Moorea Travel Guide
Scuba Diving In Moorea
Perfect for all levels, especially for beginner and intermediate scuba divers, Moorea is a great island for scuba diving, that is unless you visit the atolls of the Tuamotu Archipelago. In Moorea, expect to encounter the inevitable sighting of nurse sharks, sea turtles, and perhaps a few other surprises. You’ll, of course, dive outside the protective lagoon.
After much research, I went diving with Moorea Blue Diving. They’re located at the Manava Beach Resort, and part of the totally worth it Te Moana Pass. A few years ago, French couple Diane and Stephane decided to swap the snow of the French Alps for the warm waters of Moorea. They run this lovely dive center, where you’ll get personal attention and enjoy top-notch gear. You can say that Diane & Stephane are the ‘shark experts’ in Moorea. 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.
Our first dive was in a valley that leads into Opunohu Bay. Right off the bat, we saw a huge barracuda just chilling close to the surface as if to welcome us to his neighborhood. We then descended to 24 meters and the ocean floor, where we caught our first glimpse of a shark. This became the norm, sharks coming and going as we floated along the valley atop beautiful hard coral.
On our second dive, we battled our way through the current and swam along a few channels that ran in the direction of the lagoon. We would grab onto something (just not yellow coral because that’s poisonous) as the current washed out and rode it as it swept into the lagoon. Along the way, Stephane spotted a small sea turtle just snacking away, and before we knew it, shark after shark arrived to see what the commotion was all about. We finished by scouting a few hidden caverns before Stephane spotted a sleeping nurse shark in one of them.
Here’s a video summary of my dives in Moorea with Moore Blue Diving.
Recommended Excursions In Moorea
Moorea has a wide range of guided activities to keep you busy, including inland thrills, water sports, and even skydiving. In this section, I’ll list the most popular options to work into your itinerary.
Island Tours
You can easily explore Moorea at your own pace with a rented car, but if you want to be guided around and hear a local’s perspective on things, guided tours are a great option. Most tours take 6-8 people but can be booked on a private basis as well. They’ll focus on the sites around the north coast’s twin bays and also head inland to explore Opunohu Valley. ATV and quad bike tours are also quite popular in Moorea. They follow the same path as regular tours for the most part. All guided island tours usually also stop at the summit of Magic Mountain.
Swimming With Whales
Throughout the year, you can join dolphin-watching tours and get to meet Moorea’s famous spinner dolphins. Between July and October, humpback whales visit Moorea. Beginning in August, you can join a tour to see and even possibly swim with them. Several outfits run whale-watching tours, and some offer swimming with humpback whales tours. The most famous dolphin and whale watching tour might still be offered by Dr Michael Pool (Monday and Thursday only).
If you opt for the swimming with whales tour, understand you’ll be swimming in the open ocean beyond the protective reef. You therefore need to be comfortable swimming in the ocean and inquire about the gear you can receive from the tour operator. Also, inquire about the maximum amount of people on the tour. In the water, you need to keep a safe distance from the whales while sticking to the group. Some or all tours might also throw in a quick snorkeling tour in the coral garden close to the motus and a rapid visit to the stingray feeding area.
The Austral Islands and specifically Rurutu Island are the best places in French Polynesia to see and swim with whales.
Lagoon Tours
You can’t visit Moorea without exploring its lagoon, and to get to the best spots, you need to hop on a boat. Lagoon tours in Moorea are highly recommended if you’re not visiting Bora Bora or one of the Tuamotu Atolls, such as Fakarava, Tikehau, or Rangiroa, where the lagoon is prettier and the lagoon tour more worthwhile. Lagoon tours are either half-day or full-day, the difference being a totally worth-it lunch and more snorkeling time on the motu.
All tours start at Moorea’s worst-kept secret, the stingray feeding area. Lagoon tours, jet skis, and kayaks all gather here, and so do the fish. It feels very counterintuitive to step off the boat when you can clearly see dozens of shark fins zipping atop the water, but it’s all perfectly safe and enjoyable. You’ll have about 30-45 minutes to swim with the sharks and stingrays and get to know the rays up close. It’s one of the top experiences in French Polynesia, so summon the courage and kiss the ray!
The next stop is one of the motus, a small islet at the edge of the barrier reef. As the crew prepares lunch, head to the best snorkeling spot in Moorea (apart from Motu Ahi). Right in the channel between the motus, you’ll find lots of tropical fish, massive stingrays, and even moray eel hiding inside the beautiful coral.
Back on the small motu, enjoy a delicious Polynesian buffet, not before the crew teaches you how to make the national dish of French Polynesia – the poisson cru! The food is delicious, and there’s plenty of beer available along with soft drinks (here’s the recipe). Post-lunch activities include some more snorkeling, exploring the beautiful motu (with great views of Moorea), and yet another key lesson in island life – how to crack a coconut!
Here’s a video summary of a full-day lagoon tour in Moorea.
