Activities

Moorea in a day

December 3, 2024 by virginie

Are you visiting our beautiful island and wondering what to do in Moorea? Are you short on time but want to make the most of it?

In this article, we propose the perfect program to enjoy Moorea in a day! Let us guide you, hour by hour, through a day full of activities.

Can you go to Moorea for a day?

It's perfectly possible to enjoy Moorea for a day, whatever the excursions you'd like to make: scuba diving, hiking, snorkelling...

With the right organization and timing, you'll have plenty of time to explore the island.

You can also choose to be accompanied by guides for certain activities, or you can choose to explore Moorea as you please.

Hire a scooter, for example, to take you around the island: with a few breaks at the most beautiful spots, it should take you about an hour and a half.

Moorea in a day

Now that you know you can spend a day in Moorea, it's time to come up with the perfect program.

The context: you've spent a night at the Cook's Bay hotel, and you're ready to enjoy this beautiful day on the sister island.

1 - 6:30 am: Wake up in style

In the islands, the day belongs to the early riser.

At Cook's Bay, enjoy beautiful sea views from every single room as soon as you wake up.

2- 7:00 am: Early morning dip

Step out of your room and straight into the water!

You can explore our fringing reef in front of the hotel, starting directly from the beach, or from the floating pontoon.

Octopuses, tropical fish and turtles await!

Hotel bonus: masks and snorkels available upon request at reception.

3 - 8:00 am: Time for breakfast

Enjoy one of the best omelettes you've ever had if you opt for the American breakfast.

Other breakfast options include Continental, Healthy and Polynesian.

4 - 10:30am: Experience your first underwater journey!

Take a deep breath and get ready to explore the world beneath the surface!

Choose Vitamin Sea Moorea and discover Moorea's vibrant marine life!

Fred can pick up guests on our floating pontoon and the dive site is a few minutes away! Bookings can be made through the hotel's reception.

5 - 12:30 pm: Lunch time

Quick and easy lunch prepared in your suite...

All our suites have a kitchenette, perfect to make :

Quick and easy meals from the comfort of your own room.
Tahitian meals to appreciate Polynesian cuisine

Ideal for optimizing the budget and combine dining in-room and dining out.

Equipment includes: double induction stove, a microwave and a refrigerator.

6 - 15:00 pm: The pool

After a quick nap, make a splash at the large mirror pool and soak in the sun on our stylishly designed beach that offers an incomparable outdoor relaxation area with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

7 - 6:00 pm: Cheers !

You're already 30 minutes late on the Happy Hour !

Enjoy the best cocktails in town during the daily Happy Hour. The extensive menu includes classic and signature cocktails for all tastes.

Top them up with tapas and appetizers to share... or not !

8 - 7:30 pm: Your table is set for dinner

Stay with us for dinner as you'll love the chic and relaxed atmosphere of the restaurant at night time...

Our signature cocktail "Gin Therapy" has been our best-seller since the opening!
I know I can't be wrong to advise it to our guests visiting during our daily Happy Hour.
Enjoying sunset along with a cocktail at Le Cook's has to be on your clients' bucket list for Moorea.
Malia, Head Waiter at LE COOK'S

Ready to visit Moorea?

Cook's Bay, close to the Paopao Valley, is ideally located for the departure of all these excursions.

Book your suite now for an unforgettable stay!

I book my stay at Cook's Bay Hotel

Top 5 land-based activities in Moorea

November 4, 2024 by virginie

Moorea is famous for its magnificent lagoon, but it would be a shame not to explore the valleys!

In this article, we invite you to discover our top 5 land-based activities in Moorea. On the map:

Hiking for all levels
A photo safari
A food tour
Quad bike excursions
Electric bike tours

1/ Hiking in Moorea

Moorea offers a variety of trails for all levels, with verdant forests and breathtaking views over the lagoon.

Want to explore the trails unaccompanied? Check out our article on the top 3 hikes to do in Moorea.

You can also hire an experienced guide to help you explore unsuspected corners of the island!

An experienced guide will enable you to:

Walk in complete safety, especially on difficult hikes.
Discover places little-known to tourists: a waterfall at the bend of a path, a hidden viewpoint...
Learn more about Polynesian culture and legends.

Our favorite: Mana Moorea Tours

Mana Moorea Tours takes you to around the island on a private or shared tour to discover the local flora and fauna.

2/ A photo safari

Are you passionate about photography? This land-based activity in Moorea is for you!

Eyes Of Moorea offers you a unique service combining island discovery and photography.

Loreleï, a professional photographer, will take you on an unusual discovery of our sister island. In small groups, she shares her know-how, in particular on how to optimize light according to weather conditions.

