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Moorea: A Jewel in French Polynesia!

The island of Moorea, a member of the Society Islands in French Polynesia, has been likened to Bali Hai, the mythical island created by James Michener. It is easy to make the comparison. Bali Hai represented a dream, and Moorea is a dream-come-true. In 2000, Conde Nast Traveler Magazine rated Moorea as the most beautiful island in the world. The island moves at a slower pace, seemingly unaffected by the hustle and bustle of the modern world. The 51 square mile island was formed from a volcano, the remnants of which are still the highest peak on the island. The coast is speckled with the kinds of beaches that exist only in our fondest imaginings. The beaches and water serves as a natural playground for anyone interested in fishing, kayaking, canoeing, scuba diving, snorkeling, and working on their tan. Inland, lush forests provide hiking, horseback riding, and off-roading opportunities.

Moorea has the types of beaches you would expect in a tropical paradise. Moorea Lagoon Beach has few rivals for sheer scenic wonder. The azure water is calm, a perfect spot for taking the kids for a day at the beach. Temae Beach is another good swimming beach, and has places to rent kayaks, canoes, and wave runners. The crescent shaped beach is lined with swaying palm trees that add to the romantic atmosphere. If you like your beach combing on the private side, Village Faimano Beach is well worth seeking out. The beach is located right between Opunohu and Cook's Bays. Be warned: the beaches of Moorea (and all of French Polynesia) are topless optional!

Moorea, like the rest of French Polynesia, is rapidly taking its place among the top scuba diving destinations in the world. According to a reader's survey, Scuba Diving Magazine labeled it as one of the most beautiful and varying dive sites. Lagoon dives, pass dives, and open water dives will thrill diving addicts of all skill levels. Rays Corridor is a dive site for people just learning to dive, or those who want to brush up on their diving skills. So named because of the schools of eagle rays that frequent the area, the site also has its share of beautiful coral and white-tip sharks. The Rose Garden is a dive primarily for experienced divers. The depths reach 140 feet, and the extensive coral beds are home to lemon sharks, sea turtles, and schools of tuna.

Away from the coast, Moorea's terrain becomes a tropical, mountainous wonder. One of the most popular hikes is a two-hour jaunt that takes visitors between Mount Tearai and Mount Mouaputa, then goes down the valley to reach Paopao in Cook's Bay. You can see all the way to Tahiti from points along the trail. Another popular trek takes you through the rainforest at Le Col des Trois Cocotiers (Pass of the Three Coconut Trees). Hikers are rewarded with panoramic views of Mount Rotui and, on a clear day, all the way to the island of Tetiaroa. A couple of smallish hikes take visitors to the Afareaitu waterfalls.

Moorea is a tropical paradise with something to please every vacationer. The adventurous can feed sharks or swim with dolphins. Take a horseback riding excursion through the Teavaro Valley. Enjoy the view from Belvedere Lookout Point, which provided the setting for the film Return of the Bounty. Visit Tiki Theatre Village, a re-creation of a pre-colonial Tahitian village, and see the Tiki Village Dance Troupe strut their stuff. Hop in a submarine and check out the lagoon without even getting wet. Moorea is that island getaway you have always dreamed of.