Moorea, French Polynesia is renowned for its crystalline lagoons, dramatic volcanic peaks, and a laid-back island lifestyle that attracts travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Just a short ferry ride from Tahiti, Moorea combines accessible luxury with the unspoiled beauty of French Polynesia, making it a favorite among honeymooners, families, and solo wanderers alike. The island’s heart-shaped outline and iconic sharp mountain ridges deliver a landscape that photographers and nature lovers dream of exploring.
The island is packed with memorable experiences: swim or snorkel among colorful coral gardens and playful rays in the calm lagoon, venture inland to hike through the pineapple plantations, or ascend Mount Rotui for panoramic views of Opunohu and Cook’s Bays. Moorea’s famous Belvedere Lookout showcases the island’s rugged terrain, while guided tours offer cultural insights, visits to small villages, and historic marae (temple) sites. Water sports enthusiasts will find plenty of options, from kayaking and jet skiiing to world-class diving.
Moorea’s peaceful ambiance is enriched by French Polynesian culture, with friendly locals eager to share their traditions through music, dance, and food. The rhythm of local life revolves around outdoor markets selling tropical fruit and handcrafted pareos, while small cafés and bistros serve up a blend of French and Polynesian flavors. Resorts and family-run guesthouses line the beaches, offering a range of accommodations with stunning views.
Getting around the island is easy; many visitors rent scooters or bikes to explore at their own pace, while guided tours and taxis are also available. Moorea is generally more relaxed and less commercialized than neighboring Tahiti, but there are still ample conveniences like ATMs, car rentals, and grocery stores. For dining, fresh seafood is the highlight, whether you choose a seaside resort restaurant or grab snacks from a food truck by the beach.
The best time to visit Moorea is during the dry season from May to October, when days are sunny and the humidity is lower. Whale watching peaks between July and November, offering a rare chance to spot humpback whales in the surrounding waters. For a quieter experience, consider visiting in the shoulder months, and always pack reef-safe sunscreen to protect the island's vibrant marine life.
The island is packed with memorable experiences: swim or snorkel among colorful coral gardens and playful rays in the calm lagoon, venture inland to hike through the pineapple plantations, or ascend Mount Rotui for panoramic views of Opunohu and Cook’s Bays. Moorea’s famous Belvedere Lookout showcases the island’s rugged terrain, while guided tours offer cultural insights, visits to small villages, and historic marae (temple) sites. Water sports enthusiasts will find plenty of options, from kayaking and jet skiiing to world-class diving.
Moorea’s peaceful ambiance is enriched by French Polynesian culture, with friendly locals eager to share their traditions through music, dance, and food. The rhythm of local life revolves around outdoor markets selling tropical fruit and handcrafted pareos, while small cafés and bistros serve up a blend of French and Polynesian flavors. Resorts and family-run guesthouses line the beaches, offering a range of accommodations with stunning views.
Getting around the island is easy; many visitors rent scooters or bikes to explore at their own pace, while guided tours and taxis are also available. Moorea is generally more relaxed and less commercialized than neighboring Tahiti, but there are still ample conveniences like ATMs, car rentals, and grocery stores. For dining, fresh seafood is the highlight, whether you choose a seaside resort restaurant or grab snacks from a food truck by the beach.
The best time to visit Moorea is during the dry season from May to October, when days are sunny and the humidity is lower. Whale watching peaks between July and November, offering a rare chance to spot humpback whales in the surrounding waters. For a quieter experience, consider visiting in the shoulder months, and always pack reef-safe sunscreen to protect the island's vibrant marine life.
Expected Weekly Budget
$1600-$2200 USD (per person, excluding flights)
Known For
Things to Do
- Snorkel or dive in the lagoon among rays and sharks
- Visit Belvedere Lookout for epic island views
- Hike the Three Coconuts Trail in the crater valley
- Take a lagoon tour by outrigger canoe
- Swim with dolphins at the Moorea Dolphin Center
- Explore pineapple plantations and learn about local agriculture
- Relax on Temae Beach
- Go whale watching from July to November
Notable Sites
- Belvedere Lookout
- Opunohu Bay
- Cook’s Bay
- Moorea Dolphin Center
- Temae Beach
- Three Coconuts Trail
- Tiki Village Cultural Center
- Toatea Lookout
General Advice
Moorea is an ideal destination for travelers who crave a mix of adventure and relaxation. English and French are both widely spoken, but a few words in Tahitian are always appreciated by locals. Most activities—snorkeling, hiking, boat tours—are easily arranged through your accommodation or local operators. The island is compact, so renting a bike or car for a day is a fun way to visit beaches, viewpoints, and small towns at your own pace. Bring cash for markets and street food as not all vendors accept cards, and book popular activities or dining during high season in advance.
