The long stretch of white sand beside the airport on the northeast corner of Moorea is generally considered the best public beach on the island: clean, shaded by ironwood trees, and with a shallow turquoise lagoon out to the reef break that supports good snorkelling — coral heads, butterflyfish and the occasional reef shark cruising through. The beach is open to all and there are no lifeguards or formal facilities; bring water and shade. The Sofitel resort occupies one section but the public sand runs continuously past it. It is a 10-minute drive from the ferry terminal at Vaiare, so a convenient first or last stop if your day plans need adjusting around boat times.