9 Best Things to Do on Moorea, French Polynesia
This paradise island in French Polynesia, located just a few kilometers from Tahiti, is packed with unforgettable activities and places to explore. With its stunning scenery, white sand beaches, turquoise lagoon, and authentic Polynesian culture, Moorea is the perfect destination for any trip to the islands.
Whether you’re into relaxing on the beach, scuba diving, hiking through lush mountains, or discovering local traditions, Moorea has something for everyone, solo travelers, couples, and families alike.
We fell in love with the island’s vibe during our honeymoon in 2023… so much so that we made it our home the following year!
With MyLittlePolynesia, discover our Top 9 Things to Do in Moorea, from natural wonders and snorkeling spots to hiking trails, boat excursions, and tips for making your stay on Tahiti’s sister island truly unforgettable.
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“10 Days Itinerary in French Polynesia” — accommodation, flights, routes, weather, and insider tips… everything you need before booking!
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What to Do in Moorea: Our Top 9 Activities and Must-See Spots
To explore Moorea and make the most of our top 9 must-do activities, we recommend renting a car, either in Papeete and bringing it across on the ferry from Tahiti to Moorea, or directly upon arrival in Moorea. You’ll find several rental agencies right at the ferry dock in Vaiare, making it easy and convenient to start your island adventure.
Find our complete article on comparative car rental offers in Tahiti and Moorea.
1. Swimming with Humpback Whales in Moorea
Swimming with whales in Moorea is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one of the absolute must-dos during your trip to French Polynesia. Each year, these gentle giants migrate from Antarctica to the warm, protected waters of Polynesia to mate and give birth. Moorea’s calm lagoons and gently sloping reef walls provide the perfect setting to observe them—either from the boat or, if conditions allow, directly in the water with mask and snorkel.
What we especially loved about the whale excursion in Moorea was the peaceful vibe of the island, the deep connection with nature, and the high quality of local guidance. Here, everything is done with authenticity and respect. You can feel that the guides truly love their island and are genuinely committed to protecting the whales. There’s no chasing, no pressure, no hype—just patience, awareness, and a real desire to share a meaningful moment without disturbing the animals.
And it’s precisely this thoughtful approach that makes the experience so powerful. Watching these majestic creatures in their natural environment—without stress, without noise—is emotional, humbling, and unforgettable. It’s travel at its most conscious: eyes wide open, and heart even wider.
👉 Want to know more? Check out our full guide on humpback whales in Polynesia—including the best islands to see them, practical info, season calendar, and pricing.
📖 Read the article ➜ Traveling in French Polynesia: 10 day Itinerary & Tips
2. Swim with Rays and Sharks
What could possibly rival swimming with whales? Not an easy act to follow—but gliding through Moorea’s lagoon alongside stingrays and blacktip reef sharks comes pretty close.
👉We highly recommend joining a full-day “Land and Sea Discovery Tour”, which includes a scenic hike through Moorea’s lush interior followed by a traditional Polynesian lunch—feet in the water—before heading out for a lagoon cruise. This combo gives you the best of both worlds: mountain and ocean, culture and adventure, all in one unforgettable day.
👉Another must-try: a traditional outrigger canoe excursion. Set sail aboard a Polynesian-style canoe and discover the beauty of Moorea’s lagoon like the ancient navigators did—drifting with the wind, guided by stories, and immersed in the rhythms of the ocean. During this cultural experience, you’ll learn about Polynesian navigation, legends of the sea, and of course, swim with rays and sharks in crystal-clear waters.
It’s a magical encounter, gentle, respectful, and full of wonder, that connects you deeply with the ocean and the traditions of the islands. You can find our full article about ray and shark tour in Moorea.
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3. The Iconic Bays: Cook & Opunohu
No trip to Moorea is complete without visiting its two most iconic bays: Cook Bay and Opunohu Bay—separated by the stunning Mount Rotui. These are not only among the most beautiful spots on Moorea, but also some of the most scenic bays in all of French Polynesia.
👉Check our best lagoon tours in Moorea pass through these bays.
Cook Bay
This postcard-perfect bay offers sweeping views of the ocean on one side and mountains on the other. It’s ideal for a boat ride, a refreshing swim, or just a leisurely drive along the coast.
Along the road, you’ll find charming local restaurants where you can stop for a delicious lunch. Don’t miss a visit to the Manutea Tahiti fruit juice and rum distillery—a tasty, local stop that offers tropical flavors and artisanal products.
Opunohu Bay
Quieter and more rugged than Cook Bay, Opunohu Bay is surrounded by towering mountains and pineapple fields, giving it a wilder, jungle-like atmosphere.
We highly recommend a stop at the Tropical Garden, a juice bar and small restaurant with an incredible panoramic view of the bay below. From there, you can continue your journey up into the island’s interior toward the Belvédère Lookout, with one of the best scenic drives on the island.
Pro tip: For a thrilling way to explore the lagoon between the two bays, try a jet ski tour—an adventurous and fun way to see Moorea from the water while gliding between coral reefs and dramatic landscapes.
Just don’t forget your sunscreen and UV-protective swimwear!
4. The Belvedere Lookout – Moorea’s Iconic Viewpoint
The Belvedere Lookout offers one of the most breathtaking panoramas in all of French Polynesia. From this vantage point, you’ll see both Cook Bay and Opunohu Bay, as well as the lush green valley in between—a view so stunning, it helped earn Moorea the nickname “the Magical Island.”
Accessible by car, scooter, or on foot, the lookout is also the starting point for several well-marked hiking trails that lead into the surrounding forest and hills. It’s one of the most photographed spots on the island, and for good reason.
💡 To make the most of your visit, we recommend joining a 4×4 island tour. These half-day excursions take you to all the top scenic viewpoints—including the Belvedere—while also giving you the chance to taste local products, such as jams, pineapples, and homemade liqueurs, along the way. Find our full article about 4X4 safari tour in Moorea.
5. The Lagoon – A Paradise for Water Lovers
The lagoon surrounding Moorea is like a giant natural aquarium—crystal-clear waters teeming with colorful marine life. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, Moorea’s lagoon offers endless possibilities for ocean lovers.
Snorkeling
Dive into vibrant coral gardens where you’ll encounter tropical fish, stingrays, and other marine wonders. The beaches of Temae and Ta’ahiamanu are easily accessible and offer stunning underwater landscapes, making them perfect for independent snorkeling—no tour needed. Just bring your fins and mask, and let the ocean amaze you.
Boat Trips, Kayaking, Paddleboarding, Jetski
👉Head out to explore Moorea’s motu (tiny islets) for a picnic with your feet in the water, or simply unwind surrounded by nature. For a peaceful adventure, rent a kayak at Tipaniers Beach and paddle through the lagoon. In just 2–3 hours, you may spot stingrays and small reef sharks gliding right beneath your kayak—a magical and respectful encounter with Moorea’s marine life. You can also book a Jetski tour in Moorea, find our full article here.
6. Hiking in Moorea – Trails for Every Level
With its dramatic peaks and lush tropical forests, Moorea is a dream come true for hiking lovers. Whether you’re looking for a gentle forest walk or a challenging summit, the island offers a variety of trails with spectacular views. Here are our top hikes, ranked by difficulty, along with our personal impressions:
🌲 Three Pines Pass (Col des 3 Pinus)
⏱️ Duration: 1.5 hours round trip
🟢 Level: Very easy
📍 Starting point: Belvedere road
This short and peaceful walk is perfect for warming up or stretching your legs. The trail winds through a cool Caribbean pine forest and leads to a small wooded pass with a few scenic viewpoints. Ideal for families or beginners.
🥥 Three Coconut Trees Pass (Col des 3 Cocotiers)
⏱️ Duration: 3–4 hours round trip
🟢 Level: Easy to moderate
📍 Starting point: Opunohu Lookout (Belvedere)
A classic Moorea hike! The trail gently climbs through dense rainforest, passing small streams and ancient archaeological sites. You’ll eventually reach a ridge marked by three (sometimes seasonal) coconut trees, offering breathtaking panoramic views over the lagoon and mountains.
