Moorea, French Polynesia - 1 of 4

Moorea is heart-shaped island on Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay and that defines it. It is a volcanic island in French Polynesia, in the South Pacific Ocean and part of the Society Islands archipelago and (close to its "sister island" to Tahiti). The interior is rugged and mountainous, with eight major volcanic peak. To give you an idea of where we are, we are about halfway between Australia and South America, directly south of Hawaii.

Different from yesterday, it is the ultimate paradise with volcanic peaks, beautiful turquoise crystal-clear water, and lots to do. Since we had a great snorkeling trip yesterday, although there are many great water sports here, we decided today to ride ATVs in order to explore the island.

Moorea is considered the "adventure island" of French Polynesia, offering a more rugged and authentic experience compared to the urban bustle of Tahiti or the exclusive luxury of Bora Bora. We got to see 8 mountains and climb to the top of Magic Mountain (700 feet). We also saw Mount Matotea, Mount Pu, Mount Roa, Mount Puta, Mount Tearai, Mount Dairurani and the highest was Mount Tohira at 3,960'. It was a great four hour Grand ATV tour that covered pineapple plantations as well as many other fruits and vegetation. We got to stop and taste pineapple (and learn about their 3 year cycle of the Queen Victoria pineapple) & bananas off the tree, and at the end, mango, papaya and coconut, interesting jams (made by grandma), taste Noni and got a smoothie (mango/papaya/banana). The last adventure was up Magic Mountain. Once we ATV'd to the top and then hiked the rest of the way, we were treated to the best 360-degree views of the island's coastline (see panoramic photos).

Once we got back, we went to afternoon tea, an early sail away (to get to Papeete this evening for an event, which was only 11 nautical miles away), a Show - OUR WORLD by the onboard entertainers, music, dinner and a local performance of The Spirit of Tahiti with the folkloric group, MANA, and the Our World After Party!!!

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