The inspiration for the Rodgers and Hammerstein’s "Bali Hai", Moorea is every bit as magical as the musical. Gentle Polynesian women and brawny men receive tourists as if they were long awaited guests.

Rugged mountains reflect in the serene waters of Cook Bay and Opunohu Bay, sandy beaches edge turquoise blue waters, mountain slopes rise upwards through lush tropical vegetation and neat rows of pineapple plantations. The air is heady with the heavy scent of ripening fruit and the fragrance of frangipani, ginger and gardenias. Secluded coves offer tranquil anchorage, and everywhere you look, it is breathtakingly beautiful. Silver cascades empty into pretty pools that beckon the visitor as myth merges with reality on this island paradise. What more could a traveller want?

Less than a dozen miles across the Sea of the Moon from Tahiti, Moorea is French Polynesia’s secret Garden of Eden, hidden from all but the most determined of tourists.

Not as well known as Bora Bora or Tahiti, Moorea is not as hyped in tourist brochures either. Nonetheless, Moorea has plenty of plush accommodation and as much to do - horse riding on the beach, cycling and hiking into the mountains, deep-sea fishing, sailing, scuba diving, parasailing in the lagoon, sunbathing on white beaches, whale and dolphin watching and much more. Visitors can join in a traditional feast in the Tiki Village complex, shop around for black pearls and pareos or even get married Polynesian style.

Access to Moorea is by air or by boat  - Air Moorea and Air Tahiti have multiple flights each day to Moorea airport in the village of Temae. Five ferry services connect Papeete and Moorea every day of the week. Timings vary on weekends and can be checked at the Ferry Terminal in Vaiarae (Moorea) or at the Blvd. Pomare on the waterfront in Papeete. Once on the island, visitors can rent a car, scooter or bike from rental companies that hire out vehicles, le trucks and cabs are the two types of public transport also available. Tourist offices on Moorea are located at the airport in Temae and at the commercial centre in the village of Haapiti.

Come to Moorea you must  - this tiny heart shaped island captures the hearts and souls of all who visit and in return, gifts them the bounty of the South Seas.

For detailed country and visitor information, see French Polynesia.