Located a very short distance from Tahiti, the island of Moorea is truly a lush natural paradise. Surrounded by turquoise waters of the reef, this smaller island was created by a volcano a million years ago. The heart-shaped island is 38 miles around, with a population of 16,000 people. It is the perfect destination for those vacationers looking for a restful trip, away from the city lights, and heavy traffic. For that reason, most of the islanders are involved with tourism.
Two bays are located on the northern part of the island. Opunohu Bay is where we normally drop anchor, while the more famous bay, Cook’s, is what you may have seen in many movie scenes. Originally, Cook’s Bay was to be our destination, but that changed sometime recently to the other bay. In or opinion, Opunohu is the best spot, because where we tender, there are new facilities, and access to more options. This messed up some of the independent plans people had arranged prior to sailing, as we heard later at the sail away.
Some of the things to do on this island are a visit to the Tiki Village. Many years ago, our first visit here was to this Polynesian culture complex. They have a typical Tahitian village with artisans, craftspeople, wood carvers, and natives making handicrafts. There is pareo dying, a tattoo demo, and traditional songs and dances. We had the chance to meet Mr. Tahiti, a most tattooed fellow.
There are strips of white sand beaches, isolated and uncrowded. 4x4 vehicles will take you into the deep valleys and the highest of peaks. There is a fruit juice factory called Moorea Fruit Juice Factory.
There are 10 tours offered here today. There are three island tours for 3 ½ hours for $100 to $180 per person. Seven water related tours run 2 to 5 hours for $100 to $230 per person. One of these excursions give you a chance to see humpback whales, if you were visiting from July to November. We’ve done them all. Alternate excursions offered by the locals were about the same itinerary, only their price was in half.
Taking the later tender boat ride over to shore was a good idea. Henk M was still helping people boarding. Today a notice in the newsletter stated that getting on and off of the tender boat may be difficult with those who were not sure-footed. Guests requiring mobility assistance (using a cane, walker, wheelchair, or scooter) were advised the tender operation may present challenges. All mobility devices, except those that could be lifted by a single person, would not be allowed ashore. And still a sore spot for many, the regret that they can no longer feature Priority Tender Service for 4 and 5 star Mariners, has 800 folks unhappy campers.
We got to the tender landing to find that we were now allowed to go into the tiny cove, and debark on the inside of the breakwater. Greeted by several native-clad guys and gals, we made our way to the souvenir tables. There is a sweet lady who makes her own designs with seashell jewelry. We found her at the nearest table, and ended up buying two necklaces and earrings. There were way more tables of treasures here today compared to two years ago when we were here last. Black pearls are a big item sold here. Some of the collections were from the local high end shops, and were pricey. So we continued walking until we passed the little church and found the main drive.
It was another hot day, with little hope of rain, although it was in the forecast. It would have been good if the sky opened up, however, it never did.
We headed for the Intercontinental Hotel, about 3 miles up the road. It’s such a scenic walk, especially now that the road has been widened since the last time we were here. They have added a dedicated bike lane and gutters. Many homes line this road…..some modern and others basic huts. All have opened windows so the island breeze can blow through them. Every yard had at lea st one dog, and several chickens.
There are few birds here. We spotted one frigate, and two herons. More doves and white terns live on this island. And a few brown noddys.
The locals selling fruit at the roadside stands make for good photos. Fresh mangoes, coconuts, bananas, and a wide assortment of vegetables can be bought for a small amount of francs. It is obvious that the kids like sugar sodas, beer, juice, and water, as we followed a trail of them discarded along the shoulders.
Finally, after an hour, we arrived at the hotel, just in time for lunch. We sat in the central outdoor patio, and were the only ones there. This time of year happens to be the low season, so nothing is crowded. A few of the hotel guests were in the pool, while some sat at the bar. Every so often, passengers from the Amsterdam strolled by to the bar. As far as we know, this hotel does not sell a day pass. Unless you are a paying guest, you are not allowed to use the pools, and perhaps not the beachfront too.
The hour we spent there flew by while we enjoyed yet another excellent ham and cheese pizza with Hinano beers. A shared dessert was a brownie with vanilla ice cream. Expensive? Yes, but when in paradise, you pay the price and savor every minute.
