Things to Do in Moorea —
Top 9 Activities &
Complete Guide 2026

Swimming with humpback whales in Moorea

This is the most powerful experience I've had in French Polynesia — by far. Every year from late July to November, humpback whales migrate from Antarctica to reproduce in the warm waters of Moorea. And here, they come very close to shore — sometimes just a few hundred metres from the coastline. This is where Moorea truly reveals itself.

I had the chance to swim alongside a whale and her calf in September. The calf was leaping in front of us. The whale surfaced a few metres away — and I saw her eye, the size of my head, looking directly at me. The size of a bus, just metres away. It's an emotion that can't be put into words.

The experience is led by a guide who enters the water with you — fins and mask provided, life vests available. The boat drops you about 100 metres from the whale to avoid stressing her, and you swim towards her. It can be physically demanding if the sea is choppy or the whale moves, but that's exactly what makes it so intense.

Humpback whales in Moorea — they come much closer to shore than in Bora Bora or Tahiti. Clément's most memorable experience in French Polynesia.

Lagoon tour — rays, sharks, turtles & motu lunch

The Moorea lagoon tour is different from Bora Bora's — not better, not worse, just different. Here you'll see turtles, leopard sharks, dolphins and stingrays. The coral is less colourful than in Bora, but the diversity of marine life more than compensates. There's also a motu for a feet-in-the-water lunch, exceptional snorkeling spots, and the intimate atmosphere of a human-scaled island.

Pay attention to your operator choice: go for a small group, not a big boat with 50 people. The difference is total — in a small group, the guide adapts, avoids crowded spots, and the experience is infinitely better. Our comparison guide does that filtering for you.

The Moorea lagoon — crystal-clear waters, turtles, rays and blacktip reef sharks. A different experience from Bora Bora, but just as exceptional.

Cook & Opunohu Bays — the most beautiful in French Polynesia

Moorea is the island of two bays. Cook Bay and Opunohu Bay, separated by Mt. Rotui, are among the most beautiful bays in all of French Polynesia — some would say in the world. From the lagoon or from the heights, the spectacle is breathtaking.

Cook Bay is the more lively of the two, with several waterside restaurants, the Manutea rum distillery and a fruit juice factory. Perfect for a local lunch by the sea. Opunohu Bay is wilder, more intimate, surrounded by mountains and pineapple plantations. The road through it is one of the most beautiful in French Polynesia. Stop at the Tropical Garden — a juice bar with a stunning view over the bay — before heading up to the belvedere.

Both bays are accessible from the lagoon on lagoon tours or jet ski excursions, and from land on 4x4 safari or quad tours.

Moorea's two bays — Cook and Opunohu, separated by Mt. Rotui. Among the most beautiful bays in the entire Pacific.

Opunohu Belvedere — panoramic view over both bays

Moorea's belvedere is one of the most photographed spots in French Polynesia — and for good reason. From up there, you get a plunging view over both bays, Mt. Rotui and the lagoon. It's breathtaking.

Accessible by car (the road is perfect, a small hatchback is fine), scooter, quad or 4x4 safari. The road up from Opunohu Bay crosses pineapple fields, passes a vanilla plantation, and winds through local farmland with walking trails and even horses. We recommend going on a guided excursion to get the explanations about island history — or by car in full autonomy if you prefer to take your time.

At the top, two of Moorea's most spectacular hikes start from this area.

Moorea's belvedere — panoramic view over Cook and Opunohu bays, Mt. Rotui and the lagoon. One of the most beautiful panoramas in French Polynesia.

Jet ski tour — the bays & lagoon at full speed

Jet skiing in Moorea is a different experience from Bora Bora — here you ride along the two mythical bays from the lagoon, with the mountains behind you and turquoise water ahead. Some operators take you directly between Cook and Opunohu Bays — the view from the water of those mountains is spectacular. It's the perfect combo of speed, scenery and sensations unique to Moorea.

Jet skiing in the Moorea lagoon — Cook Bay and the mountains as backdrop. A unique way to ride along the two mythical bays.

Quad ATV tour — belvedere, bays & off-road tracks

Quad riding in Moorea is another way to experience the island — on off-road tracks leading to the belvedere, through pineapple plantations and inland valleys. You cover the same spots as the 4x4 safari but with far more sensation. You pilot yourself, at your own pace. Some quad excursions also take you to both bays — all in a half-day.

Quad ATV tour in Moorea — off-road tracks, belvedere and mythical bays. An adventurous way to discover the island interior.

View from the belvedere on a Moorea quad tour — the turquoise lagoon and mountains as far as the eye can see.

Scuba diving & discover dive — the calm waters of Moorea

Moorea is probably the ideal place in French Polynesia for a discover dive or beginner certification. The waters are calm, current-free, and the teams are used to welcoming first-timers on holiday. I got my diving certification in Moorea and go back regularly — the sites are varied and the marine life exceptional: blacktip reef sharks, rays, moray eels, and sometimes even dolphins.

Unlike spots such as Rangiroa or Fakarava where currents are powerful, Moorea is perfect for beginners. And even in the rain, diving is completely unaffected — it's one of the few weather-independent activities on the island.

Sea turtle in the Moorea lagoon — the island's calm waters are ideal for discover dives and snorkeling.

Skydiving in Moorea — my favourite aerial experience

Skydiving in Moorea is my favourite aerial experience in French Polynesia. The setup: a plane that circles the entire island climbing to 3,000 metres — you already have an exceptional view on board — and then the jump. 40 seconds of freefall above the turquoise lagoon, the two bays, the green mountains. Then the parachute opens, and it's silence, serenity, and a 360° view over Moorea from the sky.

The team is highly professional and genuinely caring. And the video option is absolutely worth it — in the moment you're so deep in the emotion that you can't retain every detail. The video is what lets you relive it afterwards. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Skydiving in Moorea — freefall above the turquoise lagoon, Cook and Opunohu bays and the lush green mountains.

Hiking in Moorea — from easy to expert

Moorea is an exceptional hiking playground. Trails cross dense tropical forests, pineapple fields, misty valleys and lead to summits with breathtaking views over the lagoon and both bays. From a family-friendly 1.5-hour walk to a demanding 7-hour ridge hike — there's something for every level.

Our recommendations: Col des 3 Pinus (1.5h, very easy) to warm up, Col des 3 Cocotiers (3-4h, easy to moderate) from the Opunohu belvedere for panoramic views, and Mou'a Puta (4.5-5h, intermediate) — our absolute favourite, recognisable by its natural hole through the rock and offering a stunning ocean view. For experienced hikers: Mt. Rotui (7h, difficult) along the ridge between the two bays.

Hiking Mt. Rotui in Moorea — view over Cook and Opunohu bays from the ridge. One of the most spectacular hikes in French Polynesia.