Moorea Shore Excursions - Princess Cruises
Circle Island & Belvedere
Travel around Moorea for a glimpse of the Polynesia of legend and take in the island's two best vantage points - the lookouts at Kia Ora and Le Belvedere.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
Protestant Church, Papetoai - Constructed in 1822, the octagonal church is built from the stones of Tahitian maraes, or open-air temples, that originally occupied the site. This is the oldest European structure still in use in the South Pacific.
Kia Ora Lookout - Bring your camera and plenty of film to record sensational island and lagoon views.
Marae - Make a brief stop at an ancient stone temple.
Le Belvedere Lookout - The summit of Mt. Rotui affords panoramas of Moorea's mountains, also Cook's and Opunohu Bays.
Pineapple Plantation - Pause at a local pineapple plantation in Paopaa Valley to capture views of the peak of Bali Hai used in the movie "South Pacific."
SHOPPING
A brief stop for shopping will be made at one of the local pearl stores.
YOUR CIRCLE ISLAND DRIVE
From the pier, board your air-conditioned motorcoach and drive up Mt. Rotui to Le Belvedere Lookout for views of Cook's and Opunohu Bays. Continue on to Papetoai, traveling through a landscape of coffee plantation and pineapple fields. Return via the other side of the island, passing through Haapiti, Moorea's commercial center, and Afareitu, the largest village on the island.
Circle Island Drive & Tiki Theater Village
Tour Moorea and then get a taste of old Polynesia at a dramatic recreation of traditional island life.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Tiki Theater Village - Nestled under the palm fronds of a coconut plantation on the shores of Haapiti lagoon, the village recreates old island life with its thatched-roof pandanus houses. Stroll the village and meet the people; see demonstrations of tiki carving and mat weaving followed by a dance by villagers in traditional costume.
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES
Protestant Church, Papetoai - Constructed in 1822, the octagonal church is built from the stones of Tahitian maraes, or open air temples, that originally occupied the site. This is the oldest European structure still in use in the South Pacific.
Kia Ora Lookout - Bring your camera and plenty of film to record sensational island and lagoon views.
SHOPPING
Tiki Village - Local craftsman have their wares and souvenirs for sale at the village.
Moorea Fruit Juice Factory - The factory makes juice from local grapefruit, papaya and pineapple, as well as assorted 10- to 40-proof fruit brandies (star fruit, ginger, papaya, etc.) and 25-proof liqueurs (coconut, ginger and pineapple).
YOUR CIRCLE ISLAND DRIVE
Departing from the pier, you pass Cook's and Opunohu Bays traveling through a landscape of coffee plantations and pineapple fields. You pass through Le Petit Village and Afareaitu, the island's largest village.
SPECIAL NOTES
The Moorea Juice Factory is closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Moorea 4wd Safari
For dramatic island views, fruit plantations, and ancient stone temples, explore Moorea by 4WD.
YOUR 4WD SAFARI
Board your 4WD vehicle and drive through the Paopao Valley, passing pineapple plantations. Next cross the Paopao Opunohu trail to Le Belvedere Lookout for views of Cook's and Opunohu Bays. Return to the interior trails of the Rural College of Opunohu, passing though bamboo groves and grapefruit, papaya and vanilla plantations. Your vehicle will also climb to the top of Magic Mountain where you will have the opportunity to hike the last 300 feet to its summit for a stunning view of Moorea's north shore.
SHOPPING
Moorea Fruit Juice Factory - The factory makes juice from local grapefruit, papaya and pineapple, as well as assorted 10- to 40-proof fruit brandies (star fruit, ginger, papaya, etc.) and 25-proof liqueurs (coconut, ginger and pineapple).
SPECIAL NOTES
This off-road tour can get muddy. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes you don't mind getting dirty. Due to the bumpy nature of the ride, this tour is not suggested for expectant mothers or those suffering from back problems.
The short hike to the summit of Magic Mountain is optional. The trail is roughly paved and quite steep.
The Moorea Juice Factory is closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Motu Islet Beach & Barbeque
Take in island views on a motor cruise of Opunohu Bay, then swim and picnic on one of the barrier reef's coral islets.
WHAT YOU VISIT
Motu Islet - Your boat takes you to a sandy coral islet for a beach landing. There will be approximately four leisurely hours of sunbathing and swimming, or watch graceful rays being hand fed.
LUNCH AND ENTERTAINMENT
A buffet lunch of grilled fish and chicken, salads, and fresh-cut island fruit will be served. Lay back and listen as a trio performs Tahitian songs on guitar and ukulele, or watch the "coconut" show.
