Moorea, Volcanic island in French Polynesia
Moorea is a volcanic island in French Polynesia, located approximately 17 kilometers northwest of Tahiti. The coastline features two deep northern bays that cut almost to the center, surrounded by steep green mountain slopes.
European sailors reached the island in the 18th century and named one of the bays after a British captain. Inhabitants had lived in the protected valleys for centuries, cultivating taro and other crops on the slopes.
Locals call the two large northern bays the heart of the island, a name reflected in songs and dances performed at family gatherings. Many residents sell handmade shell necklaces and woven baskets at small roadside stands, continuing craft traditions passed down through generations.
Ferries connect the island several times daily to Tahiti, with crossings taking around 45 minutes. A coastal road circles the island and provides access to beaches, viewpoints and small villages at different points.
Pineapple plantations cover parts of the slopes and a local factory processes the fruit into juice, making the island the main pineapple growing area in the region. The tart-sweet variety grown here differs in taste from other Pacific types.
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