Moorea Island Society Islands French Polynesia
French Polynesia

629 Cruises availables At departure or passage at this port

Crystal Cruises (18 Cruises)

Norwegian Cruise Line (27 Cruises)

Norwegian Spirit Cruise Ship

Norwegian Spirit

2032 Passengers
75338 tons
Visit the ship's page

Paul Gauguin Cruises (154 Cruises)

Cruise M/S Paul Gauguin Cruises ship

M/S Paul Gauguin

Visit the ship's page

Princess Cruises (33 Cruises)

Silversea Cruises (69 Cruises)

Cruise SIL Silversea Cruises Silver Whisper ship

Silver Whisper

694 Passengers
28258 tons
Visit the ship's page

Windstar Cruises (243 Cruises)

Star Breeze.

Star Breeze

502 Passengers
12995 tons
Visit the ship's page
Wind star.

Wind Star

249 Passengers
5307 tons
Visit the ship's page

Port of Moorea, French Polynesia | Cruise Port Guide

Two deep bays cut into Moorea's north coast, separated by the massive silhouette of Mount Rotui. It is in one of them, Cook's Bay or Opunohu Bay, that the ship drops anchor: the island has no deep-water pier, and no one complains. The tender ride, about ten minutes between green ridges and translucent water, ranks among the most beautiful introductions in French Polynesia.

Depending on the anchorage, you land near the village of Papetoai or that of Paopao. Either way, the same impression takes hold: jagged mountains planted in a lagoon of shifting colours, and a pace of life that knows no haste.

The Belvedere, a Panorama Over Both Bays

The road climbing into the Opunohu Valley leads to the most popular viewpoint in the area. From the Belvedere, the view takes in Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay at a single glance, separated by Rotui, with the reef in the background. Along the way, the vegetation changes: coconut palms first, then pineapple fields lined up on the hillside, and finally denser forest. Ancient marae, ceremonial platforms of volcanic stone, line the road and recall that this valley was long the inhabited heart of the island. 4x4 or ATV excursions add a few back roads and a good dose of red dust.

The Lagoon, the Reason for the Stop

It is impossible to describe Moorea without getting into the water. Catamaran or glass-bottom boat outings follow the north coast and make multiple snorkelling stops: green turtles near the passes, stingrays used to visitors on the sandbanks, blacktip reef sharks patrolling without troubling anyone. Even from the shore, a mask and snorkel reveal coral gardens a few strokes away. The water shifts from turquoise to ink depending on the depth, and you quickly understand why so many travellers rank this lagoon at the top of their Polynesian memories.

The Opunohu Valley and the Island's Flavours

Moorea grows pineapples with obvious pride. A local factory turns the harvest into juice and jams, and the tasting stop features on most guided tours. The fruit, smaller and sweeter than those at North American stands, is eaten here barely picked. Tours also pass by coastal viewpoints, vanilla plantations and, for those interested in Polynesian culture, the Tiki Village, which stages dances, crafts and fire traditions.

Planning Your Time Ashore

The coastal road completes the full loop in about sixty kilometres: rental cars or scooters, taxis and organized excursions let you cover the essentials in half a day. Those who prefer to stay near the landing point will find in Papetoai a historic octagonal church, a few pareo and pearl shops, and shady shores where time passes effortlessly. Bring cash in CFP francs for small purchases, and good sandals for boat outings.

On the way back, as the tender pulls away from the shore, Rotui catches the evening light and the two coves slowly darken. Many passengers stay on deck until the anchor is raised. Moorea is one of those islands you never quite leave: it settles somewhere in your memory, between the green of the ridges and the blue of the lagoon, and it stays there.

Frequently Asked Questions

In one of the two bays on the north coast, Cook's Bay or Opunohu Bay. The island has no deep-water quay. The tender ride takes about ten minutes between green ridges and translucent water, and is one of the finest arrivals in French Polynesia.
Depending on the anchorage, near the village of Papetoai or Paopao. Either way the impression is the same: jagged mountains planted in a lagoon of shifting colours, and a pace of life that ignores hurry.
The island's most popular viewpoint, at the end of the road climbing the Opunohu valley. From there the eye takes in Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay at once, divided by Mount Rotui, with the reef behind. On the way up: coconut palms, then pineapple fields ranked along the hillside, then denser forest.
Either the lagoon or the land. A catamaran outing with snorkelling stops fills the half-day; so does the coastal road loop of about 60 kilometres. Trying to do both on a short call means doing both badly.
Yes. Catamaran and flat-bottom boat trips run along the north coast with several snorkelling stops: green turtles near the passes, stingrays used to visitors on the sandbanks, blacktip reef sharks patrolling without troubling anyone. These are wild animals, so nothing is guaranteed.
Yes, mask and snorkel reveal coral gardens a few strokes from the beach. It is the answer for anyone who prefers not to book an excursion. Bring your own gear from the ship, since rental near the landing is not guaranteed.
Ancient ceremonial platforms of volcanic stone, lining the road through the Opunohu valley. They are a reminder that this valley was long the inhabited heart of the island. They are sacred places, and visiting them calls for the appropriate restraint.
Yes, and it bears little resemblance to what North American shelves offer: smaller, sweeter, eaten barely picked. A local factory turns the harvest into juice and jam, and the tasting stop features in most guided circuits.
At Papetoai, a historic octagonal church, a few pareo and pearl shops, and shaded shores where time passes easily. It is not spectacular, but it is restful and it avoids the race against the clock back to the tender.
The Pacific franc, and cash for small purchases: not every business takes cards. Add sturdy sandals for water outings, a hat and water. Four-wheel-drive and quad excursions come with a generous dose of red dust, so avoid light-coloured clothes.