Things to do in Moorea

Mo'orea

Mo'orea is located approx. 17 km northwest of Tahiti and is one of the important islands in the Society Islands. Formed by volcanic activity, it features towering peaks, deep valleys, and dense tropical forests in its center, while its coast is surrounded by coral reefs and azure lagoons. Its unique mountain and coastal landscape makes it one of the most representative islands for natural scenery in French Polynesia. The island has a leisurely pace, with tourist facilities relatively concentrated in coastal areas, making it suitable for both short sightseeing trips and multi-day leisure vacations. Blending the tropical ocean with local culture, it is an ideal destination for exploring the island charm of the South Pacific.

No. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Moorea

Moorea Dolphin Center

Moorea Dolphin Center is located at the InterContinental resort in the northwest. Here, you can get up close to kiss and hug the dolphins. Moorea Dolphin Center offers dolphin encounter tours specially designed for couples, groups, and families. You can dive with dolphins in the lagoon, swim with them by holding onto their fins—an activity known as the Apnea program—and, of course, teach them tricks.

Opunohu Lookout

This famous viewpoint is located inland, just a few miles from Paopao, and is one of the higher points on the island accessible by car. From the peak of the viewpoint (219 m), you can enjoy a bird's-eye view of Opunohu Bay, Cook's Bay, Mount Rotui, and the surrounding peaks, as well as the beautiful scenery of the valley below. It can be reached by car from the coastal road junctions at the top of both bays. The road starting from Opunohu Bay winds through the valley of the same name, passing grazing horses and lush green meadows along the way. The Paopao road branches off from the coastal road near Paopao village, passing through pineapple plantations in the Paopao valley. The two roads meet not far from several ancient temple ruins, then wind their way up to the top of the viewpoint. The summit offers not only breathtaking scenery and a concrete platform for viewing, but perhaps also a few chicks and a rooster or two strutting about nearby.

Cook's Bay

This charming bay is also known as Paopao Bay. There are two charming bays in the north of Moorea, and Cook's Bay is located in the north and east. Due to the dramatic location of the bay, to enjoy the view, stand on the east or west coast, or sit quietly in a boat in the lagoon. Bay Background The often-photographed shark-toothed tell Mouaroa rises behind the bay, with Mt. Rotui towering to the west. There is no actual township here, just a few shops, restaurants and inns scattered along the northeast corner. At the end of the bay in Paopao Village is Paopao Village, where there is a market, but it is only open during the day (Monday-Saturday 6:00-17:00, Sunday 4:30-8:00), which mainly deals in food and local handicrafts crafts. Near the market is the VanderHeyde Art Gallery. Experience a baptism and the village's St. Joseph's Catholic Church, on the west coast, is decorated with frescoes of Gabriel's Angels. If you want to experience a wonderful spiritual baptism, you can come to Mass on Sunday morning at 10 o'clock, listen to the hymn, and meet the Tahitians who come to Mass before wearing their beautiful dresses.

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Tahiti

Museum of Tahiti and The Islands

Museum of Tahiti and The Islands is an important local cultural and historical museum. It is primarily dedicated to collecting, researching, and exhibiting the natural environment, historical heritage, traditional culture, and art of the Polynesian region, helping visitors understand the unique cultural development of Tahiti and its surrounding islands. The museum features rich exhibitions covering the geographical environment of the Polynesian islands, volcanic island formation, traditional navigation methods, the history of human migration, and daily life. Exhibits include traditional canoes and navigation-related implements, fishing and hunting tools, daily necessities, wood carvings, stone tools, woven items, and religious cultural objects, showcasing how local residents utilized natural resources to adapt to island life.

Moorea Activities Center - Opunohu

No. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in French Polynesia

The Robert Wan Pearl Museum

The Robert Wan Pearl Museum is a unique local museum themed around pearl culture, primarily focusing on the formation, cultivation, history, and artistic value of pearls. It is closely linked to the Tahiti black pearl industry and aims to help visitors understand the important role of pearls in Polynesian social, economic, and cultural life. The museum's exhibitions center on pearls and related knowledge, introducing the growth environment of pearl oysters, the pearl formation process, black pearl cultivation techniques, and methods for evaluating pearl quality. Through images, physical objects, and explanatory materials, the exhibitions also showcase the process of pearls from cultivation, harvesting, and selection to processing and jewelry making, helping visitors understand the natural conditions and craftsmanship behind this unique industry.

Captain Taina

Jus de Fruits de Moorea

Papeete Market

Papeete Market is one of the area's representative traditional markets and an important place to learn about daily life and local culture in Polynesia. It brings together local residents, produce vendors, artisans, and specialty goods merchants, showcasing the vibrant atmosphere of a tropical island city. The market offers a wide variety of goods, mainly including tropical fruits, vegetables, flowers, fish, spices, and local specialty foods. In addition to food, it also sells handmade woven goods, shell jewelry, wood carvings, traditional textiles, and pearl jewelry, among which Tahiti black pearl accessories are particularly distinctive.