Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France
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Visit Moorea, French Polynesia
Moorea, French Polynesia, is one of the world’s most beautiful islands, a true dream destination. Located in the southern Pacific Ocean and part of France Overseas, Moorea has incredible natural landscapes and pristine beaches.
Moorea is close to the most famous Tahiti, so it’s a spot impossible to miss! Many decide to visit Moorea solely on a day trip from Tahiti or as a romantic getaway by staying at one of the Moorea all-inclusive resorts. However, Moorea is also a great destination for nature lovers and active travelers, as there are lots of sporty activities to try.
If you are looking for a vacation full of unforgettable beaches, amazing wildlife, and countless adventures, then a trip to Moorea – French Polynesia is the right choice for you!
Are you planning a trip to Moorea?
Below are some of the best Moorea tours, hotels, and more!
How to Get to Moorea from Tahiti
After your flight to Papeete, in Tahiti, AirTahiti operates four Tahiti – Moorea flights a day most of the year, and the transfer is only 15 minutes long. Don’t harm the environment more for such a short distance, and use the ferry instead.
The best way to travel from Tahiti to Moorea is by ferry. Aremiti Ferry sails 7-10 times per day, and Terevau Ferry makes the transfer 5-7 times daily. The scenic transfer Tahiti – Moorea takes from 30 to 60 minutes.
Top Day Tours and Activities in Moorea
Top Moorea Accommodation and Lodging
Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa (top suggestion), Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort (luxury), Manava Beach Resort & Spa (mid-range), and Hotel Hibiscus (budget). Check out all our favorite hotels in Moorea.
Don’t leave for Moorea without travel insurance!
HeyMondo offers travelers insurance that combines medical and travel-related coverage for single trips (leisure and business trip), annual multi-trip, and extended stays (with Covid-19 coverage included). Use this link to get a 5% off.
What to Do in Moorea, French Polynesia
What to do in Moorea for a day or a longer stay? Here is the list of the best things to do in Moorea, French Polynesia, for an unforgettable holiday.
1. Experience Local Tahitian Culture at Tiki Village Moorea
One of the top things to do in Moorea is to discover the local culture at the Tiki Village Cultural Center (PK 31 Côté Mer Haapiti Moorea), one of the main Moorea attractions.
During the day, stop by the Tiki Village to take a ukulele or Tahitian cooking class. At night, you will discover a different side of the traditional Polynesia culture by attending a wonderful dinner while local dancers, singers, and fire jugglers put on a show for you!
2. Moorea Watersports
While on Moorea, you need to try watersports! With endless choices, you just need to pick your favorite water activities in Moorea.
Jet skiing in Moorea is a great way to see the entire island from another perspective. Another fantastic watersport to try out is the stand up paddle, with a transparent board. Whether you are a total beginner or a pro, you will find many shops where you can rent equipment and take lessons.
If you are looking for unique Moorea things to do, try this Moorea Parasailing Experience, a nautical ascent parachuting! This fun experience that offers a bird’s eye view of the turquoise-blue lagoon of Moorea always has the best ratings.
3. A Paradise for Underwater Exploration
Snorkeling is one of the best things to do in Moorea. The island’s sea life is mindblowing, and you will love every second of your snorkel experience! The water is so clear that you will see plenty of colorful tropical fish, turtles, and sharks.
Consider joining a Moorea snorkeling excursion like this one to visit all the most enchanting snorkeling spots while listening to expert guides who will teach you all about marine fauna and local legends.
In Moorea, you can also take a night snorkeling tour. Equipped with the necessary snorkeling equipment and a lamp to light you, you will dive into the magnificent lagoon of the sacred island of the South Pacific to discover the rich nocturnal fauna and flora.
If you are looking for unique activities in Moorea to explore life underwater, try a snorkeling excursion in Moorea’s lagoon with a sea scooter. Dive into the crystal clear waters of Polynesia and discover the rich biodiversity of the Society Archipelago powered by the latest generation Seadoo underwater scooter up to 7km/h.
Of course, Moorea is also a great place for scuba diving. Discover the seabed of Moorea with a dedicated instructor (1 instructor, 2 divers maximum) who will make sure you have an awesome time.
4. Humpback Whale Watching and Swimming
A magical experience to do in Moorea is meeting humpback whales. Whale watching in Moorea is a seasonal activity, available from June to November when the Humpbacks can be found close to the island’s outer reefs.
To admire whales even more closely, you can swim alongside them. Such an incredible activity in Moorea is only possible from the 1st of August to mid-October.
For the best whale-watching experience in Moorea, join this tour with a maximum number of six people to ensure the well-being of the animals and give each customer a perfect viewpoint.
For that extra special experience, this half-day tour will allow you to swim alongside humpback whales, as well as dolphins and sharks!
5. Go on a Fun 4WD Tour Across the Island
If you are into scenic natural views inaccessible by regular cars and a thrill, then this 4×4 Moorea tour is for you!
Hop on a 4WD and venture off the beaten path to explore some of the top things to see in Moorea: the Magic Mountain and the Belvedere Lookout. During this Moorea tour, you will also visit pineapple fields and stop by a local distillery.
The tour is led by expert guides that will give you all sorts of information while making sure that you are having a fun and memorable time.
TIP: Are you traveling alone or with somebody else? Then consider this fun quad biking excursion in Moorea.
6. Explore the Moorea Lagoon with a Boat Tour
Visiting the island’s turquoise Lagoon is a must on any trip to Moorea. You can opt for the traditional way and explore the Lagoon with a Polynesian outrigger canoe. This organized tour also includes many stops for swimming and snorkeling.
This Moorea lagoon tour on a traditional boat also gets excellent reviews. Embark aboard a double sailing pirogue typical of the islands of French Polynesia to discover the lagoon pushed by the wind and connect with the ancestral culture of Polynesian sailors.
For an exclusive excursion, hop on a small boat for a private Moorea lagoon tour: with this tour, you can choose when, where, and for how long to stop to experience wonderful moments!
Some tours also offer the possibility of exploring the lagoon by a transparent kayak to observe tropical fish, turtles, and stingrays all around (and underneath!) you, such as this fantastic transparent kayak tour.
TIP: If you want to visit Moorea and the neighboring islands uniquely, we recommend renting a boat and visiting the islands at your own pace. If you do not have a license or sailing experience, you can charter a boat with a skipper. You can rent a boat directly in Moorea, but you will have a bigger choice of boats and prices in Tahiti.
When is the best time to sail in Tahiti and Moorea? Sailing in Tahiti islands is possible almost all year round due to its warm climate. Just keep in mind that the rainy season in Tahiti starts in November and ends in April. Although the weather is not cold during this season, rainfall can disrupt your navigation.
7. Relax on Postcard-perfect Moorea Beaches
Morea has some breathtaking beaches. Long stretches of white sand lined by tall palm trees and turquoise waters, you will fall in love with each pristine beach you come across.
Besides the resorts’ private beaches, Moorea also has many free public beaches to relax in. Check out Tiahura Beach, Ta’ahiamanu Beach, and Temae Beach for swimming and snorkeling, and you will have an unforgettable Moorea vacation!
And there you have it, the list of top things to do in Tahiti for active travelers. Now all you need to do is decide which things you will do on your trip to Moorea (but we suggest doing them all!).