7 Best Things to Do on Maupiti, French Polynesia
What to do during your trip to Maupiti? The little sister of Bora Bora, Maupiti captivates travelers seeking authenticity and tranquility. This gem of French Polynesia remains one of the South Pacific’s best-kept secrets. White sand beaches, a crystal-clear lagoon, panoramic hikes, and warm encounters with the locals: activities in Maupiti are plentiful.
For us at MyLittlePolynesia, it’s truly a favorite. We fell in love with Maupiti during our trip, and we recommend it to anyone who wants to discover a more authentic Polynesia, far from the big hotel chains.
📖 Read the article ➜ Traveling in French Polynesia: 10 day Itinerary & Tips
Things to Do in Maupiti: Our Top 7 Activities & Must-Sees
In this article, discover our top 7 must-do activities and visits in Maupiti to enjoy a timeless stay between lagoon, nature, and local encounters.. Check our full article Best time to visit French Polynesia.
Before we start, note that there are only a few ways to get to Maupiti: by ferry boat from Bora Bora with the Apetahi Express (a 1h15 ferry running four times a week), or by plane from Bora Bora, Tahiti, or Raiatea (every day flights).
Let’s start our top 7 !
1. Scenic Flight Over Maupiti by microlight flight: Our Absolute Favorite!
If there’s one place in French Polynesia where an microlight flight truly makes sense, it’s Maupiti. Why here? Because this preserved, untouched island offers breathtaking scenery—no oversized hotels, no resorts, no mass tourism. Just raw, unspoiled nature at its best.
From above, you’ll see a lagoon of extraordinary clarity, deserted motus (islets), an almost pristine coral reef, and Mount Teurafaatiu majestically rising at the heart of it all. It’s Polynesia in its purest form—seen from the sky.
Your pilot, both passionate and knowledgeable, turns the flight into more than just a ride, sharing fascinating stories about the island, its geology, and its wildlife. The experience lasts around 30 minutes, and you can even take home a video of your adventure.
What we loved most? The surreal feeling of floating above a paradise that still feels untouched, capturing the whole island in a single glance, and that magical moment flying over the passes where waves crash against the reef. Pure escape.
📖 Read the article ➜ Microlight Flights in French Polynesia
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2. Hiking & Walking Trails in Maupiti
If you love walking, Maupiti’s hikes are a must. The island may be small, but it offers spectacular trails that take you across sandbanks and motus, through lush tropical jungle, and up to jaw-dropping panoramic viewpoints. For nature lovers and travelers in search of peace and breathtaking views—this is paradise.
Motu Auira
📍 1h–1h30 ⛰️ Easy
➕ Cross a sandbank at low tide to reach a tranquil motu, perfect for a peaceful stroll between beach and lagoon. Pure postcard vibes.
Vaiea Trail
📍 2h30 ⛰️ Difficult
➕ A wild hike deep into the heart of the island, ideal for adventurers who love raw nature. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of tropical vegetation and the lagoon.
Mount Teurafaatiu
📍 2h30 ⛰️ Difficult (guide recommended)
➕ The iconic Maupiti hike! At 380m, the summit rewards you with a mind-blowing 360° panorama of the turquoise lagoon, motus, and even neighboring islands. This hike is simply outstanding—our favorite in all of Polynesia.
3. The Most Beautiful Beaches of Maupiti
Maupiti, the wild little sister of Bora Bora, is home to some of the most peaceful and spectacular beaches in all of French Polynesia. Here, you won’t find sun loungers or crowds—just soft white sand, crystal-clear waters, and that dreamy “end of the world” feeling.
Terei’a Beach
Our absolute favorite! A wide stretch of powdery white sand fringed with coconut palms, facing the motus. The water here is shallow and calm, perfect for a relaxing swim—or even walking across to Motu Auira at low tide. It’s also one of the best spots on the island to watch a magical sunset.
Beaches of the Motus
Looking for seclusion? Grab a kayak or hop on a boat shuttle to one of the motus (small coral islets) scattered around the lagoon. Each has its own charm: white sand, seashells, stunning views of Mount Teurafaatiu… It’s like having your own private paradise, ideal for a picnic or a nap with nothing but the sound of the waves.
👉 Maupiti definitely earns its spot in our full guide to the most beautiful beaches in Polynesia! Check out our full article about How much does a honeymoon in French Polynesia cost, including Maupiti.
4. Diving in Maupiti: Swim with Manta Rays
Maupiti’s underwater world is among the most pristine and spectacular in all of French Polynesia. Divers rave about it as a hidden gem—wild, authentic, and refreshingly untouched. (Check out our full guide to marine species across the Polynesian islands!)
