PF
Moorea
Tahiti’s green, mountainous sister island, with two dramatic bays, a calm lagoon and humpback whales in season
Tahiti’s green, mountainous sister island, with two dramatic bays, a calm lagoon and humpback whales in season
A viewpoint in the island’s interior with a view of both great bays separated by Mount Rotui. The road up passes ancient marae temple sites.
Photo: Michael R Perry, CC BY 2.0
A deep bay framed by steep peaks, with small villages, restaurants and a fruit-juice factory along its shores.
Photo: Alain.martre, CC BY-SA 4.0
Humpback whales visit the waters around Moorea from about July to November to breed and give birth. Licensed boats follow strict rules for approaching them.
Book with an operator that follows the official whale-watching code.
Photo: Fanny MARTRE, CC BY-SA 4.0
Try poisson cru, local pineapples, and grilled fish at a beachside snack.
Roulottes (food trucks) offer good-value meals in the evening.
Ferries from Papeete take about 30–45 minutes and run several times a day. There is also a small airport with short flights from Tahiti. Renting a car or scooter is the easiest way to get around the 60km coastal road.
French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of France but is outside the Schengen area. Citizens of the EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia and others can visit visa-free for up to 90 days in a six-month period; other nationalities need a visa specifically valid for French Polynesia. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond departure, and you may be asked for a return ticket and proof of accommodation. The currency is the CFP franc (XPF), pegged to the euro. If you fly via the US, you need an ESTA or US visa for transit. Check current rules before you travel.
Moorea is expensive but cheaper than Bora Bora, with a range of guesthouses.
Bays, lagoon and mountains.
Drive up to the Belvedere Lookout, visit the marae sites and the agricultural school’s pineapple fields.
Take a lagoon tour to snorkel with rays and reef sharks, with a motu picnic.
Drive around the island, stopping at beaches and Cook’s Bay; in season, go whale watching.
Public transport is very limited; a car or scooter makes exploring easy.
Whale season is roughly July to November.
Trails such as the Three Pines and Three Coconut Trees pass are rewarding; go early and bring water.
Never touch or feed rays, sharks or turtles.
Quick answers for planning time in Moorea.
By ferry from Papeete, in about 30–45 minutes.
From about July to November.
Generally yes, with more guesthouses and lower prices.
It is the easiest way to explore, as public transport is limited.
The CFP franc (XPF), pegged to the euro.
French and Tahitian are spoken; English is common in hotels and tour businesses.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our French Polynesia travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.