8 Amazing Things To Do In Moorea With Kids
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
From swimming with humpback whales to snorkelling with sharks and stingrays, Moorea quickly became one of our favourite family destinations in French Polynesia.
If you're planning a family trip to French Polynesia, don't make the mistake of overlooking Moorea.
While Bora Bora often steals the spotlight, Moorea completely won us over.
Located just a short ferry ride from Tahiti, Moorea offers everything families could want from a tropical island holiday. Crystal-clear lagoons, incredible wildlife encounters, stunning mountain scenery and plenty of free activities.
For us, Moorea was the perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
Here are 6 amazing things to do in Moorea with kids.
1. Swim With Humpback Whales
If you're visiting Moorea during whale season, this is one experience that's hard to beat.
Every year between July and November, humpback whales migrate through the waters around Moorea and seeing them up close is something you'll never forget.
Depending on the age of your children and the tour you choose, older kids and adults may have the opportunity to enter the water and swim with the whales.
Our girls stayed on the boat and honestly, they didn't feel like they missed out at all. One whale surfaced incredibly close to the boat and they were beyond excited.
I was lucky enough to get in the water, but whether you choose to swim or simply whale watch from the boat, it's still an absolutely incredible experience and easily one of the highlights of our time in French Polynesia.
If swimming with whales is on your bucket list, Moorea is one of the best places in the world to do it.
👉 Read our full guide to swimming with humpback whales in Moorea.
2. Snorkel With Sharks and Stingrays
One of the most popular family activities in Moorea is heading out into the lagoon to snorkel with blacktip reef sharks and stingrays.
The stingrays often swim right up beside you! It’s an amazing experience.
👉 Read our full guide to swimming with sharks and stingrays in Moorea.
3. Visit Belvedere Lookout
For one of the best views in all of French Polynesia, head to Belvedere Lookout.
From the top you'll enjoy sweeping views over the island and the dramatic volcanic peaks that make Moorea so famous.
The road is paved and easy to access by car, making it a simple stop for families exploring the island.
Bring your camera because the scenery is spectacular.
For adventurous families and keen hikers, Belvedere Lookout is also the starting point for several hiking trails. There are walks suitable for a range of fitness levels, from shorter scenic walks to more challenging hikes that climb into Moorea's lush mountain interior.
4. Explore Cook Bay and Opunohu Bay
The twin bays of Moorea are among the island's most iconic landmarks.
Cook Bay is home to restaurants, small shops and plenty of activity, while nearby Opunohu Bay feels quieter and more untouched.
Driving between the two bays was one of our favourite ways to experience Moorea.
The views are stunning around every corner and there are plenty of places to stop for photos along the way.
5. Spend the Day at Ta'ahiamanu Beach
If you're looking for a beautiful beach that's completely free to visit, Ta'ahiamanu Beach is hard to beat.
This was our favourite beach in Moorea.
The water is calm, clear and shallow enough for younger children to enjoy safely. Palm trees provide shade and there's plenty of room to spread out for a picnic.
It's the kind of place where you arrive for an hour and somehow end up staying all afternoon.
6. Hire a Kayak at Tipaniers Beach
One of our favourite activities in Moorea was spent paddling around the lagoon from Tipaniers Beach.
Kayaks can be hired directly from the beach and the calm, crystal-clear water makes it an easy activity for families. As you paddle across the lagoon you'll often spot tropical fish beneath you and enjoy incredible views back towards Moorea's dramatic mountain peaks.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can even kayak out to the shallow sandbanks where sharks and stingrays are often found. And if you have more time, head to the coral gardens.
Travel Tip: We hired our kayak from Tipaniers Beach and found it one of the cheapest activities we did in French Polynesia. The lagoon here is incredibly calm and perfect for families.
7. Snorkel at Temae Beach
If you're looking for the best free snorkelling in Moorea, head straight to Temae Beach.
The long stretch of white sand and crystal-clear water makes it one of the island's most beautiful beaches, and it's just as beautiful beneath the surface.
We spotted countless tropical fish and a lot of colourful coral while snorkelling just offshore, and the calm lagoon makes it an easy place for families to explore.
If you already have snorkel gear with you, this is one great activity that costs absolutely nothing.
8. Visit Te Fare Natura Interactive Museum
If you're travelling with curious kids, Te Fare Natura is well worth a visit.
Located near Opunohu Bay, this modern eco-museum focuses on the unique wildlife, marine life and culture of French Polynesia. Inside you'll find interactive displays, aquariums, videos and hands-on exhibits designed to help visitors better understand the islands and their fragile ecosystems.
We found it was a great way to learn more about the places we had been exploring around Moorea. It's also a fantastic rainy-day activity or somewhere to escape the heat for a couple of hours.
If your kids love animals, nature or anything ocean-related, this is an easy stop to add to your Moorea itinerary.
Is Moorea Worth Visiting With Kids?
Absolutely.
In fact, if we had to choose between Bora Bora and Moorea for a family holiday, we'd choose Moorea.
The island feels more relaxed, activities are generally more affordable and there is a wider range of things to do beyond simply enjoying the lagoon.
Whether you're swimming with whales, snorkelling with sharks and stingrays, exploring the island by car or relaxing on the beach, Moorea offers the perfect balance of adventure and family-friendly travel.
If you're planning a trip to French Polynesia, make sure Moorea is on your itinerary.
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