7 Days In Moorea Itinerary
Day 2: Lagoon Tour
Moorea’s large and beautiful lagoon makes for a great day on the water. Spend a full day exploring Moorea’s lagoon, primarily focusing on its northwest section around the large motus (islets). Full-day tours also include a pampering BBQ lunch and more snorkeling time, while half-day tours focus on the stingray feeding area and perhaps a short snorkeling session nearby. Inquire with Moorea Miti Tours or Moorea Mahana Tours for shared outings, or book private tours which come in a variety of formats.
If you’re also visiting Bora Bora or the Tuamotu Atolls, the lagoon tours are more thrilling there than the ones in Moorea.
Sharks & Stingrays
The lagoon tour begins with a scenic cruise along the island’s stunning north coast (the duration depends on your pickup location). Moorea’s north coast is punctured by its large twin bays with Mount Rotui acting as the barrier between them. The bays are bordered by the lagoon on one side and by a series of sculpted peaks on the other.
The first stop of the day is at Moorea’s worst-kept secret – the stingray feeding area. Step down the ladder in a shallow area in the lagoon where dozens of sharks and stingrays gather to meet the often stunned tourists. This encounter is of no coincidence, of course, as your guides will gently feed the stingrays and even let you have a go.
Snorkeling
Back on the boat, you’ll stop on one of the motus (small islets) at the edge of the lagoon. Put on your mask and fins and explore one of the best snorkeling spots in Moorea as your crew prepares a delicious Polynesian buffet lunch.
Polynesian Buffet Lunch
The rest of the full-day lagoon tour is dedicated to a plentiful lunch and cultural activities on the motu. The staff will usually explain the ins and outs of making some of the delicious dishes and teach you the local trick for cracking and grinding coconuts. You might have some more time to relax or snorkel before heading back to the main island.
Here’s a look back at this amazing day spent in the Moorea lagoon!
Day 3: Scuba Diving Or Swimming With Whales
It’s time to hit the water again on day three of this Moorea itinerary. Spend the morning scuba diving or join a dolphin and whale watching tour, where you might have the chance to swim with humpback whales. The afternoon is spent relaxing at the beach.
Scuba Diving
Start your day with a morning scuba diving outing. Moorea’s coral reef is ideal for beginner and intermediate divers. Its hard coral and reef channels always hide a variety of fish, sharks, and turtles. I went diving with Moorea Blue Diving, branded as the “shark experts” on the island. They’ll take you to dive sites just off the twin bays where you’re almost guaranteed to see some serious sharks.
Save 10% off your dives when you mention the promotional code ‘X Days In Y’ to Diane & Stephane. The offer is for direct bookings not part of the Te Moana Pass.
Here’s a video summary of my dives in Moorea.
Dolphins & Whales
Spinner dolphins are present around Moorea’s lagoon passes, throughout the year, primarily along the north coast. Between July and October, humpback whales visit Moorea from Antarctica to breed and mate. You can join dolphin tours at any time of the year and whale tours starting in August. Some tours specifically focus on getting in the water and swimming with the whales. Note that for such tours you must be comfortable swimming in the open ocean. One of the most popular dolphin and whale-watching tours is offered by Dr Michael Pool (Monday and Thursday only).
Lunch at Snack Mahana
Back on dry land, head to Snack Mahana for lunch. This is the best local restaurant (snack) on the island, and if you’re having trouble locating the place, just look for the row of cars parked on the side of the road. Portions are generous, the dishes are excellent, and the lagoonside location is hard to beat.
Snack Mahana is very popular and closes its doors when food starts to run out. Take note of their opening days and hours, and aim to arrive at least one hour before closure. Cash only, seating is on a first come first serve basis.
Afternoon At Temae Beach
Spend the rest of your day relaxing at your hotel or at the beach. If you’re up for some more beach time, head to Temae Beach on the island’s northeast corner. Before hitting the beach, drive to the Toatea Lookout for the beautiful panoramic views above the overwater bungalows of the Sofitel Resort.
Facing the island of Tahiti, Temae Beach is one of the longest stretches of sand in French Polynesia. This public beach has no facilities, but the snorkeling is quite good. Due to the strong current, enter the water on the Tahiti side, and drift to the Sofitel side as you check out the marine life around the coral heads.
