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The Tahiti to Moorea Ferry: A Complete Guide

Blog , French Polynesia , Oceania / April 4, 2023 by Monica / 4 Comments

This guide will walk you through how to take the ferry from Tahiti to Moorea step-by-step. We’ll go over the Tahiti to Moorea ferry schedule (and vice versa) as well as the costs of taking the ferry to Moorea from Tahiti. Let’s dive in!

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Moorea, French Polynesia is an absolute paradise. Picture the brightest blue water, the most lush forests, and tall jagged peaks – this is Moorea.

I chose to spend the majority of my French Polynesia trip on the island of Moorea because of the stunning beauty. The wild jungle trails. And, the clearest blue sea.

There are so many fun things to do on Moorea , I highly recommend that you go! It is currently my favorite French Polynesian island.

But – I’m sure this isn’t a shock – French Polynesia is not known for being cheap. Island hopping here can be pretty pricey.

However, it is completely possible to travel to Moorea from Tahiti on a budget. In this post, you’ll learn everything you need to know about taking the ferry from Tahiti to Moorea. Let’s talk about your options, costs, schedules, and more below!

Table of Contents

Is It Worth It to Go To Moorea?

Without hesitation, yes !

Moorea is the epitome of a tropical island vacation. Not only do you get breathtaking beaches, but you get rugged jungle, as well.

If you want to lounge on white sand beaches, you can. If you want to snorkel turquoise lagoons, you can. If you want to hike lush green trails, you can.

Moorea has everything from palm-fringed beaches to wild tropical forest. There is something for everyone in Moorea.

How Do You Get To Moorea From Tahiti?

To travel from Tahiti to Moorea, you have two main options. You can either fly or take a ferry from Tahiti to Moorea, and vice versa.

Since Moorea and Tahiti are only 10 nautical miles apart, it’s going to be a short trip regardless of your choice. But what really sets your two options apart if the difference in pricing.

You May Also Like: A Moorea & Tahiti Packing List

Option 1: Fly to Moorea from Tahiti

Air Tahiti offers two non-stop Tahiti to Moorea flights each and every day. The flight is a short 15 minutes and is probably one of the prettiest 15 minutes you would have in your life. But, you will pay a hefty price tag for those 15 minutes.

Round-trip flight costs from Tahiti to Moorea of course vary depending on the dates and season. You should expect them to cost anywhere from $100 up to (and over) $400 during the busy season.

Since you’ve already paid for flights from your home country to French Polynesia to begin with, this additional flight may add a significant cost to your trip budget. And, remember, you still need to arrive to the airport early and check bags if you didn’t travel carry-on only .

There is one airline that covers the route from Tahiti to Moorea (and back), and it’s called Air Tahiti. If you want to visit Bora Bora or any other French Polynesian island, you’ll also use this airline.

Pros of flying from Tahiti to Moorea:

• a short 15 minute flight
• the prettiest views around

Cons of flying from Tahiti to Moorea:

• only two flight times per day
• the time it takes to go through security, check bags, etc.

In my personal opinion, it is only worth flying if you are on one of the island-hopper packages.

Option 2: Take the ferry from Tahiti to Moorea

Taking the ferry from Tahiti to Moorea is the cheapest option by far, and it is incredibly easy to do so! In taking the ferry, you will not only save money, but you will also have significantly more departure options each and every day.

Below I will go into all of the details you need to know to take the Tahiti to Moorea ferry, but let me sum up why you might want to do so first.

Pros of taking the Tahiti to Moorea ferry:

• a cheap transportation option
• easy to navigate
• a short 30-ish minute ride

Cons of taking the Tahiti to Moorea ferry:

• in my opinion none, but I will mention that it’s not “luxury” in case that is important to you.

Let’s dive into all of the details you need to know in order to successfully take the ferry from Tahiti to Moorea.

A Tahiti to Moorea Ferry How-To Guide

How much does the Tahiti to Moorea ferry cost?

Tickets from Tahiti to Moorea on the ferry typically cost between $11 and $15 for a one-way trip. This may vary slightly depending on the current exchange rate. Check the exchange rate here .

How long is the Tahiti to Moorea ferry?

It will only take 30-45 minutes to travel to Moorea from Tahiti by ferry. So, in reality, it is even faster than flying because you don’t need to deal with all the airport rigmarole.

Some ferries transport passengers only and others transport vehicles, which can affect the travel time due to the weight. But, even 45 minutes seems like no problem to me.

Less than one hour to reach paradise? And for $11? Sign me up!

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The two ferry options: Terevau and Aremiti

When you take the ferry from Tahiti to Moorea, you have two ferry operators to choose from; Terevau and Aremiti. Both sail this specific route at least five times per day, so you will definitely have options.

I took the Terevau Ferry from Tahiti to Moorea, and the Aremiti Ferry from Moorea to Tahiti. So, I had a taste of both operations. Both were perfectly fine, but there are a few details that might make you prefer one over the other. I’ll cover those below.

You May Also Like: A Complete Moorea Hiking Guide

Terevau Ferry

I used Terevau to travel my initial route from Tahiti to Moorea. Terevau does allow vehicles on some routes, and others are passenger-only.

I prefer Terevau over Aremiti just slightly , though I wouldn’t hesitate to use either again. Here are the reasons why:

• it is cheaper. Expect to pay a few dollars less. And in French Polynesia, it’s nice to save money anywhere you can!
• the website was offered in English, not just French. When I’m making a purchase and need to clearly understand the rules, I don’t want to rely on my half-baked French.
• this is anecdotal, but I had friendlier and more helpful staff with Terevau when I had luggage and boarding questions.

Aremiti Ferry

Aremiti also runs both passenger-only and vehicle-allowed ferry transports. Aremiti also offers a few more ferry runs per day usually offering between 7-12 routes per day.

I will admit, the extra ferry times are helpful if you need to get to Tahiti on a specific timetable.

My main beef with Aremiti is that the website was only available in French. I don’t know if this was just a glitch but it was a bit annoying to have to translate every line myself to make sure I understood the policies and ticket rules.

But, I wanted to try them both so that I could give a full comparison on the blog. You’re welcome!

Pro Tip: Regardless of which ferry you choose, plan to arrive about 15 minutes before departure. If you have a lot of luggage, perhaps 30 minutes is best.

Terevau Ferry Schedule

The Terevau Ferry runs at least five times per day from Tahiti to Moorea. On certain days and during certain seasons, that number increases to seven times per day.

Ferries depart beginning at either 6:40am or 7:15am depending on the day, and the latest departure I’ve seen was at 10pm.

See the current Teravau Ferry schedule here .

Terevau Ferry Ticket Price

Terevau currently charges 1240 XPF per one way ticket. At my time of purchase, this cost exactly $11.08 USD. This means you are saving roughly $90 off of even the cheapest Air Tahiti flight, and possible more like $390 from the upper end.

Take that in.

You do not need to choose your departure time at the time of purchase. Rather, your ticket is valid for a full six months after purchase, for any ferry time.

So, there are no reservations, per se. You just show up, get your ticket scanned, and walk onto the ferry. Easy.

You May Also Like: The Best Things To Do in Moorea

Aremiti Ferry Schedule

I took the Aremiti Ferry for my return trip from Moorea back to Tahiti. Aremeti runs between 7-12 times per day, so they do have a few more departure options then Terevau.

The Aremiti Ferry 2 can provide transport for cars and passengers, while the Aremiti Ferry 6 only transports passengers. Timings begin at either 5:40am or 7am depending on the day, and the latest departure I personally saw was 8:10pm.

See the current Aremiti Ferry schedule  here .

Aremiti Ferry Price

The Aremiti Ferry costs slightly more than Terevau at 1770 XPF per one way. At the time of writing, this is exactly $15.79 USD.

With Aremiti, your tickets are valid for one full year after purchase. And, just like Terevau, you do not make specific timing reservations. You simply show up, scan your ticket, and get onto the ferry.

Terevau vs. Aremiti: Which Ferry Is Better?

First and foremost, I would recommend choosing the one that works best with your schedule. Neither were bad by any means. As I said, I personally had a better (and cheaper!) experience with Terevau.

But, I can share my personal pros and cons on the Aremiti and Terevau ferries.

