After landing on Tahiti, one of the first things many visitors do is hop on the ferry to Moorea. Moorea is a nice balance between the real, grittier vibe of Tahiti and the uber tourist-centric paradise of Bora Bora. And price-wise it fits nicely between the two as well.
Here's a list of my favorite things to do on Moorea, French Polynesia.
1. Rent an electric bike
You're going to need transportation on Moorea if you want to explore. You can rent a car or take taxis, but I loved renting an electric bike and cruising around the island. That said, I have to admit I made the mistake of trying to save a few bucks and getting a cheaper electric bike, which meant I was constantly getting passed by on the road by people who splurged on better bikes.
2. Jump in the water at a random bay
A nice benefit of renting an electric bike is being able to stop and jump in the ocean when the moment strikes. There are so many beautiful beaches and lagoons along the island's coast. I fell in love with Opunohu Bay and couldn't resist parking the bike and hopping in the water.
3. Grab a cocktail at Moorea Beach Café by Bruno Jamais
The Moorea Beach Cafe by Bruno Jamais just outside Cook's Bay has great views, delicious French cuisine, and, if you're lucky, Bruno will mix your cocktail tableside himself.
I visited Moorea Beach Café a few times on my trip and while I certainly enjoyed the lobster risotto, more than anything it was the vibe of this beachside outdoor café that called me back.
4. Practice paddleboarding
There are so many protected bays on Moorea that it's a great place to practice paddleboarding. The waters are so clear that you'll definitely see some fish swimming beneath you - and maybe even some local reef sharks!
Speaking of fish, I saw a group of 3 local kids fishing from their crowded paddleboard. And they were quite successful!
5. Take in the views
For me, Moorea is all about the views. The Belvedere Lookout probably offers the most striking views, but to be honest you can take in amazing views almost anywhere on the island. By far, the views are what I'll miss most about Moorea.
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