Papeete ferry terminal, departure point for ferries for the Tahiti Moorea crossing
Good tips

The crossing from Tahiti to Moorea

It is impossible to come to Tahiti without going to a short stay on the wonderful sister island Moorea. And the locals who live in Tahiti very often carry out the short crossing from Tahiti to Moorea to pick up calm and tranquility. Populated by only 16 thousand people welcoming Moorea will surprise you with its beauty and sweetness of life. So I will give you the keys here to carry out by ferry, the 16 kilometers which separate the two islands.

Moorea seen from Faa'a at sunset
Moorea seen from Faa'a

1. Choose your ferry company

Since Terevau's recent disappearance, there is only 3 companies that operate the crossing from Tahiti (Papeete) to Moorea (Vaiare): Aremiti, Vaeara'i et Tauati. Each one offers several trips per day, with durations crossing going from 25 to 45 minutes. Please note, the Timetable and the prices may change. Go to the websites of each company that you will find at the end of this article to have the best prices the day you need to make that short trip.

Moorea, a lagoon with breathtaking colors
The Moorea lagoon

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 RentalAuto 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.

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The view from the lookout in Moorea
The view from the lookout in Moorea

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.

Opunohu Bay in Moorea
Opunohu Bay

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.

5. Arrival in Moorea

Once you arrive in Vaiare, all you have to do is enjoy yourself. Moorea offers green mountains, refreshing waterfalls, lush valleys et crystal clear waters conducive to diving visit us at the snorkeling and watersportsThe artists, painters et writers are attracted by this little piece of heaven, where nature and culture blend harmoniously.

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Vaiare, the port of Moorea
Vaiare, the port of Moorea

6. Origin of the name Mo'ore'a

Moorea is steeped in legends and traditions. We tell notably that of yellow lizard (Moʻoreʻa in Tahitian), which gives his name to the island. According to legend, a baby yellow lizard would have swum towards the rising sun to find his parents, but he drowned and his body washed up on the beach of Vai Anae in Aimeho. Since that day, the sister island has been called Moorea. Moreover, those who worship the places steeped in history will be filled sincees mares (ancestral places of worship) dot the island, testifying to his history and its spirituality.

7. In fine

Only at 16 kilometers and total half-hour boat from Tahiti, Moorea is a invitation to explore, to recharge and to be therelet yourself be bewitched by magic Polynesian. Tourists will find there theauthenticity of ancient Polynesia and the locals peaceful, the tranquility and the reposThis is especially true if you have the opportunity to go there. outside holiday periods et in Week. So if you are in Tahiti for a while, don't hesitate for a second, embark for Moorea and let yourself penetrate through Mana, the sacred force, well known to Polynesians and very present on Moorea.

 

🚤 New: a clever website to track Tahiti–Moorea ferries

👨‍🎓 A high school student from La Mennais, Tao Pillonneaucreated the website Tahiti timetables to gather in one place all the shuttle schedules between Tahiti and Moorea.

⚡ Designed to be simple and fastThe site displays upcoming departures, estimated waiting times, and makes life easier for all travelers.

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🌍 Tao continues to improve its tool, notably with an English version for tourists.

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Eva

Hello Titi,
I was wondering, when booking the Tahiti Moorea ferry for a vehicle, do you also have to buy passenger seats or is that included in the price of the vehicle?
Thank you

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