Moorea

Aremiti ferry from Papeete to Moorea(30 minutes)

Ferries run multiple times daily (XPF 1,500 / ~$14 one-way). Faa'a Airport is 5km from the ferry terminal — taxi XPF 2,000. The crossing has stunning views of both islands

Pickup rental car at Moorea ferry terminal(20 minutes)

Pre-book through Avis or Albert Transport (from XPF 6,000/day / ~$55). Essential for exploring — the 60km coast road circles the island in 2 hours

Check-in at Pension Motu Iti, Cook's Bay(30 minutes)

Guesthouse with lagoon views from XPF 10,000/night (~$95) with breakfast. Or splash out: Hilton Moorea overwater bungalows from XPF 45,000 (~$425)

Sunset at Temae Beach(1.5 hours)

Public beach near the ferry terminal with views of Tahiti across the channel. White sand, turquoise lagoon. Free access. Bring a cold Hinano beer from the Champion supermarket

Belvedere Lookout(1 hour)

240m elevation between Opunohu and Cook's bays with Mount Rotui's shark-tooth peak rising between them. Free. Best morning light. Drive or bike up the winding road through pineapple fields

Rotui Juice Factory(45 minutes)

Free tastings of fresh pineapple and papaya juice in Opunohu Valley. The factory shop sells bottles (XPF 300-600). Moorea's pineapples are some of the sweetest in the Pacific

Opunohu Valley archaeological sites(1.5 hours)

Ancient Polynesian marae (stone temple platforms) connected by walking trails through tropical forest. Free. The valley was densely populated pre-European contact

Lunch at Le Cocotier, Cook's Bay(1.5 hours)

French-Polynesian cuisine at a lagoon-side restaurant. Poisson cru (raw tuna in coconut milk, XPF 1,800 / ~$17) — the national dish. Mahi-mahi with vanilla sauce

Afternoon snorkel at Tiahura(1.5 hours)

The coral gardens off Tiahura Beach have the best visibility on the island. Bring your own mask or rent from the beach shack. Free access to the public beach

Full-day lagoon tour with Albert Tours(6 hours)

XPF 9,500 (~$90) per person including lunch. Departs 9AM from Cook's Bay. The boat circles the island stopping at the best snorkeling spots

Shark and ray feeding(45 minutes)

Wade into waist-deep water as guides hand-feed blacktip reef sharks and stingrays that glide between your legs. The sharks are habituated but wild — safe with a guide

Coral garden snorkeling(1 hour)

Drift snorkel over pristine coral with parrotfish, butterfly fish, and Moorish idols. The visibility in the lagoon is extraordinary

Motu picnic lunch(1.5 hours)

Fresh grilled fish, breadfruit, coconut, and tropical fruit on a sandy islet. This is the French Polynesian lunch dream

Roulotte dinner at Maharepa(1 hour)

Food trucks (roulottes) at the Petit Village area. Crepes, poisson cru, and grilled chicken for XPF 1,000-1,500 (~$10-14). The most affordable eating option on the island

Magic Mountain hike(1.5 hours)

Short but steep 30-minute scramble to 230m with 360° views of lagoon, reef, and both bays. Unmarked turnoff near PK24. Free. Muddy with rope sections — sturdy shoes essential

Haapiti coast drive(1 hour)

The west coast is less developed than Cook's Bay. Drive slowly past local homes, small churches, and roadside fruit stands. Stop at roadside stands for fresh pamplemousse and bananas

Lunch at Snack Mahana, Haapiti(1 hour)

Beachfront cafe. Cheeseburger and fries (XPF 1,200 / ~$11) with lagoon views. Unpretentious and excellent

Afternoon at Temae public beach(2 hours)

The island's best public beach for swimming. Shallow, warm, turquoise water over white sand. Bring snorkel gear for the reef edge

Morning lagoon kayak(2 hours)

Rent a kayak from your guesthouse or a beach operator (XPF 2,000/hour). Paddle along the coast — the water is so clear you can see fish beneath your boat. Early morning is calmest

