Moorea, French Polynesia – Your Ultimate Island Guide
Affiliate Disclosure: This Moorea Island post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions are entirely my own.
HI, I’M TARA!
I love sharing hidden gems far from the crowds, unique boutique hotels, and unforgettable wildlife adventures – helping you have extraordinary travel experiences.
INTRODUCTION
It took my husband and me twenty years to return to the magical island of Moorea in French Polynesia. We talked about it so many times—dreamed about it, really—but life always seemed to get in the way: kids, grown-up budgets, and the sheer distance from our home in Vancouver, Canada. Still, the pull of that emerald-hilled, aquamarine-lagooned island never faded.
Oddly enough, while Moorea remained vivid in our memories from that first trip, the much more famous island of Bora Bora stood out less. Over the years, I’ve met many travelers who’ve shared the same sentiment: “Our favorite island? Truthfully, it was Moorea.” Maybe it’s because Bora Bora is such a splurge that expectations are set too high—and in the end, it’s the more budget-friendly Moorea that quietly wins people’s hearts.
That’s not to knock Bora Bora. If you want luxury, ease, and the world’s best overwater bungalows, it’s hard to top. But for travelers who crave exploration over exclusivity, Moorea delivers. From lounging with locals on stunning Temae Beach, to snorkeling reef-protected waters, to hiking for panoramic views—it’s an island you can truly settle into.
Whether you’re planning a romantic retreat, family adventure, or solo escape, I hope this post inspires you to discover the magic of Moorea—especially if you’ve ever longed for “the way Kauai used to be…”
Please use the menu below to find what you need quickly. If you want a little sneak peek first, start with this 90 second video.
MOOREA – THE NEED TO KNOW (FAQ)
WHY CHOOSE THE ISLAND OF MOOREA?
Moorea has incredibly dramatic scenery with beautiful green mountains and crystal clear, turquoise lagoons. It is protected by a coral reef, with the inside shallow waters providing excellent protection for sea turtles, stingrays, reef sharks and huge variety of tropical fish. This abundance of marine life makes it a very popular travel destination for snorkelers and divers alike.
Moorea has picture-perfect, white-sand beaches, as well as an abundance of adventure activities. It is excellent for exploring – whether it be by foot, bike, scooter, ATV or rental car. It also happens to be one of the few places in the world where visitors have the opportunity to swim with humpback whales when they return to the local waters each July through November.
For foodies, Moorea has a surprisingly good selection of locally-owned restaurants. While they may not be quite as polished as the restaurants in Hawaii (a comment from a fellow visitor – and I 100% agree), they offer up exceptionally delicious and creative dishes in some really unique venues.
One of the nicest things about the island of Moorea is that it has not changed a lot over recent decades. The island has a strong sense of community and is refreshing free of shiny new timeshare condos and high rises. In fact, the only thing that was noticeably different to us on our most recent visit was that the freshly-paved main road now had a bike lane. That is the kind of change I can really embrace!
WHERE IS MOOREA?
Moorea is part of the 118 islands and atolls that make up French Polynesia, which is located in the South Pacific Ocean, almost directly in line with Hawaii. In fact, it is close to the same distance from the equator as Hawaii, but due south instead of north.
This island is part of French Polynesia’s Society Islands – an archipelago that also includes, among others, Tahiti, Bora Bora and Huahine
One of the things that makes Mo’orea so appealing is its proximity to French Polynesia’s international airport on the main island of Tahiti. If you’re looking for a special tropical island experience, Mo’orea is one of the easiest—and most affordable—destinations to reach, especially by ferry once you reach Tahiti.
HOW DO YOU GET TO MOOREA?
You get to Moorea by flying first to the main island of Tahiti. From North America, there are direct flight to Tahiti from Seattle (9.5h), San Francisco (8.5h), Los Angeles (8.5) and Oahu (6h).
FROM TAHITI TO MOOREA BY AIR
Upon arrival in Tahiti, you can take a 15 minute puddle-jumper flight to Moorea with Air Tahiti.
FROM TAHITI TO MOOREA BY FERRY
Most visitors take the much less expensive 30-40 minute ferry ride from Tahiti to Moorea. From the airport, it is a 15 minute cab to the Moorea ferries port in the capital city of Papeete.
There are two different ferry lines servicing the Moorea Tahiti route (Aremiti and Terevau) with multiple sailings on most days. If you are walking on, there is no need to buy tickets in advance – just check the sailing times online and buy your tickets at the gate from the ferry company that has the next sailing.
OVERNIGHTING IN TAHITI
International flights arrive in the capital city of Papeete, on the island of Tahiti, typically in the evening—often requiring an overnight stay before continuing on to Mo’orea by ferry or short domestic flight.
In my opinion, most hotels near the airport and ferry terminal in Tahiti are overpriced and overrated, taking advantage of a captive audience. That said, I think these two are your best options.
INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL & SPA
The InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa is set on a large, lagoon-front property just a 5 minute taxi ride to the airport or 10 minutes to the ferry dock. Offering ocean views across to Moorea, this resort has a mix of traditional-style overwater bungalows and standard hotel rooms, along with two pools, a small lagoonarium, and a spa.
While this hotel is often used as a stopover before or after visiting other islands, the lush gardens and waterfront setting make it a pleasant place to relax for a day or two. The resort will also store luggage for prior guests on their last day if they have a late flight out.
Check rates for the Intercontinental on Booking.com or Expedia.
BOUTIQUE HOTEL KON TIKI TAHITI
The Boutique Hôtel Kon Tiki Tahiti is a modern 3-star hotel located in central Papeete, directly across from the ferry terminal and about a 10-minute taxi from Tahiti Faa’a International Airport.
It offers a variety of accommodations, including standard rooms with balconies and studios equipped with kitchenettes. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a rooftop bar with ocean views, an on-site restaurant, and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property.
Check rates for the Kon Tiki Tahiti on Booking.com or Expedia.
ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATIONS TAHITI
For something a little easier on the budget, there are some vacation rentals and bed and breakfasts near both the airport and ferry dock—but they tend to book up quickly, especially larger units suitable for families. If you find a good one, grab it before it disappears!
See options with VRBO.com.
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE ON MOOREA?
The temperature range on Moorea runs from a low of 71°F (21°C) to a high of 95°F (35°C). Dry season (which is generally the best time to visit Moorea) runs from May to October. Wet season in Moorea runs from November to April.
Note: On our July trip, we still experienced some very short showers almost daily. This is clearly what helps to keep the island so lusciously green!
IS MOOREA AFFORDABLE?
I would never try to paint a trip to French Polynesia as a particularly budget-friendly holiday. That said, Moorea can be much less expensive than visiting many of the other popular islands in French Polynesia. Furthermore, if you are familiar with how expensive it has become to travel to places like Hawaii these days (surging demand), Moorea starts to look pretty reasonable.
Moorea of course does has some very pricey accommodations, such as the luxury over-the-water bungalows at the Hilton and the Sofitel. The rates on these units, however, tend to be much lower than what you would pay for something similar on Bora Bora. To be fair, the Moorea bungalows are likely less recently renovated, but personally, I find their classic retro Polynesian decor part of their charm.
Note: On our first trip we stayed at the Moorea Hilton Resort. On our more recent trip we spent two nights in an over-the-water bungalows at the Sofitel Moorea before moving on to a perfectly lovely 3-bdrm, oceanfront vacation rental (at 1/5 the price). The cost of 2 bungalows at the Sofitel (required for our family of 4) was less per night than we paid for one on Bora Bora 20 years ago – and that was before adjusting for inflation!
DO YOU NEED A RENTAL CAR ON MOOREA?
Yes. Well… you could get by without one—especially if you’re only staying a few days at a major hotel where restaurants and tour operators often provide pickups.
But if you’re staying for a week or more, I strongly recommend renting a car. Having one gave us the freedom to pick up groceries, reach hiking trailheads, and explore many of the island’s excellent restaurants at our own pace.
The main rental companies on Mo’orea are Avis, Europcar and locally run, Albert Transport. All offer pick-up from the ferry terminal (Bay of Vai’are) or the Moorea airport.
See: Moorea Car Rentals (Expedia)
Keep in mind that rental cars on Mo’orea are limited, and most have manual transmissions. If you need an automatic, be sure to reserve your Moorea rental car well in advance. Alternatively, you can rent a car in Tahiti and bring it over on the ferry—just be sure to reserve space for the vehicle in advance.
For shorter stays or travelers based near town, scooters and e-bikes are also popular and fun ways to get around—just be mindful that the island’s coastal road can be narrow and winding in places.
