How to Spend THREE Days in Moorea: 3-Day Itinerary

Planning a short trip to Moorea and want to make the most of it? Then this itinerary is for you!

Moorea is the perfect calendar picture, the one you put on your wall and look at every day, hoping that one day you’ll swim in those turquoise waters and sink your toes into the soft white sand, with nothing else to worry about besides making it to your tour on time.

And trust us, this island has plenty to keep you busy! Whether you want to explore in a 4WD, go underwater to see the marine life, or simply can’t resist a sunset cruise or a good lunch spot, we’ve got tons of ideas for you. Let’s get right into it!

Itinerary Overview 

Moorea is a small island, but staying in the northeast part is probably the easiest option, although anywhere along the north coast works well too. This is where you’ll find Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay, along with some of the island’s best beaches and snorkeling spots, including Temae and Ta’ahiamanu beaches. 

There is no public transportation, so you’ll need to rent a car or scooter to get around. Fortunately, there’s basically one main coastal road that circles the entire island, and is roughly 37 miles (about 60 km) long.

Renting a car on the island can be a bit expensive, so another option is to rent one in Tahiti and take it on the ferry to Moorea. Most tours offer pick-up, though, so you can easily get by without a car if you base yourself in a convenient location.

Keep in mind that these restaurant recommendations are all in northeast Moorea, where we stayed during our trip. If you’re staying elsewhere, you’ll need to look for other options. Also, it’s worth noting that many businesses are closed on Sundays and Mondays, and most restaurants close by 9:30 pm, so plan accordingly. 

Day 1: Start bright and early with a snorkeling and sailing adventure in one of Moorea’s beautiful lagoons, then grab a quick lunch from a food truck before hitting the beach. Wrap up the day with a delicious dinner at one of the island’s favorite local spots. 

Day 2: Hit the road on a 4WD, checking off Moorea’s highlights along the way, then stop for lunch at a lovely diner before hopping on a romantic sunset catamaran cruise. End your day with dinner at a popular local restaurant. 

Day 3: Reserve the morning for water activities, from jet skiing and sea scooter snorkeling to paddling in a transparent kayak, then drive around the entire island exploring at your own pace. End your trip with a relaxed dinner at a modern restaurant on the water. 

Day 1 

Morning – Sail and snorkel through the lagoon

Moorea’s got some pretty amazing snorkeling spots, so if you’re looking for an unforgettable day on the sea, this sail and snorkel tour hits the spot just right. Although it’s an early start (pick-up depends on your location and can be anywhere between 7 am and 8 am), it’s definitely worth setting the alarm for.

When we arrived at the dock, we were happy to see that there were only six of us, which usually means a more personal experience. We hopped aboard the catamaran (named Taboo) and couldn’t wait to get out on the water. There, we were welcomed by our captain, Leo, and his crew with fresh fruit juice while we settled in.

The boat had plenty of shade if you didn’t want to be in the sun, but sitting at the front and pretending we owned a catamaran for the day wasn’t a bad idea either. Our first stop was the ray and blacktip shark area, followed by a beautiful coral garden, and we even got to see the sunken tikis! In between swims, we enjoyed much-needed cold fruit juice and Mai Tais.

But the most important part was that throughout the whole trip, the captain and crew made us feel super safe, so we’d say it’s a great tour for kids too. It lasts around four hours, so you’ll be back by about 1 pm, which means you’ve still got the rest of the day ahead.

Judging by the 500+ five-star reviews, we’re clearly not the only ones who loved it!

Lunch – Chez FouFou

By the time you’re done swimming and snorkeling, you’ll probably be pretty starved. Chez FouFou is a food truck, and one of our absolute favorite finds in Moorea for a quick lunch stop. It feels relaxed and local, and you get views of the water and moored boats while keeping one eye out for dolphins.

The menu has everything from tuna ceviche and poke bowls (great for sharing if you want something a little lighter for lunch) to fish and chips with a crispy panko and coconut crust. We both agreed they serve the best burritos in Moorea, and quite possibly among the best we’ve had anywhere. And yes, the XXL burrito is more than enough to share.

The prices are great too, which is always a good thing in French Polynesia. Keep in mind they’re open from 11 am to 3 pm every day except Thursday.

Afternoon – Hit the beach 

After a morning on the water, don’t go changing out of your swimsuit just yet! There aren’t many public beaches in Moorea, but there are a few really good ones. These three beaches are spread across the island, so you can check out whichever one is closest to your hotel. 

Or, if you have access to a private beach, and especially if you’re staying in an overwater bungalow, you can just enjoy the water right where you are.

