If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting a tropical island that feels like Moana come to life—Moorea is it. With dramatic volcanic peaks, bright blue lagoons, and a laid-back family-friendly vibe, it’s no wonder this island quickly became one of our favorite places we’ve ever traveled with our kids.
Here’s everything we did (and wish we had known!) for planning a trip to Moorea as a family with little kids.
✈️ Getting to Moorea: Fly to Tahiti, Then Ferry Over
First things first: to get to Moorea, you’ll fly into Fa’a’ā International Airport (PPT) in Tahiti, the main international hub for French Polynesia. Most travelers from the U.S. connect through LAX with Air Tahiti Nui, French Bee, or Hawaiian Airlines.
Once you land in Tahiti, you can take a quick 5-minute taxi ride to the ferry terminal (Papeete Ferry Terminal). From there, you’ll hop on a ferry to Moorea—a 30–45 minute ride across turquoise waters.
🚢 How to Take the Ferry to Moorea:
- Ferry companies: Aremiti or Terevau
- Cost: ~$15 USD per adult, cheaper for kids, and free for infants
- Schedule: Ferries run several times a day—be sure to check the latest schedule online
- Tip: Sit outside on the upper deck for gorgeous views of Moorea’s jagged green peaks as you arrive
🛏️ Where to Stay: Overwater Bungalows in Moorea
Moorea is one of the few places in the world where you can stay in an overwater bungalow with kids. Many resorts on the island allow children—even in their iconic bungalows!
We personally stayed at Manava Beach Resort & Spa, and it was perfect for traveling with little ones. It’s centrally located in Maharepa, walking distance to shops and grocery stores, and the staff was incredibly welcoming to our family.
Other Family-Friendly Overwater Bungalow Resorts in Moorea:
- Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa – located between Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay with a swimmable lagoon
- Sofitel Kia Ora Moorea Beach Resort – on a white sand beach with panoramic views of Tahiti
👶 Traveling with toddlers? Many of these resorts offer pack-and-plays, high chairs, and shallow-entry beach areas perfect for littles.
🌴 Things to Do in Moorea with Kids
While you could easily spend your whole trip just soaking up the views from your bungalow, there are so many family-friendly adventures to explore on Moorea:
🦈 Swim with Sharks and Rays
One of the most unforgettable experiences of our entire trip: swimming with reef sharks and stingrays in Moorea’s lagoon. It sounds intense, but it’s actually incredibly safe, calm, and even toddler-friendly if you’re holding them.
📍 Where to go: Head to Moorea Activities Center or rent a boat from Moorea Boat Tours (also known as Alberic Moorea Boat Rental), located near the Hilton. They’ll help you drive your own boat out to the sandbanks where stingrays and blacktip reef sharks gather. The water is waist-deep and crystal-clear—perfect for little ones to safely see marine life up close.
🎥 We even captured some of this on video—Briggs swimming with stingrays!
🛶 Rent Your Own Boat
Want to avoid a crowded tour boat? You can rent your own small motorboat (no license required!) and explore the lagoon at your own pace. Stop at sandbars, jump off the boat, and picnic in the middle of paradise.
📍 Where to rent:
🐢 Visit the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center
Located at Te Mana O Te Moana, this nonprofit educates visitors about marine life and helps rescue sea turtles. It’s a great educational stop for kids and an easy way to support local conservation efforts.
📍 Location: On the grounds of the InterContinental Moorea (now closed to overnight guests, but the rehab center is still operational)
🚗 Drive Around the Island
Moorea is small enough to drive the entire loop in about an hour. Renting a car or scooter (if you’re not traveling with littles) lets you explore hidden beaches, fruit stands, and scenic lookout points at your own pace.
👀 Don’t miss: Belvedere Lookout for a panoramic view of Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay.
🍍 Tour a Pineapple Plantation
Moorea is famous for its pineapples—sweeter and juicier than anywhere else. You can tour the Rotui Juice Factory and even sample juices and tropical fruit jams.
💡 Final Tips for Visiting Moorea with Kids
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen – French Polynesia protects its coral reefs, and many resorts require biodegradable sunscreen
- Bring a baby carrier – great for boat days and beach walks
- Stop by local supermarkets – Easy access to diapers, snacks, and fresh baguettes
- Wi-Fi is limited – Download entertainment before arriving (but honestly, you won’t miss screens here)
💬 Our Takeaway
Moorea is the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and soak in every moment. From watching our kids splash in the shallow lagoon to sipping fresh coconut water in our overwater bungalow, every part of the trip felt magical.
It’s tropical, adventurous, and shockingly toddler-friendly—proving once again that family travel doesn’t have to mean sacrificing bucket-list experiences.
If Moorea has been on your dream list… this is your sign to go.
