A quick ferry ride away from Tahiti sits the gorgeous Moorea—an island abundant in breathtaking natural landscapes, from white sandy beaches to lush mountains and jagged volcanoes. Frequent visitors of French Polynesia might call this volcanic island the little sister of Tahiti. It has everything you could hope for when you visit the Pacific—azure lagoons, vibrant wildlife and a glimpse into the everyday lives of Polynesians.
But if it’s so similar to the main island of Tahiti, is Moorea worth visiting? That’s an easy and resounding yes from us. With so many things to do in Moorea, French Polynesia, skipping the island would be like sleeping on the best parts of the Pacific.
Unsure of what to do on your visit to the island of Moorea? Keep reading our Moorea travel guide for 15 activities and excursions you won’t want to miss when you’re on this gem of an island.
1. Sunbathe and Unwind on a White-Sand Beach
No trip to French Polynesia is complete without relaxing at the beach. And Moorea boasts some of the most beautiful white-sand beaches in the region. Getting your tan on is a must-do in Moorea. Head to the most popular beaches—like Temae Beach and Ta'ahiamanu Beach. Then, crack open a book and get that sunkissed tan you’ve always wanted as you enjoy the soothing call of the ocean breeze.
2. Get a Taste of Luxury in Overwater Bungalows
If you’ve a penchant for all things indulgent and luxurious, book a stay at a five-star resort in Moorea known for its opulent overwater bungalows. It’s an amazing way to experience upscale service while being as close to the water as possible.
The Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa and Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort are among the most lavish and glamorous resorts on the island with these unique accommodations.
3. Go Scuba Diving or Snorkelling
View the vibrant, colourful marine wildlife in French Polynesia up close by exploring the deep, blue waters. Scuba diving allows you to observe stingrays, tropical fish and the most brilliant corals face-to-face. Diving Moorea waters is one of those Moorea excursions every traveller needs to experience before leaving the island. Snorkelling is also an awesome option for families and is one of the best things to do in Moorea with kids. Check out the many dive shops and schools across the island to find the best diving and snorkelling Moorea has to offer.
4. Explore the Waters on a Catamaran Cruise
Not a fan of swimming in open waters? You can still explore the island and the crystal clear lagoons around it on a short cruise on a catamaran. This will allow you to traverse the waters, watch the sunset and maybe even spot turtles and dolphins from your boat. Don’t forget to research the best boat tours Moorea has to offer!
5. Hike a Trail and Be Rewarded With Panoramic Views
Get your steps in when you hike through popular trails in Moorea. These include the path that leads you to Belvedere Lookout Moorea—one of the best viewpoints on the island—and the trail going up to Magic Mountain. If you’re a beginner and want to go for something easy, check out the Mount Rotui hike—a short and easy hike with panoramic views that are just as rewarding.
6. Have a Romantic Sunset Dinner by the Beach
Going on a Moorea honeymoon? Make the most out of the stunning sunsets the island has to offer by setting up a romantic dinner for two on the shores. Make a reservation at a local restaurant overlooking the ocean, or plan your own little picnic by the sand. Don’t forget to end the night with a Tahitian cocktail or two!
7. Taste Fresh Polynesian Seafood Dishes
One of the best ways to experience Polynesian culture firsthand is by sampling their native dishes and local delicacies. Some of the Tahitian dishes you need to try while in Moorea include poisson cru (a ceviche-like dish made with raw fish), chevrettes (shrimp in coconut milk) and poulet fafa (chicken cooked in taro leaves).
8. Sip on Fresh Juice From the Fruit Factory
Taste the freshest, sweetest fruit juices at Manutea Tahiti—Moorea’s premier juice factory. Watch as locals take the island’s tropical fruits, like pineapple and passion fruit, and turn them into delectable juices and wines. There’s also a distillery next door if you want to try some local spirits! Because the factory is indoors, it’s one of the best things to do in Moorea when it’s raining.
9. Swim With Whales in the Summer and Fall
From July to November, humpback whales swim through the waters of Moorea. Come during the right season, and you can swim with them, too! It’s become such a popular excursion that French Polynesia recently tightened the regulations about tourists swimming with the whales; only three boats are allowed to approach a whale at any given time now. It’s one of the most memorable things to do in Moorea from a cruise ship, too.
10. Go Surfing in Haapiti
Looking to ride some of the coolest breaks in French Polynesia? Head to Haapiti for a surf. Riding the waves in this hot surf spot is one of the best Moorea activities for adventure seekers. The breaks here are powerful yet consistent, making it the perfect surf location for intermediate and advanced surfers.
11. Explore the Island on an ATV Tour
Want to travel through Moorea in style? Book an ATV tour and ride through the island in tandem. Visit all the best attractions on the island, from the island’s popular viewpoints to the crowd-favourite pineapple plantation in Moorea.
12. Go Ziplining Through the Lush Greenery
Get your adrenaline pumping when you zip through the lush greenery of Moorea’s mountains. Head to Tiki Parc Moorea to book a ziplining excursion that will literally fly you through Moorea’s terrain and valleys from a unique perspective.
13. See Afareaitu Waterfalls
The island isn’t just about beaches and mountains. The major Moorea attractions also include Afareaitu Waterfalls—arguably the prettiest waterfalls Moorea has to offer. Just be ready to hike through a 45-minute trail to get there. But don’t worry—taking a dip in the cool water after a leisurely hike will be ultra-refreshing!
14. Learn About Tahitian Culture at the Tiki Village Cultural Center
If you’re looking for what to do in Moorea for a day, this one should be on your itinerary. Immerse yourself in the rich, beautiful traditions and culture of Polynesians when you visit the Tiki Village Cultural Center. Here, you can watch locals perform Tahitian dances or play music with pate drums, all while you enjoy a sumptuous buffet dinner. Before you know it, you’ll be dancing like a Tahitian, too!
15. Bike Around the Island
Lastly, rent a bike and explore the island’s coastal roads at a breezy and relaxed pace. It’s a lovely way to go Moorea sightseeing if you’re tired of being on a boat!
Chase Tropical Adventures in French Polynesia Today!
Whether it’s snorkelling with stingrays, trying out Polynesian delicacies, or hiking to the mountaintops to chase that lagoon view, there are so many things to do in Moorea, French Polynesia. The more you get a taste of what the island has to offer, the more you’ll never want to say goodbye.
Looking to travel to Moorea or anywhere in French Polynesia soon? Check out Entire Travel Group’s all-in-one island holiday packages. We’ll help make your trip to these dreamy islands an unforgettable one!
