7 Best Moorea Snorkeling Spots and Tours To Check Out

Snorkeling is one of the top things to do in Moorea. Whether you’re a beginner or an avid snorkeler, there’s a snorkeling spot and opportunity for everyone.

You can snorkel on your own at the beaches or from the deck of your overwater bungalows, or you can go on a snorkeling tour to explore the rich marine life of Moorea.

You’ll find many amazing tours and spots for snorkeling in Moorea that’ll make your trip to this island truly memorable.

This article is all about helping you get the best snorkeling experience in Moorea. Without further ado, let’s begin with the best snorkeling tours.

What’s it like snorkeling in Moorea?

Moorea is located in the South Pacific Ocean which is known for its blue waters, great marine life and coral reef system. The water here is clear and teeming with colorful marine life which makes snorkeling on this island a magical experience.

The average water temperature is around 80°F (26°C) with mild to moderate currents near the shores. It’s about 1-3 meters deep underwater near the beaches and can reach a depth of up to 80 meters if you go further out in the ocean.

Moorea’s reef ecosystem has a variety of soft and hard coral formations providing habitat for a wide range of marine life. While a coral bleaching event in 2019 had a negative impact on the reef, much of it remains in good condition and is worth exploring.

What’s the best time to snorkel?

The best time to go snorkeling in Moorea is from May to October during the dry season. Since most days are clear during this period, the water is clearer which results in better visibility and hence enhances the underwater experience.

Additionally, the water feels really nice and warm during this time with average temperatures between 77°F and 81°F.  The weather in Moorea at this time is also nicer outside, all this makes this a great time to visit Moorea overall.

If you’re in Moorea at other times, you can still snorkel but you might miss out on activities like whale watching, which only happens from August to November.

How much is it to go snorkeling in Moorea?

In Moorea, you can snorkel for free or pay for a guided experience. If you decide to snorkel on your own, there’s no cost. You just need snorkeling gear, find a public beach and jump in to explore the lagoons.

If you’re thinking about joining a snorkeling tour, it can cost anywhere from $80 to $1,000 per person, depending on the type of tour and the company you’re choosing.

Moorea snorkeling essentials

To make your snorkeling trip in Moorea more enjoyable, bring all the necessary snorkeling gear and stuff with you. If you’re going with a tour though, feel free to pack a little lighter since they’ll usually provide some of the equipment for you.

Here is a list of items that’ll be useful for your snorkeling adventure in Moorea:

• Snorkel and Mask for better visibility and breathing underwater.
• Fins will help with kicking and swimming.
• Wetsuit/Rashguard to protect your body against the sun.
• Reef-safe sunscreen to protect yourself from sunburn.
• Dry bag will keep your belongings safe from water.
• Travel towel of your own to dry off.
• Waterproof phone/camera case for taking pictures underwater.
• Life jackets can be helpful for inexperienced swimmers and snorkelers.

Marine life observings in Moorea

Moorea’s waters are packed with tons of marine life. Following are some of the many aquatic species you can see underwater:

• Stingrays
• Eagle rays
• Manta rays
• Blacktip sharks
• Lemon sharks
• Humpback whales
• Sea turtles
• Clownfish
• Butterflyfish
• Goatfish
• Parrotfish
• Scorpionfish
• Triggerfish
• Spinner dolphins
• Barracudas
• Coral reefs
• Moray eels
• Crabs
• Octopus

Best Moorea Snorkeling Spots

For people who are not interested in a tour and want to do snorkeling on their own, they can do so. But the question is where to snorkel in Moorea.

I’ve got you covered! Down below are some of the best snorkeling spots in Moorea you could find.

1. Ta’ahiamanu Beach
2. Hauru Public Beach
3. Tipaniers Beach
4. Temae Beach
5. Moorea Lagoonarium (Le Jardin De Corail)
6. Motu Tiahura (Coco Beach)
7. Shark Sandbank

Snorkeling spots for beginners

Ta’ahiamanu Beach

Ta’ahiamanu Beach is an easy-to-get-to snorkeling spot in Moorea located right next to the island’s main road on the west coast.

