
Motu Tiahura
A pristine islet in Moorea's lagoon, famous for shallow-water encounters with rays and sharks, and the beloved Coco Beach restaurant.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for swimming & marine life

Motu Tiahura
Best Time
Best for swimming & marine life

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A pristine islet in Moorea's lagoon, famous for shallow-water encounters with rays and sharks, and the beloved Coco Beach restaurant.
"Paradise found: swim with rays and sharks in crystal-clear waters at Motu Tiahura!"

☀️ Pack Sun Protection
High SPF sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are essential. The sun is strong!
🤿 Bring Your Snorkel Gear
Swim with rays and sharks in shallow, clear waters. A must-do experience!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Snorkeling with Rays and Sharks
Shallow waters around Motu Tiahura
Swim alongside gentle stingrays and blacktip reef sharks in crystal-clear, shallow waters. An unforgettable close encounter with marine life.

Coco Beach Restaurant
Motu Tiahura
A local favorite for decades, offering a relaxed atmosphere and delicious food with stunning lagoon views.

The Turquoise Lagoon
Motu Tiahura
Experience the breathtaking shades of blue and green in the pristine lagoon surrounding the motu. Perfect for swimming and relaxation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Sun Protection is Key
Embrace the Marine Life
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
☀️ Pack Sun Protection
High SPF sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are essential. The sun is strong!
🤿 Bring Your Snorkel Gear
Swim with rays and sharks in shallow, clear waters. A must-do experience!
🍽️ Lunch at Coco Beach
A local institution for a reason. Great food and atmosphere.
💧 Free Water Taxi
Some lunch spots offer a complimentary water taxi from Moorea.
Tips
from all over the internet
☀️ Pack Sun Protection
High SPF sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are essential. The sun is strong!
🤿 Bring Your Snorkel Gear
Swim with rays and sharks in shallow, clear waters. A must-do experience!
🍽️ Lunch at Coco Beach
A local institution for a reason. Great food and atmosphere.
💧 Free Water Taxi
Some lunch spots offer a complimentary water taxi from Moorea.
🐢 Turtle Spotting
Look for turtles resting and eagle rays gliding near Motu Tiahura.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently describe Motu Tiahura as a slice of paradise, highlighting its stunning natural beauty and the incredible opportunity to swim with friendly rays and sharks in crystal-clear waters. The accessible marine life and the charming Coco Beach restaurant are major draws, offering a quintessential Polynesian experience. Some find the sun intense and recommend ample protection.
"Beautiful island with amazing nature all around. Bring lots of sunblock, the sun is strong and the weather is amazing.Dont forget a mask for seeing underwater, rays, colorful fish and little Sharks are friendly and amazing!"
Denise D
"Swam with large numbers of stingrays and black tip reef sharks."
Knight-Hawk
"Paradise"
Albert Porto
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Motu Tiahura is a small islet off the coast of Moorea. Many visitors access it via a short boat ride or a free water taxi offered by some restaurants, like Coco Beach. You can also arrange private boat tours.
Direct public transport to the motu is limited. The most common way is through tours or by utilizing the water taxi services provided by establishments on the motu.
Yes, you can visit Motu Tiahura as a day trip. Take the ferry from Tahiti to Moorea, then arrange transport to the motu. It's a popular excursion for those staying on Tahiti.
Exploring by boat is ideal to see the different motus and the lagoon. Snorkeling and swimming are the primary activities once you arrive.
Many lagoon tours in Moorea include stops at motus like Tiahura for snorkeling and lunch. It's worth checking with local tour operators.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Generally, there are no specific entry tickets for Motu Tiahura itself. Access is often tied to visiting a restaurant like Coco Beach or booking a lagoon tour.
Motu Tiahura is an natural islet, so it doesn't have set opening hours. However, businesses like Coco Beach operate during typical daytime hours.
There isn't typically an entrance fee for the beaches. If you use facilities at a restaurant, there might be an expectation to dine or purchase something.
Yes, booking lagoon tours that include Motu Tiahura in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your spot.
Respect the natural environment. Avoid touching marine life and take all your trash with you. Some areas might be privately managed by resorts or restaurants.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
You can expect to see stingrays, blacktip reef sharks, colorful fish, and potentially sea turtles. The waters are teeming with life.
Yes, the blacktip reef sharks and stingrays here are generally very docile and accustomed to swimmers. They are often found in shallow waters.
The main activities are snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the lagoon. Many visitors also enjoy lunch at Coco Beach.
Lightweight swimwear, a rash guard for sun protection, and water shoes are recommended. Don't forget your snorkel mask!
