Top 10 Things to do in Mo’orea, French Polynesia

By Olivier Bruchez – Wikimedia

Top 10 Things to do in Mo’orea, French Polynesia

Moorea is a South Pacific island that is part of French Polynesia’s Society Islands archipelago. It’s famous for its jagged volcanic mountains and sandy beaches.

This island is also known for its juicy and sweet pineapples, lush vegetation and graceful rivers. Moorea is a magical place to visit full of an exciting adventure.

If you love the outdoors there is plenty to do like hiking, chasing waterfalls, snorkelling and museum visits. For those that would prefer a restful vacation you can either; relax by the pool, sip cocktails while watching the sunset or feeding the fishes under the sea through a glass pane on the floor of your room.

One picturesque landmark on this island is Mount Rotui, it stands tall above Opunohu Bay and Cook’s Bay. It is popular with both locals and tourists that hike up to get panoramic views of the island below.

It is indeed a magical island as it is commonly referred. As you plan your next vacation here, let’s explore the top 10 things to do in Moorea.

1. Take a tour of the Island

Yes, you can explore the island in a day. You are probably wondering how that is possible, well it is a small island with a 60km coastline. To fully see the island, you are going to need a car, scooter or a bicycle (optional electric bike available too). Choose whichever is comfortable for you and set off.

Along the way, you can make several stops for sightseeing and sampling tropical fruits sold by vendors along the road. There is also coconut and fresh tuna sold in the dainty fishing villages.

As you go further exploring, you will see cute churches, get a waft of freshly baked good mixed with sea air. The views of the beautiful azure ocean, the lagoon and sandy beaches will catch your eye.

There are archaeological sites by the road where you can make a stop and discover too.

2. Explore the Lagoon

Another thing to do while in Moorea is to explore the lagoon. It has is defined by the beautiful colour of the sea bed. You can do this by hiring a transparent kayak and explore the coral reefs below together with the fishes.

As you paddle through the lagoon, you will be amazed by the tropical fishes that are easy to miss because they are camouflaged.

The lagoon has a protected area where the fish are fed at the coral garden daily. If you would love this experience, check on the timings on their website.

Other than kayaking, you can snorkel and get close to the fishes while enjoying the warm water.

3. Swim with the sharks and stingrays

By Kfulgham84 – Wikimedia

This next experience is one to look forward to. It is safe and you get to have guides with you. The lagoon area is filled with amazing sea life for all to see.

Some many black-tipped sharks and stingrays swim freely with humans. The place gets crowded most of the time, so go early enough to enjoy some quality time with them. There is an option of feeding them or just swim with them.

There is more at the lagoonarium where you can snorkel and feed more fishes.

Once satisfied swimming with the sharks and stingrays, you can explore the small island on the lagoon before heading back to the main island.

4. Experience Polynesian dance

Moorea island has beautiful and exotic Tahitian culture. The Polynesian dance I quite mesmerizing and are mostly performed in the evening.

To fully experience this, immerse yourself in their tradition by taking some fun cooking lessons. These classes are offered during the day.

Once done with that, head over to the cultural centre and learn more about the culture through carvings and paintings from the past.

They cook their food deep in the ground and covered with banana leaves then hot volcanic stones are placed on top.

The icing on the cake for your evening is a traditional dance that involves fire. The dance is a story of their warriors in search of treasures in faraway islands.

5. View Sea Turtles at Te Mana O Te Moana

By Claudio Giovenzana – Wikimedia

There is a lot of water activities on this island as you may have noticed by reading through this list. The sea turtles in Moore are of different species and they can be found at Te Mana O Te Mana.

This is a rescue centre for injured sea turtles that are nursed to good health then released back to the ocean. Most of the turtles at the centre are wounded through fishing nets or speargun hunting.

The centre is open to the public who get to witness first-hand rescue operation and care of the turtles. Some of the species you’ll find here include hawksbill sea turtles, olive ridley sea turtles, green sea turtles, and loggerhead sea turtles.

6. Swim and lounge at the sandy beaches

This island has beautiful beaches that are postcard-worthy. Anyone visiting Moorea cannot resist the beach. There are both public and private beaches, they are all clean and magical.

One of the popular public beaches is Temae that not only lets you enjoy is clear azure waters but has a beautiful view of Tahiti island.

The other popular beach is Tipanier where you can swim with the harmless sharks and stingrays or snorkel in its shallow clear water.

Between July and November, you can spot the humpback whales, dolphins, grey reef sharks, black reef sharks, pink whip rays, and leopard rays. If you happen to be here during that season, take advantage to explore the ocean.

7. Take a hike up mount Rotui

By Olivier Bruchez – Wikimedia

One favourite thing to do by many that visit the island is to hike up mount Rotui for picturesque and panoramic views of the island.

There is a lot of hidden treasures along the hiking trails. Natures abundance can be seen as you walk along the off-beaten track. The landscape is breathtaking not to mention the beautiful waterfalls. Most of the hiking trails do not need guides but be careful not to miss a turn.

Other than hiking up the mountain, you can opt to explore the pineapple plantation that near the tropical forest. Head over to the viewing point to see the dormant volcano and the foot of the crater.

8. Check-out the viewpoint

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While on your hike, there are strategic places on the Belvedere where you can get unforgettable views of the island and the ocean.

After reaching the top, you will have a bird’s eye view of Opunohu Bay, lagoon Motus and Cook’s bay.

If hiking to the top is not your jam, you can ride upon an electric bike or drive while making stops to enjoy the scenery.

Belvedere viewpoint is the best location to view the island.  It’s advisable to go up before noon when it is not cloudy. Be prepared to spend hours at the top and carry water to stay hydrated.

9. Tour the pineapple fields and juice factory

As mentioned earlier, this Island is known for its pineapple fields and the delicious pineapple juice.

The Rotui factory is open to visitors that would love a tour of the facility and the fields. They explain the harvesting to juice making process. You will also get to sample the pineapples and the juice.

There are a distillery and a gift shop at the factory selling fresh juices, wine and assorted fruit liquors.

10. Relax at Coco Beach

Coco beach in Moorea island is famous s the ultimate relaxation spot while on vacation. They have the best food and drinks and a beach to relax on.

You can swim in the shallow lagoon with the stingrays or stroll along the sandy beach.