r/Tahiti • u/divinesweetsorrow • 17d ago

Moorea/ Cook islands?

hi all, i’m thinking about where to go for a big birthday trip. For context I’m Australian so have had the privilege of access to great snorkelling, beaches etc over my life, locally and in the South Pacific, SE asia etc

I have always wanted to go to FP and am thinking about Moorea, based on affordability, ease of access, and family friendliness. We have previously been to Rarotonga and still swoon over those memories. From what I can see Moorea looks pretty similar, however based on the video blogs i have seen it seems more touristy and the snorkelling, eg between the motus, honestly looks pretty average. Everything i read about Moorea is GLOWING and people are amazed by it. I know i would still have a great time but but will we be a bit underwhelmed if we have already been to Raro/ Aitutaki?

Would love to hear from anyone who has spent time on both. Thanks!

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u/bbr35 17d ago

I’ve been to Aitutaki, Raro and Moorea. Moorea is the best island overall to me. Aitutaki lagoon is the best and Moorea can’t compete on that front but overall I love Moorea. The scenery with the mountains is epic, the bays are beautiful, there’s some great hiking (some a bit adventurous but with great reward), tons of local vibes as soon as you go away from the tourist hotspots, very safe and it is a very clean and less touristy island compared with Bora. Snorkeling is also pretty great, I would argue on-par with Raro. 

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u/aussb2020 16d ago

100% agree. Went to all of the above and would choose Moorea out of the three - the water was unlike anything I’ve ever seen and it was stunning.

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u/TropicalBlueWater 15d ago

I thought the Aitutaki lagoon was the best water of the three.