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Cook's Bay

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Landmark
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Cook's Bay (French Polynesia)

Weather…

Cook's Bay, also known as Paopao Bay, is one of the most iconic and photographed locations in French Polynesia. Situated on the northern coast of Moorea, the bay is characterized by its deep, calm waters and the dramatic backdrop of jagged volcanic peaks, most notably the towering Mount Rotui. Although named after Captain James Cook, the explorer actually anchored in the adjacent Opunohu Bay during his 1777 voyage. The surrounding fertile valleys are famous for their extensive pineapple plantations, which provide a lush green contrast to the dark basaltic rock of the mountains. The bay is a popular harbor for sailing yachts and cruise ships, offering visitors some of the most spectacular scenery in the South Pacific. Small villages along its shores, such as Paopao, provide a glimpse into the local lifestyle, while the surrounding ridges offer dramatic viewpoints accessible by hiking trails.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C282828282727262626262727
Rain mm185171130115886852483982114218

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Cook's Bay on Moorea is a publicly accessible natural harbour admired from shore or water. Visitors can explore the bay along the coastal road or relax on the beaches.
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Typical hours
As an open bay it is accessible anytime - no opening hours. Boat tours and water sports are typically offered during daytime.
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Photography
The bay provides impressive photo subjects with green mountains in the background and turquoise water. Mornings are well-suited for mountain reflections in the water.
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Time needed
A simple viewing of the bay from lookout or beach takes about 30 minutes. For a boat ride or snorkelling allow 2-3 hours.
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Combine with
Combine with the nearby Opunohu Bay or a drive up to the Belvedere lookout. Also a trip around Moorea with its hiking trails is recommended.
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Getting there
The bay is on Moorea's north coast about 10 km from the ferry terminal in Vaiare. Reachable by rental car, taxi or local bus.
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Insider tip
Rent a kayak to explore the bay up close - often cheaper than a boat tour. Look out for stingrays often found in the shallow areas.

Geography

Coordinates
-17.49110, -149.81360

Facts

  • The bay is locally referred to as 'Baie de Paopao'.
  • It measures approximately 3.5 kilometers in length and is reef-protected.
  • The village of Paopao is situated at the southern head of the bay.
  • Mount Mouaputa (830 m) is its most iconic geographical landmark.
  • Luxury cruise ships and private yachts frequently anchor in the bay.
  • The bay was created by volcanic forces approximately 1.5 million years ago.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

PaopaoPaopao<1 km · SWExplore →
Mount TohiveaMount Tohivea2 km · EExplore →
Mount Rotui Nature AreaMount Rotui Nature Area2 km · SEExplore →
Mount RotuiMount Rotui2 km · SExplore →
Mount MouaputaMount Mouaputa3 km · NEExplore →
Marae Ahu-o-MahineMarae Ahu-o-Mahine4 km · EExplore →
Moorea Juice FactoryMoorea Juice Factory4 km · SExplore →
Opunohu ValleyOpunohu Valley4 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Cook's Bay (10)

Galerie Van der Heyde🏛 museum

Art gallery featuring works by local and international artists, exhibition space.

Église adventiste du 7è jour

Seventh-day Adventist church, a place for Sabbath observance.

Panorama de Pao Pao

Viewpoint overlooking Cooks Bay and the mountains.

Cook Bay

Bay in France, a sea inlet on the north coast of Moorea.

Église de J-C des St des derniers jours

Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, a worship site.

Salle paroissiale

Parish hall, a meeting place for church events and activities.

Usine Rotui

Factory processing pineapples and other tropical fruits.

Église St Joseph

Church in French Polynesia, a Catholic place of worship on the island.

Street Art

Painted walls and colorful graffiti on city buildings, outdoor public art.

