Teavaro is the beckoning spot you see when looking west from Papeete on Tahiti. Make a trip to this small town on the French Polynesian island of Moorea to spend days enjoying swimming and other activities in the warm water and energizing hikes through tropical vegetation.
Just north of Teavaro, the public beach at Temae is a favorite for local residents and visitors. Soft white sand and shady palm trees create inviting opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, picnicking and simply relaxing. Play on the sandy section at the north and find some of the best snorkeling near the coral at the southern end. For non-water relaxation, play a round of golf at the nearby course. The island and its waters have warm temperatures year-round.
Spend several hours at the Moorea Lagoonarium, a few miles south of Teavaro. Snorkel with sharks, rays, moray eels and thousands of colorful fish swimming over a coral garden in a protected lagoon next to the small island of Motu Ahi. Young kids and non-snorkelers can view the fish while wading through a section with clear, shallow water.
Drive about 20 minutes south to Vaianae and hike the path to the humorously named Three Coconuts Lookout. Walk uphill on the switchbacks of the trail for less than 1 hour to enjoy views of the southern part of the island and the ocean beyond. Notice the interesting vegetation of African tulip trees, Tahitian chestnuts, banyan trees and bamboo groves.
Continue about 2 miles (3 kilometers) along the Three Coconut Trees Pass to reach Belvedere Lookout, which offers northerly views of Mont Rotui rising between the waters of Opunohu Bay and Cook’s Bay.
Teavaro is 2 miles (3 kilometers) south of the Moorea Airport and 1 mile (2 kilometers) north of the island’s ferry terminal. Fly to Moorea in just 10 minutes from Papeete, Tahiti, or get to Moorea by ferry in about 30 minutes. A car rental agency is located opposite the ferry dock in Vaiare.