Moorea, often likened to James Michener's mythical island of Bali Hai, is only 11 miles from Tahiti. Many visitors say it is worth the visit just to see Moorea's spectacular bays. The volcanic peaks, reflected in the waters of Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay, rise like a shark's jaw from the island's base. Sharks sighting on nearly every dive makes this island a popular diving destination. At times a tuna will come by or dolphins will be heard clicking just out of sight.
Disembark the ship in Moorea for a sightseeing tour of this lush island aptly called “one of the most beautiful places on earth” and indulge in the luxuries of the Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort, where you will spend an evening in one of the most extraordinary hotels in French Polynesia.
Venture beyond the resorts on this tour of Moorea, which guarantees a first-hand look at all the island’s top sights and fuss-free transport between them. Get off the beaten path and venture to viewpoints such as Belvedere Lookout, see marae (Polynesian temples) and pineapple fields, and visit an island juice factory and distillery. Expert narration is offered throughout.
Day 1 – Saturday February 10, 2024
In the morning, you will be met on the dock in Moorea. Board your open air vehicle where you will begin a half-day sightseeing tour of the island. Note: Your tour truck will have two rows of seating facing each other in the back under a canopy. Guests do not drive.
Discover the beauty of Moorea as your guide shares their island knowledge and takes you to some of the most beautiful spots on earth.
Begin with a scenic drive in Cook’s Bay. Admire the magnificent mountain drop offs unique to this bay.
Continue to the crater of the volcano, movie set of the world-famous Mutiny on the Bounty shot in 1983 with Mel Gibson and Anthony Hopkins.
You will also drive through the pineapple fields and learn all about this major crop of the island of Moorea.
The next stop will be the Agricultural School where you will have the opportunity to taste fresh fruits in season, as well as a wide selection of jams produced by the students.
Continue to the famous Belvédère lookout point, from where you can admire both Cook’s and Opunohu Bays, the volcano crater, and the majestic Mount Rotui.
On the way down, visit the marae (ancient polynesian temple): your guide will share with you her knowledge of this preserved archeological site, a major witness of the polynesian culture.
Your next stop will be the Fruit Juice Factory & Distillery where you will have the chance to taste the large choice of fruit juices produced locally, among which the famous Moorea pineapple juice, as well as local alcohols.
Last, but not least, before you reach your hotel, enjoy the outstanding panorama from Taotea Viewpoint. The island of Tahiti stands right in front of you, with the magnificent turquoise lagoon of Moorea in the foreground.
Your tour will conclude at the idyllic Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort. Sitting on the edge of the crystal-clear lagoon framed by jagged green mountains, the resort offers magnificent overwater bungalows with elegant interiors where a glass panel in the floor gives a glimpse of the seabed below.
Enjoy a two-course lunch at Restaurant Pure, boasting a superb view over the lagoon. This restaurant offers local and international cuisine.
At 2:00pm your room will be available for check in and the rest of the day is at leisure.
Your Overwater Bungalow is a Polynesian-style bungalow suite with a king bed and offers a magnificent view on the lagoon. Discover the rich and multicolored underwater fauna and the exotic marine life either through the glass floor or via the ladder allowing for direct access into the lagoon. Also enjoy sunbathing on your private waterside deck.
You might wish to walk along the beach, take a refreshing swim in the ocean, snorkel in the lagoon, and pamper yourself in the spa.
During your stay, you will have the opportunity to use the hotel pool, beach and non-motorized water toys per the hotel’s complimentary list.
Later, you will enjoy a three-course dinner at Restaurant Pure, before retiring for the evening.
A Polynesian cultural show is included on Saturdays (subject to change by hotel management)
Day 2 – Sunday, February 11, 2024
In the morning enjoy a hearty American buffet breakfast at Restaurant Pure.
The remainder of the morning is yours to enjoy. You might indulge in an amenity you have yet to try or revisit an activity you found particularly enjoyable. In time, you will transfer back to the terminal and ride a ferry to Papeete to re-join the ship. Your transfer is scheduled for 1:45pm to the ferry terminal. The ferry departs Moorea for Papeete at 2:30pm. (timing subject to change)
Should you wish to have lunch before departing this will be on own.
Land Program Step by Step:
Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program details and the timings indicated below are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
Day 1
8:15am Disembark the ship in Moorea with your overnight luggage and passport
8:30am Depart for an island sightseeing tour by truck
12:30pm Arrival at the hotel, guide departs
12:45pm Lunch at the hotel (cost included)
2:00pm Check in at Reception
Afternoon at leisure
7:00pm A buffet dinner is included with show (show subject to change)
Overnight at the Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort
Day 2
From 6:00am Buffet breakfast at Restaurant Pure
Morning at leisure
11:00am Check out, please contact reception for luggage pick up
11:30am Lunch on own at Restaurant Pure
1:30pm Meet in the Lobby, ID your luggage
1:45pm Transfer to the Ferry Terminal
2:30pm Aremiti ferry crossing to Papeete
3.00pm Arrival in Papeete, collect your luggage, meet your driver
3:10pm Transfer to the cruise pier
3:20pm Re-embark the ship
Included:
•1 night at Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort in a Luxury Overwater Bungalow (King bed)
•Non-motorized watersports as provided by the hotel
•Stocked mini bar in the room including soft drinks, beers and water
•Room features a private ladder to the lagoon and a glass floor
•Private Nature & Culture tour in Moorea, Half Day, Vehicle guide
•Municipal Tax
•1 x Breakfast
•1 x two-course lunch (drinks not included)
•1 x three-course dinner with show (drinks not included)
•Transfer Sofitel Moorea to the Ferry Pier (shared)
•Aremiti Ferry – One Way Transportation from Moorea to Papeete
•Transfer from Ferry Terminal to the pier in Papeete (shared)
Not Included:
•Gratuities
•Meals and beverages not listed above
•Personal expenses, including incidentals such as the spa at the hotel
•Use of motorized watersports
Accommodation:
Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort
Check-in time: 2:00pm
Check-out time: 11:00am
Expected Weather:
The climate for all of the Tahitian Islands, including Moorea, is tropical. From December to February, temperatures generally range between 28-31 degrees Celsius (84-88 degrees Fahrenheit). Hot tropical rains rarely last more than 30 minutes. If the temperatures seem high, you have to count on the trade winds which blow and constantly refresh the atmosphere of the islands.
What to bring:
One overnight bag per person packed with light, loose clothing, a bathing suit, sunscreen, hat and sunglasses. If you have your own snorkel equipment you may wish to bring it in case you take a dip in the lagoon.
Documents:
Guests must bring a valid passport with them
Electricity:
220 volts (60Hz). A converter/adaptor is usually available upon request however we recommend you bring your own just in case.
Note:
Shops in French Polynesia are open from Monday to Friday 7:30 am to 5 pm., and Saturdays from 7:30 am to 11:30 am. Most establishments are closed on Sunday, including many restaurants. However, in Papeete market is open from 5 am to 10 am. Merchandise includes a variety of flowers, food, pareos (wraparound skirts), hats, mother of pearl items, art objects and souvenirs.
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include: inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations.
Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Mid cruise overland programs must be purchased no later than 60 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 60 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty.
