Shore Excursions

Discover the scenic magnificence of Moorea during a memorable sunset cruise.

Depart the pier aboard a luxurious catamaran, and set sail to Moorea's north coast for a visit to two of French Polynesian's most beautiful bays, Cook's and Opunohu. Enjoy the breathtaking views and photo opportunities of Moorea. You will be served a cocktail or a glass of wine while sitting back and taking in the beauty of your surroundings.

Following the sunset cruise, you will return to the pier.

·        Participants will be required to take off their shoes prior to boarding the catamaran. The boat captain may decide to restrict outside sailing and modify the itinerary depending on prevailing weather conditions, winds, and currents. Kindly note that the use of sails is weather dependent.

Set off on a unique journey to the heart of Polynesian biodiversity with a professional guide who will confidently accompany you through the forest and respectfully introduce you to the richness of the Polynesian universe.

This 3 pinus hike is aimed at nature lovers who wish to enjoy an authentic and ecological visit to Moorea: stroll in the pineapple fields, visit to archaeological sites (Marae), discovery of the ancestral trail and magnificent view at the summit on Mount Rotui and Cook and Opunohu bays.

·        This hiking circuit includes approximately 6 kilometers of walking. Participants are advised to bring comfortable hiking shoes, insect repellent, a hat, sunglasses, and a bottle of water.

If you love photography, then do not miss this unique and exclusive half-day guided photo tour of Moorea with accomplished professional photographer.

Depart the pier aboard a private, off-road vehicle, accompanied by Loreleï, who will share with you her know-how andpassion for the profession of photographer. You will visit the most beautiful sites of the island and viewpoints. In a small group of maximum 8 people, we will take the time to discuss photographic techniques to create the most beautiful memories of your visit.

You will explore different corners of the island to discover the caldera, the island's ancient crater which offers a clear view of Rotui in the heart of Moorea and separating the bays of Opunohu's bay and Cook, to finish at the highest viewpoint to gain height over the ocean. Between lush vegetation and blue lagoon, the photographic discovery tour offers a unique opportunity to take your most beautiful shots. The tour is adapted according to the weather. In Tahitian we say « Haere maru, haere papu », slowly but surely! Let's take the time together to discover peacefully without rushing to soak up the tranquility and beauty of the island. Welcome to Moorea.

·        A maximum of eight guests will be permitted on this tour, which will be adapted to the weather forecast and the 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.

Explore Moorea's beauty from above and below the water during this relaxing sailing and snorkeling excursion aboard a catamaran.

Depart the pier aboard the beautiful, 43-foot catamaran, and sail to Moorea's northern coast, then on to a pair of French Polynesian's most beautiful bays: Cook's and Opunohu. En route, you can sit back and relax, or savor a fruit juice under the canopy astern. Upon reaching Opunohu Bay, the captain will drop anchor in the clear blue waters of the lagoon. After receiving your safety and snorkeling instructions, you will have the chance to discover the underwater tiki place and the marine life residing there, including coral formations and reef fish.

Afterwards, you will set sail toward Cook's Bay before returning to your ship. The well-equipped catamaran offers facilities that include a rest room and shower, and a shaded area with comfortable seats.

·        Entry into and out of the water is by a vertical ladder, aft of the catamaran. Sailing time and itinerary is subject to wind and current conditions. You will be required to remove your shoes upon boarding the vessel. Wear a swimsuit under a cover-up, and bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and a towel from the ship. Bring also your snorkel gear from the ship. The itinerary may change subject to wind and weather conditions. Kindly note that the use of sails is weather dependent.

Go for an authentic, small-group cruise on the island of Moorea to discover the marine fauna of its lagoon.

