15 Best Moorea Tours & Moorea Excursions to Do in 2024
With its flourishing mountainous interior, inviting beaches, and iconic overwater bungalows, Moorea is one of the most picturesque islands in French Polynesia. And, one of the best ways to discover this island is with a local guide! In this post, you’ll find 15 of the best Moorea tours that I recommend checking out for an immersive experience on this incredible island!
What Is Special About Moorea?
Moorea is special because it’s one of the only places in the whole world where you can swim alongside whales, easily see hundreds of species of marine life in an hour, and interact with so many natural ecosystems! Not to mention, there are the dreamy overwater bungalows that promise visitors luxurious stays and are nothing short of paradise!
But, I think the part that truly makes Moorea special is that there are so many unique ways to take it in the beautiful landscapes. From Jet ski and ATV tours around Moorea to boat and snorkeling tours, the list of activities available is quite extensive…😅
15 Best Moorea Tours & Moorea Excursions (2024)
Before I jump into the specifics of Moorea tours I recommend checking out, here’s a brief breakdown. This way, if there’s a particular Moorea excursion that you know you want to do, you can simply click ‘details’ to jump to that section!
- ATV Moorea Tours — details
- Moorea Boat Tour — details
- Moorea Snorkeling Tour — details
- Moorea Whale Tour — details
- Moorea Lagoon Tours — details
- Moorea Food Tour — details
- Moorea Island Tour — details
- Moorea Hiking Tours — details
- Other Unique Tours in Moorea — details
But, if you have no preference or just want to see what is available, I’ll be going down the list in order!
🏝 PRO TIP: I know it can be hard to find time to read extensive posts. So if you’re short on time or just prefer an easy-to-understand visual, I’ve come up with a comparison chart that summarizes all the tours I’ll be talking about!
ATV Moorea Tours
A crowd-favorite way of discovering Moorea and its stunning landscapes is through a fun ATV tour! These tours offer the perfect combination of adventure and incredible views, allowing you to explore parts of the island that can’t be accessed by car or easily on foot. Plus, you get to feel the wind through your hair as you traverse the winding paths and ascend to soaring viewpoints!
1. Grand Magic Combo Jetski 3h00 + Quad 3h30
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – with 95+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 8.5 hours
The Grand Magic Combo Jetski 3h00 + Quad 3h30 includes:
- 3 hrs discovering Moorea’s coastline via jet ski
- Stopping to snorkel and swim
- 3.5 hrs exploring Moorea’s backroads on an ATV
- Visiting the best panoramic viewpoints & tropical fruit plantations
- Complimentary drink at the end of the tour
- Free photos taken by your guide
- Ferry or hotel pick-up
🏝 Seeking the ultimate adventure in Moorea? During this full-day ATV tour, you’ll experience the best of Moorea via ATV and Jetski. Along the way, you’ll stop at drop-dead gorgeous viewpoints like Magic Mountain and Belvedere Lookout as well as have the opportunity to interact with all kinds of ocean life, such as sting rays, dolphins, and black tip sharks!
Plus, with all the necessary equipment provided and pictures of you being taken by your guide, you can have a completely stress-free experience and live fully in the moment! So, if you’re ready to explore Moorea’s lush landscapes and get up close and personal with nature, definitely consider this personalized, small-group tour!
“This was the most incredible experience! So glad we chose to do this! From beginning to end, every part of the tour got better and better! Thank you Moorea Activities Center for the most magical day!”
– Natalie R. (sEE MORE REVIEWS)
🏝 Alt Option: There’s also a slightly shorter version (7.5 hours) of this fun tour offered by the same company for those interested.
