The ferry is the best way to get to Moorea from Tahiti. The ferry ride between Papeete and Vaiare takes 30 to 45 minutes. Two companies operate multiple daily departures. Expect to pay about 1,500 XPF per adult (~13 €) for a one-way trip in French Polynesia. One crucial thing to keep in mind before booking your flight: there are no overnight crossings. If your flight lands after 5:00 p.m., the last ferry will have already left.
The Tahiti to Moorea Route at a Glance
| Departure | Port of Papeete (Tahiti) |
| Arrival | Vaiare / Vaeara' Harbor (Moorea) |
| Duration | 30 to 45 minutes |
| Companies | Aremiti · Terevau |
| Frequency | Several departures per day |
| Adult fare (one-way) | ~1,500 XPF (~13 €) |
| Child Price | Reduced Rate |
| Vehicle | Surcharge based on size — reservations recommended |
| Overnight Crossing | ⚠️ No — last departure in the late afternoon |
Aremiti or Terevau: Which company should you choose?
Two shipping companies share the routes between Tahiti and Moorea. Same route, same travel time, modern ships. In French Polynesia, this is the fastest and most affordable way to travel between the two islands.
In practice, it’s not the airline that matters. It’s the departure time. Check both websites, choose the schedules that match your arrival time in Papeete, and board the ship.
⚠️ Hours vary by day and seasons. Always check the most up-to-date schedules directly on their official websites before planning your trip
Tahiti-Moorea Ferry Fares: Adult, Child, and Vehicle Rates
The crossing remains one of the most accessible in tourism in French Polynesia.
| Adult | ~1,500 XPF (~13 €) |
| Children | Reduced rate — check with the airline |
| Vehicle | Additional charge based on size — reservation required |
| Payment | By credit card or at the ticket window — online purchase available |
From Tahiti Airport to the Ferry Terminal: A Guide
You’ve just landed. Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting to Moorea.
1 — Exit from Tahiti-Faa'a Airport
Pick up your luggage and go through security. The airport is only a 10-minute taxi ride from the port by taxi. If you have time, you can also take the shuttle bus from the airport terminal to the pier.
2 — Head to the Papeete pier
It takes about 10 minutes by taxi from the airport. There are several transportation options: taxi, private shuttles, or car rental. Allow extra time in case your luggage is delayed.
3 — Buy a ticket at the ticket window or online
Go to the ferry terminal and check in at your ferry company’s ticket counter. You can also book online through their official websites. Credit cards are accepted.
4 — Boarding and the Crossing
30 to 45 minutes later, you’ll disembark at the port of Vaiare (Vaeara’). Moorea awaits you.
The catch that nobody tells you about: flights after 5 p.m.
That’s the most common mistake we see. And it costs you a night’s sleep.
Ferry service between Tahiti and Moorea is not permitted at night. The last ferry departs from Papeete in the late afternoon, around 5:00–5:30 p.m., depending on the day (check for seasonal variations).
The classic scenario: A guest books a stay in Moorea for a Tuesday. Their flight lands in Tahiti at 6 p.m. The last ferry has already left. The result: a night in a hotel in Papeete, a wasted night in Moorea, and a rough start to the trip.
A good tip: Check your flight’s arrival time at Tahiti-Faa’a before booking your first few nights on the island. If you land after 5 p.m., plan to spend the night in Papeete. You’ll take the boat the next morning, well-rested, as the sun rises over the lagoon.
A couple arrives in Tahiti at 6 p.m., proud of having “perfectly timed their arrival.” They head for the harbor, sprinting with their wheeled suitcases… only to watch the last boat glide leisurely toward Moorea—without them.
Verdict: a surprise overnight stay in Papeete, a consolatory mojito, and a lesson learned: in Moorea, the boat doesn’t wait for optimistic tourists! The next day, the first ferry, sunrise over the lagoon… and a story to tell for the rest of the trip!
Arrival in Vaiare (Vaeara'): What's next?
Here you are on the island. The port of Vaiare is located on the eastern side of Moorea. What happens next depends on one simple choice: how you’ll get around.
In Moorea, you don’t walk. Distances can be deceiving, it’s hot, and the roads don’t have sidewalks. There are several transportation options available to you.
A rental car: the most flexible option for exploring the island at your own pace. There are several rental agencies on the island.
The scooter: perfect for short trips and activities near the harbor.
Bicycles: for those who enjoy taking it slow. Some rental agencies offer electric bikes—perfect for leisurely sightseeing.
Shuttles: Some hotels offer a shuttle service from the pier. That’s the case at Cook’s Bay—please contact us by email before your arrival, and we’ll arrange your transfer.
A map of the island will come in handy: download one from the Tahiti Tourisme before you leave.
Cook's Bay Hotel & Suites: How do you get here from Vaiare?
From the port of Vaiare (Vaeara’), it takes about ten minutes to reach the Cook’s Bay Hotel & Suites. We’re located on Cook’s Bay, one of the most beautiful bays in French Polynesia, ideally situated for all activities on the island.
Most of our guests tell us this when they arrive: the drive from Vaiare doesn’t give you time to prepare for it. You round a bend, and suddenly Cook’s Bay opens up before you: the mountain peaks plunging into the bay, the blue shifting in hue depending on the light. Many stop to take a photo before they even reach the front desk!
FAQ: Tahiti-Moorea Ferry
What's the best way to get to Moorea from Tahiti?
How much does the ferry between Tahiti and Moorea cost?
Are there shuttle buses from the airport to the ferry?
How can I access the official schedules and prices?
Can you bring a vehicle on the Tahiti-Moorea ferry?
My flight arrives at 7:00 p.m. How do I get to Moorea?
Book your room at Cook's Bay
The ferry drops you off at Vaiare at 9 a.m. The Cook’s Bay Hotel is 10 minutes away. The crossing takes 30 minutes—we’ll take care of the rest.
