A day at Coco Beach
Food, drinks, sun and snorkelling 🌴🥥
Family members coming to visit means I have an excuse to go and indulge in some fun activities (and actually leave the house!). My 80-year-old aunty arrived last week with two girlfriends (70 and 79) and it was up to me to play tour guide.
When you think of a tropical island like Mo’orea, you might think about sipping cocktails with your feet in turquoise water. That’s what you get at Coco Beach.
The little motu (island) is just off the north-west coast of the island, close enough to kayak to (which Wendy, the 70-year-old, decided to do). For those that don’t want to get their bum wet, there’s a shuttle which picks you up from a car park and boats you across.
The navette has two options: the larger boat and the motorised catamaran. When you make your reservation online, you’re reserving your spot on the shuttle; you’ll have your table for the whole day which allows you to go for a walk, a swim, or bake in the sun.
I reserved a 10am place, as that was all that was left when I was booking (book early, people!). Lorna, Lynette and myself took the boat across the sparkling blue water, surrounded by people kayaking, snorkelling, paddle-boarding, and hanging out on boats of all sizes.
On arrival, we were given our table with an umbrella right at the water’s edge. The view back to Haapiti is beautiful. We could see the ladies’ accommodation, Hotel Les Tipaniers, the old Intercontinental in the distance which is now a dolphin and turtle rehab centre.
The Coco Beach motu is part restaurant, part private property. You can go for a walk but not all the away around. Snorkelling is best between this motu and the one next to it rather than in the channel, which can be quite busy and doesn’t have many corals or interesting things to look at. That being said, I did see a beautiful leopard ray not far from the shore. We also had a big stingray come right up to the shore looking for food. The weather was cloudy and a little windy, so not ideal swimming conditions, but at least we didn’t get burnt!
After indulging in a little cocktail (margarita for Lorna, piña colada for me), we ordered a range of plates to share. Highlights here are the octopus on the grill (if they have it, as it’s not always available) and the curry prawns.
The tide kept creeping up the shoreline, threatening to steal shoes and wet any bags left on the sand. After finishing our meal and a little dip, we caught the boat back, very full and happy.
Here are my tips if you’re planning on a trip to Coco Beach:
Reserving your table
Make your reservation on the website.
Book early. Like, at least a couple of weeks early. This place books out fast.
When you’re booking, you can book a table without the shuttle if you have transport already planned.
You have the table for as long as you want it, so if you’re planning on doing some snorkelling and sunbathing, book an early slot.
Getting there
If booking the shuttle, you will need to find a spot that has enough spaces for your group.
The shuttle is 500xpf return, you pay with your meal at the restaurant.
Arrive at Coco Beach parking before your scheduled departure.
If you book an early spot (say 10am) this is just for the boat. The kitchen doesn’t open until 11am, so you can chill at your table with a drink until then.
You can rent a kayak at Hotel Les Tipaniers if you want to get yourself across, but be aware that the current in the channel can be strong! You’ll also have boats, jet skis and snorkellers to contend with.
Boats back are every 30 minutes until 4pm.
What to bring
Sun protection: hat, sunnies, sunscreen something to cover up with. It can be a long day and you don’t want to turn into a lobster (as they say in Australia, slip, slop, slap!).
Something light to cover against wind and keep warm after a swim.
Snorkelling gear (including fins if you have them to contend with the current).
Looking for more delicious eats in Mo’orea? Check out 7 of my favourite spots on the island.
Want more places for a piña colada? Here’s 4 places in Tahiti and Mo’orea to enjoy a happy hour cocktail.
Looks fabulous 🥰