Windward Islands: Moorea between marae and lagoon

Several specific travel interests come together on Moorea: as a volcanic island, it offers a starting point for a walk to marae and a council platform, as well as a guided exploration of the lagoon. In Arue, the Belvédère du Tahara'a viewpoint is located in the hills above the commune. This offers different focuses for planning your trip: cultural heritage, lagoon history and nature, or a named viewpoint.

Moorea: Marae and Lagoon

Moorea is a volcanic island in the South Pacific, about 17 km northwest of Tahiti and in the heart of the Society Islands archipelago in French Polynesia. Moorea is part of the Windward Islands. Its approximate distance from Tahiti and its location in the Society Islands archipelago provide a broader geographic point of reference. On the island, the route to the marae and council platform, along with the guided lagoon exploration, offer distinctly different experiences.

From a marae, a walking path leads to the Oporo council platform, which formerly served as a meeting place, and to three other marae. The walk takes about an hour and a half. The approximate duration helps you fit this activity into your day; several cultural sites are a focus along the way. The platform’s former function in particular gives the walk a historical dimension. If you would like to include cultural heritage in your trip, this is a clearly defined focus—unlike the guided lagoon exploration, which centers on nature and the lagoon’s history.

On Moorea’s lagoon, local guides take visitors off the beaten path, with consideration for the local flora and fauna, to discover its natural beauty. They also share the lagoon’s history. Nature and history come together here; the excursion differs from the walking route to the marae mainly in its subject and the guidance provided by local experts. Check before your trip whether the excursion is currently available.

Arue and the Belvédère du Tahara'a

The Belvédère du Tahara'a viewpoint is located in the hills above the commune of Arue. For trip planning that includes named places as well as cultural sites, Arue is another specific point of reference at the destination. You can therefore consider the viewpoint as a focus in its own right, alongside experiences on Moorea.

French Polynesia: Tahiti’s coasts

Within the broader destination of French Polynesia, Tahiti offers a distinct landscape contrast. The island has lush, green hills, black- and white-sand beaches, and distinctive scenery. On Tahiti’s west coast, coconut palms line the white-sand beaches, which are suited to swimming and sunbathing. On the east coast, black-sand beaches formed as a result of past volcanic activity; they make a scenic setting for relaxing and taking photographs. Comparing the coasts by travel interest, Tahiti offers different experiences: swimming and sunbathing on the west coast, and a volcanically shaped setting on the east coast. Tahiti’s landscapes and coasts thus offer a distinct perspective on French Polynesia.

Next, tailor your search to the destination and the places that suit this focus. This way, your accommodation decision starts with the experiences that interest you.

Discover more subregions: Te'avaro and Mahina.

Discover more destinations: Tuamotu Islands, Leeward Islands, Leeward Islands, Austral Islands, The Tuamotu and Gambier Islands, Windward Islands.

Go to the main travel overview: French Polynesia.