The beach is a popular spot among locals and tourists, so expect it to be crowded. If you want a great fun time here, go forward about 20 to 30 meters towards the ocean. By doing so you’ll be away from the crowds and can find an improved underwater environment.

Another good thing about this spot is that currents are usually calm here which makes for pleasant snorkeling as well as diving experience on Moorea.

Hauru Public Beach (Plage Publique de Tiahura)

The waters at Hauru Public Beach possess many types of fish like angelfish, starfish, clownfish, and more. You can also spot rays and turtles here on this small public beach.

You can snorkel near the beach if you’re a beginner or with family, but to get a better snorkeling experience, I recommend going out in the ocean around 50 meters and I bet you won’t regret it.

You can find this snorkeling place on the northwest coast of Moorea, approximately one kilometer away from Tipaniers Beach.

Tipaniers Beach

Tipaniers Beach is a superb spot for snorkeling for both beginners and experienced. It’s a private beach that isn’t only a great spot for snorkeling but also for other activities like kitesurfing, scuba diving, paddle boarding, etc.

From this beach, you can easily get to Motu Fareone and its coral garden and sandbank. You won’t only see great reefs there but also swarms of colorful tropical fish swimming around.

You can find the beach on the northwest coast of Moorea near Tiahura Village.

Snorkeling spots for experienced

Temae Beach (Public Beach)

Temae Beach is one of the best public beaches in Moorea for snorkeling located on the east coast of the island.

The clean blue water here is packed with tons of marine life. I’d suggest swimming out about 100 meters towards the barrier reef in order to get an enhanced underwater experience.

Keep in mind that currents here can get pretty strong, so bring your fins. And you also need to be a good swimmer to snorkel here.

Moorea Lagoonarium (Le Jardin De Corail)

Moorea Lagoonarium is one of the top spots for snorkeling in Moorea located to the east of the island at Motu Ahi.

This place is teeming with coral reefs and different kinds of wildlife that make snorkeling here well worth it. Snorkeling lovers and those who want a great snorkeling experience should visit this place.

One thing you should know is that there are usually strong currents present there, so you’ll need to be a strong swimmer to go against the flow. The good news is that there are ropes underwater for you to hold onto if you need them.

Motu Tiahura (Coco Beach)

Motu Tiahura also known for its beach named Coco Beach is an islet located about a 5 minute boat ride away from northwest of Moorea. The crystal blue water here is perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Because this place is tucked away from the crowds, the reefs and sea life here are in pristine condition, making for an awesome underwater experience.

You’ll have to swim out to the middle, between the two motus, to see lots of corals and fish. Just watch out for currents there, sometimes they are strenuous.

Shark Sandbank

Shark sandbank is one of the top spots to find sharks in Moorea. If you go there, you won’t only see sharks but also rays and many other fish.

This place isn’t for complete beginners unless you’re with a guide. You’ll need some swimming skills as there can be currents pushing you around and tides up to your shoulders.

This place is located on the north coast of Moorea which can only be reached by boat, kayak, and through a tour.

There’s also a sweet snorkeling spot at Motu Fareone, which is nearby, you might be interested.

Moorea Snorkeling Map

Best Snorkeling Tours in Moorea

1. Snorkeling & Lunch Tour – Shared Tour

• Rating: 5/5 Stars
• Tour Length: 6 Hours

If you’re looking for a snorkeling tour that includes lunch, then this shared snorkeling and lunch tour by Moorea Miti Tours is your way to go.

In this group tour of a maximum twelve people, you’ll not only explore the Moorea lagoons but also learn about the island’s culture, recipes and more.

After arriving at your snorkeling spot which will be near the Motu Tiahura, there you’ll get to swim with a variety of fish, stingrays, and corals, and might even spot some turtles.

