Moorea Travel Guide
Things To Do & Places To See In Moorea
Listed in this section are the top things to see and do in Moorea. If you’re wondering how to organize your time, check out this Moorea sample itinerary.
Hiking in Moorea
Moorea is a hiker’s paradise, offering at least half a dozen excellent hikes for all levels. Some of the hikes require a guide, but there are a few you can do on your own. My personal favorite is the Vaiare to Paopao hike, but have a look at the ‘hiking in Moorea’ section for all the details.
Diving in Moorea
Moorea is a great place for an introductory dive or for getting your diving certification if you have the time. For certified divers, it’s worthwhile to dive in Moorea if you won’t be visiting the atolls of the Tuamotu Archipelago. Visibility in Moorea is generally excellent, and divers can expect to see a lot of lemon and reef sharks. The hard coral, similar to that of Samoa and the Cook Islands, makes for mostly mundane dives unless you encounter some sea turtles and perhaps even dolphins to spice things up. I dove with Moorea Blue Diving and highly recommend them. Have a look at the ‘Diving in Moorea’ section for lots more details, photos, and a 10% discount on diving.
Snorkeling in Moorea
Except for the motus (islets) off Hauru Point, I found the snorkeling to be just OK in Moorea. The best snorkeling spot is between the motus. You can reach this area either by kayaking/renting a boat, by swimming from Tiahura Public Beach, by joining a lagoon or jet ski tour (see ‘excursions in Moorea’), or if you have lunch at the Coco Beach Restaurant. On the island itself, the best snorkeling spot is in Temae Beach. Due to the strong current, enter the water on the Tahiti side, and drift towards the Sofitel Resort.
Moorea’s Beaches
The best beaches in Moorea are concentrated around the north coast of the island. With one exception, expect narrow slivers of white for the most part. While there are no official ‘private’ beaches that I know of, you may not be able to venture into a resort’s beach or one that is accessible only through private land. There are several public beaches and a few secret spots that I’ve found. Have a look at the ‘best beaches in Moorea’ section for more info. The beaches are busier on Sundays and public holidays.
Circling Moorea By Car Or Bike
The road circling Moorea is only 60 km long, so heading out on a short road trip is always a good idea. Whether in a car, on a scooter, or bicycle – you’ll just love finding a pretty spot along the way to pass some time. You’ll also find a handful of local stalls along the main road, selling fruits & vegetables, ice-cold coconuts, and freshly caught fish.
Apart from the places of interest mentioned in this section, here are a few of my favorite scenic spots:
Cook’s Bay & Opunohu Bay
Moorea’s twin bays sweep inland to give the island its famous heart shape. It’s easy then to understand why you’ll immediately fall in love with Moorea. Separating the two bays is the mighty Mount Rotui, which affords those who hike its mesmerizing views. There are a few points of interest along the bays (especially around Opunohu Bay), though just finding a nice spot and enjoying the view is always a good idea.
Cook’s Bay is named after the legendary Captain James Cook, though he actually anchored in Opunohu Bay. It is the busier of the two, with its proximity to Maharepa and a bunch of resorts. Stop at Pihaena Lookout (PK11) to suck in the views and have a look at the pineapple fields clinging to the slopes of the surrounding mountains. The Pineapple Route meets the main road at the village of Paopao, where you’ll find a small mini-market and the end of the trail of the Vaiare to Paopao hike.
Opunohu Bay is probably the more dramatic of the two. On a clear day (usually mornings), the towering peaks around the Belvedere Lookout stick out in all directions. This is as good as it gets. Cruise ships often anchor here on day trips from Tahiti, and you’ll find around the bay a bunch of points of interest (see map) and one of Moorea’s public beaches – Mareto Beach (a.k.a Ta’ahiamanu Beach). The bay was one of the filming locations for The Bounty, a 1984 film starring Anthony Hopkins and Mel Gibson.
Atiha Bay
Atiha Bay is one of my favorite spots in Moorea, totally off the tourist map and on Moorea’s lazy west coast. This sleepy fishing village is backed by imposing mountains. It’s one of those classic ‘paradise’ spots, with an incredible display of color just before sunset.
Sunsets in Moorea
No matter how you circle the island, be sure to head to Haapiti on a clear day to watch the sunset. My favorite place to catch the sunset in Moorea is on the beach right next to the Tiki Village. Park your car and walk down to the beach to prepare for the daily spectacle.
