Temae Beach Guide: WHY The Most Beautiful Beach In Moorea?

Welcome to Temae Beach in Moorea, French Polynesia!

In this blog post, we will share EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW about this amazing Moorean Beach.

This is the only guide you need, from activities to recommendations and practicals.

Let’s jump right in!

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Snorkeling Highlight: Temae Beach is THE BEST snorkeling spot in Moorea, with crystal-clear waters, a shallow depth of 2 to 10 feet (0.5 to 3 meters), and vibrant marine life.

• Public Beach Features: The public beach has white sand, shaded areas from coconut trees, and basic amenities like public showers and parking.

• Amenities and Dining Nearby: There are food trucks on the beach, and not too far, you can find the luxurious Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort.

Where is Temae Beach?

You can check our full Moorea French Polynesia map below! Try to find Temae Beach. Hint: take a look at the top right corner. 

Temae Beach is a beautiful public beach at the eastern tip of Moorea Island in French Polynesia, mentioned as a go-to destination by Lonely Planet.

It lies 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) from the ferry quay and is very easily accessible by road.

The beach is actually located between a coconut plantation and the turquoise-green lagoon of Moorea. Temae Beach is the ideal spot for a relaxing day.

DID YOU KNOW: Temae Beach is considered one of the best Tahitian Beaches in French Polynesia!

Getting to Temae Beach by ferry or flight

To reach Moorea, you can either:

• Fly to Tahiti International Airport (PPT) and take a connecting flight to Moorea Airport (MOZ), which is a quick and scenic journey.

• Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Tahiti to Moorea. The ferry ride takes about 50 minutes and costs €14 ($15) one way. Despite the short distance, we recommend flying as the water in the channel is rough.

You can take a look at how expensive the flight tickets would be through our widget below!

Accessing the beach

From Moorea Airport, Temae Beach is just a 5–10 minute WALK, making it super accessible.

If you’re arriving by ferry at Vaiare ferry port, the beach is only 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) away.

Walking to the beach from the port takes about 30 minutes, so we recommend taking a taxi ride. KEEP IN MIND: taxis in Moorea are known to be very expensive, and you will need to pay cash in their local Tahitian currency.

Facilities and parking at Temae Beach

Temae Beach offers easy parking along the road before the beach.

Once you are at the beach, you’ll find:

• Public showers
• Small stores
• A small beach soccer pitch

DID YOU KNOW: Some locals worry that Temae Beach might eventually become a private beach? In 2022, 53 acres of land in the Temae area, including parts of the waterfront, was sold for approximately 4 billion Pacific Francs (€33 million/$36 million). The buyer, the Wane Group, is a famous French Polynesia landowner and owns the Sofitel Hotel. Read the full article in the Guardian!

Snorkeling at Temae Beach

Temae Beach is one of the BEST SNORKELING SPOTS IN FRENCH POLYNESIA with crystal-clear waters, shallow depths from 2 to 10 feet (0.5 to 3 meters), and an impressive diversity of marine life.

Navigating the lagoon and currents

While there is a STRONG CURRENT in the lagoon, snorkeling is still quite feasible. You can get out of the water on the other side of the beach and walk back.

The Temae Lagoon is actually influenced by a north/south current, flowing left to right as you face the ocean.

That is why we recommend this step-by-step approach:

1. Enter the water at the northern tip of the beach.
2. Allow the current to gently drift you along the lagoon.
3. Exit the water near the southern end of the beach.

For a longer adventure, you can continue snorkeling toward the overwater bungalows of the Sofitel Hotel.

The pristine lagoon is free to access, but keep in mind that the beach is privately owned.

Coral and sandy seabeds

The lagoon begins with a shallow, sandy seabed near the shore.

As you move about 30 to 40 yards (27 to 36 meters) from the beach, the seabed becomes dotted with coral formations (so wear water shoes).

Marine life highlights

At Temae Beach (a non-private beach), you will see lots of small fish swimming on both the white sand and the coral reef.

These fish include:

• • Peacock flounders
  • Longhorn cowfish
  • White-spotted pufferfish
  • Pink whip rays

Activities at Temae Beach

Temae Beach is famous for its white sand, coconut palms, and blue and green lagoon.

However, there are also a lot of fun activities you can do at the beach!

Beach picnics

The coconut plantation provides shaded areas that are perfect for visiting this beach with family. Pack some food and enjoy the natural surroundings.

If you’re traveling with kids, the shaded coconut groves are perfect for a midday picnic.

Beach sports

There’s a small beach soccer pitch where you can enjoy a casual game. The soft sand is also great for volleyball or simply relaxing under the sun.

Photography

With views of Tahiti’s coastline and the Sofitel lagoon, Temae Beach offers plenty of Instagram-worthy spots. The sunrise here is incredibly stunning.

Kayaking and paddleboarding

Rent equipment from nearby hotels or tour operators for a more active way to explore the lagoon.

Accommodations at Temae Beach

There are a few popular overwater resorts near Temae Beach.

There is even a luxurious water bungalow right next to it!

Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort

Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort is a 5-star overwater resort located at the western end of Temae Beach.

Room rates start from €425 ($450) per night. You can easily access the public beach from the resort.

Green Lodge Moorea

We recommend the Green Lodge Moorea, 1.1 kilometers (0.7 miles) from Temae Beach, for a more budget-friendly option.

This lodge offers a cozy atmosphere and is only a 15-minute walk from the beach.

Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea

Another option is Manava Beach Resort & Spa Moorea, 5.2 kilometers (3.2 miles) from Temae Beach. This resort provides accommodations with easy access to the Moorea’s best activities.

Anapa Beach

Anapa Beach is a charming guesthouse on Motu de Temae in Moorea.

It offers two fully equipped bungalows designed for couples.

People appreciate the direct access to a pristine white-sand beach and the turquoise lagoon, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

The host, Tamara, is famous for her warm hospitality and attentiveness.

Amenities include free Wi-Fi, a private balcony, complimentary parking, and kitchenettes equipped with a microwave and refrigerator. You can also arrange vehicle and scooter rentals directly through the guesthouse.

Temae Beach is just an 8-minute walk away, and various restaurants offer free shuttle services for dinner.

Dining at Temae Beach

Dining options directly on Temae Beach are limited.

Food trucks are often set up near the beach, offering you local snacks and meals.

One TripAdvisor noted that the food trucks behind the beach served some of the freshest poisson crus on the island.

For a complete dining experience, the Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort has several restaurants, including Pure and Vue, serving French and Polynesian cuisine.

In the nearby area, Golden Lake Restaurant offers Chinese and Asian dishes and is about 1.1 kilometers (0.7 miles) from Temae Beach.

INSIDER TIP: For a unique dining experience, visit Moorea Beach Café, 6.6 kilometers (4.1 miles) from Temae Beach. This waterfront restaurant offers a fusion of French and Polynesian cuisine with stunning sunset views.

Best time to visit Temae Beach

The best time to visit one of the most beautiful beaches and splendid lagoons in French Polynesia is during the dry season, which runs from May to October.

During this period, the weather is sunny with lower humidity, making it perfect for enjoying these white sand beaches and the lagoon’s colors and waters.

Read all about our guide to the best time to visit French Polynesia!

• June to August: These are the peak months, with clear skies and temperatures of 27°C (81°F). The waters are perfect for snorkeling and swimming.

• November to April: This is the wet season with many tropical rain showers. We do not recommend going to French Polynesia then, as you will be spending a lot of money on flights and accommodation, and good weather is not guaranteed. Honestly, some days are very sunny, but you might as well spend 2 weeks in the rain. The risk is up to you.

INSIDER TIP: To go to Temae Beach, we recommend going early in the morning or late afternoon, especially during weekends and holidays, as Temae Beach is popular with both locals and tourists.

Conclusion

Temae Beach is the most beautiful beach in Moorea, offering everything from turquoise lagoon waters and marine life to breathtaking views of the surrounding coconut groves.

With its proximity to accommodations like the Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort and Tema’e Beach House, you’ll find plenty of ways to make your stay comfortable.

Just remember to plan ahead, respect the local environment, and take advantage of the stunning natural beauty this beach has to offer.

INSIDER TIP: End your day with a sunset view from the To’eata scenic viewpoint, just a short drive from Temae beach—it’s the perfect way to conclude your visit.