Moorea is one of the top places in French Polynesia to stay in an overwater bungalow. The turquoise water here is not only stunning to look at but it’s also teeming with colorful marine life. Being able to watch it all from your over water villa is like living the dream.
There are a variety of accommodations in Moorea, from fancy resorts to affordable guesthouses to cozy lodges, but staying in an overwater bungalow is a bucket-list experience.
Moorea has 170+ overwater bungalows, most of which are built on stilts and are hut-shaped with wooden roofs, giving a Polynesian flair. The water surrounding these bungalows is up to 3 meters deep and gets deeper the farther the bungalow is from the shore.
In this article, we’ve talked about the best overwater bungalows, plus everything you need to know to have an amazing overwater stay in Moorea.
Best Overwater Bungalows in Moorea
While there are no true all-inclusive overwater resorts in Moorea, adding a few extras to your package can enhance your stay. Following are the resorts with the best over water bungalows on Moorea.
Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea
Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea is a 5-star luxury accommodation in Moorea known for its stunning white sand beach and some of the best overwater bungalows on the island.
The overwater bungalows here not only offer comfort with their king-size beds but also mesmerizing views of the bright blue ocean and Tahiti Island in front. The cool part is that the bungalow has a small glass floor section that gives a glimpse of the underwater world. And then there’s the deck with lounge chairs for you to relax with your partner, or you can take a dip in the water or even snorkel right off your deck.
The water around the bungalows is crystal clear and full of reefs and fish. It’s about 1-3 meters deep depending on how much further your overwater property is.
Overwater options
The Sofitel Moorea has over 110 bungalows including 38 overwater bungalows. You can pick from Superior, Luxury, and Horizon water bungalows.
- Superior Overwater Bungalows are cheaper than other overwater options but the experience is mostly the same. The trade-off is mainly in size and some amenities.
- Luxury Overwater Bungalows are roomy and have more amenities than the Superior ones.
- Horizon Overwater Bungalows are situated at the end of the docks and offer the best views. They face outward rather than other bungalows.
Amenities & Food
All bungalows have a king-size bed, free WiFi, A/C, an LCD TV, a free minibar, and other luxuries to make your stay more enjoyable. The bathrooms are spacious with double vanities and showers.
There’s an on-property dive center for scuba diving excursions. And for recreational activities, you can get snorkeling gear, paddleboards, kayaks, and more from the rental center, which is also near the dive shop.
In dining, the resort has four restaurants with a lot of food options. Complimentary breakfast is included which is served from 6 am to 10 am. Besides that, you can add dinner to your package by spending a little more. The food here is amazing, you’re going to enjoy it.
Where is it located?
The Sofitel Moorea Resort is located in the neighborhood of Teavaro on the east side of Moorea. It’s close to the local restaurants, and only a short drive from Moorea Airport (1.6 km) and Vaiare Ferry Terminal (3.4 km).
The resort sits on the pristine Temae Beach which is one of the best snorkeling spots in Moorea.
Price
The prices for Sofitel Moorea overwater accommodations range from $1200-$1500 for a night stay.
Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort
Hilton Moorea is a luxury 5-star resort in Moorea with a variety of accommodation types to choose from, including overwater bungalows.
The overwater bungalows at the resort provide modern comforts with traditional Polynesian charm. Due to the resort’s location, the bungalows are surrounded by stunning views of jagged mountains and magical lagoon. You can watch sunrises, sunsets, and a variety of sea animals like rays, sharks, turtles, etc. from your balcony.
For more unique experiences, get a massage on your deck or breakfast delivery in a canoe to your bungalow. These services come at an extra cost though.
If you’ve had enough of the water, you can relax on the gorgeous white sand beach that the resort has reserved exclusively for its guests. The beach shares shores with the famous Ta’ahiamanu Beach of Moorea. The lagoon at its front is also perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Overwater options
The Hilton Moorea has the most overwater bungalows on the island, with 56 to choose from. You can pick between King Overwater Bungalows, King Panoramic Overwater Bungalows, and King Panoramic Premium Overwater Bungalows based on what suits your fancy.