2. Grand Tour Quad 3h30 Quad Excursion in Moorea
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – 250+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 3.75 hours
The Grand Tour Quad 3h30 Quad Excursion in Moorea includes:
- Driving a single-rider ATV or doubling up on a tandem ATV
- Admiring panoramic views of Moorea
- Visiting pineapple fields and the Rotui Juice Factory & Distillery
- Tasting fresh jams and tropical fruit juices
- Enjoying a free drink at the end
- Free photos taken by your guide
- Ferry or hotel pick up on Moorea
🍍 Looking to get an adrenaline rush as you traverse Moorea? If yes, consider this highly-rated ATV tour of Moorea (even won the 2022 Viator Experience Award)! Over 3 hours and 45 minutes, you’ll get to see sweeping views around the island and sample local jams, juices, and other delicious treats. Plus, with an option to ride solo or tandem, this tour is great for families. Thus, if you’re seeking an exciting way to explore Moorea that is both informative and thrilling, this quad bike excursion is worth checking out!
“We had such a great time! Both guides were fantastic, knowledgable, and super helpful. It was a great way to see the island and get some great pics. The stops along the way at local shops were also great. Would highly recommend!”
– AMELIA C. (sEE MORE REVIEWS)
Moorea Boat Tour
For those looking for a relaxing activity, opt for a boat tour! Whether you want to just relax and take in all the stunning views of the island or head out for some snorkeling action, a boat tour is a lovely way to experience some of Moorea’s iconic and alluring scenery! Plus, you’ll get to enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks, which is always an appreciated bonus! 😉
3. Half-Day Tour: Moorea Snorkeling & Sailing on a Catamaran
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – 300+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 4 hours
The Half Day Tour: Moorea Snorkeling & Sailing on a Catamaran includes:
- Sailing on a clean and comfortable catamaran
- Exploring Moorea’s teeming lagoon and surrounding waters
- Making 3 stops to swim and snorkel
- Seeing tropical fish, black-tip sharks, stingrays, and other marine life
- Enjoying fruit juice, mai tais, and fresh tropical fruits
- Pick up & drop off from your hotel in Moorea
⛵️ Want to explore Moorea from the comfort of a lovely catamaran? This is the most popular and one of the highest-rated Moorea boat tours available, and it’s no wonder why. Over four hours, you’ll get to enjoy a truly unique experience as you travel across the coastline in comfort aboard a luxurious catamaran. Along the way, you’ll get to swim and snorkel at the best spots within Moorea’s beautiful lagoon and observe a wide array of ocean life.
And to ensure that you truly enjoy your time, complimentary non-alcoholic drinks and snacks will be provided! So, if you’re looking for an unforgettable experience sailing across Moorea’s waters, this small group boat tour is one you won’t want to miss!
“Captain Chris and Mike were fantastic, personally guiding us through the various snorkeling spots and providing the history of the island at every opportunity. Would do this again without a doubt!”
– Steve G. (sEE MORE REVIEWS)
🏝 Alt Option: For those looking for a private Moorea boat tour, there’s a highly-rated private sunset cruise option offered by the same fantastic company!
Moorea Snorkeling Tour
The small island is also home to some of the world’s clearest blue waters, making it a paradise for those looking to get out on the water and interact with the incredibly diverse aquatic life. Below, you’ll find two awesome snorkeling tours that are great if you want to spend most of your time in the water!
4. 6-Hour Snorkeling & Lunch Tour – Shared Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – 1100+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 5 – 6 hours
The 6-Hour Snorkeling & Lunch Tour includes:
- Explore Moorea’s lagoon in a traditional Polynesian outrigger canoe
- Swimming and snorkeling + necessary gear
- See lots of fish, black-tip sharks, stingrays, and coral reefs
- A cooking lesson on preparing famous poisson cru
- Learn how to open a coconut
- Enjoy a delicious barbecue lunch on the islet
- Small group tours with a maximum of 12 guests
🐠 Looking to immerse yourself in the local culture and embark on an incredible snorkeling adventure? On this half-day Moorea snorkeling tour, you’ll sail across Moorea’s lagoon in a beautiful traditional French Polynesian outrigger! During the journey, you’ll be able to swim and snorkel amongst the friendly sting rays, black-tip sharks, and other aquatic life!
