The Travel Guides’ Tahiti and Moorea Island Highlights 

Whether you’re planning a tropical island getaway for the family, a honeymoon destination, or a gal pal trip, the Travel Guides have tried and tested some of the best things to do in Tahiti and Moorea.

Here’s the low-down: 

Sail the Tahitian Waves like Moana 

The Travel Guides kicked off their adventure the traditional Tahitian way – by canoe! 

While both a fun and thrilling experience, sailing by canoe is the traditional navigation method in Tahiti to hop from island to island. 

The Guides set sail using Moana Explorer canoes (if you know, you know!) and explored the pristine waters before jumping off for a quick dip and using the Conch shell to communicate with other boats on the water…could it get any more Tahitian?! 

COST: 

• The Moana Explorer costs about 14557 XPF (approx. $274 AUD). 

Have an Aussie-Style BBQ on the Water 

If you’re feeling a tad peckish and adventurous, donut-shaped boats are a fun way to enjoy lunch and get a taste of the breathtaking Polynesian lagoon. 

The Guides boarded A L’Eau Donut Boats where they fired up the onboard grill, cracked open a cold one, and floated along the lagoon. The experience has an almost Aussie BBQ feel – perfect for if you’re feeling a bit homesick. 

COST: 

• A L’Eau Donut Boats cost around 22676 XPF (approx. $425 AUD) for 3-hour hire. 

Go Hiking in Lava Tubes 

From the sea to the mountains, the Travel Guides ventured inland on Tahiti in search of lava tubes inside extinct volcanoes. 

To get there, the Guides were driven by jeep through the rugged forestation (very Jurassic Park!) and then hiked 2-kilometres to a majestic waterfall. Kev, Dorian and Teng described it as a sight straight out of Avatar.  

Behind the waterfall, The Guides dared the caves to find a hidden gem – a pristine freshwater pool to jump in! While this experience isn’t for everyone, if you crave adventure and love hiking, then this will knock your socks off. 

COST: 

• Natura Exploration Lava Tubes cost from about 7576 XPF per person (approx. $142 AUD). 

Swim With Sharks and Stingrays on Moorea Island 

Next on the itinerary, the Guides took a ferry 20 kilometres west of Tahiti to Moorea Island to live out the rest of their Polynesian stay. Moorea Island is one-tenth the size of Tahiti and offers an even more laid-back and intimate experience. 

A stunning barrier reef wraps around the island, providing an array of post-card perfect lagoons to explore. There, the Travel Guides joined Captain Taina to get up close and personal with some reef locals – black-tipped sharks and stingrays! 

While swimming with the marine life was a little daunting at first, the experience was something that the Guides (and you!) will never forget. 

COSTS: 

• The Aremiti Ferry from Papeete to Moorea costs from around 2241 XPF per person return trip (approx. $42 AUD).
• Captain Taina Moorea eco tours start from about 6723 XPF per person (approx. $126 AUD). 

Experience Luxury in an Overwater Bungalow 

While in Moorea, our Travel Guides stayed at the Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa to tick overwater bungalows off their bucket lists. 

If you’re in the position to splurge, the traditional yet luxurious overwater bungalows offer the ultimate Polynesian experience.

Complete with an underwater viewing window in the floor, a private deck to absorb the view, and canoe-delivered breakfast, you’ll never want to leave your room. 

COST: 

• King Overwater Bungalows cost from around 53837 XPF per night (approx. $1009 AUD). Be sure to check the website for any special rates! 

Go Underwater Gardening in the Coral Reef 

Moorea has one of the Pacific’s largest reef ecosystems, but its coral is at serious risk due to climate change and human impact. 

Fortunately, the island has a devoted crew known as Coral Gardeners working towards saving the precious reef. The Travel Guides switched their green thumb to a blue thumb to try underwater gardening and help restore the coral reef. 

The unique experience involves threading pieces of coral onto a rope and sailing out to a dedicated coral nursery full of man-made reef beds. There, the Guides planted their baby coral underwater for them to grow and thrive! 

While being a fun and memorable experience, you can leave the island knowing that you’ve directly contributed to its future sustainability. What’s better than that?  

COST: 

• Coral Gardening experiences start from around 3416 XPF per person (approx. $64 AUD). 

Go for a Picnic on the Lagoon

Listen up because this isn’t your average picnic! The picnic table sits on the shallow shores, so you can be immersed (literally!) in the turquoise ocean, enjoy yummy Polynesian cuisines, and sip on champagne. 

The Travel Guides loved the dining experience with Picnic on the Motu and found it a special way to top off their stay on Moorea Island. 

COST: 

• Picnic on the Motu experiences start from around 4110 XPF per person (approx. $77 AUD). 

Top Tahiti Travel Tips 

If you’re itching to book a tropical Tahitian adventure (we don’t blame you!), we’ve rounded up a list of our top travel tips to make sure you feel prepared and ready for anything: 

• Be sure to take both card and cash as some small villages and markets only accept cash. Grab yourself a Travel Money Oz Currency Pass and Pacific francs to cover all bases. 
• Tahiti and Moorea Island can be pretty pricey, so it’s best to do your research and use our Budget Calculator before you go. 
• While French Polynesian locals typically speak English in tourist areas, it’s a good idea to learn some basic French and Tahitian phrases to help with communication. 
• We recommend getting travel insurance before you go, especially if you’re planning water activities or island-hopping. 
• Slip slop slap! Remember to pack reef-safe, broad-spectrum sunscreen, a rashie, and a hat to stay safe under the tropical sun. 
• When planning your itinerary, keep in mind that many shops and restaurants close on Sundays, especially outside of Papeete.  
• While tipping isn’t expected, it’s still appreciated for excellent service. 
• Avoid touching people’s heads! This tip may sound strange…but touching heads, particularly children’s, is considered sacred in Polynesian culture. 

Want more Travel Guides in Tahiti? 

Want to know what else the Travel Guides got up to in Tahiti and Moorea? Watch the latest episode on 9Now to get their full French Polynesian itinerary. 

Check out our Travel Guides recap blogs of Switzerland and New York City! 

Tune in next Sunday night at 7:00 pm AEST on Channel Nine or 9Now to watch as the Travel Guides go to Spain and Portugal! 
 

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^{This blog is provided for information only and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs. Travel Money Oz has sought to ensure that the information is true and correct at the time of publication (First Published May 14, 2025). Prices, details and services are subject to change without notice, and Travel Money Oz accepts no responsibility or liability for any such changes, including any loss resulting from any action taken or reliance made by you on any information provided. You should consider whether the information and suggestions contained in any blog entry are appropriate for you, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs. While we take reasonable care in providing the blog, we give no warranties or representations that it is complete or accurate or is appropriate for you. We are not liable for any loss caused, whether due to negligence or otherwise, arising from use of, or reliance on, the information and/or suggestions contained in this blog. Daily Cost: All prices are approximations. Your costs may differ depending on where you go, where you shop, and their individual factors. Daily Budget: Costs are estimated per person and do not include accommodation. Terms and conditions apply to Best Price Guarantee, Rate Guard and Cash Commitment. See travelmoneyoz.com for more details.}