How to Book an Excursion in Moorea
Most excursions can be booked directly with the operators, online or by phone. In high season (July-August) and during whale season, book a few days ahead: groups are small and places go fast.
Many operators offer hotel pickup, sometimes for a supplement. From Haapiti, allow about twenty minutes' drive to reach Opunohu Bay, to the north, from which several trips depart.
Our partners are coming soon. Kanoa Lodge opens its doors in July 2027. We are currently choosing, on site, the operators we will work with. Their names and contact details will appear on this page as soon as they are confirmed. In the meantime, the durations, prices and seasons shown here give a fair idea of what the island offers.
Diving in Moorea
The sites are in the north, between Opunohu and Cook's Bay: the Tiki, the Roses, the Taotoi pass. Allow 45 minutes' drive from Haapiti, or use the club's pickup.
Scubapiti
Two dives a day, groups of six divers maximum, on the northern sites. They run introductory dives in the morning, when the lagoon is still calm, and keep the afternoon drop-offs for certified divers. Equipment provided, briefing in French.
Lagoon Introductory Dive - Scubapiti
A first tank at shallow depth, inside the lagoon, with no swell or current. One instructor for two people. It is the sensible option for a first try or for children.
Whale Watching in Moorea
Seasonal, guided trip. The boat searches and observes from a distance. Swimming with the whales only happens if the animal allows it and regulations permit that day.
Whale Trip with an Approved Operator
Small boat, limited group, with a guide trained in approaching cetaceans. No guarantee of an encounter: this is observation of wild animals, not a show. Trips leave early, when the sea is calmest.
Partner to be announced before the lodge opens.
Snorkelling and Lagoon Tour
The trip everyone takes, and rightly so: rays, blacktip reef sharks, coral garden and a picnic on a motu. It is also the one that suits non-swimmers.
Lagoon Boat Tour
A loop in the lagoon with three stops: the coral garden, the stingray site and a motu beach for lunch. Masks and snorkels provided, cool box on board. The guide shares the island's stories as much as he steers the boat.
Partner to be announced before the lodge opens.
Private Outrigger Canoe Trip
The same water, but for six people maximum and at the time you choose. Useful to avoid crowds at midday on the ray sites, or for a sunset trip.
Partner to be announced before the lodge opens.
Quad and 4x4 Excursions
It is the simplest way to reach the interior: Opunohu plateau, pineapple fields, the Belvédère and the Magic Mountain track, which rental cars cannot take.
Interior 4x4 Safari
A route in an off-road vehicle climbing to the Belvédère through the pineapple fields, passing the marae on the Opunohu plateau and, depending on the track's condition, up to the summit of Magic Mountain. The guide stops to explain, not just to take photos.
Partner to be announced before the lodge opens.
Quad Trek
A quad for one or two, in single file behind a guide, on the interior tracks. Dirtier and more fun than the 4x4, and the only way to reach Magic Mountain without a suitable vehicle. Driving licence required.
Read our Magic Mountain guide ↗
Guided Hike
The three walks worth the detour from the west coast: the Trois Cocotiers pass, the Opunohu plateau and the Magic Mountain track. The first requires a guide - the trail gets lost quickly after rain. The other two can be done alone, as long as you set off early.
A local guide can be arranged on request from Haapiti, in a small group, for a half day. We contact them for you; allow 48 hours' notice.
Read our Magic Mountain guide ↗
All Excursions at a Glance
| Category | Operator | Duration | Indicative Price | Departure | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Diving | Scubapiti | Half day | 9 000 - 12 000 XPF | Opunohu · 45 min | Year-round |
| Diving | Lagoon Introductory Dive - Scubapiti | 2 h | 8 000 - 10 000 XPF | North coast · 40 min | Year-round |
| Whale Watching | Approved partner, to be announced | 3 - 4 h | 12 000 - 16 000 XPF | Depending on sea conditions | July - November |
| Lagoon | Lagoon tour · to be announced | Full day | 7 000 - 11 000 XPF | Haapiti · 10 min | Year-round |
| Lagoon | Private outrigger canoe · to be announced | 3 h | 35 000 - 45 000 XPF | Haapiti · 10 min | Year-round |
| 4x4 | Interior safari · to be announced | Half day | 7 000 - 9 000 XPF | At the hotel | Year-round |
| Quad | Quad trek · to be announced | 2 - 3 h 30 | 13 000 - 20 000 XPF | West coast · 15 min | Year-round |
| Hiking | Local guide · to be announced | Half day | 6 000 - 9 000 XPF | Haapiti · at the hotel | Year-round |
Reef-Friendly Outings
- Mineral Sunscreen - chemical filters bleach coral, and several of the island's operators ban them on board
- No Feeding - the operators we work with do not feed rays or sharks, even if guests ask them to.
- Mooring Buoys - boats tie up to moorings installed at the sites rather than dropping anchor on the coral.
- Distance from Whales - approach is regulated, engine at idle, never cutting across an animal's path; the boat moves away if the animal shows signs of disturbance.
- What We Don't Know Yet - we do not display a label until it has been verified - this list describes what we have observed on board.
Shopping, Pearls and Crafts
POriginals Pearls, Pearl Artisan
A short farm visit, an explanation of grafting, then direct sales. Baroque pearls are considerably cheaper here than in Papeete, and they show you the flaws instead of hiding them.
Petit Village, Haapiti · Monday to Saturday, 9 am - 5 pm
Haapiti Craft Market
Pareos dyed on site, monoi, pandanus weaving, wood carvings. Artisans from the area, not resellers. Bring cash.
Haapiti · 10 min from the lodge · daily, 8 am - 1 pm
Grocery and Local Produce
Jams, vanilla, Moorea honey and pineapple juice from the cannery. Good things to take home without going through the airport shop.
Ring Road · Monday to Saturday 6 am - 6 pm, Sunday 6 am - 12 pm