This photo safari takes you to Moorea's most beautiful vantage points, while you learn and improve your photographic techniques.

3/ A Food Tour to discover Moorea with your taste buds!

Polynesia is also about taste! Gastronomy is an integral part of Polynesian culture, influenced by a variety of cuisines, notably Chinese and French.

Embark on a unique culinary experience with Tahiti Food Tours and discover the diversity of local flavors!

Their tours include the discovery of Tahitian street food, local specialties such as raw fish and tropical fruits. These excursions, which last between 3 and 5 hours, combine gastronomic discovery with cultural exploration.

4/ An excursion on a Quadbike

Take to the trails of Moorea on a quadbike! Aboard these electrically assisted quadricycles, experience maximum thrills as you explore the island.

Let the experienced team guide you through the island's natural beauty, history and culture. Whether you're looking for adrenaline or discovery, this quad bike tour will give you a whole new perspective on Moorea.

Try Quad Bike Moorea : safety and fun guaranteed!

5/ Rent an electric bike

Would you like to be free to move around? Discover Moorea as the roads and trails take you? Or tour the island at your own pace? Rent an electric bike.

The Cook's Bay hotel works with several service providers who will deliver the bikes directly to the hotel. All you have to do is ask!

Explore Moorea without delay!

With or without a guide, take advantage of all these land-based activities to explore the island.

Cook's Bay, close to the Paopao Valley, is ideally located for the departure of all these excursions.

Book your room now for an unforgettable stay!

I book my stay at Cook's Bay Hotel

5 must-do water-based activities in Moorea

September 5, 2024 by virginie

Would you like to enjoy the lagoon and water-based excursions on Moorea? We've tried out a number of them, and here are our top 5.

In this article, discover 5 water based activities on Moorea:

Scuba diving
Lagoon discovery
Whale watching
Sailing excursion
Sailing at sunset

1/ Diving in Moorea

Moorea's seabed is full of wonders, accessible to everyone, novice and certified divers alike.

Dives can be made in the lagoon or outside the coral reef. You'll encounter magnificent tropical fish, rays, turtles and sharks.

Our favorite: Fred, from Vitamin Sea. A passionate diver, Fred knows Moorea's seabed inside out and respects the marine flora and fauna.

He'll accompany you in complete safety for some great experiences:

First dive (introductory dive)
Exploration behind the reef for certified divers
Lagoon discovery including snorkeling with turtles, black tip sharks and stingrays

If you'd like to opt for the photographer's option, you'll also be able to take home photos for an unforgettable, indelible souvenir.

2/ The lagoon excursion

A stay in Moorea means discovering and enjoying the magnificent lagoon and its turquoise hues.

Snorkelling is a must on Moorea. Grab your mask and snorkel and get up close to the stingrays and blacktip sharks that roam the lagoon.

Moorea Tiki Tour offers a unique lagoon excursion aboard their famous yellow boat.
On the program: a view of Moorea and its green mountains from the sea, swimming in crystal-clear water and lunch with your feet in the water, on a sandbank in the middle of the lagoon.

Live this day to the rhythm of the sea and the sun.

3/ Whale watching in Moorea

Are you visiting Moorea between August and November? You're in the middle of humpback whale season!

If you're looking for an extraordinary experience, you won't want to miss it: swimming with whales.

Aboard a boat, you'll head out to sea and dive to meet these majestic marine animals.

Our favorite for this nautical activity in Moorea: Mana Moorea Tours. Accompanied by their marine biologist, you'll experience an unforgettable encounter. Snorkel among cetaceans in their natural habitat, in complete safety and with respect.

4/ A sailing excursion

How about a boat trip to Moorea?

Take a seat aboard a beautiful monohull sailboat and become captain for the duration of an eco-responsible excursion!

Doris and Julien-Pierre will introduce you to sailing aboard the Mori Ora. On a private or shared tour, you'll take part in maneuvers around the island of Moorea.

Let yourself be carried along by the wind and the waves!

5/ A sunset from the ocean

Sunsets on Moorea are a timeless experience.

Of course, you can enjoy them over cocktails at the Cook's Bay restaurant.

But you can also experience this magical moment aboard a catamaran.

“Voilà Moorea” invites you on a sunset cruise. You'll discover Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay from a different angle, and admire Moorea's superb mountains range.

Enjoy all these must-do water based activities in Moorea for an unforgettable stay!

Let the lagoon and ocean be your guide. While respecting the flora and fauna, you'll have the opportunity to take part in excursions that will give you unique sensations.

Conquered by Moorea's sunsets? Catch the moment at Le Cook's bar in the premises of Cook's Bay Hotel & Suites!

BOOK MY TABLE

3 best hikes of Moorea

September 2, 2023 by virginie

Would you like to diversify your activities on Moorea? Have you had a glimpse of the island's magnificent lagoons and want to discover the inland?

Moorea is a magnificent island in French Polynesia. It offers a variety of hiking opportunities that will let you explore its lush landscapes and enjoy breathtaking views.

Here are 3 Moorea hikes you can do without a guide:

The ancestors' trail.
The 3 coconut trees pass.
The 3 pinus pass.

Have you already discovered Moorea through its water excursions? Now you can explore it on foot!

The ancestors' trail

The Ancestors' Trail is an easy hike that takes you to the Belvedere viewpoint, one of the island's must-see spots.

How to get there

From the Opunohu valley, take the pineapple road. Then fork left to reach the Tiki Parc parking lot (ziplining park). Leave your car in the parking lot, and the hike can begin.

The trail of the ancestors

Walk along Tiki Park and continue straight on past the coast into the forest. The hike plunges you into the heart of the island's forest, where you'll be surrounded by mape, Tahiti's chestnut trees.

Along the way, you'll discover the remains of religious and agricultural sites known as "marae".

Continue on to the Belvedere viewpoint, one of Moorea's must-see spots. The view of Moorea's 2 bays, Opunohu Bay and Cook's Bay, is magnificent.

Who knows, with binoculars, you might even catch a glimpse of a whale in season?

Then continue back down the loop until you reach the loop junction and finish the hike on the same section as the outward journey.

Distance

5.2 km, approx. 2 hours' walk.

Difficulty

This is a moderate hike with some steep sections, so it is suitable for most hikers with a reasonable level of fitness.

Marking

Follow the green signs.

The 3 Coconut Trees Pass

The 3 Coconut Trees Pass hike is one of the top 3 hikes on Moorea. You'll discover different aspects of the forest and a superb view of the south of the island.

How to get there

Park your car at the Belvedere viewpoint and start by enjoying the superb view of the 2 bays and Mount Rotui.

The trail

The hike is an out-and-back, towards the south-west of the island. The trail goes deep into the lush forest, through ferns and mape. You'll also be surprised to come across a bamboo grove, unexpected in this part of the island!

The end of the hike is a little more challenging, with the occasional rope to help you on some short but steep passages.

Once you're "up there", don't look for the famous 3 coconut palms - unfortunately, they no longer exist. Nevertheless, you'll be able to enjoy a breathtaking view of the south of the island, on the Haapiti side, with its valley and lagoon.

The path continues southwards, but you can turn around and pass the "Col des 3 Cocotiers" sign again. All that's left to do is climb back down and head for the Belvedere.

Distance

4.3 km, approx. 2.5 hours' walk.

Difficulty

Some steep sections require a certain level of fitness. This is a medium-level hike, and should not be a problem if you are used to walking.

Marking

Follow the blue markings.

The 3 Pinus Pass and beyond

The 3 Pinus hike is a classic in the Opunohu valley. It's a popular and easy hike in Moorea, but here we offer a less-traveled loop.

Starting point

Take the pineapple road from Cook's Bay and park your car at the top of the passable road, as soon as it ends and gives way to a wide dirt track.

The trail

Follow the Pineapple Road down to Tiki Parc (ziplining). Turn left and walk alongside the Tiki Parc. At the top of the hill, continue straight ahead into the forest. You will now follow part of the Ancestral Trail up to the Belvedere.

Before reaching the Belvedere, while still on the Ancestral Trail, fork left towards the signposted Col des 3 Pinus.

Enjoy the unobstructed view of the bays and Mount Rotui as you reach the 3 Pinus. Do you feel that moment of freedom on the swing too?

Then continue down the narrow path. It's relatively steep for a few hundred meters.

Then turn left at the next 2 junctions to get back to the starting point.

Distance

6.4 km for about 2 hours' walking.

Difficulty

Some sections are quite technical, especially downhill, where you need to be careful. You'll need to be in good physical condition.

Marking

No markings at start
Green markings on the Ancestors Trail
Blue markings to the 3 Pinus
No markings after the pass

Plan your hikes in Moorea now!

Have you decided on your itinerary? Before you set off, here are a few practical tips:

Check the weather conditions before setting off, as the trail can become slippery and dangerous after rain.
Take mosquito spray. Depending on the season and humidity, certain nooks and crannies are popular with mosquitoes.
Remember to take enough water and stay well hydrated throughout the hike.
After a magnificent hike in Moorea, and a great physical effort, come and relax and enjoy a drink at the Cook's Bay bar. There's nothing like it for optimal recovery!

