Panoramic view from the Belvedere. Opunohu Bay on the left and Cook's Bay on the right, Mount Rotui in the middle. Photo courtesy of Bernard Rickenbach
Live Webcam on Moorea
Click on the link for a live webcam from the Moorea Pearl Resort & Spa, to the North side of the Magical Island. With the courtesy of the Pearl Resorts.
How big is Moorea ? Moorea covers an area of 53 square miles and the circle island road is only 37 miles long. There are no stoplights anywhere on the island ! Back to Top
How many people live on Moorea ? According to the 2003 population census, 14,550 people live on Moorea. Of these, 85% are Polynesian, 8 % European, 5 % Chinese and 2 % other. Back to Top
How many tourists visit Moorea ? In 2005, Moorea received 136,651 visitors, more than Bora Bora.2006 will be better. Approximately 36% of those were from the US. Back to Top
How do I get to Moorea ? Air Tahiti Nui, Air France and Air New Zealand all have flights departing from Los Angeles. The flight is direct to Papeete and lasts 7 1/2 hours. To get from Papeete to Moorea there are 2 options. The fast catamarans take 30 minutes and the Air Moorea shuttle takes 7 minutes, departing from the Faa'a International airport. Back to Top
Which island, Moorea or Bora Bora ? Even though Bora Bora is a more recognized island (mainly because of the US GI's stationed there during WWII), the large majority of visitors prefer Moorea, because of its warm and welcoming local population and its natural beauty. Back to Top
Do I need a visa to visit Moorea ? No. US citizens may stay up to one month without a visa. Back to Top
Is English spoken ? Most Tahitians speak French, many speak Tahitian as well as English, specially in the tourist industry. You shouldn't have much trouble getting understood, Tahitians are masters at reading body language ! However learning a few key Tahitian words will endear you with the locals. Back to Top
Is tipping accepted ? Tahitians do not expect to be tipped for their services. However, they will not be offended if you do decide to tip them for exceptional service. Back to Top
What are the taxi rates ? From the airport or dock (East Coast) to the Beachcomber Intercontinental hotel (West Coast) you can expect to pay about $30 each way. Evening rates can be double the day rate. Back to Top
Where can I get the best exchange rate ? You will be able to exchange most major currencies at the local banks, where you can expect to pay a minimum commission of $3-5. Most hotels also will exchange your currency, but at a substantially lower rate than the banks. Your best bet is to use your credit card, which insures you will get the international exchange rate of the day. Back to Top
Where can I get internet access ? Most major hotels now offer internet access kiosks in their lobbies, though at rather high rates (up to $30/hour). You are better off visiting one of the several Internet Cafés. Be aware that there is no broadband connection anywhere in Moorea, the fastest is still ISDN (64 K). Back to Top
Where can I buy groceries ? The are several small grocery stores throughout the island, though most are not within short walking distance of the hotels. Ask the reception at your hotel for the closest "magasin chinois" (chinese supermarket). Back to Top
How much is gasoline ? All gasoline is imported and heavily taxed. A gallon of unleaded costs about $4.50. Back to Top
Where can I get a cash advance on my credit card ? At the Banque de Polynésie and the Banque Socredo, both in Maharepa. The Banque de Polynésie branch office at the "Petit Village" shopping center does not do cash advances.ATM machines are also located at many places, airport, shopping centers... Back to Top
What is the time zone difference ? Moorea is in the same time zone as Hawai'i, therefore 3 hours behind PST and 6 hours behind EST. During daylight savings in the US, 2 hours behind PST and 5 behind EST. Back to Top
Can I get a tattoo on Moorea ? Yes ! Moorea is home to some of the world's most renowned tattoo artists. The ultimate souvenir of Moorea ! Back to Top
How much are calls to the US ? Major hotels charge about $2.25 per minute. You can also purchase prepaid phonecards that allow you to call from any public phone to the US for about $0.95 per minute. Back to Top
Can I buy property ? As a general rule, no French Polynesian law makes it extremely difficult for foreigners to purchase land. This explains why over 90% of Tahitians own the property they live on. Back to Top
Can I find a job on Moorea ? Probably not. Not only are jobs scarce, but French Polynesian law protects local employment. Back to Top
Are there any snakes or poisonous animals ? Not on land. There are some rare species of poisonous fish in the lagoon that are rarely encountered. Back to Top
What is the voltage ? 220 V, 60 Hz. You will need a transformer if you want to run any 110 V appliances. Most hotels do not supply these. Back to Top
