Honeymoon

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It is rumored that James Michener based his mythical, idealized island, Bali Hai on Moorea. And it is easy to see why. Many people have described Moorea as the most beautiful place on earth. Here, you'll find the real South Seas' experience -- a casual, barefoot existence amidst white sand beaches and multi-hued lagoons surrounded by jagged mountains and volcanic spires that reach into the clouds, while below, valleys are blanketed with the colors that one only finds when tropical climates and rich, volcanic soils meet. 

For a quick study of the beauty of Moorea, head down to your local video rental store and pick up a copy of Dino DeLaurentis' 1983 remake of The Bounty starring Mel Gibson and Anthony Hopkins.

Geography

An island of volcanic origin like her twin sister Tahiti, Moorea is located about 12 miles to the northwest of Tahiti, with a superficies of about 50 square miles, a shape rather like a heart and 40 miles of coastline. Moorea is surrounded with a ring of coral reef broken by a number of passes which permit entry into her wonderful lagoon. The North Coast is indented by two deep bays: the famous Bay of Cook and the Bay of Opunohu. Three small islets - we call them MOTU, pronounced mow-too, are linked to the reef; MOTO HAAHI off the village of AFareaitu and the Motu's Tarahu and Tiahuru of Club Med.

The relief of the island of Moorea is very jagged; the center of the island is an extinct volcao crater, 6 miles in diameter. The edge of the crater forms sharp peaks of lava, the highest being Mount Tohivea (4000 ft) , mount Rotui and Mount Mouaputa, easily recognized by the hole that pierces its summit. The mortal remains of the ancient Polynesian chiefs were placed in their canoes and then carried up the steep slopes of those mountains to be buried in the numerous grottoes that break the walls of the cliffs.

Climate

French Polynesia enjoys warm, tropical weather year-round. The climate is divided into two seasons: a "summer" that spans from November through March, when the daily temperature is about 86 degrees Fahrenheit, and most of the rain falls; and a drier "winter" that spans from April through October, when the daily temperature is about 82 degrees Fahrenheit. The year-round low is about 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The average water temperature is in the low 80s. 

No Tipping!

Tipping is contrary to Tahitian custom and may actually offend. Consider this savings when comparing Tahiti with other destinations. 

Activities

Sports activities

Scuba diving, snorkeling, diving, tennis, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing, jet skiing, powerboat excursions, outrigger canoeing, para-sailing, horseback riding, biking, hiking and climbing are activities available on most islands in French Polynesia. Game fishing is also widely available, though true aficionados recommend December through July as the best months for this sport. Golfers will find a spectacular course on the island of Tahiti; there are no other courses in French Polynesia at this time. Many hotels offer snorkeling equipment free, but it is advisable to pack your own snorkel, fins and mask (and regulator if you are a serious scuba diver). 

Adventures

Dolphin Tour, Interactive Dolphin Experience, Deep Sea Fishing, Shark Feeding, Parasailing, RELAXATION, Motu Hang Out, Champagne Lagoon Tour, Nightlife, Helicopter tour of the island, Flightseeing, Walking Tours, Dining / Eating

Island Fun

Horse Back Riding, Hike the Valleys and Jungles, Bicycle Riding, 4X4 Safaris, Camping, Other Recreation, Sightseeing Tours.

Black Pearls

French Polynesia is one of the few places in the world where cultured black pearls are grown, and they can make a unique and exquisite souvenir. The Pinctada margaritifera, the oyster species common in Polynesia, produces a dark pearl which varies from pale (least expensive) to dark gray with touches of green or pink (rarest and most expensive). The two islands with the best selection of pearl stores are Moorea and Tahiti. Good quality pearls range from $500 to $10,000 or more, though slightly flawed mementos can be had for much less.

Diving French Polynesia 

Diving in French Polynesia is colorful, varied, and among the best anywhere. You'll encounter a myriad of colorful reef fish, moray eels, turtles, even manta rays and sharks. The translucent waters are warm (generally 80 degrees and above year 'round) and clear (visibility to over 150 feet) and full of colorful, exciting marine life . . . no matter which island you choose to explore.

Moorea specializes in hand-feeding sharks and dives with rays and dolphins, along with a myriad of reef fish and low-growing corals. Bora Bora generally offers beautiful, graceful manta rays in its plankton-rich multi-hued lagoon. Huahine and Raiatea offer more brilliant displays of coral ledges and cliffs, along with varieties of colorful reef fish. However, it's the Tuamotu atolls-Rangiroa and Manihi-where more experienced divers will enjoy the fullest diversity of marine life, with dives starting along the outer reefs, drifting through the passes, and into the lagoons. It's high-excitement diving with black-tip and white-tip sharks everywhere-and occasionally silver-tip or hammerhead.

I got most of this information from the following:

Also special thanks to John & Kelly Mego and to Mr. Fullerton for going to Moorea and checking it out for us!