THE 12 BEST THINGS TO DO ON MOOREA
1. MOOREA BOAT TOURS
When considering things to do in Moorea, a boat tour is a must. My husband and I were joking that we saw “The Big 5” on a four hour morning trip with Moorea Ocean Adventures. We started with humpback whales, followed by hopping in the water with stingrays (my kids’ favourite part). A little later we snorkeled with some black-tipped reef sharks, jumped into the water with a pod of curious dolphins and snorkeled alongside a coral wall with beautifully coloured fish and several hawksbill turtles.
Moorea boat tour options range from several hours to full day tours. The longer tours often include lunch on a private motu (island).
We chose Moorea Ocean Adventures because they have an excellent reputation for responsible wildlife viewing. I was really happy with how respectful their guides were. If Moorea Ocean adventures is fully booked (they often are), they recommend Ocean Addict Moorea.
See the following tours with Viator.com:
- Snorkeling and Lunch Small Group Tour 6h
- Private Half Day Catamaran Sailing Tour 3.5h
- Sunset Cruise Small Group 2h
2. SWIM WITH HUMPBACK WHALES
From July – November humpback whales return to the waters off of Moorea to breed and nurse their young. During this window, there are plenty of tours that will take you out to observe these beautiful mammals from under the water (snorkeling or diving).
The ads for these tours often advertise Swimming with Whales in Moorea, but more accurately, you are (or should be) quietly and respectfully observing them from a safe distance. It is truly a once in a lifetime experience!
NOTE: Depending on the company, the minimum age to swim with humpback whales in Moorea is 10-12 years.
See the following tours with Viator.com:
3. MOOREA SNORKELING
One of the main reasons that we wanted to return to French Polynesia as a family is because of the incredible snorkeling. There are very few places like it, where you have access to such a wide variety of fish and marine life right from the beach.
If you are staying at one of the beachfront hotels like the Sofitel or the Hilton, you are going to have some great snorkeling right from the property.
Alternatively, Temae Public Beach (right beside the Sofitel) has some of the best (free) snorkeling I’ve ever seen (healthy coral, vibrantly coloured fish, stingrays, reef sharks in the protected waters 100m from the shore). The snorkeling off Ta’ahiamanu Public Beach is also very decent, but Temae is better.
See the following tours with Viator.com:
Important: Poison rock fish (or stonefish) are sometimes found in the waters off of Moorea. It is advisable to wear reef shoes or fins when in the water. After years of buying cheap ones (that typically fell apart after one use), I finally bought our whole family Speedo reef shoes from a local dive shop and I have been very happy with them.
4. SCUBA DIVING MOOREA
It is no surprise that Moorea is also famous for its dive sites. In fact, it has over a dozen great spots to choose from. Tiki Point is wonderful for viewing numerous species of sharks (including lemon sharks) as well as dolphins and sometimes whales. The Rose Garden (advanced dive) is one of the best coral reefs in Moorea and typically has numerous sharks hanging around. Along Ray’s Corridor, divers drift through a beautiful fish-filled natural lagoon where schools of eagle rays also congregate.
Both Moorea Blue Diving Center (Hotel Manava Beach) and Nemoz Diving (Hilton) get excellent reviews.
See the following tour with Viator.com:
5. MOOREA HIKING
You could spend a full week just hiking on Moorea as there are so many great trails to explore.
Many visitors to the island make the short and windy drive to Belvedere Lookout. (This is also a popular stop on island day tours.) From this location, there are trailheads leading to even better island views. (The 3 Pines/Les Trois Sapin as well as The 3 Coconuts trail.)
The 3 Sapin trail took us about 1.5 hours (in and back) and has a delightful view from the top (that must be seen from the swing). This trail seemed quite easily managed by families with young children.
Magic Mountain is another very popular hike on the island offering sweeping panoramic views (slightly more dramatic than Belvedere). The lookout is reached by following a steep road to the top (approx. one hour in and back trail). The road can also be navigated by ATVs or a 4WD vehicle and is another popular stop on island tours. The trail has a small entrance fee (200 XPF pp).
See the following guided hiking tours with Viator.com:
There are some much more difficult hikes on the island that are described on other sites promising even more spectacular views. I am not going to describe them here as I am concerned about people heading out on them that are not prepared. (There was a recent tragic incident on the Mt. Rotui trail.)
True Story: Against my better wishes, my adventure-seeking husband and son did hike one of these trails. I just may have said “So you know, you are 100% responsible for whatever happens to him!” as my husband walked out the door. How’s that for operating as a parenting team? They did enjoy some spectacular views and thankfully turned back part way when the trail…in their words…became “totally treacherous”.
