9 Things to Know for Smooth Sailing
Planning to take a ferry from Tahiti to Moorea? You’ve come to the right place! Here you’ll find everything you need to know about the Tahiti to Moorea Ferry.
I meticulously researched and crafted this practical guide to help you easily find all the information about this French Polynesia trajectory – from terminal location, ferry operators, timetables, ticket purchase instructions, and more!
I also compare the 2 main boat operators and give a detailed price breakdown to make sure you get the best bang for your buck!
Aremiti is the most popular ferry with multiple daily departures, so you can be flexible with how you want to organize your trip. The important part is to book your ticket in advance, especially if you’re transporting a car, so you’ll have a guaranteed spot.
Now, let’s dive into the details.
Quick overview:
- Ferry departure point: Papeete Port, Tahiti (map)
- Ferry arrival point: Marina Vai’are, Moorea (map)
- Ferry operators: Aremiti and Terevau
- Travel time: 25-45 minutes
- Price: From US$9 – US$18 per person
- Car-friendly: Yes
- Timetable: Multiple daily departures
- How to buy tickets: Online or at the ferry terminal
And here’s a practical map that shows the distance from Tahiti airport to the ferry terminal, and then the actual ferry ride:
1. Ferry options from Tahiti to Moorea
All ferries from Tahiti to Moorea depart from Papeete Port in Tahiti (map) and arrive at Marina Vaiare in Moorea (map).
Two main ferry operators for the Tahiti to Moorea route are Aremiti Ferry and Terevau. Below, you’ll find my short overview of both.
Both ferries are clean, nice, and have lovely staff on board happy to assist you in whatever you may need.
1.1. Aremiti Ferry
Website: Aremiti.pf
Aremiti Ferry is a family-owned company and the most popular ferry service between Tahiti to Moorea. They have 2 ferries, Aremiti 6 (this is the latest upgrade, prior one was Aremiti 5 that still operates) and Ferry 2.
Here are the main features of each Aremiti boat:
| Aremiti 6 | Ferry 2 | |
| Ferry type | Passenger ferry | Car ferry |
| Ferry length | 49.9-meters (163.7 feet) | 79.6-meters (261.1 feet) |
| Travel time | 25 minutes | 45 minutes |
| Travel speed | 37 knots | 18 knots |
| Maximum passengers: | ~500 | ~1,000 |
| Maximum cars: | 6 | 146 |
Aremiti 6 – faster, better for passenger transport
Aremiti 6 is mainly a people-carrying ferry with only a few spots for vehicles. This boat has a main deck, a garage space with 3 vehicle ramps, and an external upper deck where you can sit and enjoy the views.
Everyone praises the passenger area, which features comfy seats, a bar, a kiosk, and delicious food onboard! You’ll also find flat-screen TVs featuring onboard information.
The main deck has 226 seats, the upper deck has 300, and the external deck has 70 seats. I recommend boarding among the first passengers so you can choose the spot that works best for you! The seats aren’t numbered or pre-assigned, they are first come first served.
Ferry 2 – slower, better for car transport
Ferry 2 is the larger of the 2 Aremiti vessels ideal for travelers with cars. This ferry has 2 decks (both have AC) and a nice restaurant section with plenty of room. You’ll find the external upper deck or a sun deck on top for the best views!
If you’re traveling with a car, it’s definitely better to book the Ferry 2 and do so a few days in advance. You can also purchase tickets on the day of departure at the wharf but the vehicle spot won’t be guaranteed.
1.2. Terevau Ferry
Website: terevau.pf
Terevau is the unmissable, huge red ferry and a slightly cheaper alternative to Aremiti. Here’s basic information about it:
| Terevau | |
| Ferry type | Passenger ferry |
| Ferry length | 45 meters (147.6 feet) |
| Travel time | ~30 minutes |
| Travel speed | 40 knots |
| Maximum passengers: | 360 |
| Maximum cars: | 10 |
Travel time of the Terevau vessel is almost the same as that of the Aremiti 6. Inside, you’ll find AC, comfortable seats, a snack bar (bring cash along), and can enjoy the beautiful sights with far fewer crowds.
Do note that Terevau has fewer daily departures, so Aremiti may work better for your schedule.
NOTE: This vessel has recently got an upgrade for travels around the area, so you can now also book Terevau Piti ferry for rides from Tahiti to Moorea and other islands in French Polynesia.
2. Tahiti to Moorea ferry schedule
Ferries from Tahiti to Moorea run every day with multiple departures. The ride takes around 25-45 minutes, depending on the vessel, with Aremiti 6 and Terevau being the faster ones.