After the snorkeling trip, you’ll head to the nearby beach where your guide will show you how to open a coconut and drink milk from it. He’d even weave some cool hats for the ladies and kids which they can take home as souvenirs.

Then, you’ll finally get to enjoy a delicious lunch prepared by your local guide. It’s a great way to experience the flavors of Moorea that you usually don’t find in restaurants.

This tour is not just about snorkeling in Moorea but also about experiencing the Tahitian islands life in an enjoyable way.

2. Sea Scooter Jet Snorkeling “Moorea Dream Adventure”

• Rating: 5/5 Stars
• Tour Length: 4 Hours

This sea scooter jet snorkeling tour allows you to have a unique snorkeling experience and explore the rich snorkeling spots of Moorea without breaking a sweat.

As the name suggests, the tour operator will provide you with seascooters, so that you can snorkel around the waters of Moorea with ease.

Before going on this Moorea snorkeling excursion, you will be provided with a full-face snorkel mask and other snorkeling gear, and of course the underwater scooter. Your guide will give you all the instructions about snorkeling and operating sea scooters.

You’ll visit many snorkeling spots and see Moorea’s colorful marine life, including sharks, stingrays, coral gardens, and many other types of fish. You may also see some sea turtles and dolphins, which are not often seen. And if you’re super lucky, you might even get to see humpback whales swimming by!

Another great thing about this trip is that they capture your underwater moments in videos which you can later purchase to relive your wonderful memories.

3. Snorkeling excursion, discovery of the lagoon, small group

• Rating: 5/5 Stars
• Tour Length: 4 Hours

If you’re looking for an intimate and informative snorkeling tour, then this tour by Alex Lagoon Tours is the perfect one for you.

The tour guide will take you to multiple locations (usually there are four stops), away from crowds, giving you a more private snorkeling experience.

By visiting multiple locations and not staying at one, you’ll be able to see a variety of aquatic life nurturing under the waters.

At some locations, you will be amazed by the abundance of beautiful coral reefs. At other locations, you will see lots of fish, as well as other marine life such as rays, sharks, and turtles. You may even be lucky enough to see a few rare fish that you’ve never seen or heard of before.

Overall, it’s an awesome small group tour that is informative and fun and delivers everything you’re looking for and more.

4. Swimming with Whales and Dolphins in Moorea (Half Day tour)

• Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
• Tour Length: 4 Hours

If you are looking for a tour that offers more than just snorkeling, especially giving you the chance to swim with whales and dolphins, then this Moorea whale watching tour is for you.

On the tour, you’ll be provided with snorkeling gear and all the instructions for safe snorkeling. If you’re not comfortable swimming or snorkeling, the team will not force you to do so. They will instead advise you to stay on the boat, enjoy the views and watch whales in the distance.

So it’s important that you know how to snorkel/swim to fully enjoy this activity.

The tour guides will take you to areas where the chances of spotting whales and dolphins are higher. However, spotting whales is not always easy. It can take time and effort to find them, even in the best of places. If you’re lucky, you might see a whale right away.

Once spotted, your guide will take you closer to whales and help you swim with them while taking all the safety precautions.

On this tour, you can expect to see not only whales but also dolphins, sharks, stingrays and many more cool fish.

Whale watching and whale snorkeling is a bucket list experience and this tour is all about helping you check that off your list.

5. Night Snorkeling

• Rating: 5/5 Stars
• Tour Length: 1.5 Hours

Usually, it’s the day when all the snorkeling fun happens, but why not try something different and have a unique experience of snorkeling at night.

This short night snorkeling tour by Moorea Dark Waters allows you to experience the ocean’s nightlife at the lagoon of Temae Beach. This whole activity is close to the shores, making it a totally safe and enjoyable excursion, so there’s no need to be scared.

You might be wondering how you’re gonna do this activity or see anything in the dark. Don’t worry, the tour operators will give you a good brief before you go snorkeling.

You’ll get to see different sea animals that are only more active at night, which include lobsters, shrimps, eels, crabs, octopuses, sea cicadas, etc. Other than that, you can spot sharks, rays, turtles, reefs and more in the waters of Moorea.

