likened to James Michener's mythological island
of Bali Ha'i, is a small island jewel of the vast ocean that can be
perceived in one loving glance.
The craggy volcanic peaks, reflected in the tranquil waters of Cook's Bay and Oponohu Bay, rise like a shark's jaw from the island's basaltic base. The lush mountain slopes are covered with rain forest or pineapple plantations, and white sand beaches border crystalline lagoons.
The belvedere lookout is a must stop on any itinerary, whether you do a tour (all tours include a stop here), rent a car or bike up. this lookout is 'famous'. It's best to take pictures before 10 am when the sun is behind you.
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.
Tours Excursions Transportation:
Another experience is an encounter at the Moorea Dolphin Center, the only natural refuge where you can swim and play with dolphins.
There is virtually no public transportation on Moorea, and taxis are expensive.
There are several little booths right off the tender dock offering tours and the little buses are parked right there. A 3 hour 4x4 tour well set you back around $50.
Scooters and bicycles are also available and can be a great way to explore the island on your own. If you want to rent a car, do so in advance.
It pays to compare your cruise line shore excursions here.
Nearby Places:
Tahiti (Papeete) is only 12 miles and 30 minutes by fast ferry.
Shopping and Food
Le Petit Village is where the island's tourist shops and artsy boutiques are clustered. You'll find everything from Tahitian vanilla beans to black pearls to beach clothing, especially pareos.
Shops usually open about 7:30am and close at 5:30pm (Noon on Saturdays) but there is always a long lunch hour. Except in hotels, all shops are usually closed on Sundays.
Bargaining and haggling over prices in markets and stores is not customary.
Currency:
1000 CFP francs = 8.38 euros.
US dollars and Euros are widely accepted.
Communication:
Official languages: French, Tahitian.
There is an internet cafe at Le Petit Village.
Opening Hours and Holidays:
Good Friday
Easter Monday
Ascension Day
Whitmonday
Assumption Day
Missionary Day (March 5)
Labor Day (May 1)
Bastille Day (July 14)
Internal Autonomy Day (September 8)
All Saints Day (November 1)
Armistice Day (November 11)
Christmas Day (December 25)
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