The points of interest in the follow section are listed in a counterclockwise direction starting from Temae Beach, excluding beaches, hikes, and recommended places to eat (see the following sections).
Toatea Lookout
A well-marked lookout point along the coastal road just above the Sofitel Resort. From up here, you’ll be amazed at the lagoon colors, overwater bungalows, and the long stretch of white sand that makes up Temae Beach. In the near distance is the big island of Tahiti, so close yet feels like a world away.
Lake Temae
There’s no real need to visit Lake Temae as a tourist apart from curiosity and a bit of tranquility. To get here, take the dirt road that continues after Temae Beach and continues for a little longer. The road runs parallel to the lake until it stops abruptly. Great views of the lake and the neighboring airport are afforded from the Temae hike (see ‘hiking in Moorea’).
Maharepa Village
While Vaiare has the ferry and Afareaitu is the administrative capital, it is Maharepa that has the most ‘action’. Conveniently located on the north coast, close enough to all the big resorts, you’ll find here all the amenities of a small town and tourist capital (black pearls, souvenirs, post office, supermarket, etc.). My favorite spots are Snack Didier for lunch and Carameline for lunch, but especially breakfast (see ‘places to eat’).
Picturesque Churches
As a cultural enthusiast, I always enjoyed visiting the churches in the South Pacific islands. They are just so cute. Moorea has three churches worth having a look at (the oldest one is in Papetoai, but I did not find it interesting). Just as you round Cook’s Bay, you’ll see St Joseph’s Church on the bayside. It kind of looks like one of those old Spanish churches and has a great view from the back. If the church happens to be open, step inside and have a look at the Polynesian-inspired mural above the altar.
The next two churches are pretty close to each other in Haapiti. The Protestant church is on the lagoon side, while the twin-towered Catholic church is on the mountainside. So beautiful!
Rotui-Manutea Factory
Lining the shelves of every grocery store in French Polynesia are row after row of Rotui fruit juices. And where do they all come from? Right here from the Rotui-Manutea Factory! Founded by local pineapple growers way back in 1982, the factory has become one of the proudest brands in French Polynesia. It has come a long way since turning the locally grown Queen Tahiti pineapples into juice, now producing a wide range of flavors.
Over the years, the factory has added the Manutea brand, producing delicious jams (my favorite is the guava) and liqueurs (nothing beats the vanilla cream and pineapple wine). You can visit the factory shop throughout the week (except Sundays) and taste the taste of paradise for yourself. The factory shop also doubles as a souvenir shop, with a decent selection and prices.
The Inland Road
The only “real” inland road in Moorea stretches from Opunohu Bay to the Belvedere Scenic Lookout. The paved road travels along the floor of the lush Opunohu Valley, the site of the ancient volcano’s caldera, before twisting its way through the forest to the Belvedere. The scenery is pretty, and there are lots of potential stops to make on this short stretch of road.
Belvedere Lookout
No visit to Moorea is complete without a visit to the Belvedere Lookout. This is a must! Reached by car or as part of an ATV tour (which I found to be totally annoying), the Belvedere offers panoramic views of the two bays split by Mount Rotui. You reach it by taking the only real inland road just in the middle of Opunohu Bay (you can’t miss it). Keep in mind that it can get crowded up here very quickly, and parking might be tricky to find. But after a few minutes, as the guided tours depart for the next stop, tranquility returns until the next group arrives. The Belvedere also serves as the starting (or meeting point) for a few of Moorea’s hikes. Unlike on other islands, you’ll find signs pointing you in the right direction.
Moorea’s Ancient Temples
Ancient Polynesian temples, known as marae are found on all islands in French Polynesia. Maraes were not only used in a religious ceremony but also as a gathering spot for local communities and families. Moorea’s Opunohu Valley has a few such temples reached on your way to or back from the Belvedere. As you near the scenic lookout, you’ll find a large parking lot just in front of Marae Titiroa – the first of the three maraes you can visit here. A trail from the parking lot takes you to several ancient remains. The trail then continues into the rainforest, where you can cross the stream and admire the mape trees with their incredible roots. Take extra caution if the ground is wet, as it can be slippery.
agricultural college
About halfway to or from the Belvedere, stop at the Lycee Agricole (agricultural college), where you can enjoy fresh fruit juices, ice cream, and homemade jams that are very popular in French Polynesia.