Tiki Village cultural show(2 hours)

A reconstructed Polynesian village with dance performances, fire shows, and craft demonstrations. XPF 4,500 (~$43) for the afternoon show, XPF 9,500 for dinner + show. Touristy but the fire dancing is genuinely spectacular

Ice cream at Gelateria Moorea(30 minutes)

Near Cook's Bay. Italian gelato made with local tropical fruits — coconut, passion fruit, mango. XPF 500 per scoop. A treat worth the detour

Sunset from your guesthouse deck(1 hour)

With a Hinano beer and the lagoon turning gold, this is exactly why you came to French Polynesia

Two-tank scuba dive with Top Dive Moorea(3.5 hours)

XPF 18,000 (~$170) for certified divers, XPF 12,000 for discover/intro dive. Lemon sharks at 'The Tiki' site, blacktip reefs, eagle rays. Top Dive is PADI-certified and the most reputable operator

Lunch at Rudy's, Cook's Bay(1 hour)

Burgers and seafood on a deck over the lagoon. Ahi tuna burger (XPF 1,600 / ~$15). The view up Cook's Bay toward Mount Tohivea is stunning

Drive around Opunohu Bay(1 hour)

The deeper, more dramatic bay. Stop at the public pier for photos of the jagged peaks reflected in still water. The road passes coconut plantations and small farms

Lycee Agricole botanical trails(1 hour)

Near Belvedere. Agricultural school with a trail through tropical plants and fruit trees. Free. The vanilla and cacao plantings are interesting. Small shop sells fresh juice

Sunrise swim at the lagoon(1 hour)

One last float in the impossibly clear water. The morning light on the mountains is Moorea at its most magical

Checkout and return rental car(30 minutes)

Return car at the ferry terminal. Budget an extra 30 min for fuel top-up

Ferry to Papeete(30 minutes)

Aremiti or Terevau ferry (XPF 1,500). Watch Moorea recede from the upper deck

Transfer to Faa'a Airport(30 minutes)

Taxi from ferry terminal (XPF 2,000). Or if departing tomorrow, explore Papeete's waterfront market (Marche de Papeete) for vanilla, monoi oil, and black pearl jewelry

Aremiti ferry from Papeete(30 minutes)

XPF 1,500 one-way. Stunning views of both islands

Pickup rental car(20 minutes)

From XPF 6,000/day. Essential — 60km coast road circles island in 2 hours

Check-in at Pension Motu Iti(30 minutes)

From XPF 10,000/night with breakfast. Lagoon views

Sunset at Temae Beach(1.5 hours)

White sand, turquoise lagoon, views of Tahiti. Free. Bring a Hinano beer

Belvedere Lookout(1 hour)

240m elevation between both bays. Mount Rotui's shark-tooth peak. Free. Best morning light

Rotui Juice Factory(45 minutes)

Free tastings. Bottles XPF 300-600

Opunohu Valley marae(1.5 hours)

Ancient stone temple platforms in tropical forest. Free

Lunch at Le Cocotier(1.5 hours)

Poisson cru (XPF 1,800). Lagoon-side

Snorkel at Tiahura(1.5 hours)

Best coral gardens on the island. Free access

Lagoon tour with Albert Tours(6 hours)

XPF 9,500 per person including lunch. Circles the island

Shark and ray feeding(45 minutes)

Blacktip reef sharks and stingrays in waist-deep water. Safe with guide

Coral garden snorkeling(1 hour)

Parrotfish, butterfly fish, extraordinary visibility

Motu picnic(1.5 hours)

Fresh grilled fish, breadfruit, coconut on sandy islet

Roulotte dinner(1 hour)

Food trucks at Petit Village. XPF 1,000-1,500 per meal

Magic Mountain(1.5 hours)

30-min scramble to 230m. 360° lagoon views. Ropes on steep sections. Free

Haapiti coast drive(1 hour)