6. CYCLING ON MOOREA
Moorea is a great place to go biking. There is one main road circumnavigating the island and it has a bike path for most of the way. The road hugs the coastline offering some beautiful views and is almost entirely flat. It is, however, quite busy, and you do have to navigate around some dogs and chickens (part of the fun).
The major hotels have conventional and e-Bikes for rent. There are also several companies renting e-bikes on the island that will deliver to your accommodations including E-Bike Moorea. (They have bike trailers for kids as well.)
See also Moorea bike rentals on Viator.com:
7. MOOREA ATV TOURS
Spend any time on Moorea and at some point you are going to have a bunch of ATVs roar by you. These popular 4WD Moorea quad tours typically take guests on adventures through the pineapple plantations, to the Belvedere and Magic Mountain lookouts and to several other fun spots on the island. If you only have a short time on the island, this can be a fun way to explore Moorea. (Open air jeep tours and scooter rentals are another option).
See the following tour with Viator.com:
8. MOOREA BEACHES
A day at the beach is also a must on Moorea. If you are staying at the Hilton or the Sofitel, you already have access to a nice beach. If there is one beach that is worth going out of your way for, however, it is Temae Beach (beside the Sofitel). This beautiful palm-lined stretch of sand is a favourite of visitors and locals alike. It also has some of the best snorkeling on the island. (Restrooms available.)
Another favourite is Ta’ahiamanu Public Beach on Opunohu Bay. From this slender stretch of sand, visitors can enjoy calm waters for swimming, wonderful snorkeling and beautiful sunset views. (Restrooms available.)
TIP: To avoid disappointment, bring some toilet paper.
9. POLYNESIAN DANCE SHOWS
I’ll be honest, I could have skipped this one (I run from anything that looks vaguely touristy), but I caved when I saw the enthusiastic look on my teens faces when presented with the idea by the hotel concierge at the Sofitel.
I was also swayed by the fact that we happened to be visiting French Polynesia during the annual Heiva I Tahiti dance competition. It was hard not to appreciate what an integral part of their society these traditional performances are when everywhere we went, we saw people rehearsing or working on their costumes!
Now, most visitors aren’t going to make it to The Heiva (hosted on the island of Tahiti). If you would like to see a Polynesian Dance Show on Moorea, there are several options.
The Tiki Village Cultural Center offers dinner and/or show packages on Tuesdays and Fridays. They also run tours and crafting workshops during the day.
The three major hotels on the island (Hilton, Sofitel and Manava) also offer their own Polynesian dinner and show nights twice a week (usually Wed. & Sat). The cost is around $100 USD per person and half price for kids.
10. MOOREA FOR FOODIES
Something that really surprised me about Moorea was its impressive dining scene. We love trying new places! Each day, we were simply delighted with what we found – enjoying everything from freshly harvested fruit, to fine dining at some of the island’s longest running establishments.
The food cart scene is particularly impressive on Moorea with everything from poisson cru (fish marinated in lime juice and coconut milk) to french macarons. Our personal favorite was Kaylakea Moz. I highly encourage you to get out and try a few. If you just want the highlights, the best way to enjoy them is on a Moorea Street Food Tour. The tour comes highly recommended and I am definitely doing it on our next trip!
See the following street food tour with Viator.com:
11. THE CORAL GARDENERS
The Coral Gardeners started as a small group of Moorea kids who wanted to help save the coral reef around their island. They have since grown into an international collective of scientists, engineers, creators, and advocates determined to save the reef by revolutionizing ocean conservation and generating collaborative action around the world.
Their “coral gardens” – or the underwater farms where they grow their resilient “super corals” – are located in the waters around the island. When these baby corals are large enough, they are replanted to the island reefs.
The Coral Gardeners head office is located on Cook’s Bay. Moorea. During our visit, we were able to stop by for an informal tour. They now actually offer organized tours out into the bay to see their operations. Learn more on the Coral Gardeners website.
Want to learn more? Check out this YouTube video showing their great work.
12. TE FARE NATURA ECO MUSEUM
It’s hard to miss this striking building on Opunohu Bay. The Te Fare Natura Eco Museum has some beautiful exhibitions showcasing the great biodiversity of Moorea. The museum collection is quite small, perhaps owing to the fact that the facility is quite new. Hopefully in the upcoming years, the exhibits will be expanded.
