Moorea: Magic Mountain & Belvedere Lookout Small Group Tour

Summary

Magic Mountain views, pineapple fields, vanilla tasting and island stories on Moorea

You’ll ride up winding roads for sweeping views from Magic Mountain and Belvedere Lookout, walk through fragrant vanilla plantations, taste fresh marmelade and pineapple juice, and share laughs with your local guide. It’s a half-day in Moorea that feels both relaxed and full—one of those tours you remember for its small moments as much as its big ones.

What’s the experience like?

There was this moment — right when our van rattled up the last stretch of Magic Mountain — when I heard nothing but wind and a couple of birds fussing in the trees. Our guide, Francky (who everyone on the island seems to know), just grinned at us like he’d seen this look a hundred times before. The view really does wrap all around you: Opunohu Bay below, water shifting from blue to something almost green. I didn’t even try for a photo at first. Just stood there breathing in the salty air and wondering if it always smells faintly sweet here or if I was imagining it.

We’d started out earlier than I’m used to — pickup was just after 8am, but Francky made it feel like we were old friends piling into his truck. He pointed out Rotui Mountain as we wound up to Belvedere Lookout, telling stories about Cook’s Bay and how locals still argue which side has better fish. There were wild chickens darting across the road (I counted six) and the sun kept flickering through banana leaves. At one point I tried to say “mauruuru” (thank you) but my accent must’ve been rough because Francky laughed and gave me a thumbs up anyway.

The stops felt unhurried — we walked through a patch of vanilla plants where the air was thick with that earthy-sweet smell, then tasted marmelade that stuck to my fingers (the passionfruit one is still in my head). Later there was a quick tasting of local juices and liquors; honestly, the pineapple juice tasted like someone had just squeezed it straight from the field. Speaking of which, standing in those pineapple rows under the sun made me wish I’d worn lighter shoes. But nobody seemed to mind — people waved from passing scooters, and one little kid shouted “Ia ora na!” as we drove by.

I keep thinking about that view from Magic Mountain — how quiet it felt even with eight of us sharing the lookout. You can book this half day tour from Moorea hotels or the port, and it’s small groups so you actually get to chat with your guide. Not everything went perfectly (my camera fogged up at one point), but maybe that’s what makes it stick with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Moorea scenic and tasting tour

• View Opunohu bay 360° panorama
• See Rotui Mountain viewpoint
• Visit flower and vanilla plantation
• Taste marmalade at plantation
• Taste local liquors and juices
• Stop at pineapple fields

Top questions

How long is the Moorea Magic Mountain & Belvedere Lookout tour?

The tour lasts about 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Is hotel pickup included for this Moorea day trip?

Yes, hotel or port pickup and drop-off are included.

How many people are on each tour?

The maximum group size is 8 people per booking.

What time does the tour start?

Departure times range between 7:55 am and 8:40 am depending on your location.

Are there food tastings during the tour?

Yes, you’ll taste local marmelade as well as juices and liquors during stops.

Do I need special fitness for this Moorea half day tour?

No special fitness level is required; it's suitable for all physical abilities.

Are infants allowed on this tour?

Yes, but infants must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

What are some highlights of this day trip from Moorea hotels?

You’ll visit Magic Mountain, Belvedere Lookout, pineapple fields, vanilla plantations, and enjoy tastings along the way.

What’s included

Your morning includes pickup right at your hotel or port in Moorea by your driver-guide Francky (or someone just as friendly), all transport between sights like Magic Mountain and Belvedere Lookout, plus stops for marmelade tasting at a vanilla plantation and sips of local juices before being dropped off back where you started—no extra planning needed.