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Moorea

17.54° S, 149.83° W

A short ferry ride from Tahiti, Moorea has jagged green mountains, quiet bays and more to do on land than Bora Bora, from hiking to lagoon trips with rays and sharks. Overwater stays cost noticeably less than on Bora Bora.

Best season
May–Oct
Getting there
Tahiti (PPT) + ferry/short flight
Currency
Pacific Franc (XPF)
Typical stay
3–5 nights

Moorea guides

2 guides

Planning a Moorea stay

Moorea lies just across the Sea of the Moon from Tahiti, close enough to see from Papeete's waterfront. Its jagged ridges, Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay, and the pineapple fields in its old caldera give it more to do on land than any other island in the Society group. It suits active couples, families and anyone who wants an overwater bungalow without paying Bora Bora prices.

When to go

The drier months from May to October are the easiest for hiking, since the clay trails turn slick after rain. Moorea is also French Polynesia's best-known island for whale encounters from roughly July into November. Since 2025, swims are tightly regulated, with one boat per whale and a maximum of six swimmers, so book a licensed operator early.

Getting there

Terevau and Aremiti fast ferries cross from Papeete to Vaiare in about 30 to 45 minutes, with adult fares typically around 1,350 to 2,000 XPF one way. Air Tahiti's hop from Faa'a to Temae airport lasts roughly ten minutes, useful if you are connecting straight to another island. Both arrival points are on the north-east corner, so check how far your hotel is from them.

Where to base yourself

  • North-east, around Temae: closest to the ferry and the airport, with a white-sand beach; best for one or two nights at the start or end of a trip.
  • North-west, around Papetoai and Haapiti: near Opunohu Bay, the Belvedere lookout and most lagoon tour departures; better for a longer stay.
  • Cook's Bay: small hotels, restaurants and the most dramatic mountain backdrop, though with little beach.

How long to stay

Four days is right for most first visits: one inland, one on the lagoon, one spare for weather and one lost to transfers. Three works inside a busy route, and five to seven leaves room for diving, the Three Coconuts Pass hike and whale season without rushing. A day trip from Tahiti shows you the highlights, but you will be watching the clock for the last ferry back.

Where to start