The Pineapple Route
Moorea’s Pineapple Route is an unpaved road that connects Moorea’s twin bays via the pineapple fields in the heart of Opunohu Valley. Rental cars are not allowed to drive on the Pineapple Route, but simply leave your car under the large tree at the intersection of the paved road with the Pineapple Route. It’s a short walk from here to the pineapple fields.
Te Fare Natura
The unique structure of this eco museum cannot be missed when turning inland towards the Moorea’s Belvedere scenic lookout. A great option if traveling to Moorea with children, the museum invites you to discover and learn about the geology and the ins and outs of French Polynesia’s terrestrial and marine ecosystems.
Tiki Parc
The Tiki Parc is a relatively new attraction in Moorea geared towards families with children. The Tiki Parc offers several “outdoor challenges,” such as walking on wire and zip-lining.
Magic Mountain
Look for the roadside sign to Magic Mountain. It’s an absolute must. The small parking lot hosts a small cafe where you can pay a small fee to head to the lookout on foot. The climb is on a cement road and is very steep all the way with no shade, so come prepared. The viewing platform at the summit boasts unobstructed views of the magnificent surroundings. I found the scenery at Magic Mountain to be superior to that at the Belvedere. Once again, there is no shade up here, so have plenty of water, and don’t forget to wear a hat. Back at level ground, sample some fruit jams, and have a refreshing drink before continuing your journey.
Moorea’s Lagoon
The lagoon in Moorea is large and impressive, especially if you’re visiting the island before heading to Bora Bora. Just like most of Moorea’s highlights on dry land, the lagoon’s most interesting section is along the island’s north coast. Apart from underwater wonders, touring the lagoon also gives you the opportunity to admire Moorea’s memorable skyline from a unique vantage point.
There are endless ways of exploring Moorea’s lagoon, but the most popular excursions are thoroughly described in the “excursions” section of this Moorea travel guide. These include the “classic” lagoon tours, jet ski tours, and whale watching/swimming with whales tours.
Moorea Dolphin Center
The Moorea Dolphin Center is located on the grounds of the former InterContinental Resort. When the resort was open, you could freely roam the grounds. Nowadays, entrance to the dolphin center is by reservation only. The center offers the (pricey) opportunity to jump into the enclosed pools and play with the dolphins.
Moorea Tropical Garden
Commanding a great spot just above Opunohu Bay, the Moorea Tropical Garden is reached via a steep one-lane dirt road that’s totally doable in a 2WD with a bit of courage. The garden itself is OK, built on a couple of levels and showcasing an active vanilla farm. The absolute reason for coming all the way up here is the restaurant. Enjoy the panoramic views of the bay and the lagoon with some freshly squeezed juice, or succumb to your appetite with a delicious Polynesian lunch (1,500F) complete with breadfruit, taro in coconut milk, and sticky pudding for dessert. Bottom lunch: come here for the views and the food, less for the garden itself. You can also taste and buy homemade jams made from fruit grown in the garden.
Hauru Point & Lagoon Motus
The northwestern part of Moorea manages to feel low-key despite having the only motus (small islets inside a lagoon) on the island that are worth a visit. An optimal place to enjoy this spot is the beach at Hotel les Tipaniers, one of Moorea’s best. From here, you can rent kayaks or charter small boats to visit the motus, where you can make landfall and do some snorkeling. Another way to enjoy this area is by having lunch at the excellent Coco Beach Restaurant.
Full day lagoon tours almost always anchor at the motus for a picnic lunch and some snorkeling time.
Tiki Village
Proudly showcasing Tahitian culture since 1983, the Tiki Village in Moorea is your best chance to experience Polynesian culture beyond the dinner dance shows offered at the resorts once or twice a week. Set in a reconstructed ancient Polynesian village, visitors have a few options for getting a taste of the exotic culture of Polynesia.
Day Visit
The village is free to enter, but there are several cultural workshops you can participate in to bring your traditional Polynesian skills up to standard. You can learn how to make your very own pareo (sarong), weave a basket out of freshly cut branches of a palm tree, play the ukulele, do a bit of Tahitian dancing, and prepare the national dish of French Polynesia, the poisson cru (raw fish in coconut milk). Here’s the recipe.
Evening Visit
The evening show at the Tiki Village is respected and well-known throughout Moorea. You can purchase a dinner and show ticket or just come here for the evening show (free transfers). Dinner is served buffet style and includes freshly prepared traditional and Western dishes.
The highlight is undoubtedly the fire and dance show. Tahitian dancing is mighty hard, with women shaking their hips from side to side and men twisting their knees like a young Elvis Presley doing the famous ‘shake’.
