We came looking for a long weekend gateway with mix of mountain hikes, turquoise swims, and Polynesian culture. What we found was a deeper kind of escape to the beautiful nature.
This is a guide to the Moorea we met: not just the postcard views, but the quiet trails, the reef shadows, the juice-fresh pauses, and the kind of days that breathe a little slower.
We reached Tahiti in the morning and directly went for ferry to Moorea which takes about 30 minutes. There are few ferries and we took Aremiti (Aremiti 5 & 6) at 6:10 am (we landed before 5 am). Buy return ticket which will save your time on the way back. Ferry has good coffee and some snack like croissant and buns with pineapple or banana jam filling. Perfect for morning time but not only.
Rent a car or scooter. We took rental car which was more convenient with our luggage. Avis is just right near ferry.
We stayed at Linareva Moorea Beach Resort, a peaceful retreat along the island’s quiet western coast. The small overwater deck at the hotel is perfect and you don’t have to look far to spot marine life. Right after we arrived, we saw a blacktip reef shark gliding just beneath the surface. The reef begins almost at your feet, with colorful fish swimming in the shallow turquoise water. You can take kayak or snorkel gears available for free.
Drive around the island – it just takes around 1.5-2h depending on your stops. On the way stop at Toatea Lookout and you can do Temae Beach Trail (Coastal Walk).
Things to do in Moorea
1.Snorkel tour (by boat). Take a half-day tour to swim with blacktip reef sharks, turtles and stingrays in the lagoon. Other fishes to spot: butterflyfish, triggerfish, parrotfish. Additionally we saw beautiful octopus, eagle rays, barracuda and pufferfish. Everyday you can have surprise and see other fishes.
We joined a group snorkel tour with Alex, which was limited to just six people—perfect for a more relaxed, uncrowded experience. It is 4hour tour and we visited 4 spots!
On two other days, we treated ourselves to a private 3 hour tour with Mermaid Private Boat Tours with Luna and Clemens, and it was pure magic. The private setting had its own special charm, especially with underwater photos beautifully captured by them. If you’re looking for something truly memorable, this one is absolutely worth it.
2. Snorkeling e.g Temae Beach – Easily accessible public beach with clear water and fish close to shore (perfect for beginners).
Pro tip: Bring your own snorkel gear if you can—rentals add up and some beaches have no shops nearby.
3. Hikes/Lookouts:
a) Belvedere Lookout – A must-see drive-up viewpoint over Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay, with trail access nearby.
b) Three Pines Lookout Trail (Sentier des Trois Pins)– A short, peaceful trail ending at a quiet viewpoint with a wooden swing and epic views of the lagoon. Trailhead is just off the Moorea Golf Course; allow about 1hr round-trip.
There is plenty to do in Moorea if you have more time there are hikes which we didn’t do and keeping for next time like:
a) Three Coconuts Pass Hike – One of Moorea’s best hikes; lush jungle, volcanic peaks, and a rewarding summit view, ~2–3 hrs round trip from Belvedere Lookout.
b) Afareaitu or Tohiea Waterfall Trails – Easy-to-moderate rainforest hikes to waterfalls with natural swimming pools; trail conditions vary with rain.
c) Magic Mountain – Also known as Montagne Magique or the Magic Mountain Overlook, this volcanic peak offers one of Moorea’s most breathtaking 360° views of the lagoon, bays, and lush interior.
4. Local Flavors & Garden Views:
a) Rotui Juice Factory & Distillery – Free tastings of tropical juices and locally made fruit liqueurs. A great place to try pineapple, passionfruit, and coconut-based drinks.
b) Moorea Tropical Garden – Family-run vanilla farm and botanical garden perched above Opunohu Valley. Try their homemade jams, enjoy sweeping views, and take a short walk through the vanilla plants. Try milkshakes – vanilla & banana!On the way home in Tahiti we stopped for some time at the Vaiala Beach with amazing food truck serving Italian food!
Moorea is one of those places that lingers long after you leave. It’s in the rhythm of the waves, the shade of green in the mountains, and the soft hum of life underwater.
Whether you’re hiking through misty trails, floating above coral gardens, or simply watching the sky melt into the sea at sunset Moorea invites you to slow down and to wander with wonder.
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