Our journey begins in Tahiti, the capital island and perhaps the most famous of the 118 French Polynesian islands. Certainly the most popular. Tahiti is famous for lush volcanic mountains with rainforest peaks, pineapple plantations, sandy beaches, and clear turquoise lagoons. Coral reefs fill these lagoons with marine life.
After we spent the night in Papeete, we recovered from jet lag. We then took the ferry to Moorea. Moorea is a nearby, beautiful island. Moorea is just a short flight or ferry ride from Tahiti (about 15 miles away).
A stunning small island has a heart shape. Often called the ‘Magical Island’, it’s just 10 miles wide from east to west and 7 miles from north to south. Moorea offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, with activities ranging from snorkelling and diving to hiking. Its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere make Moorea an idyllic island for couples like us seeking a paradise stay.
Welcome to Moorea: One of the Crown Jewels of French Polynesia
Moorea might just be the crown jewel in French Polynesia’s crown, one of the stunning islands that make up the Islands of Tahiti.
With its white sandy beaches, clear turquoise water, and amazing green mountains, it might as well warrant the accolade on scenery alone. Now add in warm locals and a laid-back ambiance, and you have the ideal destination for honeymooners and families alike.
Just a short ferry or plane trip away from French Polynesia’s main island, Tahiti, Moorea is the perfect place to escape your cares. It’s such a paradise that it is said to have inspired James Michener’s mythical Bali Hai.
Best Overwater Bungalows in Moorea
Planning a trip to Moorea, French Polynesia, and on the hunt for the perfect bungalow? You’re in the right place! Moorea is one of the easiest and most stunning islands in French Polynesia. Its overwater and beachside bungalows are famous. While Bora Bora gets most of the attention, Moorea feels more intimate, relaxed, and authentic.
It offers a true Polynesian experience, which is always a plus in our book.
But that authenticity does come at a cost, and finding a bungalow can be (in all honesty) a bit of a headache. That’s why we’re sharing the scoop on the best overwater and beachside bungalows in Moorea. You can spend less time researching and more time daydreaming about your trip.
Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa Review
The Hilton Moorea resort is located on the north side of Moorea, nestled between two bays – Opunohu Bay and Cook’s Bay. Offering spectacular views and some of the best snorkelling opportunities in a bright coral lagoon. This was the main reason we wanted to stay here because Hilton Moorea has some of the best snorkelling in much shallower waters than in Bora Bora.
We can confirm the lagoon is full of rich marine life – we saw everything from tiny blue fish to larger stingrays. The Hilton Moorea offers luxury, natural beauty, and Polynesian charm. Ideal for a romantic getaway, a honeymoon, or a relaxing holiday in paradise. Also, the only 5-star resort on Moorea.
The lush Mountain backdrop is on another level, especially when viewed whilst swimming in the pool. The resort’s layout, with its blend of overwater bungalows, beach villas, and garden suites, harmoniously integrates into the island’s natural beauty.
The whole resort is non-smoking, and don’t expect any nightlife apart from the Polynesian-themed buffet dinner.
How Much Does an Overwater Bungalow in Moorea Cost?
Overwater bungalow prices in Moorea usually range from about $400 to $900+ per night. Prices depend on the season, the resort level, and whether meals are included. By contrast, Bora Bora overwater suites often start at $1,000+ per night. Moorea often offers better value and keeps the same on-the-water feel.
To save more, book in the shoulder season, like April to May or September to October. Also consider an all-inclusive deal, which can lower costs and keep the classic lagoon escape.
Top Things to Do in Moorea
Beyond the bungalow, Moorea is genuinely an adventure island; from marine life encounters to mountain viewpoints, there’s enough to fill a week-long itinerary.
Swim with Humpback Whales
Humpback whale season in Mo’orea runs from July to the end of October, although the best times to see them (especially moms with their calves) are from August to the end of October. I won’t go into too much detail here because
I have an entire blog post about swimming with whales in Moorea, but if you are in Moorea during this time, I highly recommend doing this. It’s such a magical experience and one of the most popular things to do in Mo’orea.
Visit the 3 Public Beaches
Bora Bora has three public beaches for you to visit, swim, and snorkel at (without having to worry about trespassing on private property to get to them).
The first is Temae Beach, which is located near the Sofitel Kia Ora Hotel. This is the most popular beach. It’s a large stretch of white sand, family-friendly, and offers beautiful views across to the island of Tahiti. There are a couple of little snack trucks around to get water or an easy lunch, public washrooms, and parking available.
The second beach in Mo’orea is Ta’ahuaman Beach.
This beach is located at the mouth of Opunoho Bay and offers white sand, some shady spots thanks to towering palm trees, and beautiful views over the water with a few boats in view. Again, there are public washrooms and parking here (across the road). In terms of scenery, this was my favourite beach.
Finally, there is the beach in front of Tipaniers Hotel. You do need to park across from the hotel and walk through to access it, but you are allowed. This beach is smaller, but has great snorkeling (head left towards the channel for lots of fish and, if you are lucky, sea turtles! You can dine at the hotel restaurant here and use their bathrooms. Tipaniers Beach is also a great sunset spot!
Visit the Tropical Gardens
Many of the islands in French Polynesia have tropical gardens that you can visit. The ones in Mo’orea are actually owned by a family who opens their land up to guests to come see the local fruits, flowers, and plants.
There isn’t really any signage, so if you go alone, you probably won’t know what you are looking at unless you are a plant enthusiast, but it is a pretty place.
They also have a little bar/restaurant serving up breakfast meals and delicious ice creams and sorbets. Try the taro ice cream or passionfruit sorbet!
Belvedere Lookout
Belvedere Lookout is a prominent viewpoint that rewards visitors with sweeping views across the northern half of the island. Make your way up the steep track that zigzags up the slope of Mount Tohivea and reach the mesmerizing heights of this scenic lookout. Take photographs of the panoramic scenery and see if you can point out Moorea’s landmarks.
If you feel like some exercise, don’t miss an invigorating hike up to the Belvedere Lookout. The viewpoint is also accessible by scooter, ATV, or car. There are two main routes to Belvedere Lookout, depending on whether you depart from Cook’s Bay or Opunohu Bay. On the Cook’s Bay route, you’ll wind your way through lush tropical forest and fields of pineapples as the path undulates over the hillsides. Depart from Opunohu Bay to pass through Moorea’s pristine natural preserve and check out the local Agricultural School (Lycee Agricole). Take a rest stop at the school and sample some of their items for sale, including freshly squeezed tropical fruit juice, sorbets, and jams.
Cook’s Bay and Afareaitu Waterfall
It was worth the hike. It took 20-30 minutes to hike in, and as it had been raining a lot, the falls were at their prime. However, the track was rocky, had tree roots everywhere, and 3 fast-running streams to cross over. You need to be agile and take care, but it was fine. We got right next to the falls and pool.
What is the Best Time to Visit Moorea?
- For plenty of sunshine and whales: May through October.
- For a quiet atmosphere and low prices: November–December and February–March.
- For diving and snorkeling: year-round. The water temperature never drops below 26 °C.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I had a great time exploring Moorea, which to me felt a lot like Kauai in Hawaii. I definitely appreciated that we tired ourselves out with the hike and running around before boarding a red-eye flight back to the States.
I wish that we had more time to explore or could have taken our time with lunch, but the truth is that it was an amazing last day on a fantastic trip. If you ever have a late departure out of Papeete (PPT), I would highly recommend spending your last day on Moorea.
