Opunohu Bay Moorea
Opunohu Bay, Moorea: A paradise of volcanic peaks, lush pineapple fields, and turquoise lagoons teeming with marine life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Dry season, sunny days
Opunohu Bay Moorea
Best Time
Dry season, sunny days
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Opunohu Bay, Moorea: A paradise of volcanic peaks, lush pineapple fields, and turquoise lagoons teeming with marine life.
"AMAZING views people, accommodation.. Ferry from Tahiti to Morea."
🚗 Rent a Car or Scooter
Explore Opunohu Bay and beyond with ease. Compare rental prices; Hertz was half of Avis. :car:
🥾 Hike for Epic Views
Don't miss Magic Mountain or Three Coconuts Lookout for unforgettable panoramas. :hiking_boot:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Opunohu Bay Overlook
Belvédère d’Opunohu
Panoramic views of the twin bays, pineapple fields, and surrounding mountains. A must-see for breathtaking scenery.
Magic Mountain Hike
Trailhead near Opunohu Bay
A rewarding 3km hike offering sweeping vistas of Opunohu Bay and its turquoise waters.
+1
Snorkeling & Marine Life
Lagoon surrounding Opunohu Bay
Swim with vibrant fish, stingrays, and even resident eels in the clear lagoon waters.
Pineapple Fields Exploration
Routes around Opunohu Bay
Explore lush pineapple plantations, often via ATV tours, for a taste of Moorea's agricultural heart.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Island Pace
Best Time for Pristine Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Rent a Car or Scooter
Explore Opunohu Bay and beyond with ease. Compare rental prices; Hertz was half of Avis. :car:
🥾 Hike for Epic Views
Don't miss Magic Mountain or Three Coconuts Lookout for unforgettable panoramas.
🐠 Snorkel Safely
Observe marine life respectfully. Some resorts offer direct lagoon access for snorkeling. +1 :tropical_fish:
🍍 Taste Local Pineapples
Take an ATV tour through the pineapple fields for a unique island experience. +1 :pineapple:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Rent a Car or Scooter
Explore Opunohu Bay and beyond with ease. Compare rental prices; Hertz was half of Avis. :car:
🥾 Hike for Epic Views
Don't miss Magic Mountain or Three Coconuts Lookout for unforgettable panoramas.
🐠 Snorkel Safely
Observe marine life respectfully. Some resorts offer direct lagoon access for snorkeling. +1 :tropical_fish:
🍍 Taste Local Pineapples
Take an ATV tour through the pineapple fields for a unique island experience. +1 :pineapple:
💰 Accommodation Deals
Consider Airbnbs for budget-friendly stays with ocean views, often much cheaper than resorts. :moneywithwings:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Opunohu Bay for its breathtaking natural beauty, offering stunning panoramic views and vibrant marine life. The island's friendly people and relaxed atmosphere contribute to a magical experience, though some find shore snorkeling less accessible than expected. +1
"I was there in 1982 honeymooning we had and excellent experience double bay on Moore,used scooters around all islands and went on a motu outer reef island for picnic on a lovely catamaran never forget the place"
David schuster
"AMAZING views people, accommodation.. Ferry from Tahiti to Morea. you can get a car on Tahiti and bring it on the ferry or rent on Morea Island. if you get a rental on the island, do some research prices can be half. Avis was very expensive. Hertz was half of Avis. incredibly friendly people. several grocery stores, even the smaller ones have some good quality food in them. there is a large grocery store very close to the ferry port.. bicycles and scooters are very popular to rent along with canoes. accommodation airbnbs are a mini.. some that are right on the ocean fairly inexpensive. it takes about an hour to drive all the way around the island.. Mike was so I took my son Charlie and we left Seattle. found some excellent airbnbs stayed on different parts of the island. one of the places was Mark's place. some very unique built accommodation on this property, outdoor showers that are just amazing and inviting.. found more airbnbs and stayed in one that was right on the ocean. cost was 120 a night and I was able to look across the bay to the Hilton huts that are on the river which were charging $1,000 to 1800 a night LOL. the place we stayed had a big deck, a canoe and a manta ray that would swim by every morning and night. lots of hiking with incredible views."
Tana Rains
"We were lucky enough to arrive here on the cruise ship Carnival Legend. This bay is beautiful and pictures can not do its beauty any justice. A must see from a cruise ship if you ever have the chance. We were told that Capt. Cook was in this bay and not the bay named after him."
Andrew “Wook” Chapman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Opunohu Bay is located on the island of Moorea. You can reach Moorea by ferry from Tahiti, which takes about an hour. Once on Moorea, you can rent a car, scooter, or bicycle to explore the island and reach Opunohu Bay.
Public transportation is limited. Renting a car, scooter, or bicycle is the most popular and convenient way to get around Moorea and access Opunohu Bay.
Yes, you can bring a rental car from Tahiti onto the ferry to Moorea. However, renting a car directly on Moorea can sometimes be more cost-effective.
For exploring Opunohu Bay and its surroundings, renting a scooter or bicycle is highly recommended for a more immersive experience. Cars are also an option for greater comfort.
