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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.
 Sample Shore Excursions:
View Excursions Details Below!
- Trails of the Ancients - Trek.
Duration: 4 Hours. Adventure.
- Aito Off-Road Safari.
Duration: 4 Hours. Adventure.
- Lagoon Discovery with Snorkeling.
Duration: 3½ Hours. Adventure, Water.
- Botanical and Agricultural Walk.
Duration: 3 Hours. Hiking.
- Capture Moorea - Photo Adventure.
Duration: 4 Hours. Concierge Choice, Walking.
Note: These are typical shore excursions for this port of call. Actual tours offered may vary and are normally assigned within 120 days of sailing date. Advance tour requests cannot be made for this port if it falls on an embarkation or disembarkation day, however a program of shore excursions may be made available for purchase on board the vessel.
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Trails of the Ancients - Trek
- Duration: 4 Hours.
- Adventure.
- Code: MOO-3419
Discover a side of Tahiti rarely experienced by most visitors to the island during this picturesque mountain journey through the beautiful Opunohu Valley with resident archaeologist Mark Eddowes.
Depart the pier for the scenic coastal drive to Opunohu Bay, and a photo stop at picturesque Robinson's Cove. You will then continue into the Opunohu Valley, where a visit will be made to an agricultural school to sample delicious jams made from local fruit. Next, you will proceed to the Belvedere lookout point for breathtaking views of Cooks Bay, and the majestic sacred mountains of Rotui and Opunohu. From here, you will descend to an ancient temple at the edge of the native forest. Upon arrival, Mark will describe the rites and ceremonies conducted in honor of ancestral spirits.
You will then take a guided walking tour along the ancient trails. Along the way, you will encounter plants used in traditional medicines, and native hardwood trees from which canoes, drums, weapons and ancestral tiki images were sculpted. You will finally emerge at the edge of a pineapple plantation located in the foreground of Moorea's towering peaks.
Following your visit, you will be transferred back to the pier.
Please note: The Le Truck is an open air, school bus-type vehicle. As this tour involves travel over bumpy surfaces, guests with back and/or neck problems are discouraged from participating. The trails can be slick in the rainy season; wear appropriate footwear, and bring sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses from the ship. Insect repellent is also advised, even though it's available upon request during the excursion. The trails are entirely downhill, and not at all steep. A second Tahitian guide is always at the trek's end to aid where necessary. The distance covered is about 3 miles, or 5 kilometers, with 2 hours of walking time. Operation of this tour is subject to guide availability. The company offering this tour follows international eco-tourism guidelines, and is an active contributor to the conservation of the natural and cultural heritage found in French Polynesia. Your participation in this tour will help to further its efforts.
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Aito Off-Road Safari
- Duration: 4 Hours.
- Adventure.
- Code: MOO-5544
Explore the volcanic crater from which Moorea was created during this scenic, off-road island safari via off-road vehicle.
Depart the pier in an off-road vehicle for the journey inside the volcanic crater from which Moorea was created. En route, you will discover the heart of a huge pineapple plantation inside the island's deepest valley of the island. Moorea, Polynesia's Green Garden, is renowned for its Agricultural School, which receives children from all the outer islands. A stop will be made here to sample some homemade jam; ice cream and local fruit juices will also be available for purchase. Your guide will then drive you across a large plantation filled with vanilla, bananas, grapefruits and oranges, and acquaint you with the island's diverse flora and fauna.
Next, you will continue to an open-air temple, or marae. After a stop to learn about the Polynesian culture, you will ascend to the top of the mountain for spectacular vistas over Cook's and Opunohu Bays. You will then descend that mountain, and proceed for a visit to Magic Mountain. Here, a little path surrounded by grapefruit, lemon and orange trees opens up to a panoramic view stretching across Opunohu Bay, the lagoon and the sea. Your tour will conclude with a stop at the Fruit Juice Factory and Distillery of Moorea to sample their liquors.
Following your visit, you will re-board the off-road vehicle for the return drive to the pier.
Please note: This tour involves very bumpy roads, steep ascents and descents, and a short but steep hike to the viewpoint on the mountain. This tour is not recommended for guests with back and/or neck problems, guests who suffer from vertigo or motion sickness, or guests with limited mobility. The itinerary may be modified depending on weather conditions. There is a short but steep hike to the viewpoint on the mountain. Please wear comfortable walking shoes, insect repellant, a hat and sunglasses from the ship. Guests are asked to remain seated in the vehicle, as standing can be dangerous.
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Lagoon Discovery with Snorkeling
- Duration: 3½ Hours.
- Adventure, Water.
- Code: MOO-2235
Experience the beauty of Cook's and Opunohu Bay from above and below sea level during this snorkeling and beach adventure aboard a modern covered boat.
Depart the pier aboard a comfortable and modern boat featuring covered areas designed to protect you from the direct rays of the sun. As you cruise along these majestic bays, your captain will inform you about the legends, geography, fauna and flora of Moorea.
Next, you will continue on to a gorgeous sandy islet surrounded by transparent turquoise waters that are shallow enough to walk comfortably in the sea. Upon arrival, you will have a rare opportunity to feed the awaiting rays; they will gracefully glide around you in exchange for a piece of fish.
Your tour will conclude with a stop at another uninhabited islet nearby. Here, you will be served refreshments, and have an opportunity to explore the beach and swim. You will also be invited to go snorkeling in water 6-10 feet deep, or 2-3 meters. Snorkeling is performed in the shallow waters off the boat, providing an excellent opportunity for beginner and experienced snorkelers. The boat's ladders extend deep into the water, making it easy to embark and disembark the craft.
Following your visit, you will be transferred back to the pier.
Please note: This tour is recommended for guests in good physical condition. Guests must be comfortable wearing the snorkeling equipment provided for this tour. Fins are not provided, nor permitted, on this tour. The snorkeling locations selected may vary depending upon lagoon conditions that include current and visibility. Wear a swimsuit under a cover up, and bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a towel from the ship.
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Capture Moorea - Photo Adventure
- Duration: 4 Hours.
- Concierge Choice, Walking.
- Code: MOO-6893
If you love photography, then don't miss this unique and exclusive half-day guided tour of Moorea with accomplished professional photographer Renaud Sayada.
Accompanied by Renaud, you will depart the pier aboard a private, off-road vehicle for a guided photo tour of Moorea. Renaud will offer photographic tips and interesting information about the island throughout the tour.
Your tour will begin with a drive to the interior of the island along large pineapple fields, and past sub-tropical forests dotted with ancient archeological sites. En route, a stop will be made at Belvedere's lookout point for spectacular views and photo opportunities of Rotui, a beautiful mountain separating Cook's Bay and the pristine Opunohu Bay. Next, you will drive along the coastal road to the island's west coast, where you will take expansive views of lush green vegetation, beautifully manicured gardens, a turquoise blue lagoon and the Pacific Ocean's endless horizon.
Weather permitting, you will see sites that include the famed Magic Mountain, which overlooks the northern part of the island and offers spectacular aerial views of the barrier reef. The highlight of this photo-adventure tour will include visits to off-road locations in the island's interior. Additional sites to be seen include the Papetoai fishing village, and the interior of the crater. Refreshments will be served during the tour.
Please note: A maximum of six guests will be permitted on this tour. This tour will be adapted to the weather forecast and light of the day. As this tour involves travel over bumpy surfaces, guests with back and/or neck problems, guests with limited mobility and guests who utilize a wheelchair are discouraged from participating. Wear comfortable clothing, and bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a camera from the ship.
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