Opunohu Bay and Cook's Bay from the Belvedere lookout, Moorea

No. 13 25 Great Islands to Visit 2026

Moorea

Society Islands, French Polynesia

Bora Bora's quieter neighbour: jagged green peaks around turquoise lagoons, close to Tahiti.

Photo: Michael R Perry, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Moorea lies about 20 km north-west of Tahiti in French Polynesia. Its steep, green volcanic peaks rise above two deep bays, Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay, surrounded by a lagoon.

It is known for snorkelling, lagoon trips, hiking and overwater bungalows, with a more relaxed feel than larger resort islands.

Best time to visit

May to October is the drier, cooler season. November to April is warmer and wetter; humpback whales are often seen from about July to October.

Highlights

  • 1

    Belvedere lookout

    A viewpoint over both bays and Mount Rotui.

  • 2

    Lagoon trips

    Snorkelling with rays and reef fish in the clear lagoon.

  • 3

    Opunohu Valley

    Pineapple fields, archaeological marae and hiking trails.

  • 4

    Temae beach

    A public white-sand beach with good snorkelling.

Getting there

Ferries from Papeete, Tahiti, take about 30–45 minutes; short flights also run. Tahiti's Faa'a airport has international flights.

Practical tips

Opening & tickets
Opening times, ticket rules and transport timetables change, so check official information before you go.
Time needed
Three to five days.

Official information: Tahiti Tourisme: Moorea. Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

Map