Silversea Expedition Cruises À MOOREA ISLAND

Explore the wild dolphins living in the waters off Moorea during this fascinating, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Moorea Dolphin-Watching

Depart the pier aboard a boat for a picturesque ride along the coast of Moorea. Accompanied by expert scientist Dr. Michael Poole and his research team, observe and learn about the dolphins in their natural habitat. See schools of acrobatic spinner dolphins, and learn about their remarkable behaviour and social organisation. This species is the only one to spin vertically and horizontally in the air like a top ballerina.

Island Discovery

Your dolphin-watching tour also enables you to embrace the stunning beauty of the island of Moorea, and learn about the natural and geological creation of the island and its 'motu'. Time permitting, you can snorkel in the Moorea Lagoon, and experience its spectacular undersea beauty. Your tour concludes back at the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking, with a few steps to negotiate to embark/disembark the boat. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear a swimsuit under a cover-up with boat or water shoes, and bring sun protection, a towel from the ship. Guests must be at least two years old to participate on this tour. Although dolphin species are commonly found in these waters, wildlife viewing is not guaranteed. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Embrace your sense of adventure and Moorea's exquisite beauty during this four-wheel-drive excursion to the historical and archaeological sites located in the heart of the island.

Depart the tender pier for the drive past Pao Pao Village, then proceed through pineapple fields en route to Magic Mountain for spectacular views and photo opportunities over Opunohu Bay and the lagoon. Afterward, your drive continues on to the Belvedere Lookout for a panoramic view of the valley below.

Next, visit one of the numerous maraes, or ancient stone temples, scattered across the Opunohu Valley to learn about their historical and cultural significance.

Your tour concludes back at the pier

Please note: This tour requires a moderate/extensive amount of walking at the various sites, some of which is over unpaved pathways. It is suitable for guests with limited mobility, able to climb in and out of the vehicles via large steps. This tour is not allowed for pregnant women and childer under 6 years old. The touring vehicles are not wheelchair accessible. As this tour operates in 4-WD vehicles over rugged terrain, it is not recommended for guests with back and/or neck problems; the ride may be rough and bumpy at times. Due to the limited number of vehicles, all seats are utilised. In the event of rain affecting the terrain, Magic Mountain will be replaced by another stop. Guests are advised to wear comfortable, lightweight clothing, and to bring insect repellent and bottled water from the ship. Participation is limited. The order of sites seen may vary, depending on the bay in which the ship is anchored.

Discover Moorea's religious past and natural beauty during a picturesque introduction to this exotic island paradise.

Depart the tender pier for a drive on the road around the island and along Opunohu and Cook's Bays. Leaving the main road, travel through the fertile Opunohu Valley, site of numerous maraes, ancient stone temples. Some 500 of these structures have been identified in this area, evidence that the valley was once inhabited by a people with a highly-developed social system long before Christianity arrived. A stop allows for a closer look at one of these temple ruins before continuing on the winding road to the Belvedere Viewpoint. This lookout offers splendid views and photo opportunities over much of Northern Moorea and Mount Rotui.

Next, your drive around this idyllic island resumes with more spectacular vistas before heading back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of activity and is primarily a panoramic coach tour that offers a good overview of the island with only brief periods of walking. Some of the walkways to the marae are unpaved and guests should wear walking shoes to avoid tripping. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility, able to get on and off the coach via steps. The coach is unable to accommodate wheelchairs. A restroom stop is offered at a local shop; euros, US dollars and Pacific Francs accepted for any souvenir purchases. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and insect repellent from the ship.

Indulge your senses with the exquisite beauty of Moorea during this picturesque and relaxing lagoon cruise, with a picnic on a motu.

Moorea Lagoon Cruise & Snorkelling

Depart the pier aboard a boat for a short cruise on the lagoon to your first snorkelling stop. En route, photo stops are made for breath-taking views. Upon arrival at the first snorkelling stop, receive your safety instructions and snorkelling equipment, then enter the water and begin your guided snorkelling session. Explore an underwater world filled with wonderful coral and colourful tropical fish. The crew provides assistance on the boat and in the water.

Motu Visit with Swimming, Snorkelling & Lunch

Following your snorkelling session, cruise on to a motu, or islet. A stop is made here for a picnic lunch consisting of local dishes such as mixed salads, barbecued, fish, chicken, and exotic fruit. After lunch, some free time is made available for relaxing on the beach, swimming or for a second snorkelling session in the coral garden right next to the shore.

At the conclusion of your visit, embark the boat and commence the ride back to the pier.

Please note: This tour requires an extensive amount of activity and is recommended for guests who are in good physical condition, agile to get in and out of the boat/water, and able to swim and wade in shallow water. It is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Wear a swimsuit under a cover-up with beach shoes or flip-flops suitable to wade ashore in the shallow water. Bring eco-friendly sun protection, towels and bottled water from the ship. Masks and snorkels (no fins) are provided but they are of a basic quality; we recommend guests bring their own. Guests must follow their guide's instructions at all times. Do not touch or handle the coral whilst snorkelling. Restrooms are available on motu/islet and not on board the vessel.