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Things to Do in Maupiti —
Top 7 Activities &
Complete Guide 2026
Maupiti is Polynesia as it used to be — thirty years ago, before the luxury overwater bungalows, before mass tourism. The same extraordinary lagoon as Bora Bora, the same turquoise water, the same light. But in a state of preservation and authenticity that Bora Bora no longer has. No hotel, no resort, no overcrowded main road. Just a pristine lagoon, wild manta rays, a sacred mountain hike, welcoming family pensions and the genuine feeling of being at the end of the world.
You go to Maupiti to disconnect completely. It's not an island for everyone — and that's precisely what makes it so precious.
Maupiti — Authentic, Wild, Preserved
I visited Maupiti — and it's absolutely magnificent. It's Polynesia as it used to be, wild and authentic. You don't go there for luxury or comfort — you go to disconnect completely, to swim with manta rays in a preserved lagoon, to climb a sacred volcano, to share the daily life of people who have chosen not to let mass tourism transform their island.
I have to be honest: Maupiti is a slightly complex island to reach. There are often unexpected issues — flight cancellations due to the very short runway, weather conditions closing the pass for the ferry. If you put Maupiti at the end of a tight circuit, you risk problems. The best approach: dedicate at least 3 nights to it, with some flexibility in your planning, and savour every moment of an island that still belongs to the Polynesia of the past.
Maupiti is what Bora Bora was thirty years ago — before the luxury overwater bungalows, before the international resort chains, before mass tourism arrived. The same extraordinary lagoon, the same turquoise water, the same spectacular mountains. But preserved, authentic and unhurried. The two islands complement each other perfectly: the luxury side of Bora Bora, the wild and authentic side of Maupiti. Our recommendation: do both in the same circuit rather than separate loops — by plane or boat, it's very doable. Two completely different atmospheres within a few days.
No hotel, no restaurant outside the pensions, no large organised beach, sometimes complicated access. If you're looking for hotel comfort and luxury, Maupiti is not the right choice. If you're looking for absolute authenticity and total disconnection — Maupiti is incomparable.
Swimming with Manta Rays — Sammy Tours
Sammy Tours — Maupiti's unmissable excursion
Maupiti is one of the rare places in the world where you can swim with manta rays in the wild, in their natural environment, without nets or enclosures. These rays regularly visit the island's lagoon and passes — and Sammy, the island's reference local guide, knows their habits better than anyone.
The full-day excursion with Sammy Tours (also known as "Maupiti Tour") covers everything: snorkeling spots, coral garden, swimming with manta rays, motu stop with explanations of Maupiti's history and culture. Lunch is a local barbecue — simple, delicious, convivial. Accessible price.
I did this excursion with Sammy — it was one of the most powerful moments of my years in French Polynesia. Swimming with manta rays in this preserved lagoon is an experience that Bora Bora or Moorea simply cannot offer in these conditions. Book on arrival — spots are limited.
Maupiti lagoon — one of the most preserved in French Polynesia, paradise for manta rays.
Sammy Tours / Maupiti Tour — book directly on arrival or through your pension. The pensions know all local operators and can point you in the right direction. No formal online booking — this is Maupiti.
Mount Teurafaatiu Hike — 360° View over the Lagoon
Mount Teurafaatiu — the hike not to miss
Mount Teurafaatiu peaks at 380 metres — and the view from the summit is absolutely breathtaking. Maupiti's lagoon in full panorama, the motus, the pass, and in the distance Bora Bora silhouetted on the horizon. One of the most beautiful views in all of French Polynesia.
The hike is accessible but demanding — the path climbs steeply and can be very slippery in wet weather. It absolutely requires fine weather — in overcast or rainy conditions, the ascent is dangerous and the view non-existent. Good grip shoes are essential, bring water, and allow about 2 hours round trip.
Do the hike early morning — best light, cooler temperatures, and the view tends to be clearer before clouds form at altitude. If the weather is uncertain on arrival, wait for a clear morning rather than attempting it in bad conditions.
Maupiti from the air — the volcanic peaks and lagoon panorama visible from Mount Teurafaatiu summit.