- King Overwater Bungalows are similar to other overwater options but they don’t have a panoramic view. You can upgrade to a Panoramic bungalow by paying a little extra.
- King Panoramic Overwater Bungalows are located farther from the regular King ones and offer amazing panoramic views.
- King Panoramic Premium Overwater Bungalows provide unobstructed views as they are situated at the far end. They offer a more private experience, and hence most pricey.
Amenities & Food
The overwater rooms are spacious and have see-through glass floor panels. They also feature private sitting areas and an outdoor patio with a swim platform where you can relax or jump off of it into the water.
The rooms come with king-size beds, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, LCD TVs, minibars, and other amenities for your convenience.
The resort offers complimentary snorkeling gear, paddle boards and kayaks. If you want some adventure, the concierge can get you set up with jet skis, scuba diving, 4×4 tours, or whatever activities you’re into.
Typically breakfast isn’t included at the Hilton Moorea, but you can add it to your package for an extra $36 per person, and it’ll be available from 6:30 am to 10:30 am. The highlight of the resort’s dining is the amazing overwater Toatea Creperie restaurant.
Where is it located?
Hilton Moorea Resort is on the north coast of Moorea, nestled between Cooks Bay and Opunohu Bay. It’s approximately 15 kilometers from the Moorea airport and 18 kilometers from the Moorea ferry terminal.
A taxi to the resort will cost around $50 from either the airport or the ferry terminal.
Price
A stay in an overwater bungalow at Hilton Moorea will cost between $1200 and $1900 per night, depending on the season and property.
For those who aren’t planning a stay at the Hilton but still want a taste of the experience, they can purchase a day pass which typically costs $100 per person.
Manava Moorea Resort
Manava Beach Resort & Spa is ideal for anyone seeking a luxury overwater experience at a lower cost than Sofitel and Hilton. It’s a 4-star resort but just as amazing as those big name 5-star resorts.
Overwater bungalows at the resort offer an intimate experience with smaller pontoon areas and cozy rooms overlooking the serene lagoon. You can get a relaxing massage at its famous spa, unwind on your private deck, and refresh yourself in the turquoise waters right outside your bungalow.
The waters are filled with a variety of fish, offering great snorkeling opportunities right off the staircase. The resort provides free kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling gear and more to help its guests explore the surrounding waters.
Overwater bungalow options
Manava Moorea Resort features over 28 overwater bungalows built over a fantastic lagoon. You can choose between a Regular Overwater Bungalow or a Premium Overwater Bungalow.
Amenities & Food
The rooms are clean and comfy with king-size beds and designed to evoke the local Tahitian feel. They are equipped with air conditioning, TV, free WiFi, minibar, and everything you would expect from an expensive place. The staff is friendly and always ready to help with whatever you need.
The food at the resort’s two restaurants is also great, with a variety of options on the menu. Breakfast isn’t included in the room rate, it will cost about $39 per person to include that in your package.
Location
One of the best things about this resort is that it’s within walking distance of shops and restaurants. It’s located north of Moorea in the neighborhood of Maharepa, which is about 9 kilometers from the airport and 9.6 kilometers from the ferry dock.
Price
The prices for overwater bungalows at Manava Resort Moorea start around $800 and can go up to $1300 depending on the bungalow type and time of booking.
InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa
Intercontinental Moorea used to be the most popular choice on the island of Moorea, situated on the northern coast and approx. 25 kilometers from the Moorea Airport. Sadly, it permanently closed its doors in March 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As of now, it’s uncertain whether the resort will reopen in the future. You can find more information about this resort here.
Overwater Bungalows Affordable Alternatives
If the above over water bungalows are a bit too pricey for your liking, then here are some budget-friendly alternatives that aren’t technically over the water, but you can still get kinda similar experience.
Hôtel Fenua Mata’i’oa
Hôtel Fenua Mata’i’oa is a beautiful boutique hotel with accommodations right by the lagoon. Here you can get the overwater vibe without burning a hole in your wallet.