Less developed west coast. Fruit stands, small churches

Lunch at Snack Mahana(1 hour)

Beachfront. Cheeseburger (XPF 1,200) with lagoon views

Temae Beach afternoon(2 hours)

Best swimming beach. Shallow turquoise water over white sand

Morning lagoon kayak(2 hours)

XPF 2,000/hour. Fish visible beneath your boat

Gelateria Moorea(30 minutes)

Gelato with local fruits — coconut, passion fruit. XPF 500/scoop

Beach reading(2 hours)

Find a palm tree, grab a book. This is why you came

Sunset from guesthouse deck(1 hour)

Hinano beer, lagoon turning gold

Two-tank dive with Top Dive(3.5 hours)

XPF 18,000 certified, XPF 12,000 intro. Lemon sharks, blacktips, eagle rays at 'The Tiki' site

Lunch at Rudy's(1 hour)

Ahi tuna burger (XPF 1,600) on a deck over the lagoon

Opunohu Bay drive(1 hour)

The deeper bay. Peaks reflected in still water

Lycee Agricole trails(1 hour)

Botanical trails with vanilla and cacao. Free. Fresh juice shop

Three Coconuts Pass (Col des Trois Cocotiers) hike(4 hours)

6km return from the trailhead near Opunohu Valley. A steep climb through tropical bush to a ridgeline with views of both bays simultaneously. Moderate-hard. No guide required but the trail can be muddy and overgrown — wear proper shoes and bring water. Free access

Lunch at Le Mahogany(1.5 hours)

Upscale restaurant near Cook's Bay. Mahi-mahi with vanilla sauce (XPF 2,800 / ~$26). French-Polynesian fusion at its best

Afternoon at Moorea Tropical Garden(1 hour)

XPF 600 entry. A hillside botanical garden with panoramic views and tasting of local fruit liqueurs and vanilla

Morning SUP on the lagoon(2 hours)

Rent a board from beach operators (XPF 2,500/hour). The lagoon inside the reef is flat and warm. Paddle over coral and fish — visible through the clear water

Whale watching tour (July-October)(3.5 hours)

Moorea Ocean Adventures (XPF 9,000 / ~$85). Humpback whales migrate through Polynesia from July to October, often with calves. In-water encounters are possible with a guide. If outside whale season, substitute with a half-day deep-sea fishing trip

Lunch at Les Tipaniers restaurant(1.5 hours)

Beachfront restaurant on the west coast. Poisson cru, grilled parrotfish, and chilled rosé

Sunset cocktails at Moorea Beach Club(1.5 hours)

Beachfront bar with infinity pool and Mount Rotui views. Cocktails XPF 1,500 (~$14). Worth the splurge

Polynesian cooking class(3 hours)

Several guesthouses and resorts offer half-day classes (XPF 7,000-9,000 / ~$66-85). Learn to prepare poisson cru, po'e (taro pudding), and fafa (spinach with chicken in coconut milk). You eat what you cook

Saturday market at Pao Pao(1 hour)

If Saturday — the freshest local produce, tropical fruit, and home-cooked food. Open early morning. Locals shop here

Afternoon beach time(2 hours)

Return to your favorite spot — Temae, Tiahura, or the Hilton's public beach area

Night at a local Tahitian dance show(1.5 hours)

Several resorts host traditional dance nights with ori Tahiti performances. Check with your guesthouse. Typically XPF 5,000-8,000 with dinner

Jet ski island tour with Moorea Jet Ski Tours(2.5 hours)

XPF 22,000 (~$210) per jet ski (2 people). Circle the entire island at speed, stopping at viewpoints, snorkeling spots, and pristine bays. No license needed. Morning departures when seas are calmest

Lunch at Snack Rotui(1 hour)

Simple local spot near Opunohu Bay. Plate lunch (assiette) with fish, rice, and salad (XPF 1,200)

Free afternoon(3 hours)

After an adrenaline morning, take it slow. Hammock, book, lagoon

Dinner at Le Lézard Jaune(1.5 hours)

