The Moorea Honeymoon Guide for the Best Resorts & Things to Do

A Moorea honeymoon is as luxurious as they come—but that doesn't mean it has to drain your savings. The neighboring sister to Tahiti, coral reef-encased Moorea, is a tropical island paradise that constantly tops dream destinations. (Think: overwater bungalows and crystal-clear lagoons.) Low-cost airlines, locally run guesthouses, and affordable ferries make Moorea an accessible destination for couples hoping to keep within a reasonable budget.

Of course, if you want to splash out on a jaw-droppingly beautiful bungalow, where you can sip wine with your other half while watching colorful fish swimming below the glass-bottom bedroom floor, that's certainly one of the highlights here. Vibrant marine life, calm bays and lagoons perfect for kayaking and snorkeling, and adventure in the form of scenic mountain hiking trails and ziplining through treetops (plus plenty of private beach options) add to the many reasons why Moorea is a fantastic honeymoon locale.

FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT

Moorea Honeymoon Tips in this Article:

• Is Moorea Good for a Honeymoon?
• The Best Times to Visit Moorea
• The Best Moorea Resorts and Hotels for a Honeymoon
• Best Things to Do on a Moorea Honeymoon
• What to Pack for a Moorea Honeymoon

Is Moorea Good for a Honeymoon?

Samantha T. Photography / Getty Images

Pros of a Honeymoon in Moorea

The island is an easy one to reach—and Americans don't need a visa—since it's only a 25- to 45-minute boat trip from the capital of Papeete or a 15-minute flight from Tahiti—and there are multiple per day. Despite being across the world, Tahiti is just an 8-hour flight from San Francisco or Los Angeles. Once you arrive in Moorea, it's easy to get around coastal roads by scooter or you can tour the island by e-bike. Accommodations range from modest guesthouses and campsites to luxe resorts and dreamy overwater bungalows, giving couples plenty of budget-friendly and splurge-worthy options.

Cons of a Honeymoon in Moorea

Even if you're saving money on accommodations staying in a local pension, or guesthouse, dining out and excursions can quickly add up. Summer (North America's winter) is a popular time to visit, but it's also when Moorea is the most humid and rainy. Shoulder seasons (around the months of May and October) are a good middle ground since the most sought-after accommodations like overwater bungalows are slightly less expensive and the island isn't as crowded.

The Best Times to Visit Moorea

One of the sunniest places in the world, The Islands of Tahiti average around 80°F—the same temperature as the water in the lagoons. Every day may feel like summer since the temps don't fluctuate too much, but you'll want to be aware of the two seasons: dry and rainy. March to November is the dry season and when the weather is slightly cooler, this is the prime time to visit. The rest of the year is warmer with guaranteed rain, but you'll still be able to set off on excursions like scuba diving or relax indoors with a Polynesian couple's massage.

The Best Moorea Resorts and Hotels for a Honeymoon

Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort

Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort

Set on one of the longest white-sand beaches on the island, Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort uses its location to its advantage—meaning panoramic views everywhere from the bungalows to the open-air restaurant Pure perched on the lagoon. You can easily slip into the water for a swim from the deck of your overwater bungalow, whose glass-bottom floor makes the room feel like your own private aquarium.

Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa

Boasting the only overwater restaurant in Moorea, couples will really get the full Tahitian resort feel here. Choose from one of the thatched-roof overwater bungalows with sweeping views of the lagoon from the wraparound decks or a garden bungalow, a more secluded option that comes with a private plunge pool.

Hotel Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea

The romantic resort offers honeymooners a few ways to spend their vacation, cozying up in bungalows along the sand, over the water, or one tucked in the tropical garden. Throughout the week, the hotel hosts barbecues and Polynesian dance shows, but if you really want a meal that will remind you you're on your honeymoon, have breakfast delivered by traditional canoe in the morning.

Moorea Cook's Bay Hotel

Fresh off a two-year renovation, the 38-suite hotel is more traditional in style (no bungalows here) but couples who want conveniences like kitchenettes and parking will find everything they need at the modern resort. Terraces sport sunbeds facing the sea and rooms surround the pool, which leads down to the crystal-clear lagoon.

Pension Tarariki

For a budget-friendly option that's more Robinson Crusoe than a sprawling resort, the thatched-roof bungalows at this rustic guesthouse are the perfect place to unwind by the beach. Don't expect amenities like air-conditioning—the charm here is waking up to a sunrise lighting up the hut-like rooms or relaxing with a book on one of the hammocks swaying the trees.

Best Things to Do on a Moorea Honeymoon

Andrea Pistolesi / Getty Images

Swim With Whales, Sharks and Rays

You don't need to be scuba-certified to soak up the best beneath the sea here. Set off on a half-day boat tour with a naturalist guide who will share everything you need to know about some of the marine life you'll encounter while snorkeling. Get ready to spot dolphins and migrating humpback whales (from mid-July to mid-November), plus blacktip reef sharks and leopard rays.

Tour Moorea's Astounding Street Food

One of the best ways to learn about another culture is through cuisine, so join a Moorea-born guide on a tour of the best street food joints—which are strong in French, Chinese, and Polynesian influences. Expect plenty of fresh poisson cru and chow mein sandwiches.

Explore the Island Via Four-Wheel-Drive

Rise and shine for a morning tour of the island's most scenic lookout points and attractions like a local liquor factory and vanilla plantation, sampling Moorea's characteristic flavors in the form of jams, juices, and pineapple liqueur.

Shop for Black Pearls

Polynesia is the capital of these exotic members of the demure pearl family, which are cultivated in the indigenous black pearl oyster. Tour pearl farms, learn how they are cultivated and choose your own to take home from black pearl boutiques, like The Black Pearl Gem Company, Perle d'O and Moorea Black Pearls.

What to Pack for a Moorea Honeymoon

Douglas Peebles / Getty Images

Tropical temperatures mean balmy days and breezy nights, so pack a mix of resortwear (cover-ups, swimsuits, day dresses, sandals) and anything you may need for more active excursions. For coastal hikes and dips in shallow lagoons, water or reef shoes can help protect against sharp coral. Lightweight rain jackets or ponchos are great for boat rides and any afternoon showers. Sun protection is important here, so don't forget sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a rash guard or UPF sun protective clothing. Island life means you don't have to get too dressed up—unless you want to. Since it is your honeymoon, after all, now's the time to bring out poppy prints, breezy maxi dresses, chic sarongs, and a selection of stylish sandals.