Security & Safety
Moorea is generally very safe for tourists, with low crime rates and a friendly local atmosphere. Still, keep valuables secure and avoid leaving belongings unattended on beaches or in rental vehicles. Stick to well-marked trails when hiking, wear reef shoes in the lagoon to avoid coral cuts, and pay attention to safety advice for all water-based activities. Mosquitoes can be present, especially after rain, so pack insect repellent. Trust established tour operators for excursions, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated in the tropical heat.
Travel Tips
- Pack light, breathable clothing and plenty of reef-safe sunscreen.
- Book rental cars, scooters, or bikes in advance during the busy season.
- Public buses are infrequent—plan transport ahead especially for late-night returns.
- ATMs are limited, so bring cash for small purchases and excursions.
- Try poisson cru (Tahitian raw fish salad) at a local restaurant.
- Respect local customs and avoid topless sunbathing.
- Use mosquito repellent, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Tap water is generally safe in major hotels, but bottled water is widely available.
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Traveler Comments
Visited in April 2024
Swimming with rays in the lagoon was unreal. We rented bikes and circled the island, stopping for fresh pineapple juice along the way. Prices are a bit higher than we expected, but the relaxed vibe and scenery are worth it.
Stayed in September 2023
My wife and I had our honeymoon here. The overwater bungalow at Temae Beach was everything we hoped for—quiet, beautiful, and right on the water. Restaurants can get busy, so make reservations if you're here in peak season.
Traveled here in June 2024
Moorea feels like paradise. We went snorkeling off Opunohu Bay and saw turtles and a few black-tip reef sharks. The fruit here is amazing—don’t miss out on the passion fruit!
Visited in November 2023
Fantastic for families. Our kids loved the dolphin center, and there was plenty to do even when it rained. Rental cars book up fast, so we ended up using taxis a few times, which added to costs.
Visited in February 2024
Gorgeous beaches and super friendly locals. We tried the Three Coconuts hike—it was sweaty work but the view at the top was totally worth it. Watch out for mosquitos after rain!
Stayed in July 2023
We lucked out and saw humpback whales breaching on a boat tour. Moorea is less commercial than Tahiti, and the pace here made us feel instantly relaxed. Wish we could have stayed longer.
Visited in August 2023
Amazing scenery everywhere you look! Belvedere Lookout is a must for photos. Food was tasty but sometimes pricey—eat where locals go for better deals.
Traveled here in May 2024
Highlight was the lagoon tour and swimming with sharks—safe and super well organized. Rain showers were short but frequent, so bring a light waterproof jacket just in case.
Visited in January 2024
The island is incredibly beautiful but it poured one of the days we were here, and some tours got canceled. Still, Temae Beach was great on sunny days and quite peaceful midweek.
Visited in December 2023
Tiki Village Cultural Center had wonderful local performances, and we learned a lot about Polynesian traditions. It was fun meeting artisans and sampling coconut bread fresh from the oven.
Stayed in March 2024
My partner and I loved kayaking along the edge of Cook’s Bay. Renting a scooter was the best way to get around. Don’t forget to bring a hat—it gets hot after noon!
Visited in October 2023
Moorea is awesome for water sports. We did paddleboarding and saw dolphins swim by. Some areas of the lagoon had lots of coral, so water shoes are a good idea.
Traveled here in March 2024
The scenery is out of this world, and the people are genuinely welcoming. Favorite moment was watching the sunset from Toatea Lookout. Would totally come back for a longer stay.
Stayed in May 2023
Beautiful place but found it a bit expensive for simple meals and activities. The market at Maharepa has great souvenirs, though, and local fruit is delicious.
Visited in August 2023
Hiking the island’s interior was a fantastic challenge. Pineapple fields and mountain views everywhere. Local buses are slow, so renting a car made things much easier.
Traveled here in October 2023
Super relaxed, full of natural beauty. Snorkeled with my teenagers and saw so many colorful fish. A few jellyfish in the lagoon one day, so check with locals before you swim.
Visited in July 2024
Our family had the best trip here! Swimming, hiking, and learning about Polynesian culture—never a dull moment. Be prepared for occasional power outages in small guesthouses.
Stayed in September 2023
Loved the slow pace and the fresh seafood everywhere. Rented a beachfront bungalow and it felt like our own private world. Would recommend booking activities in advance for popular tours.
Visited in May 2024
Fantastic snorkeling, and we even spotted a sea turtle. Drove to several lookouts and each one was more stunning than the last. Food is mostly French or Polynesian, so a bit limited if you're looking for international cuisine.
Traveled here in June 2023
We went for our anniversary and had an amazing time paddleboarding at sunrise. Nightlife is almost nonexistent, but stargazing on the jetty more than made up for it.
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