Then, you’ll stop on a small islet and delve into French Polynesia’s unique culinary scene, learning how to make authentic poisson cru! 😋 And to cap the day off, you’ll enjoy a tasty barbecue lunch on the shoreline! With over 1100+ 5-star reviews, this is easily one of the top snorkeling tours available in Moorea! It even earned the 2023 Viator Experience Award, which is a testament to this incredible experience!
“It was the perfect day. Our Guide Mana was unbelievable friendly and had a lot of knowledge about the island, animals and history. He made the tour very special. The Boat is very beautiful and you can see a lot of wildlife. Stunning experience. 10/10 Best tour of Moorea.”
– jannes W. (sEE MORE REVIEWS)
5. Sea Scooter Jet Snorkeling “Moorea Dream Adventure”
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – 360+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 2 hours
The Sea Scooter Jet Snorkeling “Moorea Dream Adventure” includes:
- Discovering some of the best underwater sites in Moorea
- Utilizing sea scooters to travel more efficiently
- Swimming w/ stingrays, sharks, dolphins, and lots of turtles
- Possibility of seeing humpback whales during whale season
- Enjoying light refreshments
- Transfers for hotels in Moorea
- Maximum of 7guests
🦈 Want a more private snorkel experience? For those who want a more intimate experience or want to avoid crowds during their snorkel adventure, this tour is for you! On this 2-hour tour, you’ll get to use special sea scooters that will allow you to travel further with ease and speed to the best snorkel spots! Venturing to deeper waters also means that you’ll have the opportunity to see more aquatic wildlife, like humpback whales and eagle rays, than with other tours in shallower waters!
Thus, this tour is ideal for those seeing a more private experience or those who may not be confident swimmers but don’t want to miss out on the opportunity to see all the amazing underwater life around Moorea!
“This trip was brilliant. Our tour guide and boat captain were fab, very happy, helpful and informative. A great team. The coral, fish, stingrays, eagle rays and turtles seen on this trip were all the absolute highlights of the trip. Oh and the video that can be purchased was amazing. This tour is a must!!”
– Rebecca M. (sEE MORE REVIEWS)
Moorea Whale Tour
Between mid-July and mid-November, thousands of humpback whales migrate along the coasts of French Polynesia! And what you may not know is that French Polynesia is one of the only places in the world where visitors can observe and swim with gentle giants! Therefore, if you’re visiting Tahiti and Her Islands during whale season, I highly suggest taking advantage of this special opportunity!
6. Ocean Wildlife Expedition: Swim With Whales, Sharks, & Rays
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – 325+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 4 hours
The Ocean Wildlife Expedition: Swim With Whales, Sharks, & Rays includes:
- Chance to see/swim with humpback whales migrating (August to mid-Nov)
- Safely snorkeling amongst a variety of sharks, dolphins, stingrays, turtles
- Live commentary on what you are seeing and might see
- Enjoy snacks and refreshments on board
- Choice of morning or afternoon departure
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Personalized tour limited to 11 guests
🐋 Visiting Moorea during Whale Season (mid-July – mid-November)? Join this highly-rated 4-hour Moorea whale tour! You’ll delve into Moorea’s teeming reef and lagoon ecosystems and possibly swim with whales!
Along with hopefully observing the beauty of these graceful creatures in their natural habitat, your professional naturalist guide will share insightful live commentary on the surrounding area, and you may see everything from black-tip reef sharks and grey reef sharks to pink whip rays and various dolphins! So, don’t miss out if you’re in French Polynesia during whale season!
“Fantastic experience. We were with Lana and Tui and their expertise was amazing. Highly recommend this group for an amazing and respectful experience viewing whales.”
– Erin S. (sEE MORE REVIEWS)
🐋 NOTE: Please be mindful that there is no guarantee for seeing whales! It’s a shame, and honestly baffling, to see people get upset over tour guides for having no control over wild creatures.
