Stops going West from MOOREA – Bungalow Moekea Lagoon

Tipaniers Beach
Plage de Tiahura – Beach
Pineapple Beach
Lagoonarium de Moorea (jardin de corail) – Snorkeling trips to Motu Ahi
Terevau – Ferry dock
Toatea Lookout
Temae – Beach
Super U Aré – Grocery store
Rotui Juice Factory
Opunohu Beach / Plage de Ta’ahiamanu
Tiki Park Moorea
Belvedere Lookout
Moorea Dolphin Center – Maybe go to

Snorkle – Shallow spot the private tours take people where it is about 3 feet deep and you can swim with the sharks and rays: https://maps.app.goo.gl/gNTux8WJTRieheY6A?g_st=ic

Toatea Lookout

Rotui Juice Factory
Free tour was also worth the effort. What’s great is the tasting at the shop, you can taste a bunch of their products, both fruit juice based and alcoholic. The tour is self guided and takes 15-30 minutes, and you walk around on an elevated platform.

Belvedere Lookout
Located only a short drive from the main road around the island, the Belvedere Lookout is the best place on Moorea to get great views of Mont Rotui. The view from the Belvedere Lookout is stunning. However, if you want a much better view than the lookout itself, I recommend following the trail behind the lookout for about 10 minutes, as this will take you to an amazing grassy overlook that’s much more beautiful than the official Belvedere Lookout. To get there, take the trail right behind the overlook. When you see a split off to the right, don’t take it, but stay on the main trail. Then, a short while after that, you’ll see another split to the right, which leads to the overlook that I’m talking about.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/eRFwiPQDSoRnNPrV9

Three Coconut Lookout Hike
Longer in time but not really more difficult (at least from the south path that I did). You get a great view of the two bays of Moorea. You can get a similar view point by car at the Belvedere. On top of the Belvedere Lookout, the area also serves as the trailhead for a short and easy hike known as the Three Coconut Tree Pass—a hike that leads to a beautiful lookout over the southwest part of Moʻorea.

Montagne Magique (Magical Moutain) Hike
Easy hike. $2 per person, 1.5 hour to 2 hours. Great view point over the Northwest part of the island, Ōpūnohu Bay and pass.

Tiki Park Moorea
There is a zip line park in Moorea that is fantastic. They have something for everyone, from small kids to daredevils. Their equipment and construction quality is top notch. It’s called Tiki Park Moorea. Bring your Mosquito repellant spray.

Moorea Dark Waters
Check out Moorea dark waters for an after dark snorkeling excursion over at public beach Temae. I haven’t done it yet but I have it booked for next full moon in July.
https://www.mooreadarkwaters.com/

Moorea E-Bike Rental
If you don’t plan on booking a rental car or if you want to do some exploring without a specific destination in mind, I recommend reserving one of the Moʻorea e-bike rentals below. I say this because the roads around the island are generally safe for biking, and if you take it slow, you’ll be able to find many more beaches and hidden gems.

Renting a Private Boat on Moorea
If the tours above are sold out, you still have the option of renting a private boat to swim with the sharks and stingrays on your own! This is one of the cheapest options, and they should provide you with a map for diving places around the Motu Islands. That being said, the best place for all of the shark and stingray diving is almost directly across the channel from Tipaniers Beach. The nice part about doing this option is that you will spend significantly less money and get to go to the exact same places as the 5-star tour!

Snorkel Trip – See sharks and reys
We did the shark and stingray snorkeling which was really good.
Moorea has an amazing reef for snorkeling/ diving plus great hiking. It a lot more affordable than Bora Bora to have an amazing time.

Swim with turtles

The famous swing in Moorea, located at the Three Pines Lookout, is situated on a hillside overlooking the treetops and bays, not directly over the water.
https://austintravels.com/trips/hike-and-swing-in-moorea/

Luau
https://tahiti-excursions.com/product/moorea-tours/polynesian-show-at-the-tiki-village-moorea/
https://www.sofitel-moorea-kiaora.com/offers/polynesian-lifestyle/

BEST BEACHES IN MOOREA
#1) Temae Beach: Public beach by airport and the Sofitel resort, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, long stretch of white sand and turquoise water. Ideal for swimming, stunning views of Tahiti. Bring drinks, no place to buy anything, free parking, showers, toilets, very calm, not windy, can be mosquitos, want swim shoes. Snorkeling was great, spotted eagle ray amongst other fish.
Be careful of thieves, Just beware of thieves on all public beaches of that island. Really beware. Especially Temae. Never let any belonging unwatched. These last few years Temae has been on a wild track record for theft.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ao3EQpc1URdLHD4Q6

#2) Plage des Tipaniers (Tipaniers Beach): Located on the northwest side of the island, this beach is across from a sandbank known for frequent manta ray and blacktip shark sightings, making it a prime location for snorkeling. It can be accessed via the Tipaniers Hotel. Excellent for snorkeling due to its location opposite a sandbank with marine life. An incredible place for its beauty and its underwater world (rays, sharks, turtles, exotic fish, etc.), to be discovered absolutely. Beautiful (private) beach overlooking two motus islands, Tiahura and Fareone. To get there: park in the parking lot opposite the hotel entrance on the left side of the road. Then enjoy a drink or a meal at the hotel, or rent a kayak and cross the channel to see rays and blacktip sharks! Continue to the coral garden.
Tipaniers Beach is easily one of the most beautiful beaches on Moʻorea!
Tipaniers is also the same location as the shark and whale tours, but in my opinion, it’s worth mentioning the beach separately from the tours, as the whole area is such a stunning place to swim in the shallow turquoise-blue water! Lots of rays, black tip sharks, fish but also lots of tourists and boats/jet skis.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/HwotX9Fi25oDo1sm8

Plage de Tiahura (Tiahura Beach): This is a lovely public beach next to a wooded area with plenty of shade and picnic areas. It is a popular spot for local families and is great for a relaxing day. This beach is a great set off spot to go check out the two motus (islands) and the area dubbed ‘stingray city’ because all the stingrays congregate there looking for a feed from passing tour boats. The channel between the beach and the two islands is pretty busy with boats and jetskis, so a kayak or paddleboard might be a better bet than trying to swim it. Open 7am-5:30pm. Free parking, food and snack near the beach, very calm, not windy, narrow sandy beach, not very deep, great for snorkeling.

Gorgeous beach with great snorkeling with lots of tropical fish and crystal clear water. Be aware that the current on some days is strong and some people walk down the beach and swim with the current and then swim to shore and walk back. Some areas are shallow above the coral so be careful. The coral is gorgeous!! (Plage = beach)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/QoP7GqhcCXsv7XfH7

Ta’ahiamanu Beach: Situated in the north of Opunohu Bay, this public beach provides ample shade from its trees and offers great views of the bay and Magic Mountain. It’s a popular spot for picnics and has good snorkeling. Views of Opunohu Bay. Amazing view of the mountains. Free parking, showers and toilets, food and snack near beach, calm, coconut trees for shade, just ok snorkeling. Open 7am-6pm. North Shore Poke and Smoothie Bar is near by. Cons: lots of boats near beach.
Taʻahiamanu is one of the best and most beautiful beaches on Moorea to get away from all of the busier areas surrounding the resorts. I couldn’t recommend Taʻahiamanu any more, as it can be a great beach to bike to from the nearby resorts using the e-bike rental mentioned above!
https://maps.app.goo.gl/2jYUK881TKNaWqKF8

Pineapple Beach
Located on the southwest side of Moʻorea, Pineapple Beach is one of the best quiet beaches to catch the sunset on Moʻorea! Finding the entrance to Pineapple Beach can be a little tricky among all the houses. However, it’s important to note that all beaches on Moʻorea are for public use. This means that if you find a beach access, you can always walk from there to get to wherever you’re trying to go.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/2iChKFBkJjivpNS58

Snorkeled a bunch off the beach at our Hilton resort

FOOD (MOOREA)
Restaurants I would recommend:
Le lézard jaune
Restaurant Les Tipaniers (try the raw fish)
Le Mahogany (try the shrimps but also best Chinese restaurant of the island)
Hilton – Eat brunch while looking over the ocean & Toatea Crêperie & Bar – Eat a crepe above the water

There’s also a great food tour in Moorea that we loved, but it takes up half the day so it might not be my first choice if I had just one day there. However, it’s a great way to sample several local foods and learn about the history and culture.

Coco Beach Restaurant
We are open for lunch only, Wednesday to Sunday.
Book a 10am boat ride, eat, and spend several hours on island, taking 3/4pm ferry back
Make a reservation for lunch well in advance. Reservations are essential. They have a shuttle boat to take you to the island the restaurant is on. The food is great and you can sit at a table directly on the beach where stingrays swim by a few feet away. This beach has the best soft white sand on Moorea. Highlight of my trip. Meals $20-$30. Can stay after meal and swim/snorkel.

Cocobeach Parking and Boat shuttle pickup location, Pk 24 Tiahura, Moorea
Boat shuttles (every 30 min)
To Cocobeach: 10:00am to 1:00pm Wednesday to Sunday
Return: 1:30pm to 3:00pm (weekdays) and 4:00pm (weekends)
Reservation is essential Phone (689) 87-725-726
Shuttle Fees 500 XPF ($5) per person – return trip, pay at the restaurant”
https://maps.app.goo.gl/zU1VsjWUqvmR15Ys5
https://www.cocobeachmoorea.com/

Snack Mahana – Only open for lunch, good recommendations. Open 11-2pm. Get there first when they open
Carameline – Good morning snacks, treats. Get there early

Snorkeling
Lagoon Tour – Discover the magnificent lagoon of Moorea – MENTIONS TURTLES – BOOKED THIS
Enjoy Boat Tours Moorea
https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g309685-d19066653-Lagoon_Tour_Discover_the_magnificent_lagoon_of_Moorea-Moorea_Society_Islands.html
$145 each | 4-6 hours | 12 people max

Snorkeling excursion, discovery of the lagoon, small group.
Alex Lagoon Tours Moorea
https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g309685-d21230127-Snorkeling_excursion_discovery_of_the_lagoon_small_group-Moorea_Society_Islands.html
$117 each | 4 hours | 6 people max

Best Way to Interact with Ocean Wildlife with Lunch. 6H
Captain Taina
https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g309685-d21095343-Best_Way_to_Interact_with_Ocean_Wildlife_with_Lunch_6H-Moorea_Society_Islands.html
includes lunch on a motu. Enjoy lunch on a private island that most visitors don’t get to access
$175 each | 5 hours | 12 people max

Moorea 6-Hour Snorkeling and Lunch Shared Tour
Moorea Miti Tours
https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g309685-d14154024-Moorea_6_Hour_Snorkeling_and_Lunch_Shared_Tour-Moorea_Society_Islands.html
Stop for a tasty barbecue lunch and cooking lesson, where you learn to make some Tahitian food.
$136 each | 5-6 hours | 12 people max

Snorkeling excursion and encounter with marine fauna in Moorea
Moorea Tiki Tour
https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g309685-d23461682-Snorkeling_excursion_and_encounter_with_marine_fauna_in_Moorea-Moorea_Society_Isla.html
Have lunch with your feet in the water and feast on local specialities.
$128 each | 6 hours | 12 people max

Jet Ski
Jet Ski Moorea Customed Tour only
Moorea Watersport
https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g309685-d15241457-Jet_Ski_Moorea_Customed_Tour_only-Moorea_Society_Islands.html
4 hour jet ski and lunch
$275 For 2 | 4 hours | 8 people max

2 hours discovery tour of Moorea by Jet Ski
Moorea Activities Center
https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g309685-d23478300-2_hours_discovery_tour_of_Moorea_by_Jet_Ski-Moorea_Society_Islands.html
Jetski, 2 hours
$112 each | 2 hours | 8 people max

Jet-ski excursion 3 hrs Jet ski excursion to Moorea (single or two-seater)
Moorea Activities Center
https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g309685-d19755207-Jet_ski_excursion_3_hrs_Jet_ski_excursion_to_Moorea_single_or_two_seater-Moorea_So.html
Jetski, 3 hours
$262 for 2 people | 3.5 hours | 8 people max

Moorea Solo or Twin 2 hours Jet Ski Tour
Top Jet & Quad Moorea
https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g309685-d25356324-Moorea_Solo_or_Twin_2_hours_Jet_Ski_Tour-Moorea_Society_Islands.html
Jetski, 2 hours
$220 for 2 people | 2 hours | 2 people max??

Moorea Explorer Jet Ski tour
Moorea Explorer
https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g309685-d20310877-Moorea_Explorer_Jet_Ski_tour-Moorea_Society_Islands.html
Jetski, 2 hours
$233 for 2 people | 2 hours | 16 people max

Jet-ski excursion 3 hrs Jet ski excursion to Moorea (single or two-seater)
Moorea Activities Center
https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g309685-d19755207-Jet_ski_excursion_3_hrs_Jet_ski_excursion_to_Moorea_single_or_two_seater-Moorea_So.html
$135 each | 3.5 hours | 8 people max

ATV
Moorea Aito 4WD Safari Tour – Half day
Tahiti Nui Travel
https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g13280428-d12463280-Moorea_Aito_4WD_Safari_Tour_Half_day-Te_avaro_Moorea_Society_Islands.html
Truck tour, 3.5 hours
$64 each | 3.5 hours | 8 people max

Franckyfranck Tours Moorea – Half day Tours
https://www.viator.com/tours/Moorea/Moorea-4×4-Safari-Tour/d5182-88148P1?pid=P00058688&uid=U00635862&mcid=58086&currency=USD
$67 each | ? hours | 8 people max

Small Quad Tour 2h30 Quad excursion in Moorea (single or two-seater)
Moorea Activities Center
https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g309685-d19755278-Small_Quad_Tour_2h30_Quad_excursion_in_Moorea_single_or_two_seater-Moorea_Society_.html
Quad, 2.5 hours $115 ea
$112 | 2.75 hours | 12 people

Kayak
Moorea Lagoon Tour by Transparent Kayak
Lagoon Explorer
https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g309685-d12720295-Moorea_Lagoon_Tour_by_Transparent_Kayak-Moorea_Society_Islands.html
has sunset tours
$50 each | 2 hours | 10 people max

Moorea Blue Paddle
https://mooreabluepaddle.com/excursion-kayak/

Tubing
Moorea Tubing
https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g309685-d15241668-Moorea_tubing-Moorea_Society_Islands.html
$32 each | 15 min

Other
Private Moorea Discovery Half-day Sailing
Polynesian Spirit
https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g309685-d15184422-Private_Moorea_Discovery_Half_day_Sailing-Moorea_Society_Islands.html
Sailboat
$417 for the group | 3 hours

Moorea Discovery Half-day Sailing – BOOKED THIS
Polynesian Spirit
https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g309685-d14135265-Moorea_Discovery_Half_day_Sailing-Moorea_Society_Islands.html
Sailboat
$102 each | 3 hours | 5 people max

Electric bodyboard rental in Moorea-Maiao
https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g309685-d21364130-Electric_bodyboard_rental_in_Moorea_Maiao-Moorea_Society_Islands.html
Electric bodyboard – MAYBE, has no reviews yet
$102 each

Moorea Sunset Boat Trip
https://www.tripadvisor.com/AttractionProductReview-g309685-d26900448-Moorea_Sunset_Boat_Trip-Moorea_Society_Islands.html
Sunset snorkel
$110 each | 2 hours |12 people max

Moorea General Info
https://rosecampau.com/travel-guide-moorea/
https://www.tahititourisme.com/islands/moorea/
https://lisettecharlotte.substack.com/t/moorea
https://www.tawnabrown.com/polynesian-paradise-the-island-of-moorea/
https://noahlangphotography.com/blog/best-things-to-do-moorea-french-polynesia

Moorea: I would recommend the atv tour. You can get to Magic Mountain by car but the parking there is scarce. BParasailing was great as well. Tahaa: you don’t need any tours as the drift snorkeling is right by the Le Tahaa hotel. Just take your gear and you are good to go on your own. Also, Le Tahaa is on a motu and you won’t take your rented car there. They have a shuttle to the main island but guided tour would be probably better if you decide to visit.

On Moorea use Moorea Miti tours. Eat at holy steakhouse, restaurant tiahura, secret garden cafe up on the hill, distillery tour. Skip the tiki village but do catch a band at a resort bar really any night of the week.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtThWevyNO8

“Hire a bike and ride around the island
The main road loop is going around the island, it’s mostly flat and on concrete/asphalt roads. The only strenuous part would be near the Sofitel Kia Ora hotel/Tamae where you would need to ride up a hill.
Pros: you get to see all around the island and you could stop whenever (like buy from fruit stands, stop at the touristic/historic spots, etc).
Cons: it’s on the main road and there aren’t a lot of bike lanes so you would riding next to cars quite often, but people don’t usually drive fast.”

“Driving around Moorea takes about 1 hour without stops, but it’s best to plan for at least a half-day to a full day to allow time for scenic viewpoints, beaches, and exploring small villages. The main road is only about 37 miles long and is easy to navigate, with low traffic and a maximum speed limit of (40) mph. 

One main road: There is a single road that circles the island, making it easy to navigate and difficult to get lost.
Low traffic: The roads are not busy, and there are very few traffic lights, which makes for a relaxed drive.
Stunning scenery: The drive is beautiful, with lush landscapes, mountains, and coastal views. You’ll want to stop often for photos.
Interior exploration: While the coastal road is easy, you can also take detours into the island’s interior to explore more of its beauty, says”
We drove all over Moorea for 4 days. It’s super easy, roads are fine, very little traffic. We rented a car at the Tahiti airport and drove it onto the ferry. It was super easy. As long as you get your DL you’ll be fine. And yes, you really need a car on Moorea.

“Things to do:
Visit the Lycée agricole and try all the jams and preserves (NO)
Visit the belvedere
Visit the marae (NO – old stones)
Climb the Magic Mountain
Hire a bike and ride around the island
Hire a kayak at The Tipaniers
Spend an afternoon at the Tiki Parc
Horse ride through the pineapple fields from the Opunohu ranch
Book a tour to swim with the stingrays
Book a tour to the motu and pack a picnic to spend the day there
Visit the Tiki Village
Experience a traditional underground oven cook out (IIRC the Sofitel Kia Ora hotel does one every Sunday?)
magic mountain, need 4×4? Or maybe car can get there”

OHANA JETSKI FUN TOURS

https://mooreaecotour.com/en/

Also the black sand beach on the north side of Tahiti Iti was incredible. Tautira I think is the name.

KDWB Jenny
https://meetmeoffgrid.com/category/international/french-polynesia/
You can rent a car in Tahiti and bring it over on the ferry or rent in Moorea but there are limited options in Moorea and a lot of cars are manual. We booked our car a month in advance in Tahiti and had no problem getting an automatic but we also were not there during their busier tourist season.
I would highly recommend staying anywhere on the Northeast to Northwest stretch of the island. That’s where you’ll find the best hikes, beaches, restaurants, viewpoints, accommodations, and more. The south side of the island is mostly locals with very little to do.
Belvedere Lookout: We got there around 8:00am and there was no one there yet but after we hiked Les Trois Sapins, there were tons of cars and tour groups. Suggest getting there by 8:00am or earlier to avoid crowds.

Les Tipaniers
They have some fun tropical drinks, didn’t try the food. The beach was one of the most beautiful and peaceful beaches on the island.

Carameline
Amazing bakery that we didn’t find until our last full day. Suggestion: go there one of your first days so you can go back if you find something you love!

Les Trois Sapins
Moderate hike, it was humid/hot, muddy, and will have to go over a couple streams but views were spectacular. There’s a tire and regular swing at the viewpoint.

Magic Mountain: Moderate hike on paved road to view of lagoon, have to pay $2 per person
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g309685-d2460517-Reviews-Magic_Mountain_Overlook-Moorea_Society_Islands.html
Amazing view and worth the hike. There’s also an option to get driven up to the lookout or going up with quads.
Lots of parking. Entry fee 200 XPF per person
Although the bottom part of the path is one road only, it does split after a while – no worries both paths will take you to the top as they meet again towards the top “”flatter parking area”” where all excursion/tours stop as well. If you want a lighter version of this trail stay all the time on your left when going up, so when at the fork take the left as it’s a bit longer but definitely less steep hike – that’s the one that cars also take – we missed that piece of info and took the right path and it’s definitely a challenging one – all paved pretty much but very steep – and what you can do is simply take one way up and other way down for a variety – like we did and we loved it, I was glad we made the original “”mistake”” 🙂

If you have the money, a GoPro is worth it to capture a ton of amazing underwater and adventure footage

The sun rises and sets early in Moorea so get up early and check out the viewpoints before crowds get there. Moorea is a sleepy island so there’s not much to do once the sun sets. If you want to get the most out of your vacation, be prepared to be up early and go to bed early. And this is coming from someone who like to stay up late!