The best hikes of Moorea

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Moorea, a beautiful island in French Polynesia, offers a variety of hiking opportunities that allow you to explore its lush landscapes and enjoy stunning views. While “best” can be subjective and depends on your preferences and fitness level, one of the most popular and highly recommended hikes on Moorea is the Belvedere Lookout hike. Here are the details:

Belvedere Lookout Hike:

  • Location: The trailhead is located on the island’s central mountain road, which is easily accessible from many parts of Moorea.
  • Distance: The hike is relatively short, typically taking around 1-2 hours round trip.
  • Difficulty: It’s a moderate hike with some steep sections, so it’s suitable for most hikers with a reasonable level of fitness.
  • Scenery: The highlight of this hike is the spectacular panoramic view you’ll get from the Belvedere Lookout. You’ll see Opunohu Bay, Cook’s Bay, and the lush green valleys below. It’s especially stunning during sunrise or sunset.

hiking-in-moorea

Besides the Belvedere Lookout hike, you can explore other trails and activities on Moorea based on your interests and fitness level. Some other popular options include:

  1. Three Coconuts Pass: This is a more challenging hike that takes you through lush jungle and offers great views of Moorea’s interior.
  2. Mount Rotui Trail: For experienced hikers, this trail takes you to the summit of Mount Rotui, the highest peak on the island. It’s a strenuous hike but offers incredible views.
  3. Opunohu Valley Hike: This is a relatively easy and picturesque walk through Opunohu Valley, where you can enjoy the lush tropical scenery.
  4. Shark and Ray Feeding Excursions: While not a traditional hike, you can also explore the underwater world of Moorea by taking guided excursions to swim with sharks and rays.

Remember to check the current trail conditions and get information from local sources or tour operators before embarking on any hike, as conditions can change. Additionally, consider your fitness level and any safety precautions necessary for the specific trail you choose.

 

You can reach the trails with a rental car, electric or mechanic bikes or with a Hello Scoot (platform available on-property).

Humpback whales of Moorea

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Every year from July to November, comes the long-awaited "whale season". These great migrants honor us with their presence in Polynesian waters for several months for mating, calving and resting.
Following these few months off, they make their way back to Antarctica for the main purpose of feeding.
This seasonal migration represents about 8,000 miles round trip.
The population of humpback whales in French Polynesia is now estimated between 934 and 1849 individuals according to Dr. Poole and Dr. Baker. This is only an estimate, the actual number of individuals is not yet exactly known.
Whale watching in French Polynesia is regulated but possible during a boat trip organized by one of the many approved providers by the Directorate of the Environment (DIREN).
These tours will take you behind the reef barrier and sometimes even a little further offshore, and will allow you to observe the mammals from the boat or below the surface, equipped with your fins, mask and snorkel, if all the conditions are met. An extraordinary experience!

Whales Moorea Hotel Cooks Bay V4

If no visual observation is possible, you may have the chance to hear vocalizations... : around Moorea, it is common that male singers place themselves at each corner of the island which are ideal for a wide acoustic diffusion and thus reach more females in order to have a greater reproductive success. Vibrato assured when you are close to a male singer!

In order for you to choose the right operator that most suits you, check out their rating online and make sure they have been certified for the current year.
From the hotel, humpback whales observations are frequent during the season because the bay is ideal for the mammals to rest as they take shelter from predators or boats sometimes getting too invasive.

The species is considered "endangered" (very high risk of extinction in the wild) according to the IUCN Red List. To learn more and participate in the growth of the humpback whale population in French Polynesia, contact the cetacean protection association OCEANIA, whose team is based in Moorea. Each year they carry out various projects for the protection of cetacean habitat: https://www.asso-oceania.com

 

Beaches of Moorea

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Each side of the island has a section of public coastline.
To the north, you will be blown away by the setting of Tahiamanu beach, known as "La Mareto", named after the former caretaker. Fine sand, tall coconut trees and spectacular mountain background... The beach evolves throughout the year depending on currents and the changing swell. Many pitches in the shade are possible to protect you from the sun, but you will also love it there at the end of the day when the sunlight turns magical. Picnic tables and showers are available on the beach, while toilets are located in the car park.
Snorkeling is popular but the channel is not far from the swimming area : be cautious with the boat and jet ski traffic that can be high at specific times of the day.
Please note the car park located accross the street closes before dawn !

Opunohu Beach Moorea Cooks Bay Hotel V2

To the east, you will be dazzled by the expansive turquoise lagoon offered by Temae beach. It is literally a natural pool that awaits you here. Behind the beach, a large coconut grove will allow you to bask in the sun but do not plan on enjoying the shade of a well-stocked coconut tree!
Showers and a toilets are available at the northern end of the beach.
Snorkeling is amazing as you get closer to the reef barrier, but beware of currents.
It is from Temae beach that the guided snorkeling tours leave at nightfall. A not-to-be missed experience for nature lovers.

To the west, discover Tiahura beach on one of the former portions of Club Med Moorea closed many years ago. You will be facing the 2 famous motu (islets), in a breathtaking setting. The bath is shallow there but snorkeling is still possible by moving a little away from the edge. The extensive back-beach will be ideal for a picnic and beach games. Some tables with a view are available, as well as a sanitary block with showers and toilets.
The guarded car park closes at night.
A few snacks are located not far from the beach for a lunch on the go.