And no Polynesian show is ever complete without some fire dancing. In the Tiki Village, they really outdo themselves. I’ve seen a few Polynesian shows in the Cook Islands and Samoa, but the fire dancing here was by far the most impressive, not to mention rarely seen in cultural shows at the resorts.
The evening fire and dance show at the Tiki Village takes place on certain days of the week. Plan ahead and check if your visit to Moorea coincides with one of the shows. If you’re staying at a resort, check if any shows are planned during your stay.
Afareaitu Waterfalls
There are two waterfalls in Moorea, but I only made it to one. To get here, you’ll have to hike a bit through the forest, but it’s all very easygoing. See the ‘hiking in Moorea’ section for more details.
Scenic Flights in Moorea
Thanks to a local friend with a pilot’s license, I flew along Moorea’s north coast on a scenic flight from Tahiti, and it was a memorable experience. If you want to take to the skies, explore the lagoon from high above and Moorea’s classic peaks from up close, book a scenic helicopter tour, and have your camera ready. Scenic flights usually require a minimum of four persons and fair weather, so they are prone to last-minute cancellations.
The Best Beaches In Moorea
Moorea has a bunch of pretty beaches, mostly in and around the north coast, with some serving as public beaches. Here are the best beaches in Moorea, including a few secret spots.
Though Moorea is a very safe travel destination, there have been thefts reported by tourists from its public beaches. It’s always wise to not leave anything valuable or visible in your car and to watch your belongings when you enter the water.
Ta’ahiamanu Beach
Ta’ahiamanu Beach, also locally known as Mareto Beach, is the most beautiful and popular beach in Moorea. Located in the heart of the north coast by the Hilton Resort, this public beach is very popular with the locals, especially on weekends and holidays. It has toilets and changing facilities, to go along with a proper parking lot.
The beach itself is very narrow but is backed by a grassy lawn lined with dozens of beautiful palm trees growing in all directions. The water is shallow but drops very quickly and very deep. There’s not much coral to speak of, but lots of fish hang around the slope. Opunohu Bay is right next to you, and you can’t go wrong with such a view.
Temae Beach
Temae Beach is a public beach that lies on private land. I know it’s an oxymoron, but what I mean is that the land, including the beach, is privately owned. The owners allow the public to use the beach, but there are always discussions and protests over the desire to develop this place, thus restricting public access.
Temae Beach is one of the longest, if not the longest beach in French Polynesia, bordered on one end by the Sofitel Resort. Park your car along the dirt road and grab a spot along the long sliver of white sand. If it’s not too crowded, you might even find some shade beneath a palm tree. The snorkeling in Temae Beach is enjoyable but due to the strong current, enter the water from the Tahiti side and drift towards the Sofitel Resort as you snorkel. Bring everything you need for this beach day, as there are no facilities currently in Temae Beach.
Les Tipaniers Beach
This public beach lies on the private grounds of the family-friendly Hotel les Tipaniers. In recent years, management has restricted access to the beach, sometimes charging 1,500 XPF to use the private path from the main road to the beach and sometimes not allowing outside visitors at all. Since there’s a great beach bar and restaurant at Hotel Les Tipaniers, I recommend coming here for breakfast, lunch or drinks, and this will give you access to the beach without a special fee (reservations recommended).
The lagoon here is very shallow, so it’s a popular beach for families with children. You can also rent boats, go scuba diving, rent kayaks, and join excursions from the beach, so the lagoon is sometimes busy. When I first visited Moorea, this was my favorite beach on the island, but it has since given way to Ta’ahiamanu Beach. Nonetheless, the extended pier is still a great spot for sunset cocktails!
Tiahura Beach
Tiahura Beach is the newest public beach in Moorea. It’s more of a picnic spot rather than a beach, as there isn’t much sand. However, you can quite easily swim to good snorkeling spots and kayak to the nearby motus (islets). The beach has excellent facilities, including toilets. Gates close at 17:30.
Painapo Beach
Also known as Pineapple Beach, look for a large wooden statue of a Tahitian warrior of some sort holding a massive pineapple at PK33. The beach is absolutely free to enter and usually empty. Once a month, the owners throw a ma’a Tahiti (traditional Polynesian feast) that’s super popular with locals. Lunch quickly turns to dinner, which quickly turns into a discotheque (quite a thing to see). During the high season, the restaurant is open throughout the day, presenting a good option for a stop when circling the island.
As of July 2023, Pineapple Beach is still closed. Due to its prime location, I foresee that the restaurant and beach will reopen at some point, unless the owners decide to rezone the land.
Tiki Village Beach
This “secret” beach hides behind the grounds of the Tiki Village in an affluent lagoonside neighborhood. Come here if you want to work on your tan with hardly anyone around. There’s also decent snorkeling in the area, but you might need to swim towards the reef where the water becomes deeper (come here during high tide). This beach is also the best place in Moorea to watch the sunset (try to keep this a secret, OK?).
Places To Eat & Drink In Moorea
There are many dining options in Moorea, ranging from the simple roadside stands to the ever-so-local snacks, to high-end restaurants. Listed here are some of the best places to eat in Moorea. Some places only accept cash, so it’s best to ask in advance.
Restaurants in Moorea are not open every day. Check opening times if you have your heart set on a particular restaurant.
Coco Beach
Coco Beach is not just a restaurant but also an experience on its own. It all begins with a scenic short boat ride to a small motu at the edge of the coral reef. Upon arrival, it’s hard to decide whether to have a look at the menu or go for a stroll and explore the grounds.
The dishes at Coco Beach primarily focus on fish and seafood, but you’ll also find steaks on the menu. Everything is then thrown on the grill right in front of you. This is a good time to have some cocktails, check out the beach, and spot a few stingrays patrolling the shore on the hunt for some leftovers. Because of its location, try to free up a few hours for Coco Beach so you’ll have time to enjoy this prized real estate before heading back to the main island.
Make advanced reservations using the restaurant’s online booking system. Unless you own a boat or plan to kayak here, reserve the return boat trip as spaces are limited.
Snack Mahana
Snack Mahana is the best local restaurant in Moorea. This place wins extra points not only for food but also for the great location. Set in a garden overlooking the lagoon, Snack Mahana specializes in traditional cuisine but also offers Western “classics”. It’s easy to miss, but just look for cars clogging up the side of the road (open Tuesday-Saturday 11 am-3 pm).
Snack Mahana does not accept reservations and closes its kitchen before the official time if dishes run out. Cash only.
Snack Didier & Carameline
These two joints are located in Maharepa, the commercial center of Moorea. Snack Didier is a “classic” snack, serving classic local dishes in a simple lunch setting. Across the street, Carameline doubles as a pastry shop and restaurant. It’s got friendly opening hours and a menu filled with excellent choices.
Les Tipaniers
This restaurant sits on the beautiful and casual grounds of Hotel les Tipaniers. If you dine here, the hotel won’t charge you for accessing the beach (reservations are recommended during peak hours). This restaurant is great for any type of meal but also for drinks on the beach bar’s lovely deck. Portions are generous and reasonably priced.
Moorea Tropical Garden
Set on the grounds of the Moorea Tropical Garden, enjoy a traditional Tahitian meal and freshly squeezed fruit juice from the garden to go along with awesome views of Opunohu Bay. It makes sense to stick around for lunch or a drink after you’ve visited the small tropical garden.
Other Recommended Options
Here are a few more notable mentions:
Creperie Toatea: open after 6 pm at the Hilton Resort, enjoy a big French-style crepe (~1,800F) with stingrays and reef sharks swimming in the pool just beneath your feet!
La Pailotte: a simple snack right across the overpriced Coco d’Isle in the outskirts of the Petit Village. This little snack specializes in roasted chicken and grilled fish (1,300F). Order in the shack and grab a seat on the small hidden terrace!
Roulotte a l’Heure de Sud: craving some food from back home? Had enough poisson cru already? Grab a stool next to a local in this very casual diner at the Petit Village. Opening hours are weird but if you come around noon, it should be open.
Tiahura Restaurant: located in the Petit Village, this place is known for its seafood. I came here for lunch with a friend and we indulged ourselves with some classic sashimi and tuna tartare (~1,800F).
Chez Gerald: every Sunday (supposedly), Gerald throws a huge ma’a Tahiti – a traditional Polynesian feast. Inquire ahead and be prepared to spend 3,500F per person. I’ve heard good reviews about this from friends.
Moorea Beach Cafe: if you want to sip champagne by the lagoon with foie gras on the side, this is the place for you. It’s located in Maharepa Village.
Lastly: Le Lézard Jaune Cafe in the Petit Village, the high-end “K” restaurant at the Sofitel, Fare la Canadienne for the best burgers on the island, and Holy Steakhouse.
