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With its shallow lagoon and channel visited by sea turtles and eagle rays, Tiahura Beach is a good shore access snorkeling spot in Moorea. Formerly the private beach of  Club Med, this pretty beach is now accessible to everyone.

Saddle butterflyfish at Tiahura Beach
More than 10 butterflyfish species can be spotted in the lagoon, including the saddle butterflyfish.

How to get to Tiahura Beach snorkeling spot

Tiahura Beach is located at the northwestern tip of Moorea Island. Access to the beach is well signposted, about 200m after the “Le Petit Village” shopping center when arriving from Papetoai and Tiahura. On-site parking is available.

Tiahura Beach is close to two other famous Moorea snorkeling spots, which can be reached by kayak or with boat tours: Motu Fareone and the Sharks Sandbank.

Tiahura beach snorkeling map, Moorea

Water entrance for snorkeling Tiahura Beach

Enter the water directly from the beach.

Tiahura beach and channel snorkeling exploration

On this spot, two snorkeling areas are recommended:

1. The shallow areas (↕1-2m) extending in front of the beach (area 1 on the map). Here you’ll find large sandy beds and small reefs, made up of coral rock and living corals. Parts of the reef are covered with sea anemones, in which orangefin clownfish are sometimes seen.

Keep an eye out for crown-of-thorns starfish, which are quite often reported here. This part of Tiahura Beach is perfect for discovering the Polynesian lagoons sea life. You’ll spot an amazing variety of colorful fish species, including angelfish, butterflyfish, damselfish, wrasse, triggerfish and porcupinefish.

Checkerboard wrasse at Tiahura Beach
A checkerboard wrasse photographed in the shallow lagoon.

2. The channel that extends past the pontoon of the former Club Med (zone 2 on the map), often visited by spotted eagle rays and green sea turtles (↕3-5m). Be careful, because this channel is used by boats to navigate in the lagoon. Do not venture into this area if there is current.

Green sea turtle in Tiahura Beach channel
Green sea turtles are frequently spotted in the channel.

Restaurants and accommodation sear Tiahura Beach

There are several roulottes, restaurants and shops within walking distance of the beach.

 

  • Level required Beginner
  • Maximum depth7ft/2m in the lagoon, 20ft/6m in the channel.
  • Water entranceFrom a sandy beach
  • Potential DangersCrown-of-thorn starfish, sea anemones
  • LifeguardNo
  • Visitor numbersMedium
  • Access costsFree
  • Restaurants nearbyYes

MAP Spot

These snorkeling spots are accessible to beginners and kids. You will enter the water gradually from a beach, or in a less than 3ft. deep area. The sea is generally calm, shallow, with almost no waves or currents. These spots are usually located in marked and/or monitored swimming areas. It is not necessary to swim long distances to discover the sea life.

This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page.