Sun-drenched beaches? Check. Towering volcanic peaks? Double check. But what if we told you Mo’orea is more than just postcard-perfect views?
We just spent three weeks exploring the islands of French Polynesia and three epic days uncovering the adventurous heart of this tropical paradise! Forget just lounging by the water – we’re taking you beyond the resorts to swim with sharks and stingrays, conquer insane views, and unlock the secrets of Tahitian cuisine, one bite at a time.
But what happened when we got up close and personal with the ocean’s top predators? You’re about to find out!
Day 1: Moorea Lagoon Tour
Ia orana and Maeva (hello and welcome! Day one started with a mission: immerse ourselves in the legendary Moorea lagoon! We booked a full-day tour – and trust us, for the fastest adjustment into the island’s way of life, this is the way to go.
Finding the right provider is key, and we also recommend booking in advance. Depending on your dates, tours can fill up quickly. We locked in our trip with Albert Tours about a month ahead via email. They also scooped us up from our holiday home as a bonus. Māuruuru, thank you!
Waiting for the adventure to begin, the air was filled with excitement! We got a taste of traditional Polynesian music, and even a quick tropical shower couldn’t dampen our spirits. We were split into two groups – English speakers on our boat, ready for adventure!
Swimming with Stingrays and Sharks
Our first stop, and arguably the most exhilarating, was swimming with the stingrays! Our guides lured them in with some raw tuna, and suddenly, we were surrounded by these incredibly gentle, almost-slimy creatures! They’re so curious and friendly. It was an absolute photo frenzy!Of course, plenty of other small fish joined the party, including Threadfin Butterflyfish, Bluefin Trevally and the Picasso Triggerfish, nicknamed for its bold, abstract markings that look like something out of a Picasso painting.
And just when we thought it couldn’t get crazier, we spotted Blacktip Reef Sharks nearby! Swimming alongside them in their natural habitat? Pure adrenaline!
From the thrill of the open water, our next step took us straight into the heart of Tahitian culture and taught us a skill we can also take home!
Cooking class on Motu
The boat took us to a small motu – a tiny island paradise – for a taste of local life! “Motus” are those small, often uninhabited little islets, typically found on the outer edge of the lagoon.
We learned to make the national dish of Tahiti: poisson cru – raw tuna fish marinated in lime juice and creamy coconut milk. Getting hands-on with these fresh ingredients and traditional techniques was awesome! And yes, the fruits of our – and the crew’s labor were absolutely delicious. Lunch was a real feast!
Behind the name Moorea
If you’re curious what the name Moʻorea means, we were too! It comes from the Tahitian words moʻo – lizard and reʻareʻa – yellow, meaning “yellow lizard.”
According to a legend, a fisherman shouted the name after discovering the body of a giant yellow lizard washed up on the shore. The tale about a mythical lizard hatching from an egg and startling its parents has many variations, which are honestly sometimes difficult to wrap your head around. But it reflects how Polynesian place names often come from myths and natural features.
Six different ways to tie a pareo
The cultural immersion didn’t stop there! Our guide challenged Anja to a pareo-tying demonstration! Six different ways to tie this versatile piece of Polynesian wear! Seriously cool, and a fun skill to bring home. Plus, the chance to pick up a beautiful pareo right here? Of course, she couldn’t resist!
The secret of opening a coconut
We also got a masterclass in opening a coconut like a pro. Yes, the dance is mandatory! Fresh coconut water and sweet, fresh meat right from the shell? You can’t beat that, really delicious!
Traditional ‘Ori Tahiti dance moves and fire dance
Just before it was time to return, two more cultural gems were waiting for us – learning traditional ‘Ori Tahiti dance steps – with a simplified version for men, of course, and a mesmerising fire dance performance by the one, the only, Mr. Uro.
Moorea’s legendary peaks
Soaking in those panoramic views on our ride back, we kept an eye out for Moorea’s legendary peaks! There’s iconic Mou’a Roa, ‘the great mountain,’ also featured on old CFP-franc coins. And then there’s mythical Mou’a Puta, ‘the pierced mountain,’ whose epic hole was forged by a warrior’s mighty spear thrown in an ancient legend!
The god of thieves Hiro tried to steal Mount Rotui. To protect it, Warrior Pai threw his spear, which pierced a hole in the mountaintop behind Rotui.
Its original name was Mou’a Tapu, but European storytellers later tweaked its ancient name, adding to its mystique!
While exploring the mythical parts of the island, a pod of dolphins joined our boat for a quick play. Another wonderful sight! The tour was a perfect blend of lagoon adventure and cultural discovery. Albert Tours even sorted our transfer back home, making it a seamless, action-packed day!
The first day was epic, but can we find the stingray spot again without a guided tour? And what’s the deal with Moorea’s most famous restaurant on its own tiny island? Let’s find out on day two!
Different spellings
As you explore the islands, you’ll notice Tahitian words spelled in different ways. That’s because Polynesian languages were oral for most of their history. When European missionaries began writing them down, they often left out vowel lengths and glottal stops. Today, two main writing systems exist, one with the markings and one without, both accepted by different communities.
Day 2: Kayaking Adventures & Island Flavours
It’s time to hit the road and explore at our own pace! We highly recommend renting a car – it gives you the freedom to explore and chase those hidden spots!
Kayaking at Les Tipaniers beach
Our first stop: Les Tipaniers beach! And our mission? Renting a double kayak to paddle around the lagoon and visit the stingrays and shark spot again! We hooked up with Tip Nautic right on the beach – super friendly, and they pointed us exactly where to go. Pro tip: call a day or two ahead to reserve your kayak, especially during peak times! As a bonus, you also get access to this lovely beach, which is otherwise reserved for the hotel guests only.
