Miscellaneous Notes on Moorea

I absolutely love Moorea. Bora Bora is awesome beautiful, but I just keep going back to Moorea.
Watch out for the blackpearls, they'll grab you in the heart, but are very expensive. I wear mine around my neck everyday. Lovely thing.
A good guide book is:
Tahiti & French Polynesia Guide
Open Road Publishing
By Jan Prince (she actually lives on Moorea)
Bring bug spray and always spray yourself in the evening. Though, the village is sprayed (fogged) with insecticide at dusk and it does seem to help a lot.
Eating outside of ClubMed is very expensive, why bother. But if you do, most of the local restaurants will come and pick you up if you arrange it ahead of time (sometimes for a small fee). The favorite restaurant on the island seems to be Linareva-La Bateau. It's unusual, scenic, and good food; though a bit on the expensive side.
The Faaa airport (no I didn't misspell that) on Tahiti is not bad. The Moorea airport (Temae) is just 'interesting'.
Buy a pareo (or several). Many of the GOs will be wearing one. It's the national garment of Polynesia.
The water is good to drink, even from the tap. I've never had any problems.
You'll be on the other side of the equator (for Americans), so the stars are all different.
Tahitians are an extremely friendly people. I just love them.
ClubMed was the second 'real' hotel/resort on the island, plus a wonderful location. As a result there is a higher concentration of shops, restaurants and operators near the village than anywhere else on the island. All within walking distance.
There is a small market (ABC Store) across the street from the village. Go over there to pick up what you like to drink (booze or soda). You'll still be shocked at the prices but it's much cheaper than at the bar in the village. They take plastic for a minimum amount (about $20US).
If you're going to be changing some money, you might want to check the exchange rate at the bank across the street. It frequently has a better (or MUCH better) rate than the cashier in the village. They have an ATM also.
I don't really like to eat at the annex restaurant, I like the greater variety in the main restaurant. But the annex is right next to the water and is delightful for lunch. It might also be nice for honeymooners as it has more intimate tables for two and four.
Before the huge referb 15 years ago, what is now the annex restaurant was the main building. You'll be amazed when you see it. Try to picture the village without what is now the main building.
Take a look at the pic that shows the fare areas, then read my recommendations. Area 'E' has the best views, but can get hot during the day as there is little shade. On the pictures sub-page, the pic labeled 'West end of the village' is a shot of Area 'E' taken from in front of area 'C'.
I try to not use paper money. Most all the shops take plastic.
If there is one thing to dislike about Tahiti and her islands, it's the roosters. They always seem to delight in 'going-off' at all times of the night, and always close to your bedroom window. I can't tell you how many times I've been awakened at dawn by a dutiful rooster's crowing. It sometimes changes the decision for ones dinner entree from fish to chicken.
You might want to think about bringing a small travel umbrella. Just the thing for the frequent cloud bursts, since there is no protected way to get from the rooms to the dining room.
( Scuba )
For me, diving in Moorea is all about shark. Awesome beautiful creatures. EVERY dive you do, you'll see shark. Anywhere from 3 to 30. Very cool.

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