Learn more at farenatura.org or read reviews on Tripadvisor.
WHERE TO STAY ON MOOREA
I recommend the north to northwest coast of the island—this is where you’ll find the best beaches, most restaurants and shops, and easy access to activity meeting points. Since there’s no road through the island’s center, staying in the south often means longer drives to get around.
GETTING YOUR EXPECTATIONS IN CHECK
First-time visitors to French Polynesia should be prepared for a bit of sticker shock—Mo’orea accommodations can feel pricey for what you get, and many properties are somewhat dated. The major hotels aren’t renovated as frequently as those on Bora Bora, and reviews often mention things like worn furnishings or rooms needing updates. But here’s the upside: the island’s natural beauty, friendly vibe, and overall experience more than make up for any cosmetic flaws—plus, you’ll likely pay just over half of what you would for a similar stay on Bora Bora.
With that in mind, here are my top picks for Mo’orea resorts, boutique hotels, and other great places to stay.
THE 3 BEST HOTELS IN MOOREA
1. SOFITEL KIA ORA MOOREA
The Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea is located on the most beautiful beach on the island (Temae Beach) with absolutely spectacular snorkeling. The accommodations are all bungalows, ranging from garden views all the way up to luxury over the water horizon bungalows. The property has a full service spa, oceanside pool, a water sports center, tennis courts and several nice bars and restaurants.
Almost all of the Sofitel bungalows sleep a maximum of 3 people. Family accommodations on Moorea are hard to find, but the Sofitel has one 2-bedroom Luxury Villa that can sleep up to 6 people.
Note: The one drawback to the Sofitel is that it is set a little bit away from everything else on the island. That said, some restaurants and activity providers will provide a hotel pickup if you do not wish to rent a car. The hotel also has bikes for rent which can be a fun way to tour the island.
Check rates for the Sofitel Kia Ora on Booking.com or Expedia.
2. MOOREA ISLAND BEACH HOTEL
The Moorea Island Beach Hotel provides bungalow style accommodations right on the ocean. The hotel has bikes and kayaks for loan, free private parking, a garden and a private beach area. Rooms include a terrace, an inside seating area, air conditioning and free WIFI. Breakfast is included but you are also given access a shared kitchen and bar area for self-catering.
Most of the bungalows at this small Moorea hotel sleep 2 adults. If you are traveling to Moorea with kids, however, the hotel also has a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom garden-view family villa that can sleep up to 5.
Check rates for the Moorea Island Beach Hotel on Booking.com or Expedia.
3. COOK’S BAY HOTEL & SUITES
Reopened in 2023 after extensive renovations, Cook’s Bay Hotel & Suites is a modern boutique hotel offering 38 sea-view suites equipped with kitchenettes and spacious balconies. The property features a mirror-like swimming pool, direct lagoon access, and the waterfront Le Cook’s Restaurant and Bar, which provides panoramic views of Cook’s Bay.
Cook’s Bay has long been one of my favorite spots on the island—ever since my first visit over 20 years ago, I never forgot the views from this exact stretch of shoreline, quite possibly from a restaurant that once stood where this hotel now shines. Its central location also makes it an ideal base for exploring Moorea.
Check rates for the Cook’s Bay Hotel on Booking.com or Expedia.
MOOREA VACATION RENTALS
A Moorea vacation rental can be a roomy and budget-friendly alternative on the island. These can be especially nice for multiple couples traveling together and family groups. (Family-sized hotel rooms are quite hard to find on Moorea.)
As with hotels, I would recommend looking along the north and northwest coastlines to be close to amenities and restaurants. Also be sure to book as early as possible as the most highly rated units tend to disappear months in advance! VRBO and Expedia have a nice selection.
Note: On our recent trip, we were travelling to Moorea with teens. We splurged for 2 nights at the Sofitel but needed to take 2 bungalows to accommodate us ($$$). We then moved to the 3-bdrm vacation rental on Cook’s Bay for the rest of our stay to balance out the cost.
LEARN MORE
If you are not hooked on Moorea yet, let me try just one more thing. Please let me share with you a snapshot of our trip in this French Polynesia Instagram Highlight.
If you have questions about the island, please feel free to reach out to me via direct message on Instagram, Facebook or by email.
Want to see more unique adventures? I would love for you to follow along with The Better Beyond on Instagram!
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