Moorea offers active couples a variety of outdoor activities: learn to scuba dive in the calm, sheltered waters of the turquoise lagoon, snorkel the coral gardens, join a dolphin-watching cruise or hike through the lush forest-clad interior – just perfect for active couples on a romantic getaway or honeymoon.
The best dive sites on Moorea are just a short boat ride from the northwest coast, in depths from 10m to 20m.
Watch shark feeding at Oponohu Canyon at the entrance to the bay on the north coast or Tiki Point off the west coast. Here you can expect to see shark packs of 50 or more, stingrays, napoleon wrasse, moray eels and turtles.
Drift dive through Taotoi Pass (located to the west of Opunohu Bay); see flat montipora coral at The Roses, located at a depth of 35m halfway between Opunohu and Cook's bays; and dive alongside colourful tropical fish at The Wreck, an old ship sunk inside the lagoon.
Visibility in the waters around Moorea ranges from 20m in the shallow lagoons up to 30m on the outside reefs and sea temperatures ranges between 26°C and 29°C year round.
With a lack of strong currents, Moorea offers year-round snorkelling in the shallow, warm waters of the lagoon.
For some of the island's best snorkelling: try Temae Plage Publique (near the Sofitel); Mareto Plage Publique (west of the Sheraton Moorea); the lagoon around the motus off Haapiti on the south-west coast; and Motu Irioa off the north-west coast.
Both the north and west coast (especially off Haapiti) are good for surfing, with the best kite surfing found off Hauru Point.
Explore the picturesque coast in a sea kayak available from most resorts.
Soar 100m above Moorea's glistening lagoon on a parasailing adventure.
Hook up a charter and fish for marlin (best from November to February), wahoo (best from July to November), mahi mahi (available year round), yellow fin tuna (available year round but best from May to September) and barracuda (from July to November).
Hire a car, three-wheel scooter or bicycle to explore the island along a scenic 64km-long paved road that coils around the picturesque shoreline; cool off with a refreshing swim along the way.
Explore Moorea’s rich hinterland on several marked and unmarked trails that lead through deep valleys, cross streams into lush rainforest and wind along mountain ridges.
Along the way discover ancient maraes and be rewarded with magnificent ocean and island views.
Some of the island’s best hikes, include the beautiful Oponohu valley and ancient Afareaito Marae and the steep climb to the summit of Mount Rotui, which straddles picturesque Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay.
Or try the Belvedere Overlook to Haapiti Trail on the west coast, offering stunning views of razor sharp mountain peaks; the Afareaitu waterfall track on the south coast; and the Vaiare to Paopao track crossing from the east coast marina to Cook’s Bay on the north coast.
For longer mountain hikes, it’s probably best to go with an experienced guide.
Gallap along a beach or ride inland on trails through the vanilla plantations of the lush Opunohu Valley.
An easy way to explore the island is on a 4WD trip to see ancient marae (stone sites once used for prayer and sacrifice), lush pineapple and vanilla plantations that crowd valleys, and hilltop lookouts to enjoy panoramic views over the lagoon.
On rural Moorea, there are no towns or villages to speak of; instead, discover small settlements scattered alongside the island’s main road with shops selling colourful hand-printed textiles including pareos, handicrafts and black South Sea pearls around Cook’s Bay.
Latest update: Things to do in Moorea: 11 May, 2022
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