Taxis are available on Moorea, but they can be expensive for extensive touring. It's generally more economical to rent your own vehicle for exploring Opunohu Bay and the island.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opunohu Bay itself is a natural attraction and generally free to access. However, some specific trailheads or viewpoints, like the Magic Mountain Overlook, may have a small parking fee (around 200 CFP).
Opunohu Bay is an open natural area and does not have set opening or closing hours. You can visit at any time, though daylight hours are best for sightseeing and activities.
Yes, various guided tours are available, including ATV tours through pineapple fields and boat tours for exploring the bay and surrounding waters. +1
While the trails themselves are generally free, some trailheads might have a small parking fee. For example, Magic Mountain Overlook has a parking fee of 200 CFP.
Yes, Opunohu Bay is a common anchorage point for cruise ships. Passengers typically tender to shore and can then join organized excursions or explore independently.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Highlights include hiking to viewpoints like Magic Mountain, snorkeling in the clear lagoon, exploring pineapple fields, and enjoying the stunning natural scenery.
The lagoon around Opunohu Bay offers good snorkeling opportunities with various fish and marine life. Some resorts provide direct access to the lagoon for easy snorkeling. +1
Absolutely! Popular hikes include Magic Mountain Overlook and the Three Coconuts Lookout, offering incredible panoramic views of the bay and island.
You can spot numerous colorful fish, stingrays, and even resident eels in the lagoon. Sharks are also known to frequent the waters, especially at night. +1
Yes, Opunohu Bay offers family-friendly activities like gentle snorkeling, scenic drives, and accessible viewpoints. The relaxed atmosphere is great for all ages.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While Opunohu Bay itself is more about natural beauty, there are dining options available at nearby resorts and in the surrounding areas of Moorea.
Yes, you can find local Polynesian cuisine at various eateries on Moorea. Exploring the island will lead you to charming local spots.
Yes, there are several grocery stores on Moorea, including a large one near the ferry port, offering a good selection of food items.
Reviews suggest the food at Hilton Moorea Resort & Spa was 'okay,' but the views were immaculate.
Picnicking is a great option! You can purchase supplies from local grocery stores and enjoy a meal with a view in many scenic spots around the bay.
📸 📸 Photography
The Belvédère d’Opunohu offers iconic panoramic shots. Look for the famous swing at the Three Pines Lookout and capture the vibrant marine life while snorkeling.
Drone photography is popular in Opunohu Bay, capturing stunning aerial views of the landscape and water. Always check local regulations before flying.
Sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for photography. Midday provides clear, bright light for capturing the vibrant blues of the water and lush greens of the landscape.
Yes, the clear waters make it ideal for photographing the diverse marine life. Be patient and respectful of the animals while capturing your shots. +1
The Belvédère d’Opunohu is the primary viewpoint. Additionally, the summits of hikes like Magic Mountain and Three Coconuts offer spectacular photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more active outing, the Magic Mountain Overlook hike is manageable for older children, offering a rewarding view as a family accomplishment.
Pack plenty of sunscreen, hats, and water, as the tropical sun can be intense. The relaxed pace of Moorea is ideal for families looking to unwind and create lasting memories together. 💰 Budget Travelers
Pack snacks and utilize the local grocery stores for meals, as dining out for every meal can add up. While some activities like ATV tours have associated costs, many of the most breathtaking experiences, such as hiking to viewpoints and snorkeling in the bay, are free or have minimal fees.
Focus on enjoying the natural beauty and the laid-back island vibe, which are abundant and cost nothing. 💑 Couples & Honeymooners
Consider a couples' ATV tour through the scenic pineapple fields for a fun and adventurous shared experience. Many resorts offer overwater bungalows for a truly luxurious and intimate stay, though budget-friendly Airbnbs with ocean views can also provide a romantic setting.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Opunohu Bay's Natural Wonders
+1For those who love to explore on foot, Moorea boasts several incredible hiking trails. The Magic Mountain Overlook is a relatively easy 3km trek that rewards hikers with sweeping vistas of Opunohu Bay.
+1 A slightly more challenging, but equally rewarding, option is the Three Coconuts Lookout, offering stunning views and a chance to experience the island's diverse flora. +1Beyond the land, the waters of Opunohu Bay teem with life. The lagoon is a fantastic spot for snorkeling, where you can encounter a vibrant array of tropical fish, graceful stingrays, and even resident eels.
Getting Around Moorea: Options and Insights
When considering car rentals, it's wise to do your research, as prices can vary significantly. One traveler noted that Hertz offered prices half that of Avis.
For shorter excursions or a more relaxed pace, canoes are also available for rent, allowing you to paddle along the coast and enjoy the tranquil waters.
Wildlife Encounters in Opunohu Bay
For those staying at resorts with lagoon access, these marine encounters can be a daily delight. Some travelers even mention the presence of sharks in the bay, particularly at night, adding an element of thrilling biodiversity to the experience.
Beyond the aquatic life, the lush interior surrounding Opunohu Bay is home to various bird species. While not as prominently featured as the marine life, the sounds of the tropical birds add to the immersive natural ambiance of the area. Observing these creatures in their natural habitat is a significant part of the Opunohu Bay experience, offering a glimpse into the rich biodiversity of French Polynesia.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit