Motu Ofetaro
The French-Polynesian Paradise Shared With Cats and Chickens
The water had transformed from a deep blue to an aqua of sorts. I say ‘of sorts’ because the shades were numerous and when I peered over the edge of the boat, I could clearly see the bottom. The boat slowed down to dock at a small jetty and as I took in the blue sky, coconut palms, small motu, fringing reef and total lack of concrete jungle, my first thought was … paradise.
The jetty was short and the kids ran across its length in less than four seconds. Upon reaching the end, they jumped and both landed barefoot, spraying up white sand in all directions. Before they could run off, I informed them they had to help me carry something.
”Do I haaaaave to?”
”Yes!”
The sign on the jetty read ”Welcome … Motu Ofetaro … Manava”. We found a cement table and seat under the shade of a large tree and dumped our belongings, claiming our spot on the small island. In less than a minute there were no less than 11 cats and even more chickens hanging around.
”Oh great,” Jason said sarcastically. ”I’m going in the water.” Cats give him terrible hay fever. Not me though, the more the merrier I reckon! I now understood why the boat driver insisted we hang our picnic bag in a tree up high.
Although these cats and chickens clearly don’t belong to anyone, it’s impossible to feel sorry for them. They are clearly well-fed by visitors to the island and I suspect the caretakers looks after them too.
Wait … What? You Mean This Paradise Island is Free for Public Use?
Moto Ofetaro is a free public park area for the residents and visitors of Raiatea in French Polynesia. There is a basic open wall roof structure, toilets, cement picnic tables, an open shower and a small caretakers hut.
Visiting the motu is one of the best day trips you can take from the island of Raiatea in French Polynesia. It’s located in the Raiatea lagoon, on the edge of Teavapiti pass and is a popular hangout for families on the weekend.
Although I thoroughly enjoyed the novelty of the cats and chickens, the highlight was the well preserved coral reef surrounding the island. It’s perfect for families as in less than one metre of water, you can snorkel in and around coral covered in multitudes of fish, including favorites such as clownfish.
Watch This Short YouTube Clip for What to Expect on Motu Ofetaro!
An afternoon downpour saw us moving from our concrete picnic tables to one of the open-walled shelters. The chickens joined us as soon as we sat down, pleased with their prize of apples peels and cores. As the kids ran around on the large grass area, they began playing with a few coconuts that had dropped to the ground.
I challenged them to work out how to open it so after ten minutes of throwing it repeatedly at the base of a coconut tree, they finally managed to remove the green outer covering. Surprised, Jason gave the coconut a good smash on a large rock and we suddenly had two perfect coconut halves on our hands. I couldn’t believe our luck!
We shared one of the halves with the cats and chickens. The cats lost interest pretty quick but the chickens spent 30 minutes taking turns at it.
How do I get to Motu Ofetaro?
It’s easy enough to hire a boat taxi to take you there as we did. It’s as simple as enquiring at your pension or hotel but I’m told you can also kayak there. It takes around 1km to reach the motu from a launch point in front of the Sup’Tepua supermarket.
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For more information on visiting French Polynesia, head on over to our French Polynesia page. Alternatively, head back to the home page for other destinations and activities.
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Essential information for your French Polynesia family holiday
Best time to visit French Polynesia
The dry period from May to October is a great time to visit due to less rainfall and cooler weather.
Peak season is July and August and Christmas and Easter are also busier. The cost of flights rise considerably over this period.
Getting to French Polynesia
Getting to French Polynesia pretty straightforward. All international flights land in Tahiti. Search for a great deal on flights on Trip.com.
To visit one of the beautiful outlying islands, a flight will need to be booked with Air Tahiti. If you’re planning on visiting a few islands, it’s worth clicking on the Multi-Islands button for a cheaper deal.
Moorea can also be reached by Ferry.
Where to stay in French Polynesia
French Polynesia is not cheap so this will depend on your budget. Luxury accommodation is catered for but cheaper options can be found in family-run guesthouses or pensions. These can be absolutely wonderful!
Search for your accommodation here or check out where we have stayed below:
- TAHITI – We have stayed at Villa BO (our favourite) in Teahupoo and in Papeete at both Hotel Sarah Nui and the Sofitel Ia Ora Beach Resort.
- MOOREA – We have stayed at the Sofitel Moorea Ia Ora Beach Resort.
- HUAHINE – We have stayed at the Royal Huahine.
- RAIATEA – We have stayed at the Pension Les Trois Cascades.
- BORA BORA – We have stayed at the Sofitel Private Island and the Sofitel Marara Beach Resort.
Getting around the islands
This really depends on what you want to do and the age of your kids!
- We loved hiring a car for a day or two in Tahiti, Huahine, and Raiatea. Search car hire across major brands here.
- In Bora-Bora, Moorea, and Raiatea we loved getting around by pushbike and on foot.
- Taxis, water taxis and private transfers are available and your accommodation can help you out with this.
- There is a public bus on Tahiti which is an enjoyable experience but be warned that it sometimes (especially on the weekend) isn’t reliable. During weekdays and day-time hours should be fine.
Attractions and tours
There is plenty of things to do and see around French Polynesia. I found booking through our accommodation was the best option and we had no problems booking the night before.
WiFi
WiFi is usually available at hotels but the connection can be a bit hit and miss on the lesser-visited islands. Purchasing data is expensive so don’t plan on being able to watch YouTube.
French Polynesia holiday travel guides
Check out the official Tahiti Tourism site here!