YOUR LAGOON CRUISE
Your captain identifies points of interest as you admire views of the mountains, valleys, and fields.
SPECIAL NOTES
When you reach the motu, you must wade ashore through shallow water so "water shoes" are advisable.
Bring beach wear, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
You should be a competent swimmer to cope with occasional currents.
Catamaran Sailing Adventure
Sail across two of French Polynesia's most beautiful bays and have the opportunity to snorkel in the crystal-clear blue waters.
YOUR CATAMARAN ADVENTURE
The Margouillat features seating on her outdoor deck or in her solarium, cockpit, or salon. Hoist sail and cruise across Cook's and Opunohu Bays, drinking in views of Moorea's mountains. The crew serves coffee and juices as you keep watch for the wild dolphins occasionally sighted in these waters. Drop anchor, don mask, snorkel and flippers, and explore an underwater coral garden.
SPECIAL NOTES
Wear your swimsuit under a cover-up and bring a towel and adequate sun protection. Snorkelling equipment is limited; guests may wish to bring their own. Participation is very limited.
Dolphin Encounter
Many people have dreamed of interacting with one of nature's most beloved animals, the dolphin, and on this tour you can make that dream come true.
YOUR DOLPHIN ENCOUNTER
After a safety briefing by one of the dolphin trainers, you will be introduced to this marvelous marine mammal. Under the watchful eyes of the trainer, you will have approximately 30 minutes to observe several behaviors which may include touching, feeding, playing and having pictures taken with your dolphin friend. After your dolphin experience, you may choose to return to the ship or stay to enjoy some of the resort's facilities. Transportation to and from the facility is readily available utilizing the local taxi services - not included in the tour price.
SPECIAL NOTES
Minimum age is 12 years old when accompanied by an adult. Passengers who are pregnant passengers may not participate.
Transfer from the pier to the Dolphin Center is not included. Passengers may utilize taxis available at the pier to transfer from the pier to the facility. Instructions will be provided onboard.
Passengers should leave valuables onboard; jewellery or cameras are not permitted in the water with the dolphins. Passengers should bring a towel and wear "water shoes."
This tour is extremely limited and passengers should book early to avoid disappointment.
Moorea Snorkeling Safari
Get a different perspective of Moorea - the lagoon's temperate waters make for a snorkeling paradise.
YOUR SNORKELING SAFARI
You cross the lagoon to a nearby motu and anchor near one of the island's best spots for a full hour of snorkeling. View the reef's great variety of coral and look for angel, parrot and butterfly fish. A stop is also made at a special site to encounter schools of stingrays. Snorkeling equipment - mask, vest and snorkel - instruction and supervision are included. Boats and snorkeling equipment are basic and fins are not available.
REFRESHMENTS
Enjoy fresh fruit on your return cruise.
SPECIAL NOTES
Recommended for experienced snorkelers and strong swimmers due to occasional currents.
Moorea Certified Two-Tank Scuba
Experience the best of underwater Moorea with two great dives.
YOUR SCUBA EXPEDITION
Is one dive on this stunning island really enough? Find out why many consider the reefs around Moorea to be one of the best places in French Polynesia for encountering lemon sharks. The dive sites vary with the weather conditions, but you are sure to see an abundance of marine life wherever you end up. Who knows, you may even run into Moorea's friendly resident sea turtle, Alice.
SPECIAL NOTES
Divers must have their certification cards with them, pass a diving medical questionnaire and sign a liability waiver to participate. All equipment and professional supervision is included.
Dolphin & Whale Watching Expedition
Join the team of renowned marine biologist Dr. Michael Poole in search of wild, free-ranging dolphins (and whales in season) and savor Moorea's dramatic beauty from the sea.
YOUR DOLPHIN CRUISE
Spinner dolphins, the slightly larger Rough-tooth dolphins inhabit the waters around Moorea all year round. Humpback whales are also present from July-October. Sightings of Spinner dolphins are most often made within the protected waters of the lagoon. Sea and weather conditions permitting, you may also venture just outside the reef to see other species. Your naturalist provides commentary on the lives and habits of these fascinating marine mammals. Although dolphins are sighted on 95% of all tours, the in-depth commentary and the magnificence of Moorea's coastline promise a rewarding time even if no dolphins are sighted. This tour has been featured on Discovery Channel and Animal Planet.
SPECIAL NOTES
Not available on all voyages
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