Located on Moorea (17º 32' S 149º 50' W), the Station stands at the entrance to Cook’s Bay, providing excellent access to the ocean, lagoon, and island interior. The University of California property occupies 14 hectares (35 acres) of land from the shore to 149m (489ft).
Surrounded by a well developed coral reef and lagoon system (12 reef passes), Moorea (132 sq Km) is a high (1207m), 1.2 million year old volcanic island with freshwater streams that flow year-round.
Tahiti and French Polynesia's capital Papeete is just 30 minutes from Moorea by car-ferry. Papeete provides for most logistical needs and is the hub for international air travel.
Researchers and classes find the Gump Station an excellent base for field studies. Marine scientists can work in a variety of habitats - mud and sand flats, sea grass beds, inner and outer coral reefs, algal ridges and deep oceanic waters - all easily accessible from the Station. Terrestrial and freshwater scientists study island biogeography, geomorphology, the biology of invasive species, and the ecology of insular plant and animal communities. Human scientists (ethnobiology, public health, sustainable development, sociology, environmental design, policy, anthropology and archeology) find a fascinating balance between traditional Polynesian society and the culture of more recent immigrants (particularly from Europe and China) as well as a wealth of archeological sites.