Cooks Bay Moorea: All You Need To Know!

Welcome to Cooks Bay Moorea in French Polynesia.

Are you looking for more information on this 3-kilometer-long inlet on the north coast of Moorea? And what about the Cook’s Bay Hotel & Suites, is it a good hotel?

We’ll give you all the information below!

Let’s get started!

What Makes Cooks Bay Special?

• Cooks Bay is one of the most scenic locations in Moorea and one of the top things to do on the island. While there is no central hub along this 3 km long road, you’ll find shops, restaurants, and hotels scattered along its shorelines. Cook’s Bay has some of the best Moorea hiking trails! 

• Scenic beauty: With Mt. Rotui towering in the background, the bay Moorea offers a postcard-perfect setting.

• Swimming & snorkeling: The bay’s clear, shallow waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling in Moorea, though wearing water shoes is advised due to the sharp coral.

• Convenience: The area has various amenities, including groceries, restaurants, even an ATM, and a gas station.

Our special interactive map of Moorea with Cooks Bay (the bay on the right) is one of the top attractions!

Things to do at Cooks Bay

• Explore Paopao Village: Visit Paopao Village, the largest settlement in Mo’orea, and take a scenic drive along ROUTE DES ANANAS (Pineapple Road), which winds through pineapple plantations and lush landscapes, leading to Opunohu Valley Road.

• Visit the Richard B. Gump South Pacific Research Station: Located on Cook’s Bay’s western shore, this research facility, operated by the University of California, Berkeley, focuses on the study and preservation of Mo’orea’s ecology.

• Dine and relax: Enjoy a variety of restaurants and cafes offering fresh Polynesian cuisine with stunning bay views. It’s also the perfect place for a casual drink or dessert.

• Enjoy the Public Beach: Relax at the public beach with palm trees, where you can sunbathe, enjoy a picnic, or take a swim in the turquoise waters.

Insider tips for visiting Cooks Bay Moorea

• Getting Around: While the main roads are paved, a 4WD vehicle is recommended for the inland, such as along Route des Ananas. You can rent a 4WD car easily from one of the car rental firms.

• Stay Nearby: Cook’s Bay Moorea is located near hotels like the Hilton Mo’orea Lagoon Resort & Spa and the InterContinental Mo’orea Resort & Spa (permanently closed due to the pandemic’s impact on tourism in Tahiti and the islands).

Opunohu Bay vs. Cooks Bay Moorea

While Cooks Bay Moorea shines as a tourist destination for relaxing on the beach, Opunohu Bay holds an edge for sailors.

Its deeper waters and better anchorage conditions make it a preferred spot for boats.

Cook’s Bay History

Named after Captain James Cook, the Bay has an intriguing backstory.

Although Cook visited Mo’orea during his voyages to observe the transit of Venus, he landed in Opunohu Bay in 1777 (he did not even visit the now-called bay).

Cook’s Bay, however, became famous later, with its name commemorating the explorer.

Tripadvisor reviews

Travelers on TripAdvisor highlight Cook’s Bay as: “The most beautiful bay on Mo’orea with amazing views of Mt. Rotui and great snorkeling opportunities.”

Another review notes: “While the bay is gorgeous, sailors might find Opunohu Bay more practical for anchorage.“

Cook’s Bay Hotel & Suites

Cook’s Bay Hotel & Suites (a 3-star hotel) is a popular choice for people who cannot afford one of the luxurious overwater resorts in Moorea, which cost 1000 USD+ per night.

This mid-budget hotel still delivers luxury and lets you enjoy the amazing rough mountains on this magical island.

DID YOU KNOW: This hotel relaunched in 2023 and has 38 suites, including two family suites, spread across 5 wings. 

Location

Located along the bay, the hotel offers panoramic views of the turquoise lagoon and the mountains.

Its central location makes it a perfect base for exploring nearby landmarks, such as Paopao Village, Route des Ananas, and the famous Opunohu Bay, just a short drive away.

Nearby attractions

Nearby attractions include Pearl Romance (0.8 miles/1.3 km), Have a Nice Pearl (1.1 miles/1.8 km), Moorea – Lady in Blue (0.7 miles/1.1 km), and Moorea Green Pearl Golf (3.5 miles/5.6 km).

When you land at Moorea Airport, you’ll need to travel 3.7 miles (6 km) to reach Cook’s Bay Hotel & Suites.

KEEP IN MIND: The famous Moorea Lagoonarium is 9.4 miles from the accommodation.

Amenities

The Cook’s Bay Hotel & Suites focuses on providing a cozy, home-like experience with a Polynesian flair.

The suites at Cook’s Bay Hotel & Suites cater to various preferences, with garden-level options offering direct beach and pool access. In contrast, upper-floor suites provide panoramic island views.

Each suite includes a bedroom with an ensuite bathroom, a lounge area, a kitchenette, and a private balcony.

For families or larger groups, the Family Suites offer extra space with two bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom and a central lounge and dining area.

Its popular amenities include:

• Comfortable suites: spacious accommodations with air conditioning and private, spacious balconies or terraces overlooking the Bay.
• Pool with lagoon views: A serene pool area perfect for lounging with a view of the sparkling water.
• Restaurant and bar: On-site dining options serving Polynesian-inspired dishes and tropical cocktails.
• Kayak and paddleboard rentals: complimentary nonmotorized water sports to explore the Bay.
• Free Wi-Fi: Reliable enough for light use (though, like much of Moorea, speeds may vary).
• Friendly staff: Renowned for their warm hospitality and knowledge of the area.
• This iconic property also has a private beach, a fitness center, and a spa.

Price

Cook’s Bay Hotel & Suites rates start at $250 (€230) per night, depending on the season and room type.

Compared to luxury resorts like the Hilton Mo’orea or Intercontinental Mo’orea, this is a more affordable option while still offering a perfect location and stunning island views.

Booking Link

You can book your stay at Cook’s Bay Hotel & Suites directly through the travel platform Booking.com.

“The views of Cook’s Bay and Mt. Rotui are absolutely stunning! The staff went out of their way to make sure we felt welcome, and the location was perfect for exploring both the Bay and nearby attractions. It’s not as fancy as the larger resorts, but the value and charm are unbeatable.”

Conclusion

Cook’s Bay is a stunning destination combining natural beauty and a laid-back atmosphere.

Whether you’re exploring Paopao Village, enjoying a meal by the water, or snorkeling in its clear lagoon, this Bay offers a little bit of everything.

And if you’re a sailor, don’t forget to check out Opunohu Bay, the ideal spot for anchorage.

If you want a place to sleep next to this amazing bay, we recommend Cooks Bay Hotel & Suites.

Together, these two bays capture the essence of Mo’orea’s beauty and charm, making them unmissable highlights of your Tahitian adventure.