Moorea, a stunning heart-shaped island in the South Pacific, is a tropical paradise known for its lush mountain landscapes, crystal-clear lagoons, and white-sand beaches. Located just a short ferry ride from Tahiti, this island is often considered a more affordable alternative to the world-famous Bora Bora, while still offering breathtaking overwater bungalows, spectacular snorkeling and diving opportunities, and an authentic Polynesian cultural experience.
The island’s beauty is defined by its dramatic volcanic peaks, most notably Mount Rotui, which towers between two of Moorea’s most picturesque bays—Opunohu Bay and Cook’s Bay. The deep blue ocean meets vibrant green hills, creating a mesmerizing contrast that makes Moorea one of the most visually stunning islands in French Polynesia. Unlike its neighboring islands, Moorea maintains a quieter and more relaxed atmosphere, making it ideal for those who want to experience nature at its finest without the heavy crowds.
I cam here as part of a greater French Polynesia trip where I went to a few different islands like Fakarava and Rangiroa.
Moorea is an authentic French Polynesia experience
Moorea surprised me in the best of ways. Not only is it an absolutely beautiful island with some incredibly dramatic scenery, but it is far less commercialized than I thought. For some reason, I always pictured Moorea to be similar to Bora Bora which is home to all the super expensive resorts.
While Moorea has a few luxury resorts, the vibe of the island is still laid back, beautiful, and charming. There is one paved road that encircles the edges of the island and from this road you can see just how beautiful Moorea is.
Taking the ferry from Tahiti to Moorea
The ferry from the main island of Tahiti is the best way to get to Moorea.
From the port of Papeete (the main town of Tahiti island), you can take the ferry that departs multiple times per day. There are four companies that make this ferry journey:
- Terevau
- Vaeara’I
- Aremeti
- Tauati
All three ferry companies run multiple times a day between Tahiti and Moorea. I took the ferry with Terevau simply because they were a smaller boat so I thought it would be a bit less hectic with all the cars getting on to the boat. I don’t think there is any issue with any of these three companies especially given that the ride is only a half hour long.
The views from the boat are very beautiful especially as you approach Moorea and the silhouette of the island comes to light.
You do not need to book the tickets in advance. There is always ample space and you can simply rock up and purchase tickets for the next ferry.
If you have a flight out of Tahiti late at night, I would recommend to not take the last ferry out of Moorea. Give yourself some buffer room and take the second to last ferry. If you missed the last ferry, there is no way you’re getting to Tahiti and you will miss your flight.
This almost happened to me on my way home as I was planning to take the Terevau ferry at 18h. The ferry had issues and my taxi driver called me a few hours earlier to tell me this. I ended up taking the ferry back to Tahiti with Aremeti!
Getting around Moorea
Moorea is a relatively small island. It is much smaller than Tahiti but is far larger than other islands like Fakarava and Rangiroa. The entire island of Moorea is about 37km in circumference. There is one main road that encircles the island completely.
There are no public transportation to speak of on Moorea so renting some form of transport is a must if you want to see much of the island.
As in the rest of French Polynesia, renting a car or scooter is extremely expensive. You can rent a car in Moorea for roughly 7,000 to 10,000 XPF per day. This will generally get you the cheapest model with manual transmission. Automatic transmission will of course run you more.
A scooter can be had for 5,000 – 6,000 XPF a day which is just insanity. The scooters for rent are pretty mediocre and only 125cc. Scooters like this cost barely more than €1,000 to purchase but to rent them at €50 a day means these companies break even on the bike in less than a month. Absolute criminal how expensive this is!\
Taking a taxi in Moorea
Nevertheless, your only other alternative is taking taxis which are pricey. From the post to somewhere like the Sofitel (about 5km), it will run you about 1,500 – 2,000 XPF.
What to do in Moorea
Moorea is filled with things to occupy your time. I only spent 4 nights in Moorea so by no means is this the full list.
Drive around the island
For starters, driving around the island is a great way to get a lay of the land and to see Moorea’s true natural beauty. The drive is about 70 minutes along the main road. It is an absolute stunning drive with all of Moorea’s peaks on full display.
Depending on the direction you drive, you’ll have different views (both are equally as stunning). I particularly loved the drive from the port to the Hilton. I think the area around the various bays are absolutely stunning given how dramatic Moorea’s mountains are. Sometimes it feels like a giant wall is in front of you while you’re driving.
Swim with Humpback Whales, Sharks, & Stingrays
One of the most exhilarating activities on the island is swimming with humpback whales, an experience that is both humbling and unforgettable. Tours operate from August to November, allowing visitors to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. In addition to whales, travelers can also snorkel with blacktip reef sharks and friendly stingrays at the Shark & Ray Sandbar, an experience that is thrilling yet completely safe.
Hiking Adventures with Breathtaking Views
For those who prefer to explore on land, Moorea offers breathtaking hiking trails that lead to panoramic viewpoints. The hike to Magic Mountain is a short yet rewarding trek that provides one of the best views of the island’s coastline. Another popular trail, the Three Coconuts Pass, takes hikers through lush forests and past dramatic volcanic peaks.
Explore the Island on an ATV or 4WD Tour
Exploring the island by ATV or 4WD jeep is another fantastic way to experience Moorea’s rugged terrain. Many tours take visitors through the island’s famous pineapple plantations, offering insights into Moorea’s agricultural heritage. Stops at scenic viewpoints like Belvedere Lookout provide stunning photo opportunities of the island’s twin bays.
Experience Polynesian Culture & Cuisine
Moorea’s rich Polynesian culture can be experienced at Tiki Village, where guests can watch traditional dance performances, learn about local craftsmanship, and enjoy an authentic Tahitian feast.
Belvedere Lookout
Belvedere lookout is one of the best viewpoints you can have in Moorea. Located just in front of Mount Tohivea, an extinct volcano that is also the highest point on Moorea (1,200m), the views are absolutely incredible as you can see the ocean behind you.
You can get to Belvedere lookout by car via the paved mountain road. Avoid the Rue D’Ananas as that road is unpaved and only meant for off road vehicles.
Visit Coco Beach Island
To the northwest of Moorea is a small motu (island) that is home to a beautiful beach and restaurant. You can take a boat from Moorea and visit this island for lunch while enjoying its stunning beach. Unfortunately, they were closed during the low season when I visited in early February.
Where to eat in Moorea
Moorea is home to a lot of amazing dining options. I absolutely love the Polynesian food with their heavy use of coconuts and fresh tuna. Restaurants are pricey on Moorea as you can expect with dishes costing around €20-30.
If you want to save money, you can always shop at the local grocery stores or “magasins” in French. My favorite one was Magasin Tiahura which always had fresh baguettes, pastries, and local cooked food for takeaway. These included things like poisson cru (800 XPF) and various dishes that would change throughout the week. One of the days they even had half roasted duck for 1500 XPF.
Here are some of my favorite restaurants on the island:
- Snack Mahana: Great local restaurant on the water
- North Shore Poke: Delicious poke bowls and acai bowls
- Les TIpaniers: Tasty restaurant attached to a hotel on one of the most beautiful beaches in the island
- Casa Vincenzo: Best pizza in all of French Polynesia. Proper Napoli style pizza
Where to Stay in Moorea
There are many options to stay in Moorea of all budgets. Most of the accommodations, restaurants, and tourist sights are on the northern half of the island while the southern half is less developed and more rustic.
I stayed at the Moorea Island Beach resort which had self catering bungalows with a communal common area equipped with sun loungers and a deck overlooking the ocean. It was a beautiful property especially with our beach front bungalow. It is well located nearby to many restaurants and other beaches.
Luxury Resorts – Overwater Bungalows & Private Villas
For travelers seeking a high-end, romantic getaway, the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa is one of the island’s most prestigious resorts, offering overwater villas with direct access to the lagoon.
The Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort is another top-tier option, known for its stunning beachfront villas and incredible views of Tahiti in the distance. These resorts provide the ultimate tropical escape with world-class amenities, fine dining, and private white-sand beaches.
I came to both of these resorts for drinks which I absolutely loved. Happy hour between 5-7 is definitely the best time to take advantage of these luxury resorts.
These overwater villas are not at the same level as the hotels in Maldives like the Ritz Carlton Maldives but if you want a luxury stay in French Polynesia, this is definitely one of the options (outside of Bora Bora of course).
Mid-Range & Boutique Hotels
For those looking for a comfortable yet more affordable stay, Moorea has several mid-range hotels and boutique lodges that offer a balance between luxury and budget.
Manava Beach Resort & Spa is a popular choice, featuring a mix of garden and overwater bungalows, along with an infinity pool overlooking the lagoon.
Hotel Kaveka, a charming family-run hotel located in Cook’s Bay, provides a more intimate and authentic Polynesian experience.
Budget-Friendly Stays & Airbnbs
Budget travelers and backpackers will find great options in Moorea’s guesthouses and Airbnbs. Moorea Surf Inn is a cozy and affordable accommodation perfect for those who want a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. Another great choice is Fare Arana, which offers comfortable bungalows surrounded by lush tropical gardens.
Best Time to Visit Moorea
Moorea enjoys a tropical climate year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what you are looking for in your travel experience. The dry season, which extends from May to October, is widely considered the most favorable time to explore the island. During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm with temperatures ranging between 75°F and 85°F (24°C to 29°C).
The humidity is relatively low, and the chances of rain are minimal, making it the ideal time for outdoor activities such as hiking, snorkeling, and island exploration. The skies remain clear, allowing for breathtaking sunset views over the lagoon. However, because this is the peak tourist season, it is important to book accommodations and tours well in advance, as prices tend to be higher, and popular attractions can get crowded.
The wet season, which lasts from November to April, is characterized by higher humidity, increased rainfall, and occasional tropical storms. While this might not be the best time for hiking due to muddy trails, it is still a wonderful period to visit for travelers who prefer a more relaxed atmosphere with fewer tourists. The island becomes even more lush and green during these months, creating a vibrant and picturesque landscape. Prices for hotels and excursions tend to be lower, making it a budget-friendly option for travelers willing to embrace occasional rain showers.
The peak seasons in the summer months also bring the famous humpback whale migration. Between August and November, humpback whales travel to the warm waters of French Polynesia to breed and give birth. The opportunity to swim alongside these gentle giants is a life-changing experience, and Moorea is one of the few places in the world where visitors can do so in a safe and ethical manner.
Due to new regulations introduced in 2024, whale-watching and swimming tours are only permitted from August 1st to November 11th to protect the well-being of the whales and their calves.
Thanks so much for your article
Thanks!