Moorea is the island that makes you understand what all the fuss about the South Pacific is about. Just a 45-minute ferry ride from Pape'ete on Tahiti, it has white sand beaches, turquoise lagoons, and jagged green mountains rising dramatically from the coast. Along with Bora Bora, it is considered one of the most beautiful islands in the world — and unlike Bora Bora, it is relatively easy and affordable to reach.
You can drive around the entire island in under two hours on a single coast road. Most visitors rent a scooter or car — scooters are the better deal in ultra-expensive French Polynesia. The two main bays, Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay, cut deep into the mountainous interior and provide the postcard views. Between them, the Belvedere lookout offers a panorama of both bays and the peaks behind.
The ferry from Pape'ete lands at Vaiare on the east side. All beaches are public by law, including the excellent one at the Sofitel Ia Ora, two miles from the ferry terminal. For eating, the hotel restaurants are expensive and often mediocre — you are better off at the pizza places and rotisserie chicken stands scattered around the island. Chez Luciano on the western side does good pizza. Two markets near the ferry sell groceries, though prices for imported goods are steep.
Budget travellers can stay at one of two campgrounds on the western side of the island. Otherwise, accommodation ranges from guesthouses to luxury resorts.