Last month, when I was staying Tahiti I fell in love with the small island of Moorea at first sight. A mysterious and magical volcanic landscape provides a dramatic backdrop. Sometimes you have to pinch yourself that it’s real. We spent several days exploring the island and cramming in as many activities as possible. This includes hiking, snorkeling, boating around the island, and lots of eating (of course!). Here is a complete guide to my favorite island in Tahiti, Moorea.
Guide to Moorea
Moorea is famous for its dramatic scenery and laid-back island lifestyle. Ideal for couples who prefer to spend their days filled with activities during the day and end the day with cocktails on the beach once the sun sets. That was exactly our plan (if we had any) for our 4 days in Moorea.
I was traveling through Tahiti (Papeete, Moorea, Taha’a) with my friend Abe. Fortunately, Abe also enjoys filling his days with activities. We both rarely sit still, so he was the perfect friend to take with us on our adventures.
If you’d rather have cocktails than kayaking on your Tahiti honeymoon, you’ll be happy to know that Bora Bora is just a stone’s throw away and offers a more relaxed and low-key honeymoon or vacation.
Moorea Island is located just 17 km from the main island of Tahiti (Papeete) and has some of the clearest water in the world for snorkeling and diving, and the shallow lagoon surrounding the island is rich in marine life and offers great opportunities for underwater discovery.
Guide to Moorea
Land: hiking, biking, ATV
Probably the most visited tourist attraction on the island, and a must-see, the island offers one of the best views on Moorea. Belvedere Observation Deckfacing the picturesque mountains and bay in the distance.
If you’re looking for more adventure and have the chance to visit during the dry season, hiking is the way to go. Mount Rotui It’s a great way to see the extent of the island and enjoy the views from up high. Hiking one of Tahiti’s iconic mountains was high on my list for this trip, but during the shoulder season it can rain and the trail can be very dangerous for hiking. For this reason, we recommend visiting during the dry season (June, July, August).
Perhaps my favorite land-based activity of our entire stay was the simplest. Rent a bicycle for a day Bike around the island and watch the sunset.
When I visited Moorea a year ago, I got together with some friends. ATV tour Enter the pineapple fields and climb to the top of Belvedere Lookout. This is another great way to see the island from land, especially if you want to experience Moorea longer without renting a car.
Guide to Moorea
On the water: sharks, rays and a private island!
As soon as we arrived in Moorea, we were taken to our first activity. glass bottom kayak Paddling out to a private island for lunch and rum cocktails – not a bad way to start your adventure! Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t on our side, but paddling out to the island was an experience we’ll never forget. We paddled through a shower (I’d like to call it a storm, but maybe a little on the dramatic side). I closed my eyes and hoped for the best, but Abe was paddling along. Once on the island, we joined the locals who were enjoying a picnic lunch on the island and spent a few hours enjoying the views looking back at Moorea Island.
Another way to experience the shallow lagoons around Moorea is by joining a tour aimed at those looking to relax with less activity. ocean tour Alternatively, you can hire a private charter for the day. Not only is this one of the best ways to get a broader view of the island, it’s also a great opportunity to better understand Tahiti’s history and how it came to be settled. This was explained by a local guide who was eager to share history, culture and insight about Moorea and the islands of Tahiti. After an extensive tour of the island, we went to a nearby reef for some snorkeling before lunch. Afterwards, we enjoyed snorkeling with sharks and rays in the shallow waters near the resort. I was a little nervous, but it was an experience I’ll never forget!
Guide to Moorea
Check-in: InterContinental Moorea
During our four days on the island, we checked into the following locations: intercontinentalfurthest from the ferry terminal and strategically located deep in the Moorea wilderness. Like Bora Bora, Moorea has many overwater bungalows. However, the laid-back island lifestyle is more reminiscent of the local Tahitian lifestyle. Doing so will make you feel more part of the local culture.
During our stay in the overwater bungalow, we experienced some of the most surreal sunrises and sunsets we’ve encountered anywhere in the world. The sky glows pink, purple, and orange for about 30 minutes, then the sun comes out and the day’s extensive list of activities begins (looking back, I don’t know how we managed to squeeze so much into each day!) From the resort, you can enjoy all of the activities listed above, as we have our own private pier from which our tours pick up and drop off. You can also rent your own equipment and adventure for a day.
Another option is to experience a guesthouse stay with locals. It came highly recommended by a friend and I’m looking forward to trying it the next time I visit. There’s something so magical about staying in the mountains surrounded by Jungle Book scenery.
Island food and drink
Staying at a resort often means you won’t be able to leave the resort, but with so many great restaurants and street food options around Moorea Island, we guarantee you won’t run out of money if you don’t go out in the evening.
Our favorite dining experience was the luxurious one. If you book at , please be sure to wear shiny shoes. K restaurant. This is a fine dining restaurant at its best. From the gourmet food to the impeccable service, there was nothing we didn’t enjoy on this night out.
Another favorite dining experience really surprised me. Firstly because it was in the resort and secondly because it was a creperie (you all know how I feel about slimy little suckers!). Hilton’s Toatea Creperie It was absolutely amazing, from the overwater setting watching the sharks pass below to the (surprisingly) delicious sweet and savory crepes. Believe me, just like you, I am surprised to make such a recommendation.
Resorts aside, some of the best food you’ll find on Moorea, or even the islands of Tahiti, is usually found right along the street. Veggies and vegans will also love it in southern time Food truck fare like burgers, waffles, and frites are popular.
Thank you Tahiti Tourism for welcoming us to Tahiti and arranging such a wonderful itinerary. All opinions, recommendations, and tons of photos are my own (or Abe’s).