The hotel goes for a lush garden feel with plenty of plants and greenery. There are lovely common areas by the water with sunbeds & chairs to relax, eat, drink, and enjoy the lagoon views.
There are different room options available offering fantastic views and direct deck access to the lagoon. These rooms are well decorated, spacious and have comfortable beds. You’ll have amenities like air conditioning, TV, WiFi, refrigerator, and more available in the room.
Unfortunately, there’s no on-site restaurant, so you’ll have to look for other options. There are a few cafes and restaurants within a 5-minute walk, though.
Getting to Hôtel Fenua Mata’i’oa
Hôtel Fenua is located near Tipaniers Beach in the village of Tiahura on the northeast side of the island. It’s about 26km from the airport and 30km from the ferry terminal.
Hotel Kaveka
Hotel Kaveka is another nice hotel situated right by the lagoon in the Cook’s Bay area. They have a variety of bungalows to choose from, including lagoon bungalows.
What’s great about this hotel is that it has an overwater restaurant where you can dine and enjoy the feeling of being over the water. You can even access the lagoon directly from the restaurant’s dock and snorkel to see coral reefs and many fish swimming by.
The rooms are clean and comfortable, and depending on the bungalow you pick, you’d have a glimpse of the lagoon. AC, TV, and other essentials are also provided.
Additionally, if you want to go shopping or eat out, there are shops, cafes and restaurants within walking distance.
Getting to Hotel Kaveka
You can find the Hotel Kaveka near Cook’s Bay in Paopao, about 7.9km from the Moorea airport and 11km from the Moorea ferry terminal.
Aimeo Lodge (Club Bali Hai)
Aimeo Lodge also known as Club Bali Hai is a long-standing hotel built in the 1960s. It was the first hotel to introduce overwater bungalows in Moorea and across French Polynesia in 1967.
This hotel doesn’t have as many rooms and amenities as some of the more expensive resorts have. There are about 30 rooms in total, including 6 bungalows that extend over the water.
The rooms and services are good for the price, with free Wi-Fi, kayaks, refrigerator, AC, etc. available.
Keep in mind that this is not your typical fancy hotel and things might feel a bit outdated. So don’t expect anything fancy. Considering its affordable price, there isn’t much to complain about.
The good thing is that the hotel is in a good location near the city center, so you not only have stunning views of the bay from its bungalows.
If you can’t book it online, you’ll likely have to visit in person to secure a reservation here.
Getting to Aimeo Lodge
Aimeo Lodge is located on the north side of Moorea, in the cove of Cook in Paopao village. It’s about 9.1 kilometers from Moorea Airport.
Moorea Overwater Bungalows Prices
Overwater bungalows on the island of Moorea, and across French Polynesia are a splurge. In Moorea, overwater bungalow prices start around $800 per night and go up to $1600 per night, depending on the season and the specific bungalow you choose.
You’ll see a 30% to 40% increase in prices in the high season on Moorea.
The Hilton Moorea stands as the priciest choice for overwater accommodations in Moorea with rates exceeding $1500 per night. Sofitel Moorea is also pricey, followed by the Manava Moorea Resort which is a bit cheaper with rates starting around $800 per night.
These overwater resorts aren’t just expensive for being over the waters, they actually offer the kind of experiences and amenities that tourists would expect from an expensive place.
Are Overwater Bungalows in Moorea Worth it?
Absolutely! If you can afford a stay in an overwater bungalow in Moorea, go for it without a doubt. It’s one of the most amazing experiences you can have on the island.
If you’re on a tight budget but still want a stay in an overwater bungalow, I’d suggest spending only a night there to get the feel of it, and the rest of your stay at a more affordable hotel.
However, some tourists cannot afford an overwater bungalow despite their utter desire. My advice to them would be to try to stay close to the beaches or look into a beachfront resort.
Overwater Bungalow vs Beach Bungalow
Here’s a quick overview of why you might choose an overwater bungalow over a beach bungalow, and vice versa.
Overwater Bungalow
If you were to choose between an overwater bungalow and a beach bungalow, which would you pick? Most people would go with the over water bungalow option because it’s a dream thing for many.
So, what exactly is an overwater bungalow? It’s all in the name, an overwater bungalow is the type of accommodation that is built right over the water, where guests can stay and soak in the beautiful surroundings of the water.
Staying in overwater bungalows provides a unique experience of being above the water, and the feeling that you’re floating above sea life hits differently. These accommodations are often more private, so are perfect for honeymooners or anyone looking for a peaceful getaway. These bungalows offer direct access to the lagoon from the steps leading into the stunning clear waters. Plus, the pictures with that incredible backdrop can make your friends jealous.
Beach Bungalow
Beach bungalows are the ones that sit right on the beach, with the ocean just a few meters away from their doorstep. These bungalows are one of the favorite spots of travelers looking for accommodations.
Beach bungalows are much cheaper and have a lot more options than overwater ones. These bungalows are just meters from the water, so you can enjoy both beach and ocean views. They can be more spacious and have multiple rooms and a private pool, depending on your package.
Moorea or Bora Bora
You might be wondering whether to stay in an overwater bungalow at Moorea or Bora Bora? Both Moorea and Bora Bora are prime destinations in French Polynesia for overwater stays. Bora Bora is more popular and has better overwater bungalows with modern architecture and picturesque settings. Keep in mind that they also come with high prices.
In Moorea, you’ll find overwater bungalows to be more affordable than those in Bora Bora. They might feel a bit outdated to some but overall the experience is quite the same. Besides that, if you want good snorkeling, Moorea’overwater bungalows offer a richer underwater experience while Bora Bora’s overwater bungalows lack this.
So if Bora Bora isn’t in your travel itinerary, I’d say you don’t need to make special arrangements just for a bungalow there, you’ll be fine in Moorea.
Things to know
- Book in advance: Despite the high price tag, overwater bungalows in Moorea are often sold out, both in-season and off-season. So, it’s best to book them well ahead of your trip to avoid disappointment.
- Expect high costs: Moorea’s overwater bungalows don’t come cheap. This is because they are in high demand most of the year. Besides that, their exclusivity, luxury amenities, and unique experience of staying over the water add to their premium price tag.
- Not for families: These bungalows don’t accommodate families with kids because they are designed for 2 persons/couples with one bed in the room. Upon request, some hotels may offer a rollaway bed for kids.
- Accessibility issues: Depending on your water bungalow location, you might be far from the resort’s amenities and face potential service delays.
- Fantastic snorkeling: The water around the overwater bungalows of Moorea is calm and has plenty of corals and fish, you’ll love snorkeling there.
- It can be noisy: Although peace & tranquility are one of the features of overwater bungalows, sometimes when it’s windy, it can get noisy due to waves and disturb light sleepers at night.
Final thoughts: Why you should stay in an Overwater Bungalow in Moorea
While overwater bungalows on Moorea Island are expensive, they’re definitely worth the splurge. Staying in one offers a unique experience that you can’t find at other types of accommodations. You can escape the crowds and check off a bucket list item.
Regardless of your choice, the bungalows and the other hotels mentioned in this article are guaranteed to provide you with a wonderful experience.
Answers to the questions you might have
Does Moorea have overwater bungalows?
Yes, there are tons of overwater bungalows to choose from in Moorea, available at different resorts.
Are overwater bungalows safe?
Overwater bungalows are completely safe, they’re typically built in calm waters, away from strong currents and waves.
Are kids allowed on an overwater bungalow?
Yes, kids are allowed on the overwater bungalow in Moorea, but you’ll need to be extra careful because water is right there.
Is tap water safe?
Yes, you can drink tap water on most parts of the Moorea but it’s better to double-check with your accommodator. If you are health conscious, you can buy bottled water which isn’t much pricey.
How many days do you need in Moorea?
I’d say 5 to 7 days are more than enough for this small island if you don’t want to get bored.
Which month is best for Moorea?
May to October is generally cooler and are the best months to visit Moorea.