Atmospheric restaurant near the old church. French-Polynesian tapas (XPF 1,200-2,000 per plate)

Morning ferry to Papeete(30 minutes)

Aremiti ferry (XPF 1,500). Depart early for a full day

Marche de Papeete (central market)(1.5 hours)

Two-story market. Ground floor: tropical fruit, flowers, vanilla, monoi oil. Upper floor: crafts, pareos, black pearl jewelry. Prices are better than resort shops

Black pearl shopping at Robert Wan Museum(1 hour)

Free museum + shop. Learn how Tahitian black pearls are cultivated and buy direct. Prices from XPF 5,000 for simple pendants to XPF 500,000+ for matched strands

Lunch at Les Roulottes, Place Vaiete(1 hour)

Papeete's famous food truck square. Grilled steak, crepes, poisson cru, Chinese noodles — all XPF 1,000-1,500. Opens at 6PM for dinner too

Sleep in(2 hours)

No alarm. Island time

Return to favorite beach(3 hours)

Temae for swimming, Tiahura for snorkeling, or a hidden west coast spot you discovered

Afternoon massage(1.5 hours)

Monoi oil massage at a local spa. XPF 7,000-10,000 (~$66-95). The coconut oil scent will forever remind you of Moorea

Farewell sunset drinks(1.5 hours)

Find your perfect spot — guesthouse deck, Temae, or a beach bar

Coral Gardeners reef tour(3 hours)

Join the local Coral Gardeners nonprofit (coralgardeners.org) for a guided snorkel of their coral nursery and replanting sites. XPF 8,000 (~$76). Learn about coral restoration while snorkeling pristine reef. A meaningful experience

Lunch at Moorea Beach Cafe(1 hour)

Light seafood and salads at the beach. Fresh tuna tartare (XPF 2,000)

Afternoon snorkel at a new spot(2 hours)

Explore the reef off Opunohu Bay or the pass between Moorea's lagoon and the open ocean (with guide if current is strong)

Poisson cru at home(1.5 hours)

Make your own poisson cru from skills learned in cooking class. Buy fresh tuna from the fisherman at the bay

Sunrise lagoon swim(1 hour)

Last float in the impossibly clear water. Morning light on the mountains is Moorea at its most magical

Return rental car and ferry to Papeete(1 hour)

XPF 1,500. Watch Moorea recede from the upper deck

Transfer to Faa'a Airport(30 minutes)

Taxi XPF 2,000 from ferry terminal

Ferry from Papeete(30 minutes)

XPF 1,500. Views of both islands

Pickup rental car(20 minutes)

From XPF 6,000/day

Check-in at guesthouse(30 minutes)

Pension Motu Iti from XPF 10,000/night with breakfast

Sunset at Temae Beach(1.5 hours)

White sand, turquoise lagoon, views of Tahiti. Free

Belvedere Lookout(1 hour)

240m. Both bays and Mount Rotui. Free. Best morning light

Rotui Juice Factory(45 minutes)

Free tastings. Pineapple and papaya juice

Opunohu Valley marae(1.5 hours)

Ancient Polynesian stone temples in tropical forest. Free

Lunch at Le Cocotier(1.5 hours)

Poisson cru (XPF 1,800) lagoon-side

Snorkel at Tiahura(1.5 hours)

Best coral gardens on the island. Free

Lagoon tour with Albert Tours(6 hours)

XPF 9,500 including lunch

Shark and ray feeding(45 minutes)

Blacktip reefs and stingrays in waist-deep water

Motu picnic lunch(1.5 hours)

Grilled fish, breadfruit, coconut on sandy islet

Roulotte dinner(1 hour)

Food trucks at Petit Village. XPF 1,000-1,500

Magic Mountain(1.5 hours)

30-min scramble to 230m. 360° views. Free. Ropes on steep sections

Haapiti coast drive(1 hour)

Less developed west coast. Fruit stands

Lunch at Snack Mahana(1 hour)

Cheeseburger (XPF 1,200) with lagoon views

Temae Beach(2 hours)

Best swimming. Shallow turquoise water

Lagoon kayak(2 hours)

XPF 2,000/hour. Fish visible beneath your boat

Gelateria Moorea(30 minutes)

Local fruit gelato. XPF 500/scoop

Two-tank dive with Top Dive(3.5 hours)

XPF 18,000. Lemon sharks, blacktips, eagle rays

Lunch at Rudy's(1 hour)

Ahi tuna burger (XPF 1,600) over the lagoon

Opunohu Bay drive(1 hour)

The deeper bay. Peaks reflected in still water

Lycee Agricole trails(1 hour)

Botanical trails. Vanilla, cacao. Free

Three Coconuts Pass hike(4 hours)

6km return from Opunohu Valley. Steep climb to ridgeline views of both bays. Moderate-hard. Free

Lunch at Le Mahogany(1.5 hours)

Mahi-mahi with vanilla sauce (XPF 2,800)

Tropical Garden(1 hour)

XPF 600. Hillside garden with fruit liqueur tasting

Sleep in and slow morning(3 hours)

Island time. No alarm

Beach time at Tiahura(2 hours)

Snorkel the coral gardens at your own pace

Tiki Village dinner and show(3 hours)

XPF 9,500 for dinner + show. Polynesian village, dance, fire show. The fire dancing is spectacular

Morning SUP(2 hours)

XPF 2,500/hour. Flat lagoon, fish below your board

Whale watching tour(3.5 hours)

Moorea Ocean Adventures (XPF 9,000). Humpbacks July-October. In-water encounters possible. Outside season: deep-sea fishing alternative

Lunch at Les Tipaniers(1.5 hours)

Beachfront. Poisson cru and rosé

Sunset at Moorea Beach Club(1.5 hours)

Infinity pool, Mount Rotui views. Cocktails XPF 1,500

Cooking class(3 hours)

XPF 7,000-9,000. Poisson cru, po'e (taro pudding), fafa. You eat what you cook

Pao Pao market (if Saturday)(1 hour)

Local produce, tropical fruit, home-cooked food

Tahitian dance show(1.5 hours)

Resort-hosted ori Tahiti performance. XPF 5,000-8,000 with dinner

Jet ski tour(2.5 hours)

XPF 22,000 per jet ski (2 people). Full island circuit with snorkel stops. No license needed

Lunch at Snack Rotui(1 hour)

Plate lunch with fish, rice, salad (XPF 1,200)

Free afternoon(3 hours)

Hammock, book, lagoon

Dinner at Le Lézard Jaune(1.5 hours)

French-Polynesian tapas (XPF 1,200-2,000 per plate)

Ferry to Papeete(30 minutes)

XPF 1,500. Depart early

Marche de Papeete(1.5 hours)

Two-story market. Fruit, vanilla, monoi oil, crafts, pearls

Robert Wan Pearl Museum(1 hour)

Free museum + shop. Tahitian black pearls from XPF 5,000

Les Roulottes lunch(1 hour)

Famous food trucks at Place Vaiete. XPF 1,000-1,500

Coral Gardeners reef tour(3 hours)

XPF 8,000. Guided snorkel of coral nursery and replanting sites. Learn restoration science

Lunch at Moorea Beach Cafe(1 hour)

Tuna tartare (XPF 2,000)

Snorkel new reef spot(2 hours)

Opunohu Bay reef or the lagoon pass

Homemade poisson cru(1.5 hours)

Buy tuna from the fisherman. Make your own

Mount Mouaputa hike (guided)(6 hours)

Hire a local guide (XPF 10,000-15,000) — the trail is unmarked and steep with rope sections. The summit has a hole (the Percee) supposedly punched by Pai, the god of war, throwing his spear. Panoramic 360° views. Difficult. Bring 3L water, lunch, proper shoes

Recovery lunch at Le Cocotier(1.5 hours)

