Moorea

⚠️ Timetables, opening hours, prices and access conditions may change without notice, for reasons beyond our control (season, weather, decisions by operators, venues or local authorities). Before every trip, check the information with the relevant authorities and service providers. Entry requirements and local rules (reserves, quotas) are subject to the same caveat.

Moorea belongs to the Society Islands of French Polynesia and lies about 17 km north-west of Tahiti. This 133.5 km² volcanic island, home to around 18,000 people, is known for its jagged peaks and two great bays, Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay. A lagoon, pineapple plantations and the marae of the Opunohu Valley complete the picture. Just 30 to 50 minutes by ferry from Papeete, depending on the vessel, Moorea works as a day trip or a longer stay, from overwater resorts to family-run guesthouses.

A trident-shaped island facing Tahiti

Moorea rises about 17 km north-west of Tahiti, in the Windward Islands of the Society archipelago. Volcanic in origin, the island forms a triangle of 133.5 km² whose north coast is cut by two great bays: Cook's Bay, also known as Paopao Bay, and Opunohu Bay. Mount Rotui (899 m) separates them, giving the island its “trident” outline. The highest point, Mount Tohiea, exceeds 1,200 m, while the Pierced Mountain (Mou'a Puta) and the Magic Mountain add to the jagged relief.

A coral reef broken by 12 passes encloses a lagoon of around 6,756 ha. A coastal ring road of about 60 km circles the island, linking the villages of Vaiare, Teavaro, Maharepa, Paopao, Papetoai, Haapiti, Tiaia and Afareaitu, the administrative centre. According to Tahiti Tourisme, the island has around 18,000 inhabitants. Vaiare quay, on the east coast, receives the ferries from Papeete, and the airfield lies in the north-east, near Temae beach. The interior, covered in forest and pineapple plantations, is best explored through its valleys.

From the “yellow lizard” to the marae of Opunohu

Formerly called Aimeho or Eimeo, the island now bears a name said to mean “yellow lizard”. Settled by Polynesians long before Europeans arrived, it preserves in the Opunohu Valley a group of marae, former places of worship and assembly, linked by the Path of the Ancestors. The valley also holds archery platforms, used for a sacred game reserved for the male aristocratic elite. In the late 18th century European navigators called at Moorea; Cook's Bay is named after the British explorer James Cook.

In the 19th century missionaries settled on the island: the Papetoai church, built in 1827, is one of the oldest European buildings in Polynesia. Today French is the official language and Tahitian remains widely heard: expect to be greeted with “Ia ora na”. At the Tiki Village Fenua cultural centre, workshops introduce visitors to the pareo, cooking, dance and weaving. Pineapple, grown in the valleys and made locally into juice and rum, is also part of the island's identity.

Belvedere, Pineapple Trail and villages

The Opunohu Belvedere, at around 240 m, is reached by a road that winds through pineapple fields. It looks out over Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay on either side of Mount Rotui. On the way up you can visit the valley's marae and the Path of the Ancestors. The two routes of the Pineapple Trail start from Opunohu Bay and Cook's Bay respectively, and are often covered by 4x4 or quad bike; picking pineapples in the plantations is forbidden. Other viewpoints, such as the Three Coconut Trees Pass or To'atea, round off the exploration.

At the foot of Mount Rotui, the Moorea Fruit Juice factory and the Manutea distillery share a site offering tours and tastings on weekdays. On Opunohu Bay, the Te Fare Natura eco-museum presents Polynesian biodiversity and culture. In Papetoai, the 1827 church and the underwater tiki in the lagoon are worth a stop, as are the Afareaitu waterfalls on the east coast. Opening hours and visiting conditions may change: check them with each site before you go.

Lagoon, beaches and humpback whales

Moorea's lagoon, where the water is around 27 °C from July to October and 29 °C from January to April, is well suited to snorkelling, kayaking and paddleboarding. Popular places to swim include Temae beach in the north-east and Ta'ahiamanu beach near Opunohu Bay. The north-west coast, around Hauru and Les Tipaniers beach, is home to water-sports bases and dive centres, and the Coral Gardeners association runs snorkelling tours of its coral nurseries. Boat tours of the lagoon, encounters with its rays and sharks and sunset cruises complete the range of activities on the water.

From July to November, humpback whales frequent the waters of the Society Islands. In Moorea, whale watching is regulated: it is permitted only from 20 July to 20 November, between 7.30 am and 5.30 pm, with authorised operators, and it is forbidden inside lagoons, bays and passes. A 100 m zone around each animal is off-limits to all vessels, boats must approach from the side and sightings are limited to 15 minutes. These rules may change: check with the Environment Directorate or your operator before each trip.

Ferries, small planes and the ring road

International flights land at Tahiti-Faa'a airport (PPT), from where Moorea is reached by boat or plane. Ferries leave from the Papeete ferry terminal and dock at Vaiare quay after 30 to 50 minutes, depending on the vessel. The maritime authority (DPAM) lists three operators: Aremiti, Tauati Ferry and Vaeara'i; Apetahi Express sells its tickets with Tauati Ferry. By air, Air Tahiti and Air Moana link Tahiti with Moorea airfield (MOZ) in about a quarter of an hour. Timetables and conditions may change, independently of Dem-Tukki: check them with the operators and the relevant authorities before each departure.

On the island, the ring road of about 60 km takes 2 to 3 hours by scooter without stopping; allow a full day to see the main sights. Several companies hire out cars, scooters and bicycles, some near Vaiare quay. The bus (300 XPF per adult, 150 XPF per child) runs only along the ring road, starting from Vaiare, and Tahiti Tourisme describes the service as unreliable. There is no airport shuttle: taxis wait at Vaiare and Temae, but the easiest option is to arrange a transfer through your accommodation.

Dry season, warm season and budget

Moorea has two main seasons. From May to October, the dry season is cooler, with temperatures of about 21 to 27 °C. From November to April, the hot, humid season brings temperatures of roughly 25 to 35 °C; December, January and February are the wettest months. The dry season partly overlaps with the humpback whale season, from July to November. Whatever the time of year, check the weather forecast before heading out to sea or into the mountains.

The currency is the Pacific franc (XPF or CFP franc), pegged to the euro: 1,000 CFP francs equal €8.38. Cards are widely accepted, but small shops and markets often prefer cash. Accommodation ranges from family guesthouses to resorts with overwater villas, with boutique hotels in between. As a guide, in October 2026 Air Tahiti listed Tahiti–Moorea return fares from 16,573 F including taxes; prices change, so check them when booking. French citizens can travel with a valid national identity card.

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Nearby islands: Tahiti & its Islands, Bora Bora, Fakarava and Rangiroa.

Photo : DANIEL JULIE from Paris, France, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons