Mopelia, Society Islands, French Polynesia

Mopelia is an island located among the Society Islands, in French Polynesia, an overseas territory of France in the Pacific Ocean. It is part of the Leeward Islands group and is located 72 km southeast of Manuae, its nearest neighbor. The only village on the atoll is located on Motu Maupihaa.

Mopelia has a lagoon that is up to 40 m in depth and is surrounded by submerged reefs on three sides. The atoll's outer reefs are continuous except for a small passage on the western side of the atoll. The eastern side consists of a narrow, thickly vegetated, islet (Motu Maupihaa) and a number of smaller islets.

The island is known for its bird colonies. Birds such as Red-footed Boobies, Brown Noddies, and Fairy Terns, can be found here in abundance. Occasional sightings of the endangered Blue (Tahiti) Lorikeets have been made as well.

Things to See and Do

* Village visit
* Bird colony tour
* Island tour

Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – CFP franc (XPF)
Language – French, Tahitian
Land Area – 2.6 km²
Population – 10 approx
Electricity – 2 angled flat pins and 1 round pin centred below Australian style
Time – GMT minus ten hours
International Country Telephone Code – + 689

Port Location – Anchorage is available at Motu Mauphiaa.

Transport Links – Two cruise ships/luxury liners currently ply the islands: the Paul Gauguin, which does a regular 7-day trip around the Societies, with occasional trips out to the Tuamotus, Marquesas and Cook Islands; and the Tahitian Princess which does similar itineraries.