• Temae Beach – For this one, you’ll need to head northeast, around 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) from the Vaiare ferry terminal, past the To’eata scenic viewpoint. It’s the largest and most popular beach in Moorea, plus it’s easy to get to, has great facilities, and some pretty cool snorkeling spots right off the beach. If you only have time to visit one beach on your trip, we’d make it this one.

• Ta’ahiamanu Beach – A bit farther along the north coast, you’ll find another wide stretch of white sand with easy parking and more boats to look at. It’s usually less busy if you prefer somewhere quieter, with picnic spots, white sand, coconut trees, and a coral garden with humongous sea cucumbers! 

• Plage de Tiahura – Also known as Hauru, this quiet beach is the furthest west and a great spot for a relaxing family beach day, or for anyone looking for fewer crowds and shallower waters. It’s got all the facilities you need, plus plenty of tables and shaded areas if you’re planning to stay a while. There’s also good snorkeling, and it’s right next to the Petit Village shopping area if you need a snack or forgot your sunscreen. 

Dinner – Ke’iki 

Once you’ve had your fill of beach time, head back to your hotel to freshen up and dress up a little (nothing too fancy), because tonight you’re skipping the polished hotel dining room and heading to Ke’iki, a real island dinner spot in northeast Moorea.

From the outside, all you see is a colonial-style house, so we had no idea what to expect. But once the gates opened, it was easy to see why this place is so popular. It’s warm and inviting, with a pool in the middle that adds to the atmosphere, and on our visit, there was even a live band playing Tahitian music. Don’t be surprised if you catch a Polynesian dance performance too.

And then there’s the food. Everything we ordered was delicious, beautifully presented, arrived fast, and the portions were generous too. The menu leans more toward seafood, but whatever you do, don’t skip the garlic bread. The crispy mahi mahi with a chilled rosé was our favorite if you need help choosing.

We would’ve happily stayed longer, but they close at 9 pm and don’t open on Sundays and Mondays. Reservations are a good idea too, preferably a few days in advance, as it’s a popular spot.

Day 2

Morning – Explore Morrea’s interior on a thrilling 4WD excursion

If you’re looking to change the beach scenery, this off-road experience on a 4WD is a really fun way to explore beyond the white sand and lagoon. You get to see the main sights in Moorea without having to drive yourselves or hike to viewpoints like Magic Mountain.

You’ll be riding in the back of the truck, and since some of the roads are rough, expect it to be bumpy (that’s one more reason to book with a guide and experienced driver). Our guide, Ron, shared lots of interesting stories about the island’s history, and he had something to say about each place we stopped at. We learned so much about Moorea, and best of all, we never felt rushed at any of the stops.

By the time it’s over, you’ll have climbed Magic Mountain, enjoyed views from the famous Belvedere Lookout, checked out the marae (ancient Polynesian temples), and sampled some local spirits at an island distillery. Yes, the tour ends with mojito and Mai Tai tastings, which, if you’re not driving, is a pretty nice treat.

We’d suggest booking the morning tour, which departs between 7:50 and 8:30 am, depending on your hotel location. It lasts around four hours, so you’ll be back by about 12:30 pm. Read over 900 five-star reviews here and see for yourself why it’s so popular.

Lunch – Moz Cafe

For lunch, you can either find something near your hotel or head to Moz Cafe. This cute little café is located on the second floor of a small shopping plaza, so it might be a bit hard to spot from the road. It always seems busy with locals, and that’s always a good sign in our book.

The menu is varied, and the prices are a nice break from the resort ones, let’s put it that way. If you can’t decide what to order, go for the plat du jour. Their special of the day when we visited was garlic prawns, but they also have crispy fish burgers and the obvious choice in French Polynesia: poisson cru. You can even find a kids’ menu with a main, soft drink, and Cornetto ice cream included.

Best of all, the portions are generous, so you can easily share a few dishes and try different things this way (which is kind of our thing). They’re open from 8 am to 2:30 pm every day except Sunday, when they’re closed, giving you more than enough time to enjoy lunch after your tour.

Evening – Relax on a sunset cruise 

If you’re looking for a romantic evening out, this catamaran sunset tour is hard to beat. It’s actually run by the same company and uses the same boat, Taboo, as the tour on day 1. We were so happy with how everything turned out the first time that we had to sign up again as soon as we learned they offered a sunset cruise (we hardly say no to pretty sunsets).

Luckily, we had the same captain and crew, and he recognized us, which felt oddly exciting, like running into an old friend. Our group was small, just us and two other couples looking for the same romantic experience. While Captain Leo told us stories about Moorea and the lagoon, we spotted turtles, some puffer fish, and flying fish, thanks to the calm sea.

We sailed to two different coves, each one more beautiful than the last, but the highlight was definitely the sunset. We know sunsets are everywhere, but seeing one from the middle of the ocean with a Mai Tai in hand is on a different level.