One Club, One Family : The island has just one dive center, Maupiti Diving, run with passion and a warm, family-like atmosphere. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced diver, this is where the magic happens.
Dives for Every Level : In the lagoon: Perfect for first-timers or anyone hoping to see the majestic manta rays that glide in to get cleaned near the sandy bottom. It’s a deeply moving sight.
Outside the lagoon : For advanced divers, the ocean drop-offs promise incredible encounters with pelagic life.
A Legendary Pass : Maupiti’s lagoon has just one pass, narrow, tricky, and sometimes dangerous. It’s known as one of the most technical in Polynesia, which keeps the crowds away… and the marine life thriving.
What we loved most: The feeling of being completely alone underwater, far from the over-dived spots. The calm, the clarity of the water, and of course… manta rays gliding gracefully right beside you. A suspended, magical moment.
We’ve prepared a super practical guide for you:
“10 Days Itinerary in French Polynesia” — accommodation, flights, routes, weather, and insider tips… everything you need before booking!
Download it for free below and start building your journey with peace of mind.
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5. Snorkeling in Maupiti: Explore the Lagoon Without Diving
You don’t need to be a certified diver to marvel at Maupiti’s underwater beauty. Here, snorkeling is accessible to everyone—and it’s one of the best ways to explore the richness of the lagoon without going deep.
Easy-to-Reach, Spectacular Spots
Along Terei’a Beach: Just a few kicks with your fins and you’ll spot a colorful array of tropical fish. Calm, warm, shallow waters make it ideal for a relaxed session.
On the way to Motu Auira: At low tide, you can walk through the lagoon, mask and snorkel in hand, and watch corals shimmer just below the surface.
Snorkeling with Manta Rays?
Yes, it’s possible in Maupiti! Some excursions take you directly to the manta ray cleaning station inside the lagoon. Even while snorkeling, you can watch these graceful giants glide beneath you—an unforgettable, magical, and silent moment.
💬 What we loved most: The tranquility of the lagoon, the joy of being the only ones in the water, and that dreamlike sensation of floating above a vibrant, colorful world. Simple, deeply calming, and all the more special without tourist crowds.
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6. Discovering Maupiti’s Sacred Marae
Maupiti is an island imbued with spirituality, and scattered across its land are several marae—ancient ceremonial sites once used for religious rituals, political gatherings, and tribal celebrations. Built from carefully aligned volcanic stones, they are often set in symbolic places, close to the lagoon or deep in nature. (Check out our full article on Polynesian culture and traditions for more!)
- Marae Vaiahu: Located near the main village, this is one of the most accessible sites. Still well-preserved, it’s easy to include in a bike ride around the island. The quiet atmosphere, mixed with the whisper of the wind, evokes a true sense of reverence.
- A Motu Marae: Another remarkable site lies hidden on a motu, where it’s said ancient chiefs once sought guidance from the spirits. Here, among coconut palms and coral, the stones tell the silent story of a people deeply connected to the land, the sea, and the stars.
👉 What we loved most: The profound bond between nature and spirituality. Maupiti’s marae aren’t crowded with tourists—you can discover them in peace, taking your time, and truly feel their quiet power. It’s like traveling back in time… without ever leaving the island.
7. Cycling Around Maupiti & Embracing Its Authentic Charm
One of the best ways to discover Maupiti is also the simplest: by bike! With its quiet roads, the island is perfect for a leisurely ride. In just a few hours, you can complete the 10 km loop, passing through colorful villages, coconut groves, and deserted beaches.
💡 What we adore about Maupiti? It’s the anti-Bora Bora—and we mean that in the best way. No luxury resorts, no overwater bungalows, no jet skis or high-end shops. Instead, you’ll find warm family-run guesthouses, motus to explore by kayak or small boat, and a peaceful rhythm of life deeply connected to nature.
It’s a true escape into simplicity—perfect for slowing down and reconnecting with what really matters. If you’re seeking Polynesian authenticity in its purest form, Maupiti is the place.
Far from the big tourist resorts, Maupiti captivates with its wild, unspoiled beauty and its living Polynesian traditions. No crowds here—just the essentials: nature, the sea, and the warm welcome of its people.
Encircled by a crystal-clear turquoise lagoon and dotted with motus (tiny coral islets), Maupiti looks like a living postcard, still untouched. Every glance is a moment of wonder, every instant feels like stepping outside of time.
Getting to Maupiti, however, can be a bit of an adventure. The island is accessible either by boat from Bora Bora or by domestic flight, but both options are subject to weather conditions. It’s not uncommon for flights or ferries to be canceled due to rough seas or changing skies—part of what keeps Maupiti so exclusive and preserved. Check our full article about organizing your inter-island transportation in French Polynesia.
📚 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 by our recommended polynesian travel agencies ? 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…)
