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Windstar Cruises Port Description

Moorea, French Polynesia, France

   Moorea is part of the Windward Islands (Iles du Vent) in the archipelago of the Society Islands. A helicopter trip over the island reveals the spectacular peaks and the amazing colors in the waters below. Moorea is likely to by your favorite island in all French Polynesia, so prepare yourself for its beauty.
  There are several great shore excursions in Moorea: (1)
Motu Beach Picnic & Ray Feeding: (2) Parasailing for Lovers & Singles; (3) Dolphin & Whale Watching Expedition; (4) Moorea Island Tour by Helicopter;  (5) Agricultural 4-Wheel Drive Adventure; and (6) Swim & Snorkel in Moorea’s Bays.

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Motu Beach Picnic & Ray Feeding
Tour 27661
Duration: Approximately 4 1⁄2 hours
Departs: Thursday, Morning
Price: US$54
  Your experience begins when you board a comfortable, covered, motorized catamaran to the sounds of the crew playing welcome songs. From Cook’s Bay you will visit Opunohu Bay and cruise along colorful lagoons and learn about the history and legends of the island. Upon arrival at your private motu (small atoll), you will have ample time to explore, swim, snorkel around the turquoise lagoon or simply relax on the beach or in the shaded tree area while the local crew prepare lunch. One of the highlights will be when the local guides attract schools of stingrays from the lagoon for a feeding. You are welcome to join in and touch and play with these gentle sea creatures. A delicious buffet-style lunch is served with soft island music in the background. After lunch you will be entertained further with more music and a coconut demonstration (coconut tree climbing and coconut preparation). You will be transferred by motorized catamaran back to Cook’s Bay and the ship.

Parasailing for Lovers & Singles
Tour 27662
Duration: Approximately 1 1⁄4 hours
Departs: Wednesday, Morning & Afternoon
Price: US$49
very limited capacity
  In the comfort of a private, deluxe covered parasail boat with an English-speaking driver/guide, relax and enjoy flying high above the turquoise lagoons of Moorea. With new equipment on board, you can fly double with a friend or partner and share the exciting adventure together. Or simply slip on a single harness and enjoy the tranquility and views on your own. Either way, you are in for the thrill of a lifetime!

Dolphin & Whale Watching Expedition
Tour 27663
Duration: Approximately 3-3 1⁄2   hours
Departs: Wednesdays, Morning & Afternoon
Price: US$66
very limited capacity
  Participate with the research team of American marine biologist Dr. Michael Poole in long-term research on Moorea’s wild, free-range dolphins and whales. 
  See, learn about, and photograph dolphins and/or whales, and the dramatic beauty of Moorea, then relax with a snorkeling stop in Moorea’s translucent, blue-green lagoon and enjoy complimentary fruit and juice.
 The comfortable, fiberglass boat is 34 feet long, has an overhead sun roof, and is powered by two outboard motors. During the departure from the boat dock the team’s naturalist and the boat captain are both introduced, and the abundance of dolphins and whales in French Polynesia’s warm waters is briefly discussed.
  During the tour, the naturalist discusses the volcanic creation of oceanic islands and coral atolls, as well as the formation of fringing reefs and barrier reefs, all with specific reference to the islands of French Polynesia. The naturalist also discusses plate tectonics with reference to the past and present geographical positions of the islands.
  The primary adventure of the tour is the search for and finding of schools of acrobatic spinner dolphins. These dolphins live permanently in Moorea’s waters, and are known by name and number to the research team. The dolphins approach the boat very closely and are sometimes very active, so guests should bring their still and video cameras. While the dolphins are close to the boat, the naturalist shares with the passengers our current knowledge of the remarkable lives at sea and the complex society of these fascinating mammals.
  Occasionally, rough-toothed dolphins and pilot whales are also seen, and from July-October there are often the magnificent giants—humpback whales.
  One of the fringe benefits of the tour is the opportunity to see from the water the dramatic, scenic beauty of Moorea. The boat will slow down or stop at any time to allow photographs to be taken of the breathtaking scenery. Time permitting, a snorkeling stop somewhere in the lagoon is offered during the tour, usually immediately after you have left the dolphins. This stop generally takes place in shallow, clear water where coral, fish, and sometimes shells can be seen. A ladder on board the boat facilitates entering the water and returning to the boat.
  Complimentary fruit and juice are offered during the tour. Typical fruit includes bananas, papayas, pamplemousse (Tahitian grapefruit), and Moorea’s world famous pineapples. The fruit juice is usually made from fresh Tahitian limes, or from pineapples and coconuts.
  This tour is the most adventurous, most informative, and most exciting water-based excursion in French Polynesia. Dr. Poole’s research and this tour have been featured on the Discovery Channel and Animal Planet. “There is no comparable tour in the South Pacific”---Hidden Tahiti & French Polynesia, Ulysses Press, 1997.