Meeting time is between 3:30 and 4:30 pm, with the exact time confirmed by the provider. The cruise lasts just over two hours, which is more than enough time to forget about your worries. It was absolutely romantic, and with over 200 five-star reviews, it’s clear they’re doing something right.

Dinner – Rudy’s 

After your romantic sunset cruise, head back to your hotel to freshen up because the evening is only getting better. Tonight, you’re heading to Rudy’s, one of the most popular dinner spots in northeast Moorea. If you’ve made a reservation in advance, the owner will even pick you up from your hotel. 

Most people come here for the restaurant’s famous crab-stuffed parrotfish, but there’s plenty more on the menu if you’ve had enough seafood for the day. The warm goat cheese salad and filet mignon with blue cheese were absolutely delicious! And if you have room for dessert, don’t skip the profiteroles with ice cream—Chef’s kiss!

We really enjoyed this romantic dinner, especially with the harp music playing in the background. Safe to say we’d go back in a heartbeat. They’re open from 5:30 pm to 9 pm and closed on Wednesdays. The good news is that, unlike many restaurants in Moorea, they’re also open on Sundays and Mondays.

Day 3 

Morning – Enjoy a water activity 

Today is a bit of a “choose your own adventure” day with some unique water activities! Of course, you can always book another snorkel tour or take a lazy beach day, but if you feel like trying something different, one of these activities might be just the thing.

If you’re going to rent a car at any point during your stay, this would probably be the best day to do it. It gives you more freedom and a flexible schedule to explore the island at your own pace.

Jet Ski 

If you’re the type who wakes up craving adrenaline, this private jet ski tour could scratch the itch. It starts at 8 am, and the meeting point is across from the ferry station next to the Vaiare Marina. Keep in mind that hotel pick-up isn’t included, so you’ll need a rental car or taxi to get there.

You can choose the duration from 1 to 4 hours (the 4-hour option takes you around the whole island), but the 2.5-hour tour is the most popular one. Along the way, you’ll stop to snorkel near a private island and, with a bit of luck, spot dolphins or even whales!

Sea Scooter

You can never have enough time on the water in Moorea, and this sea scooter snorkeling tour is a great excuse to head back out there. You’ll meet your small group and hop on a scenic boat ride before reaching the snorkeling spots, where you’ll swim alongside stingrays, sea turtles, colorful fish, and blacktip reef sharks in their natural habitat. 

We think this is a fun activity for the whole family, even if you’re all beginners, especially when you’ve got experienced locals looking after you. Cold fruit juice and bottled water are included, too. We’d recommend booking the option with transfers, which starts at 8 am and lasts around 3.5 hours.

Kayak in a transparent boat

This transparent kayak tour is very popular, so it might not always be available. But if it works with your schedule, it’s a fun and beautiful way to experience the lagoon—we loved every minute of it! We got to stop at not one but two snorkeling spots, where we saw sharks and stingrays and even touched their slimy faces while our guide, Hugo, was feeding them.

Coco Beach was also a nice surprise stop, where our guide treated us to fruit juice, rum, brownies, and mangos. The meeting point for this tour is in Tiahura at 9 am, so you can either drive there or call a taxi. Pick-up may also be available on request, depending on your accommodation.

Lunch – Snack Mahana

Today’s lunch comes with a side of sharks! Not joking, blacktip sharks literally swim by while you eat at Snack Mahana, one of the most loved lunch stops in Moorea. It feels very casual; you can wear a sarong and go barefoot, and no one will bat an eye.

The menu focuses mainly on seafood, of course. If you haven’t had mahi mahi yet, this is the right time to try it; ours was grilled to perfection! But the tuna tartare is something you don’t want to miss either; it’s one of the best we’ve had in Polynesia. 

Once you’re done eating, take a look across the street where a local lady makes beautiful sarongs right in her backyard (which makes for a pretty unique souvenir). Keep in mind that this place is very popular, and if you want a spot near the water, you’ll need to come early, and it’s best to book in advance. They’re open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 2 pm and only accept cash.

Afternoon – Drive around the entire island 

Since you rented a car or scooter for today (at least!), we’re going to make the most of it and explore the rest of the island. The road that circles Moorea is about 70 km (about 45 miles) long and will only take about 1.5 hours to drive the whole route. But trust us, you’ll want to make plenty of stops along the way.

Honestly, if you’re tired of water activities, you could take this really slow and spend the whole day exploring. You’ll have mountain views on one side and stunning water on the other. Here are some of the stops we’d include:

• Ta’ahiamanu Beach – You might’ve visited this beach on day one, but if you haven’t, now’s the perfect time. It has some of the most beautiful turquoise colors on the island, excellent snorkeling spots, shaded areas, and never feels too crowded. Plus, there are plenty of places to eat nearby. 

