Yesterday, February 10, 2011 we visited the very tropical island of Moorea, French Polynesia. The island covers 51 square miles and has a population of a little over 14,000. It is only 15 miles from the large city of Papeete, easily accessible by high speed ferry. Moorea is an uncrowded island with jagged mountains, lush forests, turquoise lagoons, and beautiful beaches. Over the years the pineapple industry has taken hold and now flourishes as the leading business. 
We went ashore at Cook’s Bay by the ship’s tender and spent the day looking around the island. On previous trips to this beautiful island, we has ventured up into the mountains for views from the Kia Ora and Le Belvedere lookouts. However, on this visit we preferred to venture along the shoreline and visit the numerous pearl shows. The weather was perfect with a temperature of 82 degrees and clear skies. Of particular interest to us were the wonderful 5 star hotels with their over-water bungalows.