Please note: Wear your bathing suit under your clothing, bring a towel, hat, sunscreen, cameras, and snorkel gear.

Moorea Island Tour by Helicopter
Tour 27664
Duration: Approximately 1 1⁄2 hours (20 minutes flying time)
Departs: Wednesdays & Thursdays, Morning & Afternoon
Price: US$246
Very limited capacity
  A 20-minute flight aboard a five-passenger Ecureuil helicopter is available for those who would like to view Moorea from the air. Your pilot will circle the island, affording views of the beautiful aquamarine waters of the lagoons surrounding the island. Next you will fly in and around the mountain ridges and valleys which make up Moorea’s distinctive interior. Before landing, you will have the opportunity to take photographs of the Wind Song at anchor in Cook’s Bay. This is a helicopter ride like no other; the sheer beauty of Moorea’s scenery from the air makes this tour a must!

Agricultural 4-Wheel Drive Adventure
Tour 27665
Duration: Approximately : approximately 3 hours
Departs: Wednesday, Morning
Price: US$68
limited capacity
  Board a 4-wheel-drive vehicle for a ride through Moorea’s deep valleys. Your adventure begins with a drive to Paopao Valley, passing pineapple plantations and then crossing the Paopao Opunohu trail to the territorial property of Opunohu, where a stop will be made at the Titiroa Marae. This large temple complex was strictly reserved for the gods, while the tablet-like stones protruding from the earth were backrests for chiefs or priests. This particular temple was used for animal sacrifices as offerings to the gods.         
  Continue to the Belvedere lookout point where you will have a spectacular panoramic view of Opunohu and Cook’s Bay with imposing Mt Rotui in the middle. Return to the interior trails of the Rural College of Opunohu to learn all about banana, grapefruit and papaya trees and coffee plantations. The heady smells of these fruits may entice you to purchase some of the exotic fruits at a fruit stall.
 The interior of Moorea continues to draw you ever deeper into vanilla and bamboo plantations. Continue to Papetoai Village and visit the first Christian church built in French Polynesia. This octagonal church built by the London Missionary Society in 1822 still stands and is the oldest European building still in use in the South Pacific. In Papetoai Village you will also encounter some fresh water eels. Your tour continues with a visit to the Moorea Fruit Juice Factory. Aside from the excellent papaya, grapefruit and pineapple juices made with local fruits, the factory produces apple, orange and passion fruit juices from imported concentrate, with no preservatives added. They also make 40% proof brandies—carambola or star fruit, ginger, grapefruit, mango, orange and pineapple flavors—and 25% proof liqueurs—coconut, ginger and pineapple.
 Please note: This tour involves rough off-road driving and steep ascents and descents. It is not recommended for guests with bad backs, pregnant women or those who suffer from motion sickness or vertigo.

Swim & Snorkel in Moorea’s Bays
Tour 27666
Duration: Approximately 31⁄2 hours
Departs: Wednesday, Morning
Price: US$58
Limited capacity
  Discover the bays of Cook and Opunohu in comfort on a modern, covered boat that will protect you from the direct rays of the sun. Travel these majestic bays with a captain who will give a brief lecture on the legends, the geography, the fauna and the flora of Moorea.
  Next, dive into this magnificent lagoon and enjoy the warm, crystal-clear water. You will continue to a lovely sandy islet surrounded by transparent turquoise waters, shallow enough to walk comfortably into the sea. As soon as the boat arrives, you will find rays waiting for you. In exchange for a piece of fish they will gracefully dance around you. After this wonderful experience, continue to another uninhabited motu (islet), where refreshments will be served. You will have time for snorkeling and swimming or beach combing before returning to the pier.
 Please note: The boat has an excellent ladder that extends deep into the water to facilitate boarding. Bring your camera, a disposable underwater camera, reef shoes, snorkel gear, a hat, towel, and sunscreen. The snorkeling location may vary depending on lagoon conditions such as currents and visibility

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