The breeze was in our face as we hiked back to the ship. Yes, we could have taken the free shuttle that brought some folks to the pearl shop on the road across the street from the hotel. But we did not want to cheat. The only necessity were the bottles of water we lugged with us. It was downhill all the way back.
The tender boat was waiting, so we rode back, and spent the rest of the afternoon doing our homework. The cooler temps on the ship were most welcomed. Much to our delight, a vase of fresh flowers was waiting for us, a gift from Orlando Ashford for our President’s Club every other week delivery. We had already received some vitamin water bottles, but had to wait until the new flower delivery in Papeete.
All aboard was 4:30pm, and the sail away was held at the aft pool deck once again. It wasn’t until we cleared the bay, that we looked back and saw that the Europa was in Cook’s Bay today. Smaller ships seem to get priority for that bay. Don’t tell anyone, but Opunohu is much better. Anyway, the Europa is a 5 plus Berlitz star rated vessel. Built in 1999 for Hapag-Lloyd, it is 28,890 gross ton with rooms for 450 very lucky passengers. It is described as a ship for stylish internationals, particularly the German-speaking guests. Several years ago while in the area of Fiji, we happened to get acquainted with a couple that were on that ship. At that time, they told us that the passengers voted for their ports, and the majority ruled. Can you imagine doing that here? It would never work.
We stayed at the back railing, visiting with a nice couple from Canada, who had pre-rented their car for the day. They ended up losing some time, due to the fact they were not informed until this morning that the landing spot had been changed. We wonder how many other independent passengers ran into the same problem. No reason why an announcement could not have been made shipwide before 8 or 9pm last night. Funny that the currency conversion cards were pre-printed with Opunohu Bay as our tender drop off point. These had been left on our bed last night, but few people noticed that.
Sharing all of our day’s activities today made dinner time fly by. The menu was a mixed bag, with some new items. One was spaghetti and meatless meatballs. One of us said hold the meatballs, and add sliced pork loin. Martha has ordered steamed vegetables for the table, so adding some of those, made the dish complete. Tasty too. Then there is always the alternate chicken dinner, which is consistently good.
Entertainment was provided by a pianist Hyperion Knight, another former guest performer on the world voyage. Classical is his specialty and he is very talented, and one of the shows we enjoy.
Tomorrow will be our final French Polynesian port and the finest tropical island in existence – Bora Bora.
Quote of the day: Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer. Anonymous.
Bill & Mary Ann
Entering Opunohu Bay of Moorea
Scenic peaks
Jutting volcanic peaks
Verdant hillsides
Impressive
First tender down
Short ride to shore
Iconic scene
The reef off shore
Many shades of blue water
Surrounding coral reef
Beautiful, but dangerous waters
Sailboat and catamaran
Perfect spot for sea life to flourish
Clouds drifted over all day
Helped to keep the heat down
Shallow parts were aqua-blue
Residents live along the shoreline
Ready to go
Famous peak
Going to be a steamy day
Saved by a breeze
Easy tendering this morning
Boat driver
Tender landing on the ship – one of four
What??? Should have been changed to Opunohu Bay.
Pier at Opunohu
Re-modeled the last couple of years
Greeters
Usually off-load on the outside
The cutest girls
A flower for everyone
Hmmm, we like her necklace
Entering the souvenir pavilion
They offered us fresh fruit
So many treasures
Here is our special Moorea lady
Every piece is different
Customized wine glasses
Seed jewelry
Typically Polynesian
Handmade island jewelry
New facilities on the landing pier
Tour pick-up point for some
Calmer waters in the tiny marina
Polished sea shells
Island guitar
Some South Sea pearls among the costume pieces
Some were pricey
And it was only 9:30 in the morning, but already hot
Tropical fruits
Little church on the tip
Locals offering tours
These structures are very new
Church was locked up today
Wild hibiscus
Can only see the inside on a Sunday
The road out
Hibiscus
Wall art
Plumbago does well in this climate
Corner mini-market
Turning right today
Another small church
Hardware store
Stream of fresh water
Usually dry this time of year
Very green hillsides = lots of rain
Roadside fruit stand
Trumpet vine
Start of the hot walk
A few coconut palms
Boat in front yard
Breadfruit
This boat is always here
The stoop where we always stop for a spell
View from the stoop
This area used to be buried in over-growth
Fruit and produce for sale
A fisherman repairing his nets