Moorea is easiest (and most enjoyable) with a split stay: 3–4 nights near Temae/Maharepa for convenience and lagoon access, then 3–4 nights on the west/northwest (Ha’apiti/Hauru/Tiahura side) for sunsets and the island’s best snorkeling zones.
Tahiti Tourisme highlights Moorea’s lagoon “best spots” (Tiki Underwater, Tiahura, Opunohu Bay), in-land safaris to Magic Mountain/Belvedere/Opunohu Valley, and ocean tours for whales/dolphins (seasonal), plus spa days and lagoon paddling (va’a, paddleboard, glass canoe).
Nights 1–3 (or 1–4): Temae / Maharepa / Teavaro (east–north)
Best for: ferry arrival, Temae Beach access, easy pickups, and central positioning for both bays.
Nights 4–7 (or 5–7): Ha’apiti / Hauru / Papetoai (west–northwest)
Best for: Tiahura lagoon snorkeling area, calmer evenings, and consistent sunset views.
7-day Itinerary - Mo'orea
Land/ferry in, check in, then do a light beach afternoon at Temae (swim/snorkel only if conditions are calm).
Sunset: short drive to a viewpoint pullout, then early dinner so you’re ready for a water day.
Book a lagoon tour that hits Tahiti Tourisme’s highlighted spots such as Tiki Underwater and Tiahura, plus time in/near Opunohu Bay.
Afternoon: nap + easy paddleboard session if you still have energy.
Do a guided in-land tour by 4×4/ATV/e-bike through the interior: pineapple plantations, Opunohu Valley, and the big viewpoints (Belvedere Lookout and Magic Mountain are specifically called out).
Keep evening flexible; this is usually a dusty, sun-heavy day.
Switch to your west/northwest lodging.
Book a spa/wellness session; Tahiti Tourisme recommends a traditional Polynesian-style spa day as a key Moorea experience.
Take an ocean tour; Tahiti Tourisme notes Moorea as a haven for marine enthusiasts and mentions swimming with humpback whales and dolphins during migration season (or observing from the boat).
Afternoon: keep it calm—lagoon float + sunset dinner.
Try the traditional outrigger canoe (va’a), paddleboarding, and/or glass canoe paddling—Tahiti Tourisme lists these as standout ways to experience Moorea’s lagoon.
Add a short snorkel session at a calm lagoon spot to finish the day.
Pick one based on mood:
Option A: repeat your favorite lagoon tour spot (often the highlight).
Option B: short morning hike/viewpoint in Opunohu Valley, then beach time.
Lagoon tour (Tiahura / Tiki Underwater / Opunohu Bay circuit).
Snorkeling at Tiahura lagoon area.
Visit Tiki Underwater (submerged tiki statues).
4×4/ATV/e-bike safari tour through the interior.
Belvedere Lookout viewpoint stop.
Magic Mountain viewpoint stop.
Ocean tour for whales/dolphins (seasonal).
Spa/wellness day (traditional Polynesian-style treatments).
Va’a (outrigger canoe) session.
Glass canoe / glass paddle experience.
Tiahura (snorkeling hotspot).
Tiki Underwater.
Opunohu Bay.
Opunohu Valley (interior trails/scenery).
Belvedere Lookout.
Magic Mountain.
Pineapple plantations (often included on safaris).
Moorea lagoon (the core attraction).
Spa and wellness centers (experience attraction).
“Polynesian night” style cultural shows (often available via resorts and venues listed in official guides).
Rudy’s (Paopao).
Holy Steak House (Ha’apiti).
Green Pearl Restaurant (Teavaro).
Le Bar Vue – Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort (Teavaro).
Tiki Village Restaurant (Ha’apiti).
Coco D’Isle (Papetoai).
Miti Bar & Terrasse (Paopao).
Pizzeria Le Motu (Ha’apiti).
Casa Pizza Moorea (Ha’apiti).
La Macaroulotte (Teavaro).
Start here:
Tahiti Tourisme: Top things to do in Moorea.
Tahiti Tourisme: Activities in Moorea (directory).
Tahiti Tourisme (PF): What to do in Moorea.
Tahiti Tourisme (PF): Eating out in Moorea (directory).
Moorea official travel site: Activities category.