No matter if you are a snorkeling enthusiast or not, you will absolutely love this activity. You should not hesitate to try this night snorkeling tour in Moorea as it could become the highlight of your Moorea trip.

6. Private Boat Tour of Moorea Lagoon

• Rating: 5/5 Stars
• Tour Length: 3 Hours

If you’re looking for a private snorkeling tour that takes you to the best snorkeling spots in Moorea, then go for this one.

Your guides will give brief info about the tour and also ask you about your experience in Moorea, places you’ve already visited, and any specific preferences you have.

If you are not a good swimmer/snorkeler, don’t worry. The guides on the tour are pros and can help you with that. You’d feel welcomed and taken care of and that’s what makes this tour so special.

The tour kicks off on the island where you’ll do some sightseeing first before jumping into the waters. Then they’ll take you to the secluded snorkeling spots, away from the crowds, just you and your guides will be there.

After the water fun, you’ll be provided with some snacks and juices to refuel your energy.

In addition, they will take some good quality photos and videos of your underwater escapades, which you can grab later and keep as a memento of your trip.

7. Moorea Lagoon Tour by Transparent Kayak

• Rating: 5/5 Stars
• Tour Length: 2 Hours

Enjoy the lagoons of Moorea and snorkel around with this budget-friendly tour on kayaks. These aren’t just any kayaks, they are the cool transparent ones.

In this tour, you’re going to be the captain of your own boat (kayak), paddling out in the ocean, and exploring the beautiful turquoise waters of Moorea while observing what’s happening below.

Keep in mind that kayaking in the ocean is harder than kayaking in lakes because the ocean is more turbulent and you might encounter some strong waves which can make it difficult for you to paddle.

After some arm workout and following your guide, you’ll be at your snorkeling spot. Here you’ll get to see sharks, rays, countless fish and reefs in their natural habitat.

The tour includes a stop at Motu Tiahura where your guide will hook you up with some fruits, juices and a little chill time for a breather.

Another great thing about this tour is it’s planned around the afternoon. This means that you will likely have a magical view of the sunset over the sea on your way back. You can capture some stunning photos during this moment.

This nice & short tour would be a workout for your arms but gives you a good overview of what the waters around the Moorea have to offer.

Best Resorts For Snorkeling

Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa

Hilton Moorea is a luxury 5-star resort that one can say is one of the best places to stay in Moorea, but also one of the expensive.

They own a wonderful beach that offers stunning views of mountains and ocean. At the lagoon, you’ve clear turquoise water that is just amazing for snorkeling.

Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea Hotel Moorea

Moorea Manava Resort is another luxury resort in Moorea that is slightly more affordable than Hilton and has great accommodation options.

Other than their nice rooms and stuff, they have an amazing beach and lagoon. You’ll love swimming and snorkeling here right off the hotel.

Linareva Moorea Beach Resort

Linareva Moorea Beach Resort is a great accommodation option for budget travelers. Resort is not only known for its accommodations but also for its beautiful lagoon.

Right off the dock, you’ve clear blue waters inviting you to dive in. You can swim, snorkel, kayak, etc. here at this resort.

Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort

Sofitel Kia Ora is a luxury 5-star resort and it’s expensive, obviously. But sometimes, it doesn’t hurt to splurge a bit for some comfort and luxury.

The resort features a pristine beach right at front accessible only to the hotel guests. It is very close to Temae Beach which is a great snorkeling spot and it only gets better here at the resort.

Final Thoughts

Moorea is a great destination for snorkeling because there are so many spots here to explore. Many from Tahiti come here, not because there is no snorkeling in Tahiti, but because the experience is much better here in Moorea.

I hope this article has given you enough information about snorkeling in Moorea. Whether to go on a snorkeling tour or to do it on your own, the decision is yours.

If you ask me, I’d say go for the snorkeling tour. It’s more convenient, and the guides will help you get the most out of Moorea’s waters.