Jet Ski Tours
If you like your lagoon tours thrilling, join a jet ski tour and explore Moorea’s lagoon in style. Jet ski tours usually cover the north coast in about three hours and make a stop at the stingray feeding area. Throughout the ride, stunning views of Moorea’s coastline and its twin bays are afforded. If conditions are right, you’ll zip in and out of the lagoon and hopefully see turtles coming up for air and dolphins playing in the water. Jet ski tours aren’t cheap, but if you’re a couple and enjoy a good adventure, it’s totally worth it. We went on a jetski tour with Moorea Explorer and extremely enjoyed our outing.
Motu Ahi Coral Garden
Formerly known as the Moorea Lagoonarium, the Motu Ahi Coral Garden is a privately owned snorkeling site. It’s located on a small motu (islet) close to the ferry. The coral around the motu is among the best in Moorea.
The Best Hikes In Moorea
Moorea is a hiker’s paradise, offering the opportunity to experience some of the best hikes in French Polynesia. Whether on the hunt for a hidden waterfall or summiting the island’s sculpted peaks, Moorea has hiking trails on all levels and elevations. Here are the hikes that I personally did during my multiple visits to Moorea. If you’re looking for a hiking guide in Moorea, get in touch with Valentine Urarii (vol.urarii@gmail.com | Facebook Page). Here are the hikes that I personally did during my multiple visits to Moorea.
Three Coconuts Hike
Level: moderate | Trail map
The Three Coconuts hike is one of the most popular and accessible hikes in Moorea, thanks to signs that mark the way. The trail starts at the Belvedere scenic lookout and provides three options. If you want a quick taste of the rainforest, take the blue trail. The two other colors are longer, and at least one of them reaches the viewpoint.
The two longer trails first take hikers through a forest filled with mape trees and giant bamboo, then crosses a few freshwater streams before starting a moderate climb to the viewpoint. The views from here are very similar to those in the Col de Vaiare hike – just from the other side of the same ridge. As for the three coconuts… they are no longer here, blown away a long time ago in a cyclone, apparently.
Logistics: if you start from the Belvedere, look for the signs in the car park. If you’re starting from the coast in Haapiti, you’ll have to ask around for directions. The trail splits into three, and if you want to reach the famous lookout, follow the blue markings. The pink and orange trails are shorter, but I am not sure if they make it to the lookout. No special clothing is required, just comfortable shoes as always and lots of water. Expect a 90-minute hike to the top and about an hour to get back to the Belvedere car park. The trail can be very muddy and unpleasant after rain.
Mount Rotui Hike
Level: very challenging | Trail map
It may not be the highest peak on the island, but the hike to the summit of Mount Rotui affords views of the twin bays that you will never forget. This is a challenging hike that should not be attempted during the wet season or if it rained on previous days.
To pick up the trailhead, park your car in the Hilton Resort’s parking lot and locate the Faimano Village Hotel. Take the inland path across the road from the hotel and you will see a sign marking the trailhead and a request to pay about 200F per person (if the owner is not present, pay on the way back). From here, just follow the signs until you start to climb on the visible trail. You’ll begin an ascent that never really ends until the summit, first through dense rainforest and then along the ridgeline until the very top.
Once you clear the forest, the fun really begins. Views down to the overwater bungalows of the Hilton and the clear waters of Ta’ahiamanu Beach are the stuff dreams are made of, and the higher you ascend, the finer (and wider) the views of the spectacular Opunohu Bay get. There is no better place to catch such views in Moorea!
Logistics: summiting Rotui will take the full day and, as noted, do not attempt to summit during the rainy season or after a few wet days. Always watch for rain clouds moving in from the windward side and be cognizant of possible storms. It is not recommended to hike alone! Views are spectacular throughout the ridgeline section so if you see clouds covering the summit, it’s best to stop, enjoy the views and head back down.
Parts of the trail can be overgrown with vegetation, especially at the start of the hiking season (April-May). If you have a machete to bring along – great, if not, be prepared to get scratched and to plow your way. In addition, watch your step: the trail will be slippery, narrow, and filled with blind spots. It’s best to wear long hiking pants, good hiking shoes, a hat and to bring plenty of food and water! I also advise you to bring a full change of clothes and to treat yourself to a refreshing swim in Ta’ahiamanu Beach after the hike.
Col de Vaiare Hike
Level: challenging | Trail map
My favorite hike in Moorea leads to a spectacular lookout on a ridgeline that “hides” the lush Opunohu Valley from the village of Vaiare (where the ferry is). The trail then continues to the village of Paopao in Cook’s Bay, but this section is seldom hiked. It’s a challenging hike due to the short but steep ascent to the ridgeline.
The hike starts in a somewhat isolated community, slightly inland, that manages orchards loaded with mango, papaya, and that smelly yet super healthy fruit called noni. It’s important to stick to the trail and respect private land.
You then veer left and head up the hill, through a very steep mape forest – where the roots can be used as natural steps to make your life easy. The mosquitoes are ferocious out here so just keep going! This is the most challenging part of the hikes and takes between 30-60 minutes, depending on your speed and stamina. Hiking poles certainly come in handy.
