Cruises visiting Moorea, Society Islands (French Polynesia)
Points Of Interest
Opunohu Bay
Moorea Juice Factory • Pihaena, turn off main road at PK 12
A factory and distillery, the Jus de Fruits de Moorea produces pineapple, grapefruit and papaya juices using local fruit, as well as more than a dozen other juices available for tastings. Sample their brandies and liquors made with coconut, ginger, and vanilla and bring back beverages, tea, honey, and chocolates from their shop. Free • Mon–Fri 8:30am to 4:30pm, Sat 8:30am to 12:30pm.
Tropical Garden Moorea • Northeast edge of Opunohu Bay
After touring the exotic flora of the garden and vanilla greenhouse, enjoy a smoothie or sorbet in this garden with exceptional views of Opunohu Bay. Tastings include jams made on site from fruit produced at the farm, and are for sale along with other produce from Polynesia. Everyday 8am to 6pm. Hike Magic Mountain (Approx. 2 hours from/to Papetoai pier). Map available at the Travel Concierge Desk. This loop-hike can be steep, but the pay-off of 360-degree views of the island’s blue waters and dramatic mountain peaks is worth the trip.
Opunohu Valley
Agricultural School • At PK 18 at the base of Opunohu Bay, turn up Belvedere Road
Head into the Opunohu Valley by turning off the main road onto the paved Belvedere Road. After two or three kilometers, on the right is the Lycée Agricole d’Opunohu where hundreds of acres of flowers, fruit trees, coffee, vanilla beans and vegetables are grown by high school students and staff . Here, students from all over French Polynesia can receive an agricultural education in crop and livestock farming, horticulture, the cultivation process, and landscape design. Tastings of their fruit products include fresh fruit juices and jams. Mon–Fri 8am to 4:30pm, Sat 8am to Noon.
Belvedere Lookout • end of Belvedere Road
Past the Agricultural School one kilometer further and just off the road, is Marae Titiroa, an archeological and sacred site. Continue a hundred yards or so further along the road and look for two stone archery platforms amongst the Marae Afareaitu. The nobles’ archery was for sport and competition rather than warfare. From here, the winding road steepens and climbs another kilometer to the Belvedere Lookout. At 720 feet (219 meters), this is Moorea’s highest point accessible by car. Take in the breathtaking views of both Opunohu and Cook’s bays, Mt. Rotui, and the surrounding green mountains and valleys. The lookout can be accessed by leaving the main road at either Opunohu Bay (paved) or Cook’s Bay (unpaved).
Local Information
Population: 17,236 (2012)
Language: French, Tahitian
Scheduled Docking Location: Ship is anchored in Opunohu Bay, 7 min. tender ride to Papetoai pier. Alternative anchoring location for the ship is Cook’s Bay, 2 min. tender ride to pier.
Currency: XPF
Banks / ATMs: Petit Village Banque de Polynésie, open Tues–Fri from 07:45am–12:00 noon and 1:30pm–4:00pm. Saturday from 8:00am to 11:00am. (closed Sun & Monday). All major CC accepted. Cash: Best to have local currency (XPF). US $ + € accepted but not everywhere.
Post Office: “OPT.” Papetoai. Mon–Thurs 8:00 am to 12:00 noon and 1:30pm to 4pm. Fri 8:00 am to 12:00 noon & 1:30pm to 3:00pm. Sat 8 am to 10:00am. Closed on Sunday & Public Holidays.
Car rental:
Avis Pacificar Pier: +689 (40) 56-52-04
Airport and Vaiare Ferry Dock: +689 (40) 56-32-68
Europcar InterContinental Beachcomber: +689 (40) 56-34-00
Taxis: usually available in parking lot at the pier. Rate from pier to Le Petit Village is approx $20 to $25. Day fares can double at night.
Local Transportation: Public buses are not recommended due to poor availability and unreliable service.
Shopping: Closest shopping area is in Le Petit Village, 10 to 15 min drive from Opunohu bay pier. Shops are usually open Mon–Fri all day from 8 am to 5 pm, Sat from 8:30am to noon. Closed Sun.
Port Agent Contact:
Office: +689 (40) 86-51-32
Mobile: +689 (87) 29-25-02
