Information
Landmark: Cook's BayCity: Moorea
Country: French Polynesia
Continent: Australia
Cook's Bay, Moorea, French Polynesia, Australia
Overview
Cook’s Bay, or Baie de Cook, is a jewel of Moorea in French Polynesia, its calm turquoise water framed by jagged green peaks.On Moorea’s northern coast, this bay catches the eye with steep green mountains rising behind it and turquoise water so clear you can see the ripples over the white sand below.Cook’s Bay and nearby Opunohu Bay make a striking duo on the island, with turquoise waters, lookout points that catch the sea breeze, plenty of activities, and a deep cultural past.Cook’s Bay curves like a crescent beneath steep volcanic cliffs draped in thick, green jungle, the still, glassy water catching glints of sunlight.Towering above it all is Mount Rotui, standing between this bay and nearby Opunohu Bay.Emerald forests crowd the mountainsides around the bay, where thin white ribbons of waterfalls tumble into the sea below.Sheltered from the wind, the water lies calm and glassy-perfect for paddling or simply soaking in Moorea’s beauty.Cook’s Bay takes its name from Captain James Cook, the British explorer who sailed here in the 18th century during his Pacific voyages.In 1769, Cook anchored in the bay to watch the transit of Venus, a rare sight that marked a milestone in astronomy’s history.When he set foot on the island, it became one of the earliest European meetings with the Polynesian people.In the bay, weathered stone marae-sacred Polynesian temples-still stand, quietly holding the stories of life before Europeans arrived.People once gathered at these sacred sites for religious ceremonies, and they still stand as powerful symbols of Moorea’s cultural heritage.In Cook’s Bay, the water is so clear you can spot a parrotfish gliding past bright coral, making it a favorite spot for snorkeling and scuba diving.Visitors can dive into vibrant underwater worlds alive with darting fish, graceful rays, and the occasional shadow of a passing shark.The area’s famous for its vibrant coral gardens, where flashes of orange and purple ripple beneath the waves.In Cook’s Bay, several boat tours carry visitors across the water, giving them a fresh view of the shoreline and reef.You might spend the day sightseeing, snorkeling, and spotting marine life-dolphins slicing through the waves, rays gliding like shadows, and sea turtles drifting lazily past.In Cook’s Bay, the calm, sheltered water is ideal for paddling a kayak or balancing on a stand-up board.Rent gear right in town, then glide your kayak across the bay as the mountains and rugged coastline rise around you.Dense green slopes ring the water, and if you follow the trails, you’ll find waterfalls tumbling in silver ribbons down the rocks.You can glide to some waterfalls by boat, but others make you trek through shaded forest trails to find them.The waterfalls lend a wild beauty to the area, and their cool spray makes for a perfect swim.Many local operators run lagoon tours, carrying visitors across the turquoise curve of Cook’s Bay and beyond.These tours often let you swim or snorkel alongside stingrays and sharks, or stop by the nearby Moorea Dolphin Center.For hikers, the climb up Mount Rotui is a favorite, rewarding you with sweeping views of Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay, where the water shimmers deep blue in the sun.The hike’s a bit tough, but the view from the summit makes it worth every step-jagged peaks fading into the blue.The Vallee de la Vaiana trail winds through the lush Vaiana Valley, just a short way from Cook’s Bay.The valley bursts with greenery, alive with birdsong and the rustle of leaves, drawing visitors who hike in to soak up the island’s wild beauty.One trail winds up to Belvedere Lookout, where the view sweeps across the island in a breathtaking panorama.From this spot, you can look down over Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay, with green mountains curling around them.Nearby, a handful of local restaurants serve traditional Polynesian dishes, like fresh poisson cru.Many restaurants here serve fresh seafood, sweet tropical fruit, and island specialties like poisson cru-raw fish marinated in coconut milk and lime.Some sit right on the water, so you can taste the salt in the breeze while looking out over the glittering bay.Savoring fresh island dishes by the calm waters of the bay lets you soak in Moorea’s flavors with every salty breeze.As for where to stay, Cook’s Bay doesn’t boast sprawling luxury resorts, but you’ll find charming boutique hotels, welcoming guesthouses, and cozy vacation rentals tucked along the shoreline.From these accommodations, you can wake to sweeping views of the bay framed by rugged green mountains, then step straight into the water for snorkeling or a lazy kayak paddle.Moorea’s overwater bungalows rank among the world’s most iconic.Several luxury resorts around Cook’s Bay offer this style of stay, giving guests a secluded, private escape-sometimes with a path that leads straight into the clear, turquoise lagoon.True to Moorea’s commitment to sustainability, Cook’s Bay embraces eco-friendly tourism at every turn.In the area, you’ll find activities like quiet, solar-powered boat tours and glimpses of seabirds skimming the waves, all aimed at showing visitors why the island’s fragile ecosystems matter.Around Cook’s Bay, conservation teams work to safeguard the coral reefs and the marine life they shelter.Local groups and guides encourage snorkelers, divers, and fishers to follow sustainable practices, helping protect the reef’s bright corals and marine life for years to come.You can reach Cook’s Bay by boat for a guided trip, a day of fishing, or a quiet solo cruise across the water’s glassy surface.Prefer to drive?It’s only minutes from Maharepa, with smooth roads that wind through the island and make the bay easy to reach by car or scooter.On Moorea, you can get around by taxi or rental car, and shuttles can take you from your hotel to spots like Cook’s Bay.Public buses run rarely, so plan ahead.The best time to visit is during the dry season, May through October, when the air feels warm, the skies stay clear, and the water sparkles-perfect for hiking, snorkeling, or exploring the bay.From November to April, rain showers roll in now and then, but the island grows quieter, with far fewer tourists.Still, rain can disrupt some tours, so it’s wise to plan ahead-pack a light jacket before heading to Cook’s Bay on M.