Temple Iehova Nisi

Temple, a religious building for the worship of Jehovah.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is Cook's Bay family-friendly?
Yes, the bay has calm waters, great for swimming and boat tours with children.
Can you snorkel in the bay?
Yes, the clear water has great opportunities to explore the marine life right from the shore.
What is the best way to get to Cook's Bay?
The bay on Moorea is easily accessible by rental car or taxi from the ferry.
Best time to visit?
The dry season from May to October is good for outdoor activities in the bay.
Are there good photo spots?
Yes, the combination of mountains and blue water provides impressive panoramas.
Cook's Bay: where is it located?
Cook's Bay is located in French Polynesia.
Cook's Bay: what is there to see?
Highlights include Galerie Van der Heyde, Église adventiste du 7è jour, Panorama de Pao Pao.
Cook's Bay: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Cook's Bay: why is it worth visiting?
Cook's Bay, also known as Paopao Bay, is one of the most iconic and photographed locations in French Polynesia.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Oceania
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Nearby cities

Faa&#39;a — Cook's Bay (French Polynesia)
Faa'a
Faa'a is the most populous commune in French Polynesia, located directly west of the capital Papeete.
Papeete — Cook's Bay (French Polynesia)
Papeete
Papeete is the capital of French Polynesia and the primary economic hub located on the island of Tahiti.
Puna&#39;auia — Cook's Bay (French Polynesia)
Puna'auia
Puna'auia is a major residential commune on the west coast of Tahiti, known for its university and beaches.
Pirae — Cook's Bay (French Polynesia)
Pirae
Pirae is an urban commune east of Papeete that hosts major medical and administrative facilities.
Mahina — Cook's Bay (French Polynesia)
Mahina
Mahina is a coastal commune in northern Tahiti, famous for the historical Point Venus and black sand beaches.
Paea — Cook's Bay (French Polynesia)
Paea
Paea is a commune on the west coast of Tahiti, rich in archaeological sites and coral reefs.
Papara — Cook's Bay (French Polynesia)
Papara
Papara is an extensive commune on the southern coast of Tahiti, known for its agriculture and wide beaches.
Arue — Cook's Bay (French Polynesia)
Arue
Arue is a commune in northeastern Tahiti that offers a mix of industrial areas and exclusive residential neighborhoods.
Taravao — Cook's Bay (French Polynesia)
Taravao
Taravao is a strategically important town located on the isthmus connecting the two peninsulas of Tahiti.
Toahotu — Cook's Bay (French Polynesia)
Toahotu
Toahotu is a commune at the entrance of the Tahiti Iti peninsula, known for its white sand beaches and coconut groves.
Afaahiti — Cook's Bay (French Polynesia)
Afaahiti
Afaahiti is a commune on the Tahiti Iti peninsula, bordering the important commercial center of Taravao.
Mataiea — Cook's Bay (French Polynesia)
Mataiea
Mataiea is a village in southern Tahiti known for its lush vegetation and historical links to Paul Gauguin.
Mataiea — Cook's Bay (French Polynesia)
Mataiea
Mataiea is a picturesque coastal commune on the southern shore of Tahiti, renowned for its lush botanical gardens and serene beaches.
Paopao — Cook's Bay (French Polynesia)
Paopao
Paopao is a village located at the base of the majestic Cook's Bay on the island of Moorea.
Papeari — Cook's Bay (French Polynesia)
Papeari
Papeari is a coastal village on Tahiti famous for its natural beauty and the Paul Gauguin Museum.

Nature

Mount Tohivea — Cook's Bay (French Polynesia)
Mount Tohivea
Mount Tohivea is the highest peak on the island of Moorea, reaching an elevation of 1,207 meters.
Mount Rotui — Cook's Bay (French Polynesia)
Mount Rotui
Mount Rotui rises majestically between the two large bays of Moorea island.
Mount Mouaputa — Cook's Bay (French Polynesia)
Mount Mouaputa
Mount Mouaputa is known as the "pierced mountain" on Moorea, reaching an elevation of 830 meters.

More places

Papeete Town Hall — Cook's Bay (French Polynesia)
Papeete Town Hall
Papeete Town Hall is a magnificent colonial-style building that resembles the former palace of Queen Pomare.
Vaiare — Cook's Bay (French Polynesia)
Vaiare
Vaiare is the primary port of Moorea and the main gateway for travelers arriving by ferry from Tahiti.
Mount Rotui Nature Area — Cook's Bay (French Polynesia)
Mount Rotui Nature Area
Mount Rotui dominates the landscape of Moorea between Cook's and Opunohu Bay.
Marae Ahu-o-Mahine — Cook's Bay (French Polynesia)
Marae Ahu-o-Mahine
Located near Marae Titiroa on Moorea, this site impresses with its three-tiered stone platform.
Marae Titiroa — Cook's Bay (French Polynesia)
Marae Titiroa
Located deep in the Opunohu Valley on Moorea, this marae is surrounded by dense forest.