Moorea, often considered the jewel of French Polynesia, offers stunning landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and vibrant marine life. If you’re planning a trip to this idyllic island, here’s my perfect 4-day Moorea itinerary to make the most of your visit.
When to go to Moorea :
The best time to visit Moorea is during the dry season, from May to October. This period offers the most pleasant weather with less humidity and rain. It’s also the best time for whale watching, as humpback whales migrate to the warm waters around Moorea from July to November.
How to get around Moorea :
Transportation on Moorea can be a bit challenging. Public transportation is unreliable, and taxis are both rare and expensive. To truly explore the island at your own pace, renting a car is highly recommended. We rented a vehicle from AVIS, which offered the best value for money. The convenience of having our own car allowed us to explore every corner of the island with ease.
Where to Stay in Moorea :
Cook’s Bay Hotel: Located in the picturesque Cook’s Bay, this hotel is the perfect base for exploring the entire island. We stayed four nights in an upstairs suite, and it was truly a gem. The hotel is ideally situated with stunning ocean views.
The pool is very relaxing, complete with intimate little cabanas. For beach lovers, the hotel offers direct access to a private beach, ensuring tranquility and crystal-clear waters. + The on-site restaurant saved us valuable time, offering delicious dishes in an elegant setting. Kayaks are available for a self-guided tour of Cook’s Bay, and pool floats are provided for added relaxation.
The staff is always attentive and ready to organize excursions and transportation. We rented a car, and the hotel’s parking was very convenient! If you seek peace of mind, I highly recommend Cook’s Bay Hotel.
Moorea Perfect itinerary
Day 1: Discover the Heart of Moorea
Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Belvedere Lookout for breathtaking views of Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay. Then, hike one of the many trails in the area, such as the Three Coconut Trees Pass, for a more immersive experience.
Afternoon: Drive along the Route des Ananas (Pineapple Route) to see the lush pineapple plantations. Stop by the Lycée Agricole for a tour of their agricultural school and sample some fresh local produce. I had the best sorbets of my life there! The flavors change daily, so we went twice. My favorites were Pineapple, Passion Fruit, Mango, and their Coconut ice cream.
Evening: Drive to Papetoai to witness a stunning sunset. This quaint village offers a peaceful setting to end your day.
Day 2: Explore Moorea’s Bays and Beaches
Morning: Visit Cook’s Bay, where you can take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the stunning scenery. Then, drive to Opunohu Bay for more picturesque views.
Afternoon: Spend some time relaxing on Moorea’s beautiful beaches. Temae Beach and Ta’ahiamanu Beach are great spots for swimming and sunbathing.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at one of the island’s many beachside restaurants, savoring fresh seafood and local cuisine. I recommend the restaurant at Cook’s Bay Hotel, accessible even if you’re not staying there. The sunset is incredible, and during the right season, you can spot whales.
Day 3 : Cultural and Natural Wonders
Morning: Explore the island’s lush interior with a visit to the Afareaitu Waterfalls. A short hike will bring you to these stunning falls, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim.
Afternoon: Visit the Tiki Village Cultural Center to explore the island’s traditions, crafts, and history. Participate in workshops like braiding baskets or trays from coconut palms and pandanus leaves, making Tahitian-style raw fish with coconut milk, learning the basics of the famous “Tamure” dance, playing the ukulele or traditional drums, and painting your own pareo in your chosen colors.
Evening: Experience the magic of Tiki Village with a traditional Marquesan show featuring dancing, singing, and fire performances. Book in advance! Shows are available on Tuesdays & Fridays (and also Wednesdays from July to November).
Day 4 Moorea Itinerary : Snorkeling with sharks
Dedicate a day to an unforgettable marine adventure. Book a 6-hour excursion with Moorea Miti Tours to swim with rays and sharks. We spent three weeks in Polynesia, and this was undoubtedly one of the highlights! We chose the ‘Snorkeling & Lunch’ package. (110€/person) Check out what we saw underwater in my reel from this excursion!
Everything was fantastic, from the warm musical welcome to the snorkeling with rays and sharks, to the kindness of the guides and the Tahitian songs. The lunch was incredible ! I loved preparing the famous poisson cru with our guide. We learned how to open a coconut, make a hat from palm leaves, use different medicinal plants, and much more.
You’ll discover a lot about the island, its traditions, culture, and legends. I highly recommend this experience. Without a doubt, my favorite moment of the trip! Swimming with sharks is not something you do every day.
To capture your underwater memories, having a good camera is essential. Instead of investing in another expensive camera like a GoPro, I opted for the G-Dome Mobile 3, priced at $95. It’s an underwater water housing designed for smartphones, allowing me to take high-quality shots directly with my phone. Here’s the link!
Final Tips for your Moorea Itinerary
To fully enjoy Moorea, remember to pack plenty of ocean-friendly sunscreen like Lovea, which is a brand that always travels with me (including deodorant, sunscreen, after-sun lotion, and shower gel) and a good pair of hiking shoes!
I hope this Moorea itinerary inspires you to visit Moorea and experience its unique beauty and charm.
Don’t miss out on my soon-to-be-released interactive map of Polynesia, showcasing the best things to do, restaurants, beaches, and more. Enhance your journey and discover every hidden gem this paradise has to offer!
Follow me on Instagram to stay updated about what to do in Moorea island! My stories are filled with condensed information (find them in the highlights)
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