You will first sail into Opunohu or Cook Bay in search of spinner dolphins which generally follow the coasts. A first snorkeling stop is then planned on a shallow sandbank in the lagoon to meet stingrays and blacktip sharks. This activity is accessible to all ages without any particular physical aptitude. A second snorkeling stop will take place at the coral canyon. In this unique place, you can let yourself drift with the current into slightly deeper waters. It is recommended to know how to swim and to use snorkeling equipment (fins, mask and snorkel), however, for those who wish, it is always possible to stay in the boat to observe green turtles and other species of fish multi-colored. Before returning to the dock, a third snorkeling stop will be offered at the submerged Tiki and coral garden, to complete your visit to the seabed of the lagoon.

·        Plan to wear a swimsuit under your clothes and take sun protection, a hat, sunglasses, your snorkeling equipment, and a towel from the boat. This tour is weather permitting. This tour is limited to 8 people.

Get an up-close look at Tahiti's idyllic beauty from above and below sea level during this catajet and snorkeling adventure in Moorea.

Depart the pier for the boat transfer to the base. Upon arrival, you will receive your safety and riding instructions from your guide, then embark your two-seat catajet for a 1.5-hour ride in an idyllic lagoon on Moorea. Led by your guide at an easy speed, you will take in panoramic views of the East Coast and Cook and Opunohu Bays, or the West Coast (weather permitting).

Next, a stop will be made for snorkeling in the shallow waters. After putting on your mask, fins and snorkel, you will explore the beauty of the tropical fish and coral formations. Your adventure will continue with a stop on a sand bar, where you will have an opportunity to play with stingrays.

Following refreshments, you will return to the catajet base, then be transferred back to the pier.

·        This tour is recommended for guests in good physical condition. This tour is not recommended for guests with neck or back problems, or guests with limited mobility. Each catajet is equipped with a fabric Bimini roof, and a small cooler. Please wear your swimsuit under a cover-up, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and bring snorkeling equipment and a towel from the ship. Since there is no dry compartment, waterproof cameras are recommended. Lifejackets are mandatory. This is a guided tour, and participants are required to follow their guide and instructions. The minimum age to drive a catajet is 16 years old; children participating on this tour must be accompanied by a parent. All participants must be able to swim independently. *This tour is priced per catajet, which can accommodate two average-sized adults (maximum weight of 500lbs total).

Your boat will take you through the beautiful waters of Cook's and Opunohu Bays whilst enjoying the scenery of the north coast of Moorea. Arrive at the Stingray spot for a moment to swim with these graceful and elegant creatures.

From here you will continue to the private motu where a BBQ lunch awaits you. Water, beer, sodas and soft drinks available with lunch. You will also see the preparation of Poisson Cru with Coconut Milk as well as demonstrations of Coconuts and Pareo tying.

There will be time to swim, snorkel and enjoy the island.

·        Please bring your snorkel equipment, beach towel, sunscreen and sunglasses from the ship. Sun chairs are available on the motu and plenty of shade is provided by the trees. Rest room facilities on the motu.

Moorea's spectacular valleys, bays, and vistas are yours to discover during this guided ATV tour through the island.

Depart the pier in Cook's Bay for the brief transfer via minivan to the Hilton Moorea Lagoon & Spa, where the ATVs are based. Upon arrival, you will receive your safety and riding instructions. Then, begin your ATV ride. Your guide will lead you along the road to Belvedere lookout for magnificent views and photo opportunities over Cook's Bay, Opunohu Bay, and Mt. Rotui.

You will also venture across the valley, through a river, and past pineapple fields, and stop at an ancient open-air temple, or marae, to learn about the Polynesian culture. Afterwards, you will continue on to the Moorea Agricultural School, then ride across this large plantation and down to the Paopao Valley.

From here, you will take the main road en route to the Fruit Juice Factory, where you will enjoy a brief stop. Then, ride back to the Hilton Lagoon & Spa.

Upon arrival, you will re-board your minivan for the return ride to the pier.

