Article: Discover the beautiful beaches of Moorea
Discover the beautiful beaches of Moorea
Just half an hour from Tahiti by ferry, Moorea is a genuine paradise in the middle of the South Pacific. With its idyllic lagoon, stunning mountains, 26-degree water, and vibrant marine life, this emerald gem of an island beckons you to explore. Find inspiration for your next tropical getaway with our selection of the most beautiful beaches and activities in Moorea, from Temae Beach to local boat tours – great for snorkeling fans, sunbathers, or anyone who wants to enjoy nature in peace and quiet.
Globetrotter Daniela visited Moorea on a recent trip around the world and put together her personal highlights for us for the MYMARINI Beach Guide. Discover her tips for the most beautiful beaches on the island of Moorea.
Explore the most beautiful beaches of Moorea Island
Moorea, pronounced “Mo’o’rea”, is an island paradise in the South Pacific and part of French Polynesia. From the somewhat better-known neighboring island of Tahiti, where flights land at the international airport, it takes just half an hour by boat to get to Moorea: a green, relatively small gem of an island, an emerald in the midst of a turquoise ocean.
Palm trees line the streets; mangoes and pineapples are sold right by the roadside. The sea is breathtakingly beautiful and the island’s inhabitants are open and friendly with visitors. Moorea is mostly surrounded by a turquoise lagoon that provides safe swimming spots where you are protected from stronger waves.
With a water temperature of 26 degrees Celsius in October, the island is also ideal for longer swimming trips or snorkeling excursions. Whether you're snorkeling in the clear waters of the lagoon or just relaxing on the soft white sand of the beach, be sure to pack comfortable and quick-drying swimwear, because you can spend the whole day in a swimsuit or bikini in the delightfully warm weather. By the way, all MYMARINIs have a UPF of 50+ thanks to their material composition and double-layered construction. As the sun can be very intense, protect your skin with a long-sleeved rashguard and environmentally friendly sunscreen before spending time at the beach, whether you're swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing in the sun.
Whale watching
An additional major highlight and reason enough on its own to visit Moorea is the whale season. From July to November each year, many humpback whales migrate to these warm waters to mate or raise their young. The whales can often be observed directly from the beach. Don’t miss the chance to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience on your visit to Moorea.
Where to find beaches in Moorea
There are only a few official beaches on the island itself, but don't worry that your chosen spot is a private beach; most beaches on Moorea are open to the public.
We’ve curated a list of our absolute top beaches in Moorea for you here with Daniela’s expertise, but sometimes the best beach is simply the one right in front of your accommodation, away from tourists, where you can simply enjoy the idyll and the colors of the island. That's why we always recommend booking accommodation by the ocean, preferably a small house that is rented out by locals. That way, you can support the local islanders directly, instead of the big hotel chains.
Our top recommended beaches in Moorea:
Plage de Temae (Temae Beach)
Located right next to a luxurious hotel complex with overwater bungalows, Temae Beach features an impressively long, sandy public beach along a turquoise bay. Thanks to its size, you can always find a calm spot and have enough space to stretch out. The view of the island from the water is always breathtaking.
Tall palm trees provide plenty of shade on Temae Beach for those who want to lounge and relax for hours. There are also clean toilets and showers for rinsing off the salt water or your snorkeling or scuba diving equipment after your swim. By the way: This is a perfect spot for snorkeling. Out by the reef’s edge, there are corals, lots of colorful fish, rays, and sometimes even small, harmless blacktip reef sharks.
Visitors should note that the beach road off the island ring road is unpaved, so it can be quite a shaky, rattling drive to get to Temae Beach. And it’s best to bring waterproof swim shoes with you; sharp-edged corals sometimes hide under the sand of the beach.
Plage de Ta'ahiamanu (Ta'ahiamanu Beach)
Located near Opunohu Bay, this sandy public beach is not as wide, but there is more space to relax under palm trees, so we still consider Ta'ahiamanu Beach one of the best beaches on the island. The view of the mountains, shore, and bay is very beautiful, and it’s lovely to watch the sailboats pass by – the only negative aspect is that you can also see the cruise ships, of which there can be quite a few in the high season.
Bring your snorkeling gear to explore the nearby coral reefs. The water here is also an idyllic turquoise, and you can walk comfortably across the soft white sand straight into the refreshing water (but don't forget your water shoes!). The parking lot for this beach is located directly on the main road. There are also public toilets.
Plage de Tiahura (Tiahura Beach)
A huge sunbathing area under palm trees off the narrow stretch of beach makes for a relaxing day of lying in the sun after swimming in the waves at Tiahura Beach. This lovely public beach on the west coast of Moorea is a popular spot, so it's often crowded, and there are toilets and showers available nearby. The endless waters of the lagoon are particularly stunning from this vantage point. It’s also a great place to go snorkeling. Don't forget to bring your water shoes and reef-safe sunscreen!
Tips for your visit to Moorea, French Polynesia's best-kept secret
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Many beaches are public and offer free parking.
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Car rental is the easiest way for visitors to explore the island.
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On beach days, don’t forget your water shoes, snorkeling gear, swimwear with UV protection, and reef-safe sunscreen for safe exploration.
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Plan a boat tour to discover the hidden motus (Polynesian for "reef islet") and coral reefs.
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Enjoy fresh seafood and drinks at a variety of beachside restaurants.
A visit to Moorea and its best beaches, from Tiahura Beach to Ta'ahiamanu Beach, offers a perfect blend of sun, sand, and sea, making it a tropical paradise you’ll never forget. Whether you’re lounging in the shade of coconut palms, paddling in the calm lagoon, or snorkeling among the vibrant coral, Moorea is a slice of heaven just waiting to be explored.
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