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Whale season in Moorea

April 19, 2023 by virginie

Are you in Polynesia on vacation and looking for an unforgettable experience?

Find out all you need to know about the whale season in Moorea.

When is the best time to see whales in Moorea?

Every year from July to November, it's the long-awaited "whale season".

These great migrants honor us with their presence in Polynesian waters for several months, mating, calving and resting.

After this period, they head back to Antarctica to feed.

This seasonal migration represents a round trip of around 13,000 km.

Whale watching in Polynesia

The Polynesian humpback whale population is currently estimated at between 934 and 1849 individuals, according to Dr Poole and Dr Baker. This is only an estimate, as the actual number of individuals is not yet known.

Whale-watching in Polynesia is regulated, but is possible on a boat trip organized by one of the many service providers accredited by the environment department.

Swim with whales in Moorea

In Moorea, these outings will take you behind the reef barrier, sometimes even a little further out to sea, and allow you to observe the animals from the boat or in the water, equipped with your fins, mask and snorkel, if all the conditions are right. An extraordinary experience!

Whale song

During whale season, if no visual observation is possible, you may be lucky enough to hear a song...

Around Moorea, the singing males usually position themselves at the tips of the island, which are ideal for wide acoustic diffusion and thus reach more females for greater reproductive success.

Vibrato guaranteed when you're close to a singing male!

To make sure you choose the right service provider, make sure it has been approved for the current year, and that the online reviews and comments are good.

The association for the protection of whales in Polynesia

The species is considered "endangered" (very high risk of extinction in the wild) according to the IUCN red list.

To find out more and help the humpback whale population grow in Polynesia, contact the OCEANIA cetacean protection association, whose team is based in Moorea.

Every year, they carry out various projects to protect the cetaceans' habitat.

Enjoy the whale season from the breathtaking vantage point of Cook's Bay!

From the Cook's Bay hotel, you can be sure of frequent sightings during the whale-watching season, as Cook's Bay is an ideal resting place for the animals, which then seek shelter from offshore predators and invasive motorized craft.

Book your stay now and enjoy the perfect place for whale watching!

I book my stay at Cook's Bay Hotel

Discover Moorea’s beaches!

February 28, 2023 by virginie

Spending a few days on the island and want to discover Moorea's finest beaches?

Each side of the island has its own stretch of public coastline.

Here are the top 3 beaches to discover on the sister island:

Ta'ahiamanu beach
Temae beach
Tiahura beach

Ta'ahiamanu beach

To the north, at the entrance to Opunohu Bay, you'll be blown away by the setting of Ta'ahiamanu beach, also known as Mareto beach, named after the former janitor. Fine sand, long coconut palms and a spectacular mountain backdrop...

The beach evolves throughout the year according to the currents and changing swell. Many shady spots are available, but at the end of the day you'll appreciate the setting sun that floods the beach with its golden light.

Picnic tables and showers are available on the beach, as are sanitary facilities in the parking lot.

Snorkeling is popular here, but the channel is not far from the swimming area: beware of boat and jetski traffic.

Please note that the mountain-side parking lot closes in the early evening!

Temae beach

To the east, you'll be dazzled by the expanse of the turquoise lagoon at Temae beach, one of Moorea's most beautiful beaches. A veritable natural swimming pool awaits you.

Behind the beach is a vast coconut grove where you can bask in the sun, but don't expect to enjoy the shade of a well-stocked coconut tree!

Showers and sanitary facilities are available at the northern end of the beach.

And if you're wondering where to go snorkeling in Moorea, this is the place. The snorkeling is extraordinary the closer you get to the reef, but beware of the currents.

Guided snorkeling tours depart from here at dusk. An exceptional experience for nature lovers.

Tiahura beach

To the west, discover Tiahura beach on one of the former portions of Club Med Moorea, which closed many years ago.

You'll be facing the famous motu (islets), in a breathtaking setting. The bathing area is shallow, but snorkeling is possible if you move away from the shore.

The vast back beach is ideal for picnics and beach games. A number of tables with views are available, as is a sanitary block with showers and toilets.

The guarded parking lot closes at night.

A few snack bars are located not far from the beach for a quick lunch.

Enjoy Moorea's beaches now!

Each of these beaches is unique, and you can enjoy a fascinating environment. You're sure to fall under the spell of Moorea's beaches.

After a beautiful day of lagoon and white sand, all you have to do is enjoy a magnificent sunset at the Cook's Bay restaurant, with its breathtaking view over Paopao Bay.

Book your table now for an unforgettable evening!

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