Moorea: Day Tour with Waterfalls, Magic Mountain & Private Beach

Summary

Moorea’s wild mountains, hidden waterfalls & a private beach lunch

You’ll join local guides for a Moorea day tour packed with mountain views from Magic Mountain and Belvedere Lookout, vanilla tasting at a plantation, swimming at Temae’s private beach with a homemade lunch, and an easy hike to Afareaitu Waterfalls. Expect laughter, fresh fruit scents, and quiet moments by turquoise water—you’ll leave feeling like you’ve actually lived here for a day.

What’s the experience like?

The van rolled up just as I was still fumbling with my sunscreen. Our guide—he introduced himself as Tama—grinned and waved us in. He asked where we were from, and somehow remembered everyone’s name by the first stop. Magic Mountain came first. The drive up was bumpy enough that I almost dropped my water bottle (Tama laughed and said “that’s part of the massage”). Up top, the view just kind of smacks you in the chest—green peaks everywhere, lagoon shifting from blue to turquoise depending on where you look. Someone nearby was peeling a mango; I could smell it even before I saw it.

We headed over to Belvedere Lookout after that. It’s higher than Magic Mountain, but somehow quieter too—maybe because Tama handed out fresh coconuts and we all just stood there sipping for a minute. He pointed out Mou’a Roa mountain in the distance and told us some local stories about it (I probably mispronounced every word). Then came the Tropical Garden. Walking through rows of vanilla vines, you get this earthy-sweet scent that sticks to your hands after touching the leaves. Tama explained how they pollinate each flower by hand—he made it sound easy but I’m not convinced.

Lunch was at Temae Beach—a private spot where we had poisson cru and grilled chicken under these crooked palms. The lagoon looked fake, honestly; so clear you could count every shell on the bottom. After eating, most people wandered off for a swim or just stretched out in the sand. I tried collecting shells but mostly ended up sitting in shallow water letting little fish nibble my toes (weirdly ticklish). The main keyword here is Moorea day tour—I mean, if this isn’t what you picture when you book one, I don’t know what is.

Last stop: Afareaitu Waterfalls. Easy hike—fifteen minutes or so—and suddenly you’re next to this cold rush of water coming down mossy rocks. Some of us waded in; others just sat on stones listening to it thundering away. On the ride back, everyone was a little sunburned and sleepy but nobody really wanted to talk much—felt like we were all saving it for later somehow. I still think about that mango smell from earlier.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Moorea's highlights and nature

• Pick up at your accommodation
• Visit Magic Mountain viewpoint
• Enjoy landscape and coconut at Belvedere
• Tour Tropical Garden and vanilla plantation
• Lunch on private beach at Temae
• Relax, swim, or walk on Temae beach
• Hike to Afareaitu waterfall

Top questions

How long does this Moorea day tour last?

The tour lasts around 6 hours 30 minutes to 7 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in the tour.

What should I bring for the Moorea day trip?

You should bring shoes, towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, and a big smile.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Yes, lunch is provided on a private beach along with drinks and fruits.

Are there any physical requirements?

You need moderate physical fitness; there’s a short hike to the waterfall.

Can children join this Moorea day tour?

Children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

What attractions are visited during the tour?

The tour visits Magic Mountain, Belvedere Lookout, Tropical Garden (vanilla plantation), Temae Beach, and Afareaitu Waterfalls.

Is alcohol served during lunch?

Yes, local beers and punch are offered along with other drinks; minimum drinking age is 18 years.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere on Moorea plus guidance from locals who know every shortcut; entry to Magic Mountain lookout points; time exploring vanilla plantations; a typical Polynesian lunch with punch or beer served right on Temae’s private beach; fresh fruit snacks throughout; drinks like water or juice always handy; then an easy guided hike to finish at Afareaitu Waterfalls before heading back in the late afternoon.