Facts and figures about Moorea:

• Number of inhabitants : 17 816
• Surface area : 134 km2
• Number of pineapples eaten each and every day : way too much

3 reasons to visit Moorea:

• To stock up on vitamin D at the Temae beach
• To get to taste all the carpaccios of the Coco Beach restaurant
• To eat pineapples from dawn to dusk

Her pet name is “Tahiti’s sister island,” but of the two, she is certainly the youngest… Smaller, less famous, a bit less ostentatious but still as popular, it looks just like Tahiti in many respects but claims to be quieter. It is precisely why so many people choose to take our shuttle every day to come to work in the capital city. Basically, since one must spend 45 minutes in public transportation, let’s enjoy the ride and have a coffee on the sundeck while taking a look at the landscape…

A bit more peaceful then but definitely wilder… Moorea is like Tahiti of yesteryear: no red lights, no traffic circles, and just one good old road. People waving to you in the streets, saying “Ia Ora na” as you stop by a stand to buy a few juicy pomelos. Ahh, the fact you just have to put on a pareu and a pair of flip flops to go to the superette down the street… A simple life. A good life.
Whether one comes for the day, for a weekend, or their whole life, they come back with a sweet coconut taste in their mouth and their fingers stained with this red Chinese powder mamas add on top of the unripe mangoes they buy as they wait for the ferry boat on the dock of Vaiare.

Just like a midsummer night’s dream, Moorea embodies the calm before the storm. Besides, according to the legend, it was named after a yellow lizard from Maiao that chose to swim against the current, ending up – exhausted – turning into the island we know nowadays.

Such a small face and yet so many opportunities… You will have a hard time exploring all the possibilities of this tropical maze in a day, so just pick ideas from our selection and create your own tailor-made stay.

Have a Brunch at the Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort

No need to go far to enjoy a copious breakfast. Moorea is lucky to host several internationally renowned resorts, and it turns out that your first option is a 5-minute ride from the Vaiare wharf. A freshly squeezed juice, a well-seasoned Tahitian raw fish, some poulet fafa, and a few firi firi, that and the uninterrupted view of the lagoon… Is there a better way to start off the day?

Cook’s Bay

Let’s hope you brought a bit of spontaneity with you… Roll your windows down and take a look around you, the best moments are those you did not anticipate. Moorea is made of astounding landscapes, take your time and stop at every mountain vista. Cook’s Bay is a good start. Lined with coconut trees, with the crest of Mount Rotui in the background, it could be your next screensaver. If we need another selling point to convince you, then you should probably try one of these purple gin cocktails at the Cook’s Bay Hotel & Suites as you watch dolphins passing by. And if you take the trouble to cross the road, you will find yourself face to face with the Pura Vida foodtruck, its raw fish tacos, its lobster rolls, and homemade lemonades…

The Rotui Factory

If you round the island somewhere between Monday and Saturday, you stand a good chance of being tempted to quickly visit the Rotui factory. Since you came to Moorea, you may as well do things properly and taste this pineapple juice everyone keeps talking about straight from the mill. And, now that you are here, let’s proceed to a free tasting of a bit of everything. They say the sparkling pineapple wine of Manutea is even better served chilled.

The Tropical Garden

If you are not afraid of hill-starts and have a bit of time ahead of you, the Tropical Garden could be your next destination. A quick visit to the vanilla farm, a walk in the garden, followed by a typically local meal. Don’t you think the 180° panorama over the lagoon brings out the taste of this smoked uru? As a bonus, you can buy a few coconut sweets for the road…

The Opunohu Bay

Mother Nature does things well, a bit much sometimes: how are we supposed to decide between Cook and Opunohu bays? They outdo each other in beauty. However, the view of Mou’a Puta, the lovely famous pierced mountain, and Te Fare Natura, the eco-museum which opened recently, could help you figure it out…

The Ta’ahiamanu Beach

Just after Temae, it is probably the most popular beach on the island and you quickly get it. The translucent lagoon, the soft sand, and the amazing setting are some great key selling points, but, let’s face it, finding a parking space in less than 20 seconds is so rare these days, we had to mention it.

The Panoramic Viewpoint (le Belvédère)

As you go further into the valley and gain altitude, the road may lead you to one of the must-see tourist attractions: the panoramic viewpoint, or as we like to call it, the “belvédère.” Just follow the sinuous path in the undergrowth, and you will end up with a breathtaking panorama overlooking the two bays, which also happens to be the starting point of quite a few hikes like the Three Pines Pass or the Three Coconuts Trail.

The Pineapple Fields

Did we mention that Moorea is famous for its pineapples? About a dozen times? Perfect, hope this invites you to make a detour through the Queen Tahiti plantations. Okay, let’s face it, the name of the variety is not really appropriate, but the walk is nice.

Tree Climbing

Keep going in the Opunohu Valley, and you will arrive by the Tiki Parc and its seven courses of tree climbing. If you are not suffering from vertigo, it is the best way to get closer to the summits and take a look at this gorgeous postcard.

Get to Taste the Homemade Jams of the Agricultural Highschool

If everything goes fine, the yodels should lead you straight to the Opunohu agricultural high school, where you will be able to taste a whole selection: from the famous pineapple and papaya jam to the guava reserve and tiare jelly, including the not less surprising soursop sherbert.

Magic Mountain

With 200 XPF and a 30-minute walk, you can access a 360° sight overlooking the Opunohu bay. And if the idea of turning back comes to your mind as you see the steep slope, come on, pick an ATV, a 4WD, or even an e-bike…

The other side of the island is definitely more peaceful, but that doesn’t mean it is not charming. The West coast of Moorea and the East coast of Tahiti are just the same: wilder, more authentic, less crowded, less developed. Just enjoy the ride and the wind blowing in your hair as you pay attention to the surroundings!

If you are about to spend a few days on the sister island, these additional scenes from the uncut edition might interest you…

An Afternoon at the Coco Beach Restaurant

Moorea is first and foremost a souvenir of a well-spent afternoon at the Coco Beach. Seasalt on your lips, sand between your toes, a swing by the water, the surprising touch of a stingray, the warmth of the sun on your skin. It’s spending hours and hours on this tiny islet facing Tiahura and losing the notion of time. It’s this bite of grilled fe’e and this passionfruit mojito jug…

A Lunch at Taoahere Beach House

Only a few steps away from the public beach of Tiahura, the Taoahere Beach House has become, over the years, a real institution. Hidden at the very end of an alley, in a family neighborhood, this cozy restaurant by the water is now well-known to the locals. People like to stop by, work on their tan as they drink a Hinano, and try the famous raw fish with coconut milk – tuna tartar – carpaccio combo.

A Lagoon Tour

Going around the island with a car is great, but with a boat, it’s even better. If you have a full day ahead of you, choose the lagoon excursion. After taking a swim with stingrays, turtles, and sharks, the captain will lead you to an islet where you will be served a yummy picnic or some ma’a tahiti on Sundays. Otherwise, if you feel like dealing with the current, a transparent kayak or paddleboard session would be just fine.

Frequently asked questions