Earned poisson cru and cold Hinano

Afternoon rest(2 hours)

Lagoon float to soothe tired legs

Your favorite beach(4 hours)

Temae, Tiahura, or a hidden west coast spot. All day

Monoi oil massage(1.5 hours)

Local spa. XPF 7,000-10,000. The coconut oil scent is Moorea bottled

Deep-sea fishing half day(4 hours)

Tea Nui Charters or similar (XPF 25,000 / ~$237 for a private half-day). Target mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, wahoo. The waters around Moorea are rich. If you catch something, the crew will fillet it for you

Lunch at Les Tipaniers(1.5 hours)

Celebrate the catch with beachfront dining

Cook your catch at the guesthouse(2 hours)

Most pensions have shared kitchens. Grill your fresh mahi-mahi with lime, coconut, and vanilla — Polynesian style. Invite your guesthouse neighbors

Galerie Aad van der Drift(1 hour)

Dutch-Polynesian artist whose paintings capture Moorea's light and landscapes. Gallery near Cook's Bay. Free to browse

Polynesian tattoo consultation(1 hour)

Tattoo Ma'ohi at Haapiti offers traditional Polynesian tattoo designs. Even if you don't get one, the consultation about the cultural meaning of Polynesian tattoo patterns is fascinating. Designs from XPF 15,000

Lunch at Cafe Limon(1 hour)

Small cafe near Cook's Bay. Salads and fresh juice. XPF 1,500

Visit a pearl farm(1.5 hours)

Several small pearl farms on the lagoon offer tours showing how Tahitian black pearls are cultivated. Free tours, pearls for sale at local prices

Sunset at a new spot(1 hour)

Drive to PK22 on the west coast — a less-known viewpoint with the sunset hitting the reef

Traditional outrigger canoe (va'a) experience(3 hours)

Moorea Outrigger Canoe Tours (XPF 8,000). Paddle a 6-person va'a along the coast with a Polynesian guide who explains navigation traditions. The va'a is the vehicle that settled the Pacific. A deep cultural experience

Lunch at your guesthouse(1 hour)

Fresh baguette, cheese, and fruit from Champion supermarket. Simple French-style lunch on the deck

Afternoon snorkel at Pihaena pass(2 hours)

Where the lagoon meets the ocean. Strong current brings nutrient-rich water and bigger fish. Go with a local guide

Dinner at Le Mayflower(1.5 hours)

French restaurant near Cook's Bay. Steak frites (XPF 2,200) and a bottle of French wine. Even in Polynesia, the French influence is real

Rent a bicycle(30 minutes)

From your guesthouse or Moorea Bike Tours (XPF 2,000/day). E-bikes available (XPF 5,000/day) — recommended since the road has hills

Cycle the coast road(6 hours total)

60km loop. Stop at every beach, fruit stand, and viewpoint. The pace of cycling lets you notice things you missed by car — roadside flowers, the smell of frangipani, kids playing in the lagoon

Multiple lunch stops(1 hour total)

Graze at roadside snack bars and fruit stands. Fresh pamplemousse at Haapiti, coconut water at Afareaitu, crepe at Maharepa

Return bike and sunset swim(1.5 hours)

After cycling the island, jump in the lagoon. The best reward

Morning at your favorite beach(3 hours)

You know every beach on this island now. Go to the one that calls you

Last snorkel at the coral gardens(1.5 hours)

One more drift over the reef at Tiahura. The fish don't know you're leaving

Farewell dinner at Le Mahogany(2 hours)

Moorea's finest. Mahi-mahi with vanilla sauce, coconut crème brûlée, and a bottle of something special. XPF 8,000-10,000 per person. Worth every franc

Sunrise lagoon swim(1 hour)

The last float. Morning light on Mount Rotui. This moment stays with you

Return rental car and ferry(1 hour)

XPF 1,500. Watch Moorea recede from the upper deck

Transfer to Faa'a Airport(30 minutes)

Taxi XPF 2,000. Or time for last shopping at Marche de Papeete