Plizio Visual Lab

Opunohu Bay

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

Opunohu Bay is a remarkable, fjord-like indentation on the north shore of Moorea, renowned as one of the most beautiful and tranquil spots in French Polynesia. Stretching over three kilometers inland, it is framed by the majestic silhouettes of Mount Rotui and the jagged spires of the island's interior mountains. Unlike its twin, Cook's Bay, Opunohu has remained largely undeveloped, preserving its pristine tropical scenery. Historically, the bay was a preferred anchorage for early European explorers, including Captain James Cook in 1777, and it later served as a primary filming location for the 1984 film 'The Bounty'. The bay's deep, turquoise waters are exceptionally calm, making it a world-class destination for sailing, paddleboarding, and snorkeling among animated coral reefs. The surrounding Opunohu Valley is a lush expanse filled with ancient Polynesian temples (marae), pineapple plantations, and hiking trails that offer panoramic viewpoints. It remains a quintessential symbol of South Pacific beauty, blending dramatic volcanic geology with serene maritime charm.

Location: French Polynesia
Top sights: Ta'ahiamanu beach · Ta'ahiamanu · Opunohu Bay
Nearby: Haapiti (8 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	28	28	28	28	27	27	26	26	26	26	27	27
Rain mm	185	171	130	115	88	68	52	48	39	82	114	218

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Opunohu Bay is a freely accessible natural landmark on Moorea's north coast. You can visit the bay at any time and view it from various lookout points along the road.

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Typical hours

As an open bay, there are no opening hours. The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon when the light is most beautiful.

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Photography

Photography is of course possible at any time. The steep green mountains mirrored in the turquoise water offer unforgettable subjects - especially at sunrise or sunset.

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Time needed

Allow at least 30 minutes to 1 hour to enjoy the bay from various viewpoints. Those who hike into the surrounding mountains should plan 2-3 hours.

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Combine with

The bay is near Cook's Bay and the Belvedere lookout point. A visit can be perfectly combined with an island tour or a visit to the Opunohu Valley church.

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Getting there

Opunohu Bay is easily accessible by car or scooter along the coastal road. Parking is available at official viewpoints; the bay can also be explored by boat.

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Insider tip

Drive up the road to the Belvedere lookout for the spectacular panoramic view of both bays (Opunohu and Cook's Bay). A picnic with a view of the water is a fantastic idea.

Geography

Coordinates

-17.49170, -149.85170

Facts

James Cook actually anchored here in 1777, rather than in Cook's Bay.
The bay extends approximately 3 kilometers inland and is notably deep.
The Opunohu Valley contains many significant ancient marae sites.
It is a frequent spotting location for pods of spinner dolphins.
The surrounding mountains rise steeply to elevations over 800 meters.
The bay's waters are cooler than the lagoon due to its great depth.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Moorea Juice Factory<1 km · WExplore →

Moorea Tropical Garden1 km · SExplore →

Opunohu Valley2 km · EExplore →

Mount Rotui2 km · NExplore →

Mount Rotui Nature Area3 km · NEExplore →

Moorea Shell Museum4 km · SExplore →

Paopao4 km · NExplore →

Opunohu Valley Nature Area4 km · EExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Opunohu Bay (10)

Ta'ahiamanu beach

Sandy beach on Opunohu Bay, suitable for swimming and sunbathing.

Ta'ahiamanu

Beach section along Opunohu Bay, with fine sand and clear water.

Opunohu Bay

Bay in Moorea-Maiao, France, a deep sea inlet on the northwest coast.

Magic Mountain

Viewpoint on a hill, offering a panoramic view over the bay.

Temple Ebenezer

Christian temple, a place of worship for the local community.

Marae Taputapuatea de Papetoai

Archaeological site, a traditional Polynesian ceremonial ground.

Chapelle St Michel

Chapel, a small Christian prayer room near the bay.

Moorea Manahere Adventure - location & excursion privée bateau

Water park and boat rental for private excursions on Moorea.

Église adventiste

Adventist church, a place for services and Bible study.

Usine Rotui

Factory processing pineapples and other tropical fruits.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What makes Opunohu Bay so special?

The combination of calm water, dramatic mountains, and historical significance.

Can you swim in the bay?

Yes, it is very calm and gives great conditions for swimmers and snorkelers.

Is there infrastructure there?

There are anchorages, picnic areas, and access to hiking trails.

What is the best time to visit?

During the day, to enjoy the view of Mount Rotui.

Is the place family-friendly?

Yes, it is one of the safest and most beautiful places for families.

Opunohu Bay: where is it located?

Opunohu Bay is located in French Polynesia.

Opunohu Bay: what is there to see?

Highlights include Ta'ahiamanu beach, Ta'ahiamanu, Opunohu Bay.

Opunohu Bay: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.

Opunohu Bay: why is it worth visiting?

Opunohu Bay is a remarkable, fjord-like indentation on the north shore of Moorea, renowned as one of the most beautiful and tranquil spots in French Polynesia.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →