The crossing from Tahiti to Moorea

It's impossible to visit Tahiti without spending a short time on its wonderful sister island, Moorea . Locals from Tahiti often make the quick ferry crossing to Moorea in search of peace and quiet . With a population of only 16,000 , welcoming Moorea will surprise you with its beauty and laid-back lifestyle . So, here's how to make the 16-kilometer ferry crossing between the two islands.

1. Choose your ferry company

Since the recent closure of Terevau, only three companies now operate the ferry service between Tahiti (Papeete) and Moorea (Vaiare): Aremiti , Vaeara'i, and Tauati . Each offers several crossings daily, with journey times ranging from 25 to 45 minutes . Please note that schedules and prices are subject to change . Visit each company's website, which you will find at the end of this article, to find the best prices for the day you need to make this short trip.

2. Buy your ticket 

Before leaving, buy your ticket online or directly at the ticket office at the Papeete ferry terminal. It will cost you around 10 thousand XPF for a round trip by car (84 euros). For a scooter, the price is around 2000 XPF (17 euros). For a passenger, it's roughly the same price as a scooter the tickets are usually valid for one year from the date of purchase (the validity date can be extended for a fee of 120 XPF per ticket) and can be used at any time without prior reservation. However, if you leave with a car, know that there is only 5 seats available on theAremiti 6. Booking several days in advance is therefore a very good idea in this case. Normally, for other ferries, out weekend et holidays, he is rare that all rotations are complete. Moreover, leave without a car and renting one when you arrive on the island turns out to be the most economical solution. But it is strongly recommended to Book in advance. This will save you from having to do the 62 kilometers around the island… on foot! There are several providers including: Moorea Car Rental, Auto Rent Moorea et Good Deal Rental Car Moorea. Also keep in mind that renting a electric scooter is possible at Coco rider. This is amusing , handy, and economic. Discover Moorea in VAE or Biking also has its charm.

3. Prepare for the crossing

Check the departure and arrival times to choose the time that suits you best. For example, for the return, you can set it according to the time you need to leave your rental or hotel. If you are boarding with a car, it is better to arrive 30 minutes before departure of the boat. If you are in scooter ou without vehicle, 10 minutes is enough. The ferries are punctual and the delays at boarding are are not legion. So forget the SNCF and be on time. About the hand luggage, each passenger can carry 1 and it must weigh less than 10 kilos. Attention, the package et bulky packages are not accepted. In fact, if you wish leave luggage in Tahiti and the pick up on return, you will find all the information on the luggage storage here.

4. Enjoy the journey

Make yourself comfortable on board and enjoy the amazing views on the turquoise waters from the lagoon. You may see some dolphins or whales during the crossing, so don't gape 😉 In case of good weather, you can settle on the upper deck of the boat. In this case, caps, hats et crème solaire will be your friends. If you are less lucky and the weather is unstable, then prefer itshooting in which you will be sitting well and a snack bar is available to you in case of hunger or if you need to quench your thirst. If the sea is rough, the trips may prove to be perilous. Besides, a hostess will inform you about it. Listen to her and find another time to test your balancing skills. Finally, and to be completely complete, even if the crossing is short, those who are sensitive to seasickness can spend a relatively uncomfortable moment. Then those will have to take their precautions before embarking and taking out their prevention artillery to take full advantage of theenchantment of arrival in Moorea. These bracelets also allow to protect yourself effectively without breaking the bank.

In the lagoon of Moorea

The motu of the lagonarium in Moorea

5. Arrival in Moorea

Once you arrive in Vaiare, all that's left to do is enjoy yourself. Moorea offers verdant mountains , refreshing waterfalls , lush valleys , and crystal-clear waters perfect for diving , snorkeling , and water sports . Artists , painters, and writers are drawn to this little corner of paradise , where nature and culture blend harmoniously.

6. Origin of the name Mo'ore'a

Moorea is steeped in legends and traditions . One such legend is that of the yellow lizard ( Moʻoreʻa in Tahitian ), which gives the island its name. According to the legend , a baby yellow lizard swam towards the rising sun to find its parents, but it drowned and its body washed up on the beach of Vai Anae in Aimeho. Since that day, the sister island has been called Moorea. Furthermore, those who love places rich in history will be delighted, as marae ( ancestral places of worship) are scattered across the island , bearing witness to its history and spirituality.

7. In fine

Just 16 kilometers and a half-hour boat ride from Tahiti, Moorea is an invitation to explore , recharge , and be captivated by Polynesian magic . Tourists will find the authenticity of old Polynesia, while locals will find peace , tranquility , and rest . This is especially true if you have the opportunity to visit outside of peak season and on a weekday . So, if you're in Tahiti for a while, don't hesitate for a second, set sail for Moorea and let yourself be enveloped by Mana , the sacred energy well-known to Polynesians and very present on Moorea.