Moorea

French Polynesia

Moorea is a volcanic island in the Society Islands of French Polynesia, a short sail from Tahiti. Its jagged green peaks above two deep bays — Cook's and Opunohu — create the archetypal South Pacific landscape. Attractions include the Belvedere lookout over the bays and Mount Rotui, snorkeling with rays and reef sharks on the sandbanks, the lagoon's coral gardens, the ancient marae sites in the Opunohu valley, pineapple plantations, and the island's relaxed Polynesian charm.