·        For insurance purposes, each driving participant must present credit card details and a valid driver's license and be at least 18 years of age. The minimum age to ride as a passenger on this tour is 6 years old. Protective helmets will be provided, and must be worn throughout the riding portion of this tour. There is no storage compartment; guests are encouraged to keep cameras and personal belongings in a backpack. *This tour is priced per ATV, which can accommodate two average-sized adults.

Set in a luscious native forest within a picturesque valley is an ancient ceremonial site where Marquesans prayed to their gods to provide abundant water for their crops. Trekking up to the site you will pass an old chief's paepae upon which is a small tiki carved in the famous ke'etu stone of the islands.

Ascending inland you will see a number of sites whose functions will be explained to you by your on-board guide. Finally, you will arrive on the crest of a ridge featuring important petroglyphs, or rock art. The images depict anthropomorphic images of men, concentric circle eyes of magical tikis and even an ancient sailing canoe. However, the most impressive petroglyph and one of the largest in the Marquesas is that of the famous paoa, which looks like a huge tuna fish, carved into the rock.

See also the grinding, polishing and sharpening stones used in ancestral working of adzes and other tools. Enjoy the magnificent scenery surrounding the site as sharp mountain peaks pierce the sky. This excursion provides a wonderful chance to visit the interior of Fatu Hiva's beautiful Omoa Valley.

·        The hike is medium to difficult and involves uphill walking in hot and humid conditions. Participants should be physically fit, carry a bottle of water and wear a hat. Sturdy footwear appropriate to trekking is recommended.

 

Fatu Hiva, the most remote island of the inhabited Marquesan islands offers green and lush vegetation with sheer, rocky landscapes. There are only two villages on the island connected by one road (17 km). The scenic 4x4 ride from Omoa to Hanavave offers numerous photo opportunities over dramatic landscapes, coastline and deep gorges and valleys.

On arrival in Hanavave you will have some free time to stretch your legs and explore the village and take more photos of one of the most picturesque locations in the Marquesas, the iconic Bay of Virgins. The bay was named by Catholic missionaries, who said that the phallic shaped stone outcrops were formed as veiled virgins.

·        As this tour involves rough off-road driving, it is not recommended for guests with back and/or neck problems, who suffer from motion sickness or vertigo or women who are pregnant. This tour involves very little walking. Guests are encouraged to wear insect repellant to ward off the small beach mosquitoes (nonos). Each vehicle will accommodate four guests. The drivers are not guides, and their command of the English language is very limited.

Drive along Raiatea's east coast to Fa'aroa Bay. Explore the interior of this picturesque island while ascending the hillside through untouched forests of bamboo, balsa and rosewood. A brief photo stop for spectacular vistas of the mountains and volcanic craters will be made at the viewpoint. Enjoy a second brief photo stop at a vantage-point overlooking the breathtaking lagoon framed by beautiful white sand beaches surrounded by tropical flora. During the rainy season, magnificent waterfalls can be seen cascading from the mountaintops. Third photo stop for panoramic views of Huahine, the Motu Islands, coral reefs and crystal-clear waters. The final stop will be at one of the most important archaeological sites in French Polynesia: 'Marae Taputapuatea'. During your tour, learn about Tahitian society, the history of the Maohi people and the day to day life of the local people. At the completion of your tour you will be returned to the pier.

·        This tour involves very little, easy walking over flat surfaces.

Brief drive from the pier to skiff boat. Ride out to Raiatea's reef to a small pearl station built over the lagoon. Experience a pearl harvest. See how a black pearl is cultivated by way of a surgical procedure. Snorkel at Raiatea's beautiful reef right at beneath the pearl farm. Explore the coral garden with an abundance of tropical fish and rare pearl oysters. Enjoy fresh juice and take in the view of Bora Bora.

·        Wear your swimsuit under a cover-up, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and bring snorkelling equipment and a towel from the ship. There are no restroom stops on this tour. The pearl farm features a small boutique; cash and credit cards are accepted. The pearl station is not accessible for guests who utilize a wheelchair.