Frolic Into the Surreal Island of Mo’orea

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Pictures of Mo’orea floating around the internet are among the many holiday destination images in which people wonder if those have been photoshopped – but no.

Mo’orea does not need further enhancement. Photoshopped or not, seeing the island in person beats anything its pictures can offer.

LOCATION

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The island of Mo’orea is neither expansive nor broad. In fact, this triangular shaped island in French Polynesia only takes up an eighth of the size of its sister island, Tahiti.

Mo’orea is also hugged to the north by the famous Cook’s and Oponohu Bay, in which the mountain of Mouaroa could be seen looming over the former.

With these natural landmarks together with only a 12-mile distance from Tahiti, both local and international holiday-goers should not have a hard time finding this island.

CLIMATE

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The island of Mo’orea experiences two distinct seasons that follow its neighboring islands. The humid season, characterized by temperatures that peaks at 85 degrees Farenheit, and wet days, stretching from the months of November to April.

On the other hand, cooler and drier seasons happen from the months of May to October. Being a volcanic island, it also has a unique micro-climate. For Mo’orea, its eastern coast happens to be wetter than its western part.

TRANSPORTATION

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Different sizes of vessels can bring one to Mo’orea, in which the size of the vessel a visitor should choose depends on their vehicles. The 12-mile trip from Tahiti to Mo’orea should only take 30 to 50 minutes.

On the other hand, if you plan to go by yourself, Air Mo’orea is the fastest way to travel. Air Mo’orea, a division of Air Tahiti, operates 40 times a day with the length of travel time lasting only for eight minutes.

While getting around Mo’orea, one is advised to arrange a 4WD safari tour especially for exploring the interior of the island, and put it on top of the priority list.

While there are cars for rent and bicycles, the rugged terrain would prove to be extremely challenging. Otherwise, if your are only interested in the filigreed coasts, “fun bikes” and bugsters should do the trick.

ATTRACTIONS

Mo’orea Beaches

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The first reason one would visit Mo’orea is its stunning beaches of white sandy coasts and glittering emerald water. These beaches are public with some of the best ones located near Sofitel La Ora, between Mo’orea Village and the Hotel Beachcomber.

One can enjoy any water activities here, highlighted by whale and dolphin watching with biologist Michael Poole which is available daily.

Jack Nicklaus-Designed Golf Course

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French Polynesia only has two golf courses and one of those is situated in the island of Mo’orea. The golf course only opened recently, with only nine of its 18-hole championship course available.

The design of the golf course does not only provide a challenge for professional and amateurs alike, but also aims to preserve the unspoiled and stunning coast of Mo’orea.

Belvedere Lookout Point

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One of the best viewpoints in the world, Belvedere Lookout Point is a place to complete the Mo’orea experience. Belvedere Lookout Point is situated between the bays of Oponohu and Cook’s and shows the exquisite sight of Mo’orea’s lush, exquisite interior.

This presents a great opportunity for picture taking. The best time to visit Belvedere would be in the morning at around 10 am when the sun is still behind you.

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Images:

(1.) http://www.voilamoorea.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/moorea-island_sightseeing.jpg
(2.) https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZ8IcWbf_VLq3BR7uK0zT1xiIFzO43S6UxsKzduPnZz-oJYZlSaT3ouS1nPIXfip-M4i-wh170rxDJNVsFvWdmwLLTZ7tRJ3S823XgVFV8JT_MqzQRtrd0FkEL4knpTZScpLCWtSfnd9z/s1600/FrenchPolynesiaTahitiMarquesasIslandsMap2.jpg
(3.) https://whitt88.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/cc01-by-whitt-birnie-high-surf-tahiti-reef-moorea.jpg
(4.) http://cdn2.shipspotting.com/photos/middle/2/7/4/1321472.jpg
(5.) http://www.tahiti.com/images1/gallery/MOZSIO_Beach_1000x600_29856.jpg
(6.) http://media-cache.tahiti-tourisme.pf/uploads/tx_giettbase/250708131-Michel-LARGERON-1_04.jpg
(7.) http://www.foreignpixel.com/wp-content/uploads/galleries/post-3049/full/belvederepoint.jpg