Pro: cheaper

Pro: English website

Pro: carries both people and vehicles

Pro: friendly and helpful staff

Con: less ferries per day

Pro: more ferry times per day

Con: more expensive

Con: French website only

Con: less help and direction on where to go with luggage, where to board, etc.

The ferries I rode from both companies were clean and comfortable. There are no assigned seats for either company, and both offered seating inside and outside the cabin.

So, get those beautiful views if you want them. Or, sit inside in air conditioning if you prefer.

Where do you buy ferry tickets?

You can buy them both in advance online, or in person on the day of. For ease on the day of, I chose to purchase mine in advance so that I could simply walk right on.

After all, I was traveling French Polynesia solo , and had to manage my luggage and buses / taxis myself. So it just made life easier to have one thing ticked off my list in advance.

Terevau Online Purchasing

Aremiti Online Purchasing

I purchased my tickets online and downloaded the ticket PDF to my phone.

If you choose to purchase tickets in person, I would recommend arriving about 30 minutes in advance to be safe.

How to get to the Tahiti and Moorea ferry terminals

I had a rental car in Moorea, but not on Tahiti. So, I reached the ferry terminal in different ways.

Tahiti to Moorea Ferry Transportation

Before departing Tahiti, I walked from my nearby hotel to the ferry terminal. If you want to do the same be sure to book a hotel within a reasonable walking distance.

When I arrived in Moorea, I walked to my scooter rental company from the arrival terminal. There is both a car rental and several scooter rental places right near the ferry docks, so that makes things convenient.

Moorea to Tahiti Ferry Transportation

After exploring Moorea to my hearts’ content, I took my rental car back near the dock, dropped it off, and walked to the ferry terminal once more. (Yes, I rented both a scooter and then later rented a car on Moorea just to test the difference.)

Pro Tip: Definitely book your car rental in advance if you go that route. It will cost significantly more if you decide to rent on the spot. Get the best prices here .

Upon arrival in Tahiti, I took taxi cab to my next hotel.

There is no Uber in French Polynesia yet. I typically use Uber or similar when I travel because I have a record of the transaction and can often pay by card. While taxis in Tahiti were not cheap, I found hat I always paid less than locals quoted me, so I can honestly say I never felt “ripped off.”

Location of the Pape’ete, Tahiti Ferry Terminal:

Location of the Moorea Ferry Terminal:

Can you take a day trip from Tahiti to Moorea by ferry?

Yes, you absolutely can! Locals cross between the islands on a day trip very frequently.

Leave as early as possible and go back as late as possible to make the most of it.

If one day is all you can spare, go for it. However, I highly recommend spending much more time on Moorea. It is such a great spot for anyone adventurous, or who likes the outdoors.

Check out my full guide to visiting Moorea .

Pro Tip: If you choose to take a day trip and want to see more for less (money that is, consider taking this 4×4 tour . I personally took it on one day of my visit, and it was awesome! It takes you to some spots that rental cars and rental scooters are note allowed to go. Book your 4×4 tour here !

FAQs on the Tahiti to Moorea Ferry

Are There Any Ferries To Bora Bora?

There are no ferries that run from Tahiti to Bora Bora. The only way to get there is by plane.

How often does the ferry run from Papeete to Moorea?

Combining both Terevau and Ameriti’s departures, there will be between 12 to 19 departures on any given day. This allows for lots of flexibility when planning your trip.

How many days is enough in Moorea?

You can get a taste of Moorea in one or three days, for sure. However, I recommend at least one full week in Moorea so that you can see much more! The island is small enough that you will feel accomplished by week’s end, but there are so many things to do that you will never be bored.

You May Also Like: Where Is Tahiti & Is It a Country?

Is it better to stay in Tahiti or Moorea?

It depends on your itinerary.

If you are island-hopping by plane, you may be better off staying in Tahiti. This is where most of the flights will depart.

However, if you want lush green hikes , waterfalls, and off the beaten path adventuring, then Moorea is the place to be!

For the full comparison, be sure to check out my Tahiti vs Moorea post .

Is Bora Bora more expensive than Moorea?

Yes, very much so. On Moorea, it is possible to find budget accommodations. And, locals live here so there are plenty of shops and grocery stores.

Bora Bora is more isolated, and therefore, more expensive. More expensive to reach and more expensive to get around.

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Can you take a rental car from Tahiti to Moorea?

Yes you can! Both Terevau and Ameriti Ferry allow vehicles to board some, but not all, of their ships. To save a it of cash, you can rent a car in Tahiti and take it to Moorea on a ferry. This is quite common.

If you do decide to take a vehicle from Tahiti to Moorea, be sure to rent the car in advance (I always get the best prices here .)

For the ferry, expect to pay between $45 – $100 USD depending on the size of the rental car.

Can you drive in Tahiti with US license?

Yes, tourists can drive in Tahiti and on Moorea with their US license. Be sure to bring it with you if you plan to rent a car or even a scooter.

Tahiti To Moorea Ferry Conclusion

I hope that this guide on taking the ferry from Tahiti to Moorea and back has helped you out! At first it might seem confusing, but it is actually quite easy and common to do so.

Whether you want to lounge on the island beaches or go hiking for epic mountainous views, Moorea has it all. You have got to check out this incredible island!

Looking for more French Polynesia planning resources??

• The Best Things To Do in Moorea
• The Tahiti to Moorea Ferry: A How To Guide
• A Complete Moorea Hiking Guide
• A Moorea & Tahiti Packing List
• Is Tahiti Safe? Solo Female Travel Tips
• Coco Beach Moorea: A Complete Review
• The Best Places to Snorkel in Moorea
• Tahiti vs. Moorea: Which is Better?
• Are There Sharks in Bora Bora?
• Where Is Tahiti & Is It a Country?
• A French Polynesia Travel Guide

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About Monica

Monica has been a solo female world traveler for over 15 years. She is an expert on outdoor adventures, solo female travel, and off the beaten path destinations. She is the founder of This Rare Earth and is a firm believer that the world is not as scary as the media might have you think! Learn more about her here . Connect with her on Instagram .

Reader Interactions

May 12, 2023 at 3:46 pm

thanks for this helpfull article. Can you take a scooter on the ferry ? Thanks

May 17, 2023 at 6:12 am

I’m so gad it has helped you Ange!

Yes, you can purchase a ticket to take your scooter onto the ferry. I rented a scooter directly on Moorea, but I hear it can be cheaper if you take one over from Tahiti.

July 22, 2023 at 11:51 pm

Hello. Thanks for all the great tips! Do you know if the ferry leaves later in Dec/Jan? I’m arriving at 5:30pm and really don’t want to stay in Tahiti that night.

July 29, 2023 at 5:27 pm

Typically not late enough – at least not for most international flights. By the time you deplane, go through customs, etc, the last ferry has usually left for the night.

On the bright side, there are plenty of things to do in Tahiti in 24 hours or less!

The flight routes and ferry schedules can always change, so check the links in the post above for the ferry schedules in another couple of months. However, I have not personally seen it line up without one night in Tahiti when flying from the USA.

Have an AMAZING time, I can’t wait to go back! 🙂

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Fares for Tahiti-Moorea route

The following fare are in effect since 01/10/2023 (dd/MM/yyyy) and are valid for all the trips between Tahiti and Moorea.

Passengers fares

One-way fares.

Tickets are usable during 1 year from the date of purchase. It can be used at any time, without reservation, for any trip between Tahiti and Moorea on the Terevau.

Roundtrip tickets

Tickets are valid 1 year from the date of purchase, can be used at any time, without reservation, for any trip between Tahiti and Moorea on the Terevau

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Moto scooter.

Tickets are usable 1 year from the date of purchase. It can be used at any time, without reservation, for any trip between Tahiti and Moorea on the Terevau.

Reservation is required for any vehicles to guarantee availability for any trip between Tahiti and Moorea on the Terevau.

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Tahiti-Moorea Shuttle: Take the Ferry From Papeete!

Tahiti’s sister island is located just a short distance from the port of Papeete . Why not reach it by boat? Fast and economical, this mode of transportation can save you a stopover on your inter-island package or to enjoy a day out. The Tahiti-Moorea shuttle is easy to access and has many advantages.