After about an hour of climbing, you’ll make it to the ridgeline and your efforts will be rewarded. From up here, you’ll be treated to truly 360-degree views of both sides of the island. On the one side – Vaiare, Tahiti, and the ferry going back and forth. On the other side, nothing but mountains, pineapple fields, and Cook’s Bay. What a sight! This is exactly how you had pictured French Polynesia to be and then some.
Logistics: the only challenging part (aside from the steep climb) is locating the trailhead. I recommend downloading the trail map, so you have access even without reception. Follow the trail map and you’ll make it to the ridgeline. As far as parking, leave your car by the football stadium and walk from there. It takes about 90 minutes to get to the ridgeline and 60 minutes back down to the main road. Bring plenty of water, a hat, hiking shoes with a good grip, snacks, hiking poles, and a change of clothes to leave in the car.
The Pierced Mountain Hike
Level: very challenging | Trail map
This is one of the best hikes in Moorea but it is a challenging one and should only be done with the help of a guide. Mount Mouaputa rises to a height of 830m but it’s better known as “The Pierced Mountain” thanks to the large hole just beneath its summit. The trail begins on the opposite side of the hospital in Afareaitu and heads inland via a row of houses until fully entering the rainforest.
Once in the wild, it’s a short climb to a beautiful upper valley where water constantly flows and wild hibiscus and mape trees are all over. Your guide will take the time to explain the various medicinal and ornamental purposes of what you’re seeing around you. Tahitians are very resourceful people.
From here, it’s a long and tough climb to the summit. There are 14 rope-assisted sections so keep count because you will feel the pain in your legs. In some sections, clearings in the forest provide a hint for what’s ahead.
Just before the summit, you can catch a good view of the famous hole but don’t take your time because the shifting winds almost always cover the summit with clouds before noon.
At the summit, put something warm on and enjoy the amazing 360-degree views. It really doesn’t get any better than this. Your guide will share with you the legends of the Pierced Mountain as you enjoy a small picnic before heading back down.
Logistics: the trail is well marked apart from sections where you need to cross the river. This section also requires a rope that is not fixed to the trail. The hike is about 10 kilometers and it takes three hours to reach the summit without too many stops on the way. Bring 3L of water, a full change of clothes, food, warm clothes for the windy summit, rain gear, and sun protection. Due to extremely slippery and steep sections, do not attempt this hike after heavy rains. Expect to pay 15,000 XPF per person for the hike and to be back in the car by 14:30.
Magic Mountain Hike
Level: moderate | Trail map
If you’re joining a guided 4X4 island or ATV tour, chances are that you’ll drive to the summit of Magic Mountain. But if you’re exploring Moorea at your own pace, you can park your car at the cafe, pay a small fee, and hike to the summit on a very steep but paved road. The view from the top is spectacular. See the previous section of this Moorea travel guide for more information about the Magic Mountain scenic overlook.
Opunohu Valley Hike
Level: easy
Several trails cross or loop around the lush Opunohu Valley, the site of the ancient volcano’s caldera. I did a small section of it called the Natira’a Roa hike. The easy hike takes you through a thick mape forest before emerging into a clearing with mountain views. You then walk back down along the main road, past the Lycee Agricole (can stop for some fresh juice or ice cream) and a few giant bamboo trees.
Logistics: take the road that heads up to the Belvedere and when you reach the bridge over the river, park the car (don’t leave anything visible inside). You’ll see a bunch of trail signs on the side of the road past the animal fence. The hike is meant to be nearly 5 hours, but we returned well before that.
Afareaitu Waterfall Hike
Level: easy | Trail map
A short and easy walk along the river and through the forest will bring you to one of Moorea’s waterfalls. You might have this place all to yourself so a picnic might not be a bad idea!
Logistics: coming from Haapiti, turn inland after the hospital and continue driving. Ask the locals if you can park your car next to their house and just follow the dirt road, which eventually turns into the trail. About 30 minutes of walking will bring you to the waterfall. You can just leave your car along the main road and walk everything on foot, but that should add another 20-30 minutes to your hike. Once at the waterfall, the trail continues to the second waterfall, though we couldn’t find it… Take mosquito repellent, sandals, food, drinks, and obviously a swimsuit.
Temae Hike
You won’t find this hike in the guidebooks so here’s a secret hike only locals can tell you about. If you liked the view from Toatea Lookout, you’ll love the view from the summit of this hike. It’s short, it’s steep and it’s not easy – but once you reach the summit, it’ll all be worth it. From up here, you can look down to the Sofitel Resort and Temae Beach. To your left is the lake and the airport; to your right, the northern coastline of Moorea and right across the water – the big island of Tahiti. Enjoy!
Logistics: when driving to Temae Beach from the direction of Maharepa Village, there’s a small post office logistics center just before the left turn to Temae Beach. Park the car and head up the hill either via the steps or using the trail behind the large tree in the car park. You’ll find yourself walking up towards a bunch of antennas, after which the steps turn into a proper (unmarked) trail. Follow it all the way to the summit and you can even continue for a little longer. It takes about 45 minutes of steep hiking to the summit and 20 minutes to get back down.
What’s Next?
I hope you’ve found this Moorea Travel Guide useful. Check out more resources to help you plan a trip to Moorea and French Polynesia.
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