Oh, Moorea. You have a way of capturing hearts. This volcanic island is a paradise with lush mountains, bright blue lagoons, and stunning beaches. Known for its laid-back charm and breathtaking natural beauty, Moorea is an ideal destination for travelers seeking both relaxation and adventure. Five days on Moorea is plenty to experience everything this special island has to offer. Of course, you will find yourself wanting more time here. Below is a rough outline of a five-day Moorea itinerary.
Day One: Arrival and Get Settled
As with most travelers to Moorea, the journey to the island begins with a scenic ferry ride from Tahiti. Find your prearranged transportation to your chosen accommodation and unwind. We collected our rental car from Avis and drove to the beautiful Hilton Moorea Resort & Spa.
Lunch at Rotui Grill & Bar at the Hilton while we waited to check into our room. I highly recommend the fish burger and a cold beverage. It was delicious, and the view of the calm lagoon was mesmerizing and relaxing. It’s a perfect lunch location, for sure.
We checked into our luxurious overwater villa and quickly changed into our swimsuits and snorkel gear. I spent the afternoon snorkeling around the lagoon, admiring the colorful fish and coral. There was an impressive amount of marine life in the lagoon adjacent to the resort.
Dinner at Toatea Creperie & Bar to watch for the arrival of lagoon sharks (mostly black-tipped reef sharks). This unique outdoor overwater eatery is the perfect venue to admire the appearance of lagoon sharks under your feet while enjoying savory and sweet French crepes. The sharks appear starting around sunset. The setting was spectacular, and the sharks were entertaining.
Day Two: Whale Watching
The majority of the day was spent on a whale-watching tour with Moorea Moana Tours. Once aboard, we were taught about humpback whale biology. Next, we discussed behavior and safety while swimming near them. Our guide located whales nearby, and we donned snorkel equipment in anticipation. It is important to be ready to go for these interactions as the process moves quickly. We were taught to quietly slide into the water when instructed and stay with the guide. Once in the water, we swam quickly toward the direction of the whales’ path and hoped they were curious about us. Once in position, we waited, floating in the gentle ocean swells and excited for our first glimpse of the majestic creatures. All of a sudden, I saw distant movement underwater, and then a dark silhouette quickly sharpened into the shape of a gorgeous humpback whale. She gently but quickly swam toward us to investigate. She rolled gently as she turned slightly to dive just under our fins, briefly giving us a glimpse into her beautiful eye. We calmly and quietly floated in the water, watching the colossal animal slowly swim by us. It was a powerful and magical moment, and I was overjoyed. The whale continued on her way, and we swam back to the boat to excitedly discuss our experience. It was an incredible experience, and I highly recommend this activity. It is such a perfect activity for anyone interested in whales.
Please see the article on Swimming With Whales https://joyfuladventures.com/swimming-with-humpback-whales/
Dinner at Rudy’s. Feeling the urge to dine off of the resort, we decided to try Rudy’s based on reviews. Delicious food, attentive service, and a relaxing environment made for an enjoyable dinner experience. I highly recommend you visit Rudy’s.
- (Tip: Have your accommodations make your dinner reservations for you. Most restaurants on the island do not accept online reservations, and it can be difficult to contact them directly.)
Day Three: Rent a Car & Circle the Island
What better way to spend your first unscheduled day on Moorea than by exploring the entire island? It takes approximately two hours to drive the 72km (45 miles) around the island with no stopping. However, you will want to stop to admire the scenery, explore, and for meals. Plan on at least four hours. Below are the highlights from our circle island tour around Moorea, moving in a counter-clockwise direction:
- Highlights: Cook’s Bay, Opunohu Bay, Belvedere Lookout, Ancient Marae, Pineapple Route, Les Tipaniers Beach, Maharepa
- Dinner at Moorea Beach Cafe
Opunohu Bay: One of Moorea’s twin bays. Actually, Opunohu Bay has even fewer developments and more untouched shorelines than Cook’s Bay. This bay, nestled between two mountain ridges, is known for its stunning natural beauty and historical significance. It is believed to have been an important site for the ancient Polynesians, and several archaeological sites in the area provide insight into the island’s early inhabitants. Moreover, Opunohu Bay has been featured in various films and documentaries. We were based near this bay, so this was where our drive started.
Belvedere Lookout: This is the highest viewpoint you can drive to in Moorea. From the observation deck, you get rewarded with a panoramic view of the northern half of the island. Wind your way through dense forest and past ancient Polynesian temples to this viewpoint, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of Mount Rotui, Opunohu Bay, and Cook’s Bay. Arrive as early as possible to avoid the crowds! Most people arrive by driving themselves or with a tour group, but hiking is an option, too. We chose the hike and loved stopping to take photos of the beautiful scenery. The hike took us approximately one hour.
Ancient Marae: Located along the road leading to the Belvedere are two marae (ancient temples) known as Marae Titiroa and Marae Ahu-o-Mahine. These Marae sites are preserved as important cultural heritage sites, and efforts are made to maintain and protect them. Visiting a Marae in Moorea offers a unique opportunity to connect with the ancient Polynesian world and understand the spiritual and social fabric that has shaped the island’s identity.
Pineapple Route: Continuing back down the same road from the Belvedere, you will reach a crossroads where you can turn right onto the Pineapple Route. This bumpy dirt road is lined with fragrant fields brimming with ripe pineapples.
Hotel Les Tipaniers: Stop here for delicious seafood and refreshing cocktails. You will also find one of the most stunning beaches in Moorea. The water is a beautiful clear, turquoise color and extremely shallow – perfect for wading, floating, and snorkeling.
(Tip: Spending a few hours snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, and relaxing at this beach is a perfect option. You can continue on with your Circle Island tour whenever you are ready).
Eglise de la Sainte Famille: Pull off to the side of the road to snap a photo of this scenic church in the little town of Ha’apiti. The Protestant Temple on the other side of the road is nice, too! You will find beauty everywhere you look.
The south side of Moorea between Hauru and Vai’are is very quiet. You will pass a number of mini-marts, boutique guesthouses, churches, residences, and casual restaurants.
As you continue along the road towards the northeastern corner of the island, consider stopping to check out the beautiful beach in Tema’e and the numerous eateries and souvenir shops in Maharepa.
Cook’s Bay: This bay is one of the most stunning and renowned bays in the South Pacific. It is named after the famous British explorer Captain James Cook, although it is believed he actually anchored in the nearby Opunohu Bay when he visited the island. Nonetheless, Cook’s Bay has captured the imagination of visitors with its breathtaking beauty and serene waters. The bay is surrounded by lush, steep mountains, including the iconic Mou’a Puta (‘Pierced Mountain”), with a distinctive hole through its peak, visible from the bay. This dramatic backdrop provides a spectacular setting that is often featured in photographs of Moorea.
Cook’s Bay is deeper and more developed than Opunohu Bay, with a small village, shops, and several hotels and guesthouses located along its shores. Its location also makes it a convenient base for exploring Moorea’s attractions, including hikes, waterfalls, and Polynesian temples (marae).
After you have circled all of Moorea, perhaps spend the rest of your day relaxing at your hotel pool or enjoying the views at one of the island’s many beaches. Enjoy a relaxing sunset and then venture out for dinner.
Moorea Beach Cafe was highly recommended to us for its magical golden-hour views and excellent seafood. Perhaps we dined there on an off night. This was not our favorite restaurant on Moorea. The service was distant and remarkably slow. The food was mediocre and very expensive. Many people love this restaurant, so perhaps you will too. However, I cannot recommend it based on our experience.
Day Four: More Whale Watching
Tahiti Shark Expeditions picked us up for a full day of whale watching. Similar to Moorea Moana Tours, they are an ethical company that cares about whale protection and safety. This is essential for responsible wildlife observations and experiences. Book early because these excursions are booked well in advance. It was another incredible day spent on the water watching and respectively swimming near numerous humpback whales. This is such a special activity, and I highly recommend it.
Dinner at Snack Coco D’isle: This was such a fun and authentic restaurant for dinner. The floor is sand, which makes it feel tropical. The staff were so friendly and kind. The food was beautifully presented and equally delicious. We ordered the mahi mahi, a curry, and coconut rice, along with some fruity cocktails. It was one of my favorite dining experiences on Moorea. I loved everything about this restaurant and highly recommend you visit them.
Day Five: Mix of Leisure and Adventure
The last day of vacation is best spent with a mix of casual exploration and leisure.
- My choice was an early morning stand-up paddleboard ride in the calm lagoon, watching sting rays and colorful fish swim beneath the paddle board.
- Rotui Juice Factory & Distillery is such a fun and popular activity, so I suggest going earlier in the day. You will have a more attentive and relaxing experience when it is quieter. This is also a great rainy-day activity. Both juices and tropical liquors are available to taste. The pineapple rum and coconut liqueur were delicious!
- Snack Mahana is a popular and highly recommended beachside restaurant. Known for its causal dining atmosphere and exceptional food, it offers guests the chance to enjoy local Polynesian cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood and traditional dishes, all while soaking up the beautiful surroundings of Moorea’s stunning lagoon. The menu at Snack Mahana features a variety of dishes, but it is particularly celebrated for its fresh fish and seafood options, including poisson cru (a Tahitian raw fish salad marinated in lime juice and coconut milk, grilled mahi-mahi, and tuna steaks. I really enjoyed the mahi mahi with coconut sauce and highly recommend ordering it. Given its popularity, Snack Mahana can get quite busy, especially during lunchtime, so arrive early. Snack Mahana lived up to its reputation and is a must-stop for lunch. We loved this special restaurant.
- Temae Beach is one spectacular beach. It is one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, renowned for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and excellent snorkeling conditions. It also features one of the longest stretches of white sand on Moorea. The snorkeling at Temae Beach is appealing because of the beach’s proximity to the protective reef, creating a sheltered environment with calm waters. The underwater visibility is often excellent. The coral gardens are full of colorful fish and sometimes rays, turtles, and small sharks. It rained while we snorkeling, but we did not let that stop us. The rain made the experience even more special and fun. This is an accessible location for snorkelers of all levels because it is so easy to walk into the water from a sandy beach. This is a tranquil and uncrowded beach. However, there are limited facilities nearby, so bring your own water, snacks, and snorkeling equipment. Furthermore, this beach is easily accessible by road, and there is a public access point near the Moorea Airport and the Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort.
If you are seeking more cultural immersion, then a visit to the Moorea Cultural Center is a must. Participate in traditional activities like weaving, tattooing, and Tahitian dance. In the afternoon, explore the Tiki Village to witness authentic Polynesian life, crafts, and a spectacular evening dance show.
Conclusion
Moorea, French Polynesia, is the perfect destination for mixing adventure and leisure. Five days here allows you to immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and aquatic wonders. Of course, you will wish for more time on this beautiful island. Each day brings a new adventure, from thrilling lagoon excursions to tranquil moments on serene beaches, ensuring a well-rounded and unforgettable Polynesian experience. If you are currently planning a trip to this island, I hope this serves as a useful guide for you as you build out your own Moorea itinerary. Enjoy magical Moorea!