🪨 Mou’a Puta – Our Favorite 💛
⏱️ Duration: 4.5 to 5 hours round trip
🟠 Level: Intermediate
📍 Starting point: near Afareaitu
This iconic peak, easily recognizable by the hole in its summit, is one of Moorea’s most striking landmarks. The climb is more technical, with some steep and slippery sections. But once at the top, the views over the ocean and surrounding peaks are absolutely worth the effort.
We highly recommend going with a guide if you’re not used to Polynesian trails.
⛰️ Mount Rotui
⏱️ Duration: 7 hours round trip
🔴 Level: Difficult / Experienced
📍 Starting point: between Cook and Opunohu Bays
This is Moorea’s most demanding hike, reserved for experienced hikers. The trail is narrow, exposed, steep, and lightly marked, following a ridge between the two bays. In return, it offers spectacular, nonstop views. A truly epic adventure—only attempt it in good weather and ideally with a local guide. 🚶♂️
7. Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Moorea
Snorkeling in Moorea’s coral gardens is an absolute must. The vibrant reef life and colorful marine species will leave you in awe. Whether you’re gliding over shallow coral formations or diving into deeper waters, the underwater world here is truly spectacular.
We’ve even written a complete article on scuba diving and freediving in French Polynesia, with tips, locations, and what to expect beneath the surface.
Personal Recommendation:
👉One of my favorite dive centers—and the one I go to regularly—is Moorea Blue Diving. Their team is professional and friendly, the equipment is new and high-quality, and they operate with two comfortable boats, offering a great experience both above and below water.
If you’re new to diving, you can book an introductory dive (baptême) for around $100 per person—a fantastic way to discover Moorea’s underwater beauty in complete safety.
8. Skydiving Over Moorea – A Thrill in Paradise
👉Skydiving in Moorea is more than just an adrenaline rush—it’s pure magic, with one of the most breathtaking natural backdrops on Earth. Find our full article on Skydiving in Tahiti and Moorea.
After ascending high above the island by plane, the jump offers a 360° view over Moorea’s turquoise lagoon, its iconic twin bays (Cook and Opunohu), lush green mountains, and tiny white-sand motu. It’s like soaring through a living postcard—an experience you’ll never forget.
What we loved most? That incredible mix of pure freedom and deep serenity. Unlike urban drop zones, here you’re flying above untouched nature, in silence and beauty, with only the sound of the wind and the vastness of the island below.
The local skydiving team is highly professional and incredibly welcoming. Everything is well-organized, from the safety briefing to the warm support and the option to capture the whole jump on video—so you can relive the moment again and again.
We 100% recommend this experience—blue skies, a racing heart, and memories to last a lifetime.
In short: absolutely epic.
9. Discover Polynesian Culture: Marae, Dance & Local Spirits
All around Moorea, you’ll find marae—ancient Polynesian temples that were once sacred places of worship and ceremony. These stone platforms, often hidden in the forest, are powerful reminders of Mā’ohi spiritual heritage. Visiting them is like stepping back in time and walking in the footsteps of the ancestors. It’s a meaningful way to connect with the island’s deep spiritual soul.
To continue this cultural journey, head to the Tiki Village for an authentic dinner show, where traditional Polynesian dance is performed under the stars, accompanied by the rhythm of drums and ancestral chants. It’s a festive and immersive evening, where you’ll experience the warm, joyful spirit of Polynesia while enjoying delicious local cuisine.
Our personal tip:
For a more laid-back cultural evening, grab a drink at Manava Beach Resort and enjoy their free Polynesian dance show every Saturday at 7:30 PM.
Get there early for Happy Hour (5–7 PM)—their cocktails are fantastic!
Our favorite? The Pina Colada, made with local rum, fresh pineapple, and coconut—island flavor in a glass!
📚 Check out all our articles on must-do activities and island-by-island recommendations to help you plan the perfect trip to French Polynesia.
💬 Dreaming of a tailor-made journey? Feel free to contact us. From our little island of Moorea, we’ll be happy to help you create the trip of a lifetime.
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👉 Here, we share our best travel experiences, insider tips, favorite spots, and authentic advice to explore French Polynesia with passion 💙 (Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, the Marquesas, Tuamotu…)
