Moorea is fringed with crunchy white-sand beaches. Some of the best are located between Moorea Village and the Hotel Beachcomber on the northern coast, as well as near the Sofitel Ia Ora on the north-east side of the island.
Many of Moorea’s white sand beaches are generally narrow and scattered between coral outcrops can make them tricky to swim from, but the water is crystal clear and warm, with coral fish abundant.
There are only two public beaches on Moorea, the rest are private and typically boast a luxury resort. The best of Moorea's beaches, include…
(East Coast) – Unwind on this palm-fringed crescent of powder-white sand, that lies between a turquoise lagoon and soaring lush green mountain slopes.
Located between the airport and the luxury Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort, this gorgeous 1.6km-long public beach has excellent conditions for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling and surfing.
Access is either through the Sofitel Resort or via a dirt road at the northern end of the beach.
(North Coast) – This manicured white-sand beach sits in front of the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa, between Opunohu and Cook's bays, and offers excellent swimming and snorkelling.
Relax beneath shade beachside trees and enjoy a range of creature comforts at the Hilton Moorea.
(North Coast) – This excellent white-sand public beach is just a 15 minute walk south along the coast from the Hilton Moorea.
Sunbathe on the soft white sand or relax in the shade of the many trees. The water here is more suitable for snorkelling (especially on the nearby reef), than for swimming. Facilities include a shower and picnic tables, but no toilet.
This narrow stretch of white sand is a popular spot for both tourists and locals on weekends.
(North West Coast) – Explore this narrow, 5km-long stretch of palm-fringed white sand that winds along the coast in front of several hotels, including the luxurious Moorea Intercontinental Hotel, where you can be pampered with a range of creature comforts, as well as the 3-star Hotel Les Tipaniers.
Facilities are provided by the various hotels including kayak and snorkel rental.
Various walking tracks give access to this long stretch of beach.
(West Coast) – Although not a public beach (you need to pay to use it), Painapo offers a beautiful white-sand beach that shelves into crystal clear water, perfect for swimming and snorkelling an underwater snorkel trail.
Sunbathe on the beach, enjoy great lagoon views and watch, traditional dancing, sports, cooking and craft exhibitions. The entrance to Painapo is marked by a huge wooden statue of a Tahitian warrior.
(North Coast) – Hire a boat to take you out to one of the many idyllic motus that dot the lagoon.
Here you can swim and snorkel the clear waters, make your own footprints in the pristine white sand and enjoy a secluded picnic.
Or sign up for an organized shark-feeding excursion to either Motu Fareone or Motu Moea.
Latest update: Best Beaches in Moorea: 13 January, 2023
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