Moorea's beaches ring the entire island, with each stretch having its own character. On the southwest, Haapiti Beach has a long stretch of shallow water before the drop-off, making for calm swimming and spectacular sunsets. The northern coast around Cook's Bay has pockets of sand between the resorts, with good snorkelling and diving access.
On the west side, the shallow lagoon at Harau Point is popular for kite surfing and snorkelling, and day trips run to the offshore Motu Fareone. Pearl Beach on the northwest coast has fine white sand. Teavaro Beach on the east side near the airport is a long, uncrowded public beach — good for water sports or just lying in the sun. For real solitude, head to the southern coast around Maatea Point, where the beaches are quiet and largely empty.
All beaches in French Polynesia are public, including those fronting the resort hotels. Moorea also has unusual black sand beaches, a reminder that the island is volcanic in origin.