Destination: Moorea, French Polynesia
Introduction
Moorea lies just 17 km west of Papeete across the Sea of the Moon and is one of the most dramatically beautiful islands in the Pacific. Its jagged volcanic peaks plunge into two spectacular bays — Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay — that penetrate deep into the island and provide some of the most photogenic and sheltered anchorages in the Society Islands. Moorea is often considered even more beautiful than its famous neighbour Tahiti.
GPS Coordinates
17° 31' 59.880"S 149° 49' 0.120"W
17 31 59.880S 149 49 0.120W
Protected Anchorages
Cook's Bay (Baie de Cook) on the northern coast is lined with restaurants and small hotels and offers anchorage in 10–20 m over sand. The more beautiful and quieter Opunohu Bay (Baie d'Opunohu) is preferred by yachts for its calm setting and dramatic scenery in 10–18 m over sand. Both bays are entered via passes through the barrier reef. Hauru Point on the northwest coast has anchorage in the lagoon in 5–10 m. The moorings at Club Bali Hai are popular.
Customs Protocols for Visiting Yachts
No international customs clearance at Moorea. Must be cleared in Papeete first. Moorea is a popular first stop after Papeete clearance — the gendarmerie logs yacht visits.
Yacht Clubs and Marinas in the Vicinity
- No dedicated yacht club but several marinas and quays
- Quai de Cook in Cook's Bay has alongside berths with fuel and water
- Club Bali Hai has moorings
- The Kaveka Resort and other hotels welcome yacht crews ashore
Renowned Attractions
- Opunohu Valley and Three Coconuts Pass — spectacular mountain road through vanilla plantations and mountain scenery
- Belvedere Lookout — panoramic view over Cook's Bay, Opunohu Bay, and the jagged mountain skyline
- Stingray City — shallow lagoon where southern stingrays gather and can be fed and touched
- Snorkelling with blacktip reef sharks — regular encounters in the shallow lagoon areas
- Moorea Tropical Garden and pineapple plantation tours
Currency and Exchange Rate
Currency: CFP Franc
Exchange Rate to USD
Nearby Yachting Destinations
Summary
Moorea is the Society Islands at their most dramatically beautiful — its twin bays provide legendary anchorages beneath volcanic peaks, while superb snorkelling, mountain scenery, and proximity to Papeete make it a near-perfect combination of natural beauty and convenience.