Paddling through that crystal-clear water, the sun on our backs – this is what Moorea is all about! We were on the lookout for those black tips again, and while the sting rays were shy this time, exploring the lagoon and snorkeling right off the kayak was fantastic!
Lunch at Coco Beach
All that paddling works up an appetite! Our lunch destination: the iconic Coco Beach! Make a reservation online – it’s a must! They have a shuttle boat from the parking area every half hour, which is super convenient. You pay for the shuttle at the restaurant. Or, if you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can paddle, SUP, or boat right up! This place is worth the effort – the setting on its own motu is unreal!
And the food? SO fresh! We couldn’t resist trying a fresh salad and Poisson Cru again – gotta compare, right? Both were absolutely delicious with that incredible view as a backdrop.
Abandoned InterContinental Resort
On your cruises around the lagoon (and conveniently right next to the parking area and pick-up location for the Coco Beach shuttle), you’ll undoubtedly pass an intriguing row of abandoned overwater bungalows — remnants of the once-luxurious InterContinental Moorea resort. Closed during the pandemic to protect its sister hotels across French Polynesia, it now stands as a quiet reminder that even paradise isn’t immune to the forces of the changing world. The only occupant remaining is the Moorea Dolphin Education Center.
We tasted Moorea’s ocean and its cuisine, but what happens when you visit a juice factory that also makes … liqueurs? Your taste buds are about to get a surprise! Manuia, cheers!
Free Tasting at juice factory and distillery
The afternoon stop was for a different kind of taste: the Rotui Juice Factory & Distillery. Free tasting, no reservation needed – just roll up and indulge! From refreshing tropical juices to some seriously tasty liqueurs, it’s a great way to sample the local flavours produced right here on the island. Their shop is packed with goodies – perfect for souvenirs to bring back home or as a little treat for yourself.
Catch the sunset at Hauru Public Beach
We couldn’t end the day without another beach visit. Hauru Public beach, or La plage de Tiahura, is a local favourite and perfect for catching the sunset. There’s a nice snorkeling spot here too – keep an eye out for turtles! We weren’t lucky this time, but we did stumble upon the ruins of the old Club Med Resort – once an iconic place until it closed its doors in 2005. We stayed for sunset, and watching those palm trees light up in the golden hour – absolutely magical!
We thought we’d seen Moorea’s best views, but day three held an iconic viewpoint that literally offers two bays for the price of one – and a local favourite food spot you have to try!
Before we dive into the final day, a quick question for you: If you could only stay ONE day in Moorea, what’s the absolute must-do activity you’d pick? Drop your vote in the comments below!
Day 3: Panoramic Views and Coastal Cruising
Day three, and we’re starting with a view that will absolutely blow your mind!
View from Belvedere Lookout (Belvédère du Opunohu)
We drove up to the Belvedere Lookout – and wow, Moorea’s two iconic bays! On one side, ʻŌpūnohu Bay, on the other, Cook’s Bay, split by the majestic Mou’a Rotui! Also known as Belvédère du Opunohu, it’s a photographer’s dream, but honestly, just soaking in that magical vista is a reason enough to visit.
Captain Cook
Fun fact: Captain James Cook actually first dropped anchor in ʻŌpūnohu Bay in 1777, seeking supplies. The neighbouring ‘Cook’s Bay’ was named later in his honour, as a tribute to the legendary explorer’s impact on this paradise.
But what if we told you there’s another incredible viewpoint, hidden right above the iconic overwater bungalows? The colours there are unreal!
Brunch at North Shore Poke & Smoothie Bar
For a delicious and easy refuel, you have to check out North Shore Poke & Smoothie Bar. It’s conveniently located right across from Ta’ahiamanu beach. We grabbed tuna poke and açaí bowl – even a sudden shower couldn’t stop us from devouring them in the car! The freshness and flavours were incredible. It’s the perfect fuel for further explorations!
Toatea Lookout with the view of the Sofitel bungalows
Chasing the sun, we headed to the other side of the island, to the Toatea Lookout. This spot offers that iconic view right over the Sofitel bungalows and the breathtaking colours of the lagoon!
Take a dip at Temae beach
Right below the lookout is Temae beach – a long stretch of public beach perfect for a walk, another dip or a nice snorkeling session. You can also get closer to the overwater bungalows or simply admire them from the water.
Sunset at Ta’ahiamanu beach
The day was still young, and we wanted to experience a beach with a more local vibe. Ta’ahiamanu beach is where it’s at! The weather has cleared so we gave the beach another shot. It was buzzing with locals enjoying their evening, and finding our own spot under the palm trees felt authentic. And the sunset here, with the palms silhouetted against the sky? Absolutely unforgettable. The golden hour just hits different in Moorea!
After all that adventuring, another question remained: can we find the perfect local spot for our farewell feast? And can the tasting of Tahitian cocktails live up to the hype?
Dinner at Manuia Grill
For our final Moorea feast, we went with a local recommendation: Manuia Grill! If you’re craving some amazing grilled meat and fish, this is the spot. We gorged on mixed fish and meat skewers and grilled chicken. We couldn’t resist trying their delicious cocktails, so Margaritas and Mai Tai it is! An absolutely perfect end to an epic three days.
Where next?
Moorea truly activated our adventurous spirit! From thrilling encounters in the lagoon to exploring stunning viewpoints and savouring local flavours, it was an experience that went way beyond just relaxing. If you’re an active traveler looking for paradise with a punch, Moorea should be at the top of your list!
It truly stole our hearts, but trust us, there’s even more paradise to uncover in French Polynesia. Our next stop is the wild and authentic island of Huahine, and we’re already working hard to bring you all its secrets! Don’t miss out on that adventure and join us on this journey. Click right here when our Huahine guide is ready – see you there!