• Tiki Village Cultural Center – Tiki Village is best known for its Polynesian shows at night, but you can visit the cultural center during the day, too. It’s set up like a traditional village with different cultural activities, including weaving and stone carving, and it’s just a fun way to learn more about the island. 

• Moorea Tropical Garden – This family-owned botanical garden, cafe, and plantation is home to all sorts of tropical plants. You can also try local fruits, jams, juices, and ice creams while enjoying some of the best views over Opunohu Bay.   

• Afareaitu Waterfalls – For this stop, you’ll need to make a short detour inland. Park at the end of the road and take the easy walk to the waterfalls. You’ll be surrounded by exotic vegetation, mango trees, and tree ferns, and once you get there, you’ll see it was well worth saving for last. 

Dinner – Le Cook’s

For your final evening in Moorea, we’re sending you to a slightly fancier spot, Le Cook’s, which is part of the Cook’s Bay Hotel & Suites. We started with a cocktail by the lagoon, then headed to the restaurant located on the dock. Getting to the restaurant was an adventure in itself!

You walk over a bridge, and below you can spot colorful fish, octopus, and even baby sharks, almost like you’re snorkeling. This place definitely felt more elevated than our previous stops, and the food was just as delicious. We happened to visit on a Saturday, so there was live ukulele music, which was a lovely surprise.

As for the food, you’ll find everything from Cajun-spiced monkfish to steak frites, and you’d better leave room for the mango creme brulee. Make a reservation for sunset if you can; it’s the perfect way to end your time in Moorea. Mauruuru!

Where to Stay in Moorea

To make the most of this itinerary, we suggest staying in the Maharepa or Papetoai areas of Moorea. These locations put you close to many of the restaurants, beaches, and activities featured throughout this guide, while also providing easy access to the island’s stunning lagoons, snorkeling spots, and scenic viewpoints.

To make planning a little easier, we’ve rounded up three fantastic hotel options for every budget.

Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa – $$$$

If you’ve been dreaming about staying in an overwater bungalow in French Polynesia, the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa is hard to beat. Set between two beautiful bays on the island’s northern coast, this luxury resort delivers the classic Moorea experience with turquoise water, dramatic mountain backdrops, and some of the island’s most sought-after overwater accommodations.

We especially love that many of the bungalows offer direct lagoon access, so you can snorkel right from your deck. The property also features a beautiful pool, private beach area, spa, multiple restaurants, and complimentary water activities, making it easy to spend an entire day relaxing without ever leaving the resort.

Price-wise, you can expect rooms to range from around $800 to $1,600+ USD per night, depending on the season and bungalow type. Check availability and book this unforgettable Moorea getaway here!

Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea – $$$

For travelers looking for a balance of luxury and value, we think Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea is one of the best choices on the island. Located in Maharepa, this Polynesian-style resort combines beautiful overwater bungalows and beachfront accommodations with one of the most convenient locations in Moorea.

One of our favorite things about staying here is that you’re within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and local services, which isn’t always the case at larger resorts. The property itself feels intimate and welcoming, with a gorgeous beachfront pool, a relaxing spa, and easy lagoon access for snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Rooms typically range from about $300 to $700 USD per night for garden accommodations, while premium overwater bungalows can cost significantly more. Secure your stay at this beautiful Moorea resort here!

Moorea Golf Lodge – $$

If you’re searching for a more affordable stay without sacrificing location or charm, Moorea Golf Lodge is an excellent option. This small beachfront property offers spacious bungalow accommodations just steps from the water, creating a relaxed and authentic island atmosphere.

What really stands out here is the personal touch. Guests consistently praise the friendly owners and welcoming staff, and with only a handful of bungalows on the property, the experience feels much more intimate than a large resort. We also love that many guests report spotting whales and dolphins from the beach during the migration season!

Rates generally range from around $150 to $250 USD per night, making this one of the best-value beachfront stays in Moorea. Check availability and book your stay here!

If you can’t find availability for your dates, be sure to browse more hotel options in Moorea here!

Related Read: Staying in an overwater bungalow is a bucket-list experience in French Polynesia. Read our guide to the best overwater bungalows in Moorea before you book.

Thanks for reading!

Three days in Moorea may not seem like much, but you’d be surprised by just how much this little island packs in. From sailing across the lagoon and snorkeling with sharks and rays to exploring mountain viewpoints, chasing waterfalls, and enjoying sunsets on the water, every day feels completely different from the last. By the time you leave, you’ll understand exactly why so many travelers fall in love with Moorea.

Before you head off, be sure to check out our other Oceania travel guides for more restaurant recommendations, favorite tours, and helpful planning tips. And if you’re already dreaming about your next island adventure, we’ve got plenty more inspiration waiting for you below!

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