Restrooms and changing facilities are typically available at establishments like Coco Beach. Public facilities on the motu itself are minimal.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The most famous dining spot is Coco Beach, known for its traditional Polynesian cuisine and relaxed atmosphere.
Coco Beach offers a variety of local dishes, including fresh fish (Poisson Cru), BBQ, and traditional Polynesian BBQ.
Prices are comparable to other tourist-oriented restaurants in French Polynesia. It's a worthwhile experience for the ambiance and location.
While not explicitly forbidden, it's generally expected that visitors patronize the local establishments. Pack water and snacks if needed, but consider enjoying a meal at Coco Beach.
Options might be limited, but fresh fruits are abundant. It's best to inquire directly with Coco Beach about their current menu offerings.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire lagoon offers stunning backdrops with vibrant blues and greens. Capture shots of marine life, the white sandy beaches, and the overwater bungalows in the distance.
Yes, the water is very clear, and the marine life is often close to shore. A waterproof camera or phone case is highly recommended for underwater shots.
Morning light offers soft, beautiful illumination. Midday sun can be harsh but also creates striking contrasts. Golden hour before sunset is also magical.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone in French Polynesia.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive lagoon views. A good underwater camera or a reliable waterproof phone case is essential for marine life photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting Coco Beach for a family-friendly lunch. The relaxed atmosphere and accessible location make it easy to manage with younger children. Bringing plenty of sun protection, including hats and rash guards, is crucial for keeping little ones comfortable under the strong Polynesian sun.
💰 Budget Travelers
Focus on the natural beauty and free activities like snorkeling. The incredible marine life encounters are a major draw and cost nothing extra if you have your own gear. Opting for a day trip rather than an overnight stay on a motu can also be more economical.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different angles to showcase the scale of the lagoon and the intimacy of swimming with rays and sharks. The interplay of light on the water throughout the day provides diverse photographic opportunities. Golden hour before sunset is particularly magical for capturing warm, inviting shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Motus in French Polynesia
Motus play a significant role in the ecosystem and the cultural landscape of French Polynesia. They are vital habitats for various bird species and marine creatures. For visitors, motus like Tiahura represent the quintessential tropical escape, offering opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, and relaxation in a breathtaking natural setting. Many resorts and restaurants are situated on or near motus to capitalize on their idyllic beauty.
When visiting a motu, it's important to remember its delicate nature. Visitors are encouraged to practice responsible tourism, which includes minimizing waste, respecting wildlife, and avoiding damage to coral reefs. The accessibility of motus like Tiahura, often via short boat trips or water taxis, makes them popular destinations for day excursions and a highlight of any trip to Moorea.
Marine Encounters: Rays and Sharks
The stingrays at Motu Tiahura are known for their graceful movements as they glide along the sandy bottom. Similarly, the blacktip reef sharks, though predators, are typically shy and non-aggressive towards humans in this environment. Visitors often report swimming with them in water that is only waist-deep, creating an incredible sense of connection with the ocean's inhabitants. It's crucial, however, to maintain a respectful distance and avoid any actions that could startle or provoke the animals.
To fully enjoy these encounters, bringing a snorkel mask is highly recommended. A waterproof camera or phone case will allow you to capture these unforgettable moments. Remember that while these animals are accustomed to people, they are still wild creatures. Following guidelines from local guides or tour operators, such as not feeding the animals, ensures both your safety and their well-being.
Dining at Coco Beach: A Local Gem
The culinary offerings at Coco Beach focus on traditional Polynesian flavors. Visitors rave about the fresh seafood, particularly the 'Poisson Cru' (raw fish marinated in lime and coconut milk) and various BBQ options. The menu often features local delicacies, reflecting the rich gastronomic heritage of Tahiti and Moorea. It's a place where you can savor authentic island cuisine while soaking in the laid-back ambiance.
Accessing Coco Beach is part of the experience. Many visitors arrive via a complimentary water taxi, adding a touch of adventure to their dining plans. The restaurant is known for its friendly service and lively environment, making it a highlight for many who visit Motu Tiahura. It’s recommended to check their operating hours and consider making a reservation, especially during busier periods.





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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit