In October 2025, I set off on a trip that turned out to be nothing short of magical — the lush, turquoise wonderland of Moʻorea, French Polynesia. Often overshadowed by its glamorous neighbor Tahiti, Moʻorea is pure perfection: laid-back, breathtakingly beautiful, and full of warm, welcoming people.

Getting There: The Ferry to Paradise

The journey began with a ferry ride from Tahiti to Moʻorea, which cost around $20 AUD one way. The trip only takes about 30 minutes, but as you approach Moʻorea and see the emerald peaks rise dramatically from the sea, you realize you’re heading somewhere truly special.

View from the ferry upon approaching Mo’orea

Once I arrived, I picked up my car from Good Deal Rentals. The owner, Louise, was incredibly kind — she spent nearly half an hour going through a map of the island, circling all the best things to see, hidden viewpoints, and local tips. It felt more like chatting with a friend than doing a rental handover. You’d never get this level of personal service from a big-name rental company!

Where I Stayed: Moorea Reef Bungalows

I checked into Moorea Reef Bungalows, and honestly — wow. The place is breathtaking. My villa had its own private pool, surrounded by beautifully kept tropical gardens. Every morning, breakfast was served on the terrace with fresh fruit, pastries, and coffee, all while overlooking the ocean. The peacefulness of those mornings — just the sound of birds and the waves beyond — was pure bliss.

The staff couldn’t have been friendlier or more helpful; they made me feel completely at home.

Driving Around the Island

Moʻorea is 63 km around, and I can’t recommend the drive enough. It takes about 1.5 hours without stops, but trust me — you’ll stop plenty. The scenery is jaw-dropping: jungle-covered peaks, dramatic cliffs, and endless ocean views. I found myself pulling over again and again just to snap photos.

Sweet Stops: Lycee Agricole

One of my favorite stops was Lycée Agricole, a small agricultural school and farm that sells homemade jams, ice creams, and juices. They even offer free jam tastings, and the flavors are truly unique — think pineapple & vanilla or pineapple & coconut.

I couldn’t resist trying the Taro and Vanilla ice cream, and it was absolutely delicious. Creamy, subtly sweet, and totally tropical.

A Delicious Discovery: AROA Chocolate & Coffee Farm

The best tour I’ve ever taken was at AROA Chocolate Farm, run by the passionate owner Justin. He grows cacao, coffee, and a variety of tropical fruits, all organically.

Justin’s “tree-to-bar” tour is a must — he walks you through every step of the process, from growing and harvesting to fermenting and crafting chocolate by hand. He has a real gift for storytelling, making the tour not just educational but personal and fascinating. And of course, you get to taste the chocolate and coffee at the end — rich, flavorful, and unlike anything you’ll find in a store.

The Food: Fresh, Flavorful, and Generous

Moʻorea’s food scene completely blew me away. Tuna is the star ingredient here, and it’s as fresh as it gets.

One of my favorite meals was at Snack Mahana, where I had the Chaud-Froid de Thon (seared tuna) — beautifully cooked, bursting with flavor, and served in portions so generous I could barely finish it!

Another must-try dish is Poisson Cru — raw tuna marinated in coconut milk and lime. It’s simple, refreshing, and absolutely delicious.

Rotui Juice Factory & Manutea Rum Distillery

Another highlight was visiting the Rotui Juice Factory and Manutea Distillery. Rotui is the island’s famous juice brand, and their pineapple juice is legendary. The distillery also produces Manutea rum, made from local sugarcane.

You can take a guided tour and tasting, learning about how the rum is made and the history behind it. Of course, I couldn’t leave empty-handed — I bought a 6-pack of mini 30ml rums so I could try all the flavors (they’re adorable, but I doubt they’ll last long!).

Beaches, Bays & Natural Wonders

Moʻorea’s beaches and bays are the kind you see on postcards — crystal-clear turquoise water, white sand, and a backdrop of towering green peaks.

Two spots you absolutely shouldn’t miss:

Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay — perfect for photos, especially in the morning light.
Te Fare Natura L’ecomusée — a small but fascinating natural science museum near Opunohu Bay, where you can learn about beekeeping, marine life, and native plants.

For swimming and snorkeling:

Plage de Taʻahiamanu – calm waters, nearby reefs, and a lovely grassy area with shade (just be mindful of falling coconuts!).
Plage de Tiahura – a quieter, more relaxed beach with coral areas near the shore and plenty of fish to watch while you float.

Helpful Travel Tips for Moʻorea 🌴

🚗 Avoid parking under coconut trees – those coconuts can do serious damage!
💵 Carry cash – not all places accept cards, especially smaller shops and cafés.
🦟 Bring mosquito repellent – trust me, the mosquitos are relentless.
☀️ Sunscreen & snorkel gear – essentials for beach days.
🕰️ Island time is real – relax, slow down, and enjoy the rhythm of paradise.

Final Thoughts

Moʻorea stole my heart. It’s an island where every turn of the road reveals another picture-perfect view, every meal feels like a celebration, and every local you meet greets you with genuine warmth.

From fresh tuna and tropical jams to chocolate tours and golden beaches, Moʻorea is the definition of paradise — relaxed, authentic, and unforgettable.

If you’re planning a trip to French Polynesia, make sure Moʻorea is at the top of your list. You won’t want to leave. 🌺

Moʻorea, French Polynesia: My Slice of Paradise