Where to Stay in Moorea
Not sure where to stay in Moorea? From beautiful beachfront resorts to affordable Airbnbs. Here's a quick guide to help you choose the best place to stay for your trip.
Where Is the Best Area to Stay in Moorea?
The best area to stay in Moorea really depends on the kind of holiday you're looking for. Around the island, you'll find beautiful beaches, incredible snorkelling spots and accommodation ranging from affordable Airbnbs to luxury resorts.
Here's a quick rundown of the four areas I'd recommend:
Opunohu Bay: Best for affordable Airbnbs, stunning scenery and exploring the island by car.
Temae Beach: Best for luxury resorts, beautiful beaches and excellent snorkelling.
Les Tipaniers & Tiahura: Best for calm lagoon swimming, coral gardens and water activities.
Cook's Bay & Maharepa: Best for convenience, shops, restaurants and mountain views.
Opunohu Bay – Best for Affordable Accommodation & Stunning Scenery
We stayed in an affordable Airbnb in beautiful Opunohu Bay, just a five-minute walk from Ta'ahiamanu Beach, one of our favourite beaches in Moorea.
The scenery here is absolutely stunning, with lush green mountains surrounding the bay, beautiful swimming spots and gorgeous sunsets.
We hired a car to explore the island, which I'd definitely recommend if you're staying in this area. There are some lovely Airbnbs and holiday rentals around Opunohu Bay, making it a great option if you want somewhere beautiful without paying resort prices.
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Temae Beach – Best for Luxury & Snorkelling
Temae Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Moorea, with white sand, crystal-clear water and fantastic snorkelling straight from the shore.
It's also home to the luxurious Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort, with stunning overwater bungalows overlooking the lagoon and Tahiti in the distance.
If you're looking for a luxury stay with an incredible beach and some of Moorea's best snorkelling right on your doorstep, Temae Beach would be my pick.
Les Tipaniers – Best for Beaches & Lagoon Activities
Les Tipaniers is another beautiful area to stay in Moorea, with calm, shallow lagoon waters, lovely sunsets and great snorkelling around the nearby coral gardens.
It's a fantastic spot for swimming, kayaking and exploring the lagoon, especially with younger children. You can even kayak out to swim with reef sharks and stingrays!
We did this ourselves, and it was one of our favourite experiences in Moorea. Check out our Guide to snorkelling with sharks and stingrays to find out how to do it independently.
There are some lovely beachfront accommodation options around Les Tipaniers and Tiahura, making it a great place to stay if you love being close to the water.
Cook's Bay & Maharepa – Best for Convenience & Mountain Views
Cook's Bay is another beautiful area of Moorea, surrounded by dramatic green mountains and stunning scenery. While it's not the best spot for sandy beaches, it's a great base for exploring the island.
Nearby Maharepa has supermarkets, shops and restaurants, making it convenient if you prefer having everything close by.
Getting Around Moorea – Do You Need a Hire Car?
Hiring a car is one of the easiest ways to explore Moorea. You'll find car hire options near the Moorea ferry terminal, making it easy to pick up a car when you arrive.
Alternatively, you can hire a car in Papeete, Tahiti, and take it across to Moorea on the car ferry. There are usually more cars available in Papeete and the International Airport.
Where Would We Stay in Moorea Again?
We absolutely loved staying in Opunohu Bay. Our Airbnb was just a five-minute walk from beautiful Ta'ahiamanu Beach, and having a hire car meant we could explore the island whenever we wanted.
I'd happily stay there again, but next time I'd love to mix it up with a couple of nights at the luxurious Sofitel on Temae Beach for a little bit of luxury.
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