Moorea Lagoon Tours
With crystal clear waters and plenty of friendly fish, rays, sharks, and coral reefs, Moorea Lagoon is the go-to spot for observing the local marine life up close. As such, you’ll notice several of the tours above and discussed in the rest of the post head out here. The difference with the one below is that it’s a visitor favorite for those interested in a more private experience out on the lagoon — one that avoids crowds.
7. Snorkeling Excursion: Discovery of the Lagoon and Its Fauna
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – 425+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 4 hours
The Snorkeling Excursion: Discovery of the Lagoon and Its Fauna includes:
- Snorkel off the beaten path in Moorea’s massive, beautiful lagoon
- See all kinds of marine life and fauna
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Small group tour with a maximum of 6 people
- ❌ No pick-up/drop-off
🦈 With more than 425+ 5-star reviews, this is easily one of the best and most affordable tours that forays through Moorea’s expansive Lagoon. It has even won the 2023 Viator Experience Award.
Over the 4 hours, local expert guide Alex will take you to the best spots in the lagoon to view a variety of marine life, including turtles, sharks, and rays. You’ll also have the opportunity to snorkel with hundreds of colorful fish amongst thriving coral gardens. And, to offer a more intimate experience, Alex will try to avoid overcrowded places to create a more personalized feeling.
“Alex was a great guide, he tailored the experience to each of his guests and clearly has a passion for marine preservation. Would highly recommend”
– Luke W. (sEE MORE REVIEWS)
Moorea Food Tour
For those looking for an authentic taste of Polynesian culture, opt for an immersive culinary experience. Not only will you get to sample some of the freshest and most delicious Polynesian dishes, but you’ll also have the opportunity to gain insight into local traditions.
The local guides are always eager to share their knowledge about different ingredients, how to prepare traditional dishes, and stories about their culture. Plus, food is the way to the soul right!? I mean that’s what my mom always told me lol — hence why I’m a big foodie 😅
8. Moorea Like a Local
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – 95+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 1 day
The Moorea Like a Local includes:
- Traveling across Moorea’s waters in an authentic outrigger
- Learning ancient net fishing techniques
- Preparing your freshly caught seafood into a delicious Polynesian lunch
- Visiting an organic plantation and sampling fresh fruit
- Small-group tour with up to four guests
- Round-trip hotel or port transfers
🛶 Learn about Moorea and French Polynesia’s rich culture by experiencing a day in the life of a local. During this full-day immersive and intimate experience, you’ll paddle out on a traditional Polynesia outrigger and have the opportunity to both snorkel with the local sea life as well as master net fishing techniques that date back hundreds of years ago.
After you catch some fresh fish, you’ll come back to the guide’s welcoming home and learn how to cook an authentic Polynesian meal with your catch! To finish the day off, you’ll head to a fruit plantation and sample some organic, freshly picked fruits. Ultimately, this is the perfect opportunity for anyone who wants to connect with a local family that’s deeply proud and passionate about their culture!
“Sam and Slyvie were amazing hosts. We highly recommend this if you want an up close and personal look at Moorea. The food was amazing and we were absolutely in love with his garden.”
– Andrew M. (sEE MORE REVIEWS)
Moorea Island Tour
Doing a quick day trip to Moorea and looking to maximize your time? If so, take a Moorea Island tour! You’ll travel in a 4×4 with a knowledgeable local who can show you the popular spots as well as spots off the beaten path. It’s an efficient way to get a great overview of the island and take in all its beauty!
9. Enjoy Moorea Day Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – 275+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 6.5 – 7 hours
The Enjoy Moorea Day Tour includes:
- See incredible panoramic views from Magic Mountain & Belvedere Lookout
- Tour of a vanilla plantation
- Traditional French Polynesian meal
- Drinking local beers, tropical juices, and punch
- Free time at Temae Beach
- Hike to Afareaitu waterfall
- Round trip transfer from Moorea accommodations or ferry port
🍍 Searching for a comprehensive and stress-free Moorea island tour? This is one of the highest-rated and most popular island tours that allows visitors to not only discover the most popular areas of interest but also several of the lesser-known local spots.
During this full-day tour, you’ll get a little taste of everything that Moorea has to offer, from marveling at the sweeping views to tasting the local food and drinks! Plus, the team is super friendly and has excellent communication, so you’ll know exactly what awaits you during your journey!
“The best 4×4 tour! Our guide was great and very knowledgeable. Lunch was delicious! Each stop seemed like a surprise. The waterfalls at the end was worth the hike. Absolutely stunning view, I felt like I was in a movie. Would highly recommend.”
– Katherine K (sEE MORE REVIEWS)
🏝 Alt Option: For those traveling on a tight budget, this is a shorter (4 hours), more affordable, and equally highly-rated Moorea island tour!
Moorea Hiking Tours
If you’re keen on getting all your steps in for the day or looking for a family-friendly activity, consider a hiking tour through Moorea. You’ll get to take your time as you marvel at some of the incredible views of the island’s verdant interior, but you’ll also be able to experience firsthand the flourishing flora and fauna that make up the local landscape.
10. Half-Day Guided Hike to Afareaitu Waterfall
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 – 85+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ LENGTH OF TOUR: 5 hours
The Half-Day Guided Hike to Afareaitu Waterfall includes:
- Hike through the valley of the gods & kings
- Admire the lush vegetation, tropical fruits, and blossoming flowers
- Visit remains of ancient Polynesian temples
- Learn about Polynesian legends
- Take a dip in refreshing rivers, natural basins, and the waterfall’s pool
- Enjoy a delicious fruit tasting in a private tropical garden
🥾 On this half-day hiking tour, you’ll complete an easy hike to a hidden waterfall tucked away in one of Moorea’s lush valleys. During your hike, as pass by temples, agricultural terraces, and local housing platforms, your local guide will share interesting stories about the area’s ancient past. There will also be plenty of opportunities to cool off from the tropical climate. And, with the hike only being about 45 minutes one way, it’s suitable for those traveling with little ones.
“The waterfall hike was one of the highlights of our trip to French Polynesia and we did a lot. Yvette and Tracy were outstanding guides and it was so much fun to learn about Moorea and its culture and hike to the falls. Our whole family would highly recommend the experience.”
– Noelle C. (sEE MORE REVIEWS)
🏝 Alt Option: This is a private full-day hiking tour that takes you along the moderately challenging 3.9-mile Trois Pinus trail and also includes a full local meal on a boat, visiting Cook and Opunohu Bay, and time for snorkeling!
Other Unique Tours in Moorea
As you can tell, there is a wide gamut of different tours available to take in Moorea! But, the ones listed above are just some of the best Moorea tours available…Below, you’ll find 5 other pretty unique tours that may interest you! They range from exhilarating adventures involving parasailing, tours with a primary focus on seeing various species of sharks, and even viewing Moorea from soaring heights with the help of a flyboard or hoverboard!
11. Pelagic Shark Safari 🦈
⭐️ Rating: 5/5 — only 5-star reviews! | ⏳ Length of Tour: 7 hours
- Chance of seeing up to 8 different species of sharks
- Private tour with hotel transfers
12. Flyboard and Hoverboard Moorea 🌊
⭐️ Rating: 5/5 — 50+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ Length of Tour: 30 minutes
- Get your adrenaline pumping by trying hoverboarding or flyboarding
- Private tour with a certified instructor
13. Private Excursion Bike Paddle Moorea 🏄♀️
⭐️ Rating: 5/5 — 45+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ Length of Tour: 3 hours
- Traverse Moorea Lagoon in a unique & eco-friendly way
- Snorkel during breaks & see all the wildlife and vibrant coral reefs
- Private tour with private transportation
- Free photos and videos
14. Moorea Parasailing experience – Double Flight 🪂
⭐️ Rating: 5/5 — 75+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ Length of Tour: 1 hour
- Aerial view of Moorea with high-quality parasailing equipment
- ~12 to 15 minutes of flight (attached to a rope)
- Supervised by a state-certified instructor
15. Moorea Solo or Twin 3 hours Jet Ski Tour 🌊
⭐️ Rating: 5/5 — 280+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ Length of Tour: 3 hours
- Thrilling adventure riding a solo or twin Jet Ski along Moorea’s pristine coastline
- Chance to swim with friendly stingrays & sharks
- Spot turtles & dolphins along the way
- Hotel transfers included
Moorea Tours Comparison
🐠 PRO TIP: Turn your phone sideways to improve readability.
| Tour Name | Duration | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Magic Combo Jetski 3h00 + Quad 3h30 | 8.5 hrs | > See Moorea’s famous bays, beautiful viewpoints, tropical fruit plantations & sea life > Hotel/ferry pick up, free photos & free drink |
| Grand Tour Quad 3h30 Quad Excursion | 3.75 hrs | > Traverse Moorea in an ATV > Sample fresh jams, juices, & other tasty treats > Hotel/ferry pick up, free photos & free drink |
| Half-Day Tour: Moorea Snorkeling & Sailing | 4 hrs | > Sail with a small group on a catamaran > Enjoy fruit juice, mai tais, & fresh fruits > Snorkel w/ black tip sharks, stingrays, & fish |
| 6-Hour Snorkeling & Lunch Tour | 5-6 hrs | > Sail to Moorea Lagoon in Polynesian outrigger > Snorkel w/ black tip sharks, stingrays, & fish > Learn how to prepare traditional poisson cru & open a coconut + enjoy a barbecue lunch! |
| Sea Scooter Jet Snorkeling | 2 hrs | > Use of sea scooters to swim faster and w/ ease > See fish, rays, turtles, dolphins & maybe whales > Intimate experience limited to 6 guests |
| Ocean Wildlife Expedition | 4 hrs | > Chance of seeing & swimming w/ humpbacks during whale season > Snorkel w/ sharks, dolphins, stingrays, & turtles |
| Discovery of the Lagoon and Its Fauna | 4 hrs | > Swim with turtles, sharks, & rays > Budget-friendly & good for avoiding crowds > Small group tour limited to 6 guests |
| Moorea Like a Local | 1 day | > Snorkel & learn ancient fishing techniques > Prepare an authentic meal with the fish you catch > Sample fresh fruits from a local plantation |
| Enjoy Moorea Day Tour | 6-7 hrs | > See popular & hidden gem spots via 4×4 > Traditional French Polynesian meal + drinks > Tour a vanilla plantation + easy hike to waterfall |
| Half-Day Guided Hike to Afareaitu Waterfall | 5 hrs | > Easy hike through the valley of the gods & kings > Visit remains of ancient Polynesian temples & learn about Polynesian legends > Enjoy a delicious fruit tasting |
What Are the Best Tours in Moorea?
It’s hard to say what the best tours in Moorea are as it’s subjective based on your interests. However, if I were bringing my friends to Moorea and wanted to present them with the three best tours in Moorea, I take them on the Grand Magic Combo Jetski 3h00 + Quad 3h30, 6-Hour Snorkeling & Lunch Tour, and Ocean Wildlife Expedition (if we were visiting during whale season!)
What Tours in Moorea Are Good for Avoiding Crowds?
These three tours in Moorea are good for avoiding crowds as they are either private tours or limited to 6 people or less: Moorea Like a Local, Discovery of the Lagoon and Its Fauna, Sea Scooter Jet Snorkeling. Additionally, they may involve traveling to more remote areas around Moorea, which offers you a more personalized experience!
Which Places Provide the Best Tours in Moorea for Groups?
The best tours in Moorea for groups would be Grand Magic Combo Jetski 3h00 + Quad 3h30 and Half-Day Guided Hike to Afareaitu Waterfall. Both of these tours can accommodate at least 15 people!
Which Places Provide the Best Tours in Moorea for Travelers on a Budget?
For travelers on a budget, these are the 4 best tours in Moorea that I recommend checking out: Private Excursion Bike Paddle Moorea, Half-Day Guided Hike to Afareaitu Waterfall, equally highly-rated Moorea island tour, and Discovery of the Lagoon and Its Fauna. Each of these tours costs less than USD 100// ~ € 93 // £ 83 but still offers a worthwhile experience.
Are Moorea Tours Worth It?
By now, you likely can see why I love Tahiti and her islands so much… But, in case you need some reassurance or affirmation before booking (because I know I usually do lol 😅), here are some of the reasons why I think these local tours are worth it!
First, Moorea excursions offer direct insight into all the best spots, whether it be for hikes, snorkeling, seeing specific wildlife, the best viewpoints, or tasting serious scrumptious food. With a local guide, it’s pretty hard to fully see what Moorea has to offer.
The first few days my friends and I were in French Polynesia, we actually struggled to see marine wildlife because we had no idea where to go. More often than not, we just pulled off the side of roads and snorkeled wherever. It wasn’t until we met a local who showed us exactly where to go that we saw tons of amazing aquatic life.
In addition to this, if you don’t have access to a car, it’s quite difficult to get around the island without reliable public transit. Thus, there’s no better way of getting around than with a tour. You’ll discover the most popular areas of interest but also the lesser-known local spots.
Plus, tours sometimes take you to places only accessible by boat or special vehicle. My friends and I did a boat tour in Tahiti out to Teahupoo and it was an experience I’ll never forget. Finally, these tours inform visitors of the local culture and support small local businesses, which I believe is always a plus! So, even if you’re traveling on a strict budget, it’s well worth splurging a little on at least one awesome tour!
Tips for Planning Your Tour in Moorea
- ⏰ Book in advance — Tours fill up quickly, so if you would like to guarantee that your desired time slot is available, plan ahead and book as early as possible. Additionally, many tour companies run multiple tours and will prioritize those that receive more interest.
- ☔️ Check the weather — I know it can be difficult to predict the weather for your trip too far in advance. But, try to check the expected forecast for the day of your tour at least a few days in advance. That way you can plan accordingly.
- 🚗 Confirm departure location & time — Make sure you are aware of where your tour will depart from and at what time. Re-confirming is especially important if you are being picked up from your housing accommodations in Moorea since it can get hectic when the tour companies have to drive to several hotels.
- ✅ Check inclusions — It’s essential to check what is included and what’s expected of you. For example, fins for snorkeling may or may not be included.
- 🤠 Have a blast — Finally, don’t forget to enjoy yourself and have fun! Moorea tours are an amazing experience and you should take advantage of all the activities and opportunities that come your way, even if they do make your trip a lil more expensive.
What to Bring for Tours in Moorea
To make your Moorea tour experience the best it can be, there are a few essential items you should bring. Here’s a list of must-haves — but check out my Tahiti packing list guide for the full list!
- 🌞 Sunscreen — The sun is especially intense with French Polynesia’s proximity to the equator. Do yourself a favor and protect your skin with reef-safe sunscreen! This is the reef-safe sunscreen we used and recommend as I checked that there were no harmful chemicals in it (Banana Boat and Neutrogena are NOT reef-safe!!)
- 🦟 Bug Spray — French Polynesia notoriously has TONS of mosquitos that will feast on your skin. My friends and I were eaten alive the first day because we had no clue. Save yourself and purchase some strong mosquito bug spray!
- 📸 Camera — I brought my GoPro, and it was probably the best thing I brought (aside from my surfboard) since we spent so much time in the water! But, if you’re not looking to invest in a nice underwater camera, you can also just get a waterproof pouch for your phone!
- 😎 Hat & Sunglasses — Don’t forget to protect your eyes and head from UV rays with a hat and sunglasses! No one likes a burnt scalp.
- 💧 Water & snacks — Even though tours usually provide drinks, I recommend bringing your own reusable bottle. You’ll sweat in the tropical climate. Additionally, bring snacks because not all tours will provide unlimited snacks.
- 🎒Small backpack — This one can be helpful if you’ve got a full-day tour or are hiking. The backpack I always use as my personal item for my travels is the Osprey Questa — this is the bag I swear by 😅
Where to Stay in Moorea
A cool tidbit about French Polynesia is that the iconic overwater bungalows were invented here! And if you’ve dreamt of staying in one, Moorea is a great place to do so as several hotels offer them. Just remember to book them early because despite having a higher inventory compared to Tahiti, these bungalows are in high demand!
But, if you working with a more constrained budget, there are also plenty of amazing and more affordable housing accommodations available! Either way, if you’re looking for housing around Moorea, here are the best hotels I suggest checking out!
Low-Cost Stay
- Hotel Hibiscus — waterfront hotel with pool & restaurant | ⭐️ 8.2 / 10
- Linareva Moorea Beach Resort — 3-star hotel w/ private beach | ⭐️ 9.2 / 10
Mid-Range Stay
- Moorea Beach Lodge — beachfront views & free bicycles | ⭐️ 8.5 / 10
- Moorea Island Beach Hotel — private beach & great breakfast | ⭐️ 9 / 10
Overwater Bungalows in Moorea
- Hotel Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea | ⭐️ 8.4 / 10
- rooms w/ a sundeck and private plunge pool
- Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa | ⭐️ 8.8 / 10
- private beach, spa, bar, restaurant
- Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort | ⭐️ 9 / 10
- Incredible views of Moorea Lagoon, poolside bar, beach bar, spa, & breakfast
Feel free to click these buttons to head to your favorite booking platform and see additional housing options there.
Visit Moorea: FAQ
Without a doubt, Moorea is worth a visit, even if only for a day. What separates Moorea, and really French Polynesia in general, from Hawaii and other tropical destinations, is the culture. It doesn’t feel touristy when you’re visiting and everything looks unreal. You almost can’t believe places with these lush mountainous landscapes and crystal clear waters exist — but they do, in French Polynesia. So don’t miss out because it’s an experience you won’t regret.
If you plan on focusing your stay on Moorea, I recommend at least 5 days. However, if you’re splitting your trip between Tahiti and Moorea or plan on visiting some of the other islands, like Bora Bora or Huahine, then three days is a good amount to aim for!
This depends on your interests. If you are looking to surf, chase epic waterfalls, and see lots of black sand beaches, you’ll have better opportunities in Tahiti. But, if you want to stay in an overwater bungalow, observe a ton of diverse ocean life, and swim with docile sharks and stingrays, it’s better to stay in Moorea.
No, you technically don’t need a car on Moorea, but it’s recommended. If you don’t have a rental car on Moorea, tours are the next best option to make the most of your limited time. Of course, if you’re staying for a few days and aren’t up for renting a car, there are other options. Rental e-bikes, for example, are very popular amongst tourists since the island has one main road, so it’s easy to navigate.
Wrap-Up: 15 Best Moorea Tours & Moorea Excursions (2024)
Moorea is one of the most magical destinations filled with endless beauty and adventure. Whether you’re interested in sailing across the unbelievably blue waters, catching a bird’s eye view parasailing, or snorkeling amongst all the amazing sea critters, there’s something for everyone in Moorea!
And with so many exciting tours and excursions on Moorea available, it’s no wonder the island paradise is one of the most sought-after destinations in French Polynesia. So don’t miss out, and be sure to plan ahead by checking availability for any of the Moorea tours that you may be interested in! Because let me tell you — it’s the experience of a lifetime! Regardless though, I hope this post has been helpful and wish you the best time exploring the island!
📸 Appreciation Note: You’ll notice that a few of the pictures in this post were taken by my friend good friend Sol! You can see more of his amazing photography here!