Hiking guide Hiking in French Polynesia — All Trails The best hikes in French Polynesia — including Mount Teurafaatiu in Maupiti.Terei'a Beach & Motu Auira — Maupiti's Most Beautiful Beach
Terei'a Beach — white sand, turquoise water, views over the motus
Terei'a Beach is on the western tip of the main island — and it's probably the most beautiful beach in Maupiti. White sand, shallow turquoise water, open views over the motus and lagoon. Accessible on foot or by bike from the village in under 20 minutes. Free, no infrastructure — just nature in its purest state. Snorkeling from the beach is excellent: corals, colourful tropical fish, rays gliding in the shallows.
Crossing to Motu Auira — Maupiti's unique experience
From Terei'a Beach, at low tide, you can wade across to Motu Auira — water reaches waist height, about 30 minutes crossing. Along the way, rays and sometimes reef sharks glide past in the shallow water. On the motu, the ocean-side view is absolutely spectacular — the Pacific stretching endlessly on one side, Maupiti's lagoon on the other. A free and unforgettable experience found nowhere else.
Crossing at low tide only — check tidal times before heading out. Bring water shoes, waterproof sun protection and a dry bag for belongings. Allow 30 minutes each way. Never attempt the crossing on a rising tide.
Maupiti pass and lagoon — exceptional snorkeling and diving spot, manta rays and reef sharks.
Diving in Maupiti — Maupiti Dive Center
Diving in an untouched lagoon
Maupiti is a diving destination that very few people know about — and that's precisely its greatest asset. The Maupiti Dive Center is the island's reference dive club, highly regarded for the quality of its instruction and the preservation of its sites. Dives in the pass and lagoon reveal exceptional marine life: reef sharks, manta rays, turtles, groupers, schooling fish.
Diving in Maupiti means diving in a lagoon that mass tourism has not yet touched. Corals are intact, marine life is abundant and varied. For divers seeking truly wild and authentic underwater environments — Maupiti is a revelation.
The reference dive club on Maupiti — book directly on arrival or through your pension. Accessible rates, passionate guides, untouched sites.
Bike Tour of the Island — Maupiti at Your Own Pace
Maupiti is tiny — the bike is the perfect way to explore it
Maupiti is a very small island — the full circuit by bike takes one to two hours. It's the ideal way to discover it: at your own pace, stopping wherever you like, with no constraints. The coastal road passes through villages, ancient marae, beaches and viewpoints over the lagoon. Locals wave at the rare visitors passing by — the atmosphere is warm and unhurried.
Bikes are available to rent from family pensions or directly in the villages. No advance booking needed — this is Maupiti, everything happens simply.
Start from Vaiaea village → Terei'a Beach (snorkeling stop) → north tip → east coast return → Marae Vaiahu → village. With stops and snorkeling, allow half a day.
Maupiti — a tiny island best explored at your own pace, surrounded by an extraordinary lagoon.
Private Catamaran Charter — the Leeward Islands from the Sea
A private catamaran — the ideal way to explore the Leeward Islands
Chartering a private catamaran is one of the best ways to include Maupiti in a seamless Leeward Islands circuit. You wake up each morning in a new lagoon, snorkel directly from the boat, anchor off deserted motus and travel at your own pace between Raiatea, Taha'a, Bora Bora and Maupiti. The archipelago is compact enough to cover comfortably in 7 to 10 days. Maupiti, the most preserved, makes the perfect final stop before returning to Raiatea.
Private catamaran cruise in the Leeward Islands — Maupiti, Bora Bora, Taha'a and Raiatea from the sea.
Complete guide Catamaran Cruise French Polynesia — Guide & Operators Everything about private catamaran charters in the Leeward Islands — itineraries, prices and operators.Microlight / ULM Flight — Maupiti & the Leeward Islands from Above
Flying over Maupiti by microlight — an unforgettable perspective
Maupiti seen from the air by microlight is an experience in itself. The turquoise lagoon, white sand motus and volcanic ridges plunging into the water — everything takes on a completely different dimension from the sky. Microlight flights typically depart from Raiatea and allow you to soar over the entire Leeward Islands.
Maupiti from the air by microlight — the lagoon and volcanic ridges from above.
Complete guide Microlight / ULM Flights in French Polynesia Everything about microlight flights over the Leeward Islands — prices, operators and tips.Practical Information — Maupiti Island
Archaeological sites & culture
Maupiti is rich in Polynesian history — several archaeological sites are freely accessible:
- Marae Vaiahu — the largest marae on Maupiti, on the east coast. Known as "the sacred fish hole", it bears witness to the island's deep spiritual history.
- Haranae Valley petroglyphs — rock carvings of a turtle and a tiki, among the rare accessible petroglyph sites in French Polynesia.
- Vaitia Valley — linked to the legend of the god Hiro's pirogue. A site of Polynesian memory in an exceptional natural setting.
These sites are best explored by bike or on foot — ask your pension to point the way, locals know the paths and will share the legends.
Where to eat in Maupiti
Outside the pensions (half-board recommended), dining options are very limited. Snack Tarona is the local reference — raw fish, simple Polynesian dishes, right on the lagoon, very affordable prices. An authentic and convivial option for lunch on the island.
Local souvenir — the penu
The penu is Maupiti's artisanal specialty — a hat woven from pandanus leaves, made by hand by the island's women. Available in small village boutiques or directly from residents. An authentic and unique souvenir from Maupiti.
How to get to Maupiti
Maupiti is a slightly complex island to reach — and it's important to factor this in when planning.
By plane — Air Tahiti operates flights from Papeete (~1 hour), Raiatea and Bora Bora. Important: Maupiti's runway is very short, which causes frequent cancellations whenever weather or wind conditions aren't perfect. This is the island's main logistical constraint. The direct flight from Papeete is the most reliable option — but always build margin into your schedule.
By boat — the Apetahi Express — the ferry connects Maupiti 3 times a week from Papeete, stopping at the Leeward Islands (Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a, Bora Bora) before reaching Maupiti as the final stop. Note: the Maupiti pass can be dangerous in heavy swell and the boat may turn back. Factor this in if Maupiti is a key stop in your circuit.
Maupiti's airport is on a motu — not on the main island. On arrival, a boat shuttle connects the motu to the island (~500 XPF adult, ~300 XPF child). Your pension will pick you up directly — whether you arrive by plane or ferry. Just let them know your arrival time. No complex logistics to manage on your end.
Maupiti is the only island in French Polynesia where access disruptions are genuinely frequent. Never put Maupiti at the end of a tight circuit with a long-haul flight the next day. Allow at least one buffer day before any international departure.
Is there a hotel in Maupiti?
No hotel exists in Maupiti — only family pensions, typically on half-board basis (breakfast + dinner included). This is what makes the island so special, but it also means not expecting hotel-level service. For dining, meals are taken at your pension — there's almost nothing else available on the island. Our strong recommendation: book half-board.
Not all pensions are on Booking or Airbnb — the best approach is to search directly on Google Maps ("pension Maupiti") or go through a local travel agency. Your pension will pick you up at the airport or ferry — just send them your arrival details.
- Pension Tara Va Nui — our top pick, warm welcome, great vibe
- I Love Maupiti — well-rated, good local immersion
- Fare Maupiti Belvédère — exceptional lagoon views from the hillside
- Pension Tereia — perfectly located near Terei'a Beach
- Tefarearii — authentic family pension
- Teheimana — warm and welcoming local address
When to visit Maupiti
April to November — dry season, blue skies, calm seas. Manta rays are present year-round but more regular in dry season. Sweet spots: May–June and September–October. Avoid December to March (rainy season, pass sometimes closed for the ferry).
How long to stay
Minimum 3 nights — ideally 4 to have buffer time in case of disruptions and to fully enjoy the island. Maupiti takes effort to reach; it deserves every minute you give it.
Organise your trip Best Travel Agencies in French Polynesia Local agencies to include Maupiti in your circuit without the logistical headaches.FAQ — Things to Do in Maupiti French Polynesia
Explore the Leeward Islands
Leeward Islands Things to Do in Raiatea — Complete Guide UNESCO marae, Faaroa River — a natural stop before or after Maupiti. Authentic island Things to Do in Huahine — Complete Guide The other authentic Leeward Island — a good alternative if Maupiti is inaccessible. Full itinerary 3 Weeks in French Polynesia — Society & Tuamotu How to include Maupiti in a complete French Polynesia circuit. Getting there Air Tahiti vs Air Moana — Inter-Island Flights How to get to Maupiti from Papeete — flights, passes and practical advice.
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