Why Take the Tahiti-Moorea Shuttle?

Advantages of taking the boat.

If it is possible to reach Moorea by plane from Tahiti, the price of the flights is much higher than the one of a transport by boat. Moreover, the time saving is quite minor, barely 20 minutes, for a high carbon footprint. Therefore, we advise you to use the Tahiti-Moorea shuttle.

The sea crossing is practical and ecological. This nice excursion along the water will make you appreciate the panoramas on Papeete, Tahiti and Moorea. Even better: the crossing is very fast. Count on 25 to 45 minutes per one-way trip and shuttles are scheduled almost every 90 minutes.

Another strong argument in favor of the boat: you can take the ferry with a rental car in Tahiti . For those who rent by the week, the offer is very convenient as it allows you to visit points of interest on Moorea easily.

Think About Your Polynesian Itinerary

During your stay, you will probably visit several Polynesian islands. The local agency Air Tahiti offers its multi-flight packages, namely the passes. However, the number of stopovers and itineraries are limited depending on the package you choose but also on the possible connections between the islands.

By going to Moorea by boat, you can save a stopover on your Air Tahiti pass and choose another one. You can also start your inter-island package from Tahiti with a wider choice of destinations. Most importantly, you will save time because flights from Moorea are rarely direct to the Leeward Islands or the Tuamotus.

How Does the Tahiti-Moorea Shuttle Work?

Ferry companies: prices & schedules.

Three ferry companies provide the link by boat between the Papeete ferry terminal and the port of Vaiare on Moorea: Aremiti , Terevau and Vaeara . In total, count on 6 to 10 trips per day depending on the season and the day of the week. The crossing lasts from 25 to 45 minutes.

From Tahiti , the first boat leaves shortly before 6am on weekdays and from 7am on weekends. The last departure is around 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm respectively. In the opposite direction, the last boat leaves Moorea around 4:30 pm. Before planning a day trip, it is important to check the schedule. Also, plan the travel time to the port. Do not miss the last connection and keep in mind that there are fewer shuttles on weekends.

Regarding fares, expect to pay an average of $20-30 per adult (18-59 years old) for a round trip ticket. Children, students and people over 60 years old benefit from a reduced rate. Polynesian residents benefit from preferential prices (about 25%). For the transportation of a small car, the price starts at $80.

Taking the Tahiti-Moorea Shuttle: Practical Guide

From Tahiti, go to the Papeete ferry terminal to buy your ticket on the spot or directly at the cruise ship dock, located just a few hundred meters away. You can buy your ticket online on companies’ websites, but the seats are not nominative. For the boarding, you are asked to be there at least 30 minutes before the departure and provided with the vehicle registration document if necessary.

In Moorea, you will take the boat at the Vaiare ferry terminal. You will be close to the famous Temae beach but far enough from the main places of interest. If you do not have a car at your disposal from Tahiti, you can call a Moorea cab for your travels. Remember to make a reservation before your arrival. However, if you plan to stay several nights on the island, call your hotel which will organize transportation (expect an extra charge).

Things to Do in Moorea in One Day?

When you leave Tahiti for Moorea, you will quickly notice a real change of scenery. White sandy beaches, a more vacation-like atmosphere and much less crowded than in Papeete. The activities on the island are numerous: Moorea golf course, dream beaches for swimming and snorkeling, kayaking on the lagoon and why not climb a small mountain for a panoramic view of the ocean?

By taking one of the first ferries in the morning, you’ll arrive around 8:20 am, just enough time to participate in the activities starting around 9:30-10 am. Hop in your cab and head out on an adventure. What a dream to discover dolphins or practice va’a, the traditional Polynesian sport! At 2pm, the tours end and you’ll have another 90 minutes to get back to the ferry terminal.

Snorkeling and Swim with Dolphins Half-Day Tour in Moorea

Half-Day Polynesian Pirogue in Moorea

Road to the islands passes through moorea.

If you didn’t plan to visit Moorea during your stay, take the chance to get there with the Tahiti-Moorea shuttle. Simple and practical, this boat will take you to discover a wonderful and essential island. Contact us and start organizing your trip to French Polynesia.

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