Mo'orea

If you've been dreaming of holiday-brochure turquoise lagoons, white-sand beaches, vertical peaks and lush landscapes, you'd be hard-pressed to find better than this gem of an island. Hovering less than 20km across the 'Sea of the Moon' from its big sister, Tahiti, Mo'orea absorbs its many visitors so gracefully that its feels surprisingly nontouristy.

Mo’orea has a healthy selection of top-end resorts, but it is also host to a good choice of smaller hotels. There are pretty white-sand beaches, but nothing big and sweeping. The drawcard is the limpid, warm water of the vibrant lagoon. If you need some action, learn to kitesurf, take a hike, go on a whale- or dolphin-watching tour, hire a bike or a kayak, or go horse riding. Whatever the experience, there’s only one word to describe Mo’orea: divine!

Explore Mo'orea

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Mo'orea.

  • Bay

    Cook’s Bay

    The spectacular Cook’s Bay is something of a misnomer because Cook actually anchored in Opunohu Bay. With Mt Rotui as a backdrop, Cook’s Bay is a lovely…

  • Bay

    Opunohu Bay

    Magnificent Opunohu Bay feels wonderfully fresh and isolated. The coastal road rounds Mt Rotui, and at about PK14 turns inland along the eastern side of…

  • Area

    Hauru Point

    The coastal road rounds Hauru Point, the northwestern corner of the island, between PK25 and PK30. Hauru Point has one of the best beaches on the island,…

  • Farm

    Moorea Tropical Garden

    This delightfully peaceful property perched on a small plateau is heaven on earth for the sweet-toothed, who can sample (and buy) homemade organic jams,…

  • Farm

    Lycée Agricole

    A small shop at the college sells jams in local flavours as well as honey, coffee, fruit juices and, on occasion, ice cream. If you’ve got itchy feet,…

  • Archaeological Site

    Marae Titiroa & Marae Ahu-o-Mahine

    Past the agricultural college, the valley road comes to a parking area beside this vast complex, on the edge of a dense forest of magnificent chestnut…

  • Beach

    Ta’ahiamanu Beach

    At last, a public beach! Ta’ahiamanu (Mareto) Beach is one of the few public access beaches on the island. This narrow stretch of white sand is a popular…

  • Viewpoint

    Magical Mountain

    At PK21, a cement road veers inland and makes a very steep climb to a lookout called ‘Magical Mountain’, at a height of 209m. It's an arduous, 45-minute…

  • Beach

    Temae Beach

    The best beach on the east coast, and the widest perhaps in all of French Polynesia, stretches from Teavaro round to the airport. The Sofitel Ia Ora…

  • Village

    Papetoai

    A busy little village with a few shops and services, Papetoai was established as the Pacific headquarters of the London Missionary Society (LMS) in 1811…

  • Historic Building

    Maison Blanche

    In Maharepa, you can't miss this early-20th-century building on the mountain side of the road. It's a fine example of a fare vanira, a plantation house…

  • Viewpoint

    Belvédère

    Up the Opunohu valley road, this lookout is the island's highest point accessible by car. It offers superb views of Opunohu and Cook's bays, Mt Rotui …

  • Village

    Haapiti

    The largest village on the west coast, Haapiti is home to the splendid twin-towered Catholic Église de la Sainte Famille, which is made of coral and lime…

  • Archaeological Site

    Marae Fare Aito

    This large marae has a small, raised-terrace ahu (altar), and back rests that were used by the priests. It is flanked by two crescent-shaped archery…

  • Village

    Vaiare

    The constant toing and froing of ferry boats and high-speed catamarans at the ferry quay, the busy market scene and the cars, taxis and buses shuttling…

  • Viewpoint

    Toatea Lookout

    This spot really fits the picture-postcard ideal. Atop the hill north of the Sofitel la Ora Moorea Beach Resort, this lookout affords dazzling views of…

  • Beach

    Painapo Beach

    You can’t miss the huge (though falling apart) statue of a tattooed man holding a club at the entrance of this private property overlooking a lovely strip…

  • Village

    Afareaitu

    Afareaitu is the island’s administrative centre. There are two waterfalls that are worth a gander (although they are but feeble trickles in winter). Ask…

  • Bay

    Atiha Bay

    Mo’orea’s lazy west-coast atmosphere continues right round to Atiha Bay (Baie d’Atiha), a quiet fishing village that also attracts surfers.

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Mo'orea.

  • Activities

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