Usually, the first ferry departs Tahiti around 06:00 in the morning, while the last departure is in late afternoon/early evening hours (around 18:00).
The schedule can change depending on the season, so you’ll find more departures in the peak of summer (the peak of the season, naturally).
Here’s a short overview of the daily ferry departure timetable from Tahiti to Moorea for Aremiti in the middle of July 2024:
- Aremiti 6: 07:00, 09:00, 13:00, 15:35, 17:25, 18:00
- Le Ferry 2: 05:40, 07:15, 8:30, 9:45, 11:00, 12:30, 15:00, 16:15
- Terevau: 06:10, 09:45, 12:15, 14:35, 17:00
NOTE: Always check the timetable (available on both ferries’ websites) for the current period so you can plan your trip according to the latest schedule! The above examples may change according to season, weather, and demand. I added this here just to show you that there are multiple departures, so you have full flexibility when planning your trip!
The daily schedule is regularly updated on the website of both ferry operators. You’ll see the available spots in green, limited in yellow, and no spots left in red.
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3. Tickets – how to buy a Tahiti to Moorea ferry ticket
You can buy tickets for the Tahiti to Moorea ferry online (at the website of the ferry operator) or at the ticket booth directly on the wharf. No reservations are required for either ferry operator!
Tickets are valid for 365 days and can be used for any departure of the ferry for which it’s purchased. If you buy an Aremiti 6 ticket, you can use it within a year for any departure for Aremiti 5 & 6 vessels, and you don’t have to specify the exact time and date of departure during the purchase.
I highly recommend you buy tickets in advance if you travel with a car. You’ll need to buy a separate ticket for the car, and it’s best to do so in advance to secure the spot for your desired time slot. The price of the ticket will depend on vehicle size, but more on that in the next section.
For passengers only, you’re safe to buy tickets on the day of departure at the ferry terminal. But I recommend buying your ticket in advance even if you’re traveling without a car just in case, especially if you’re not very flexible or are traveling during the high season.
NOTE: Luggage is included in the ticket price.
The ticket prices on the websites of both ferry operators are given in the local currency, Pacific Francs (XPF). The conversion rate at the time of writing is around 110 XPF for 1 USD. You can use a credit card to buy tickets online.
At the ferry terminal, you can pay with cash or credit cards. The ticket booth is located at the Papeete terminal (map), in the big brown building – you can’t miss it! Most of the staff here speak English, so buying your ticket shouldn’t be an issue.
NOTE: You don’t need to print your ferry tickets. Just show the QR code at the entry via your phone. Just in case, download your ticket (or screenshot it) so it’s available for offline viewing in case you run out of data.
4. Price breakdown – how much is the ferry from Tahiti to Mooerea?
Both ferry operators (Aremiti and Terevau) offer multiple ticket categories (adult, child, senior, tourist adult, baby, etc) for one-way trips, round trips, and a 10-trip package (these are mainly sold to locals who use ferries on a daily basis).
Tickets for cars are sold separately and are divided into categories as well, ranging from Extra Small cars smaller than 4.10 meters (13.4 feet) to Extra Large cars up to 5.70 meters (18.7 feet). The price difference from the smallest to most expensive car is around 5000 F.
4.1. Aremiti prices
For an Aremiti 5 & 6 vessel (the most popular ones), you can expect to pay US$18 per adult and US$11 per child for a one-way trip. A one-way ticket for a medium-sized car (around 5 meters or 16 feet) costs around US$60.
For the Ferry 2 vessel, things are pretty simple. One-way ticket for passengers is 1000 F (US$9), and a one-way ticket for cars is 4,500 F (US$40).
4.2. Terevau prices
Here’s a short overview of the Terevau vessel prices:
- One-way ticket for adults – 1350 F or US$12
- One-way ticket for children – 670 F or US$6
- Vehicles – from 4,900 F (US$44) for small cars to 11,150 F (US$111) for long cars
Do note that buying roundtrip tickets doesn’t offer a better value for money with either company (unless you’re a local). The tickets cost the same whether you buy a one-way or a return ticket. But since you’ll have to return to Tahiti either way (the only way out of the island), I recommend you buy a return one right away.
5. Car transport – yes or no?
There are very limited public transport options in Moorea. Taxis are expensive, and the beaches, restaurants, and attractions are all scattered around. It’s definitely best to have a car when you’re here.
Without one, you’d be stuck at your resort and only rely on the excursions they have to offer. Also, some hotels may offer shuttle services from the ferry terminal, but this is ridiculously expensive.
You’ll find Avis Rental (map) just outside the terminal in Moorea, but their service is also pretty expensive and they have limited car options.
Most people rent a car in Tahiti and have it transported with them to Moorea.
The added fee for transporting your car on a ferry is cheaper than renting one on Moorea for sure! But if you absolutely can’t rent a car in Tahiti and want to do it in Moorea after all, Albert Transport (map) is a reliable option.
Finally, everyone says that driving around Moorea is a pleasure with great places to eat and enjoy on every corner!
6. Getting to and around the ferry terminal
Now, let’s discuss how to get to and around the terminal.
6.1. How to get to the terminal
If you’re going to the ferry terminal straight from Tahiti Airport or from your hotel, it’s best to take a taxi. Unfortunately, there are almost no free shuttles around Tahiti, and even the most expensive resorts will charge for transport services.
The taxi ride from the airport lasts around 15 minutes and costs around US$20. They only accept cash payments for taxis, so make sure to have some on you. You want to arrive just outside of the city center.
If you’re walking to the port, remember to download route instructions while you’re still connected to a Wi-Fi network just in case you lose internet access. I recommend an Airalo eSIM card so you always stay connected!
Ideally, arrive at the ferry terminal 30 minutes before departure.
6.2. How to get around the terminal
Once you’re at the ferry terminal, it’s really easy to get around.
The ticket booth is located in the big brown building, on the ground floor.
Inside the terminal, you’ll find a coffee place, a restaurant that overlooks the ocean, and a shaded area where you can wait for your ferry while enjoying the views. The waiting area is on the second floor.
A person with a baggage cart is usually around the ticket booth so you can hand them in your luggage if you have any.
The terminal has 4 gates belonging to different ferry operators, so make sure to check from which gate your ferry departs. The gates are clearly marked with big signs. Many locals also take the ferries and will they be more than happy to help you if you ever get confused about your gate!
7. Tahiti to Moorea journey overview
Moorea is just 10 miles (16 km) to the West off the coast of Tahiti.
The ride is scenic and beautiful, as reported by most past travelers whose reviews I read online. You can check a live cam on the Aremiti 6 ferry to get a glimpse of the journey!
Everyone also loved how delicious and cheap the food on board is and they definitely recommend waiting to eat once you’re on the ferry just because of that!
The seats aren’t assigned with your ticket, so you basically just board the ferry and take any seat you like. If I were you, I’d choose the outdoor seats to admire the views!
There’s an indoor and outdoor area, so if you ever get seasick, you can get outside or head to the central part of the vessel where there’s less movement. Whatever works for you! There are also toilets on board, just in case.
8. Day trips – yes or no?
Since Moorea is really close to Tahiti, day trips to and from the island are surely possible.
If you want to experience everything Moorea has to offer (it’s a tiny island, but still packed with activities), I definitely recommend spending at least 2 nights here.
On the other hand, if you’re short on time and just want to get a glimpse, hop on the earliest ferry and then take the last one back to Tahiti on the same day. I’d definitely take the car along during that one day on the island since taxis are really expensive and public transport is almost nonexistent.
After all, your goal is to see the different beaches and attractions, and you can only do that with a car (unless you want to spend hundreds of dollars on taxis)! If you’re into scooters or bicycles, you can also rent those just across the ferry terminal in Moorea (map)!
9. Alternative transport options
Taking a ferry isn’t the only way to reach Moorea (fast forward, it’s the most convenient one). You can fly in or take organized tours of the island as well.
9.1. Airplane
You can fly into Moorea from Tahiti. Tahiti Airport has daily flights (Air Tahiti runs them), but the ticket costs at least US$120 per person, which is 5 times more expensive than the ferry.
The airplane ride is only 15 minutes, but you must count in the time to get to the airport, wait for security, etc (this may take an additional 30-60 minutes).
Overall, taking a ferry is the better and more convenient option of getting to Moorea. Of course, if you’re prone to seasickness or just don’t like ferries, it’s good to know you can always catch a plane and still make it to Moorea.
9.2. Tours
You can also take tours between islands that include cruises and 4×4 excursions (like this one). The transport from Tahiti to Moorea is already included in the price.
Tours are a nice way to experience the cultural and natural beauties of Moorea, but you’ll be less flexible with your schedule.
BONUS: Where to stay and what to do in Moorea + getting back
So you’ve arrived in Moorea, but what to do next? Where to stay? I’ve got you covered!
Where to stay
I cherry-picked the best hotels to stay in Moorea for all budgets:
You can also check our guide on the best hotels in Moorea for a detailed overview of the best places to stay!
Things to do
These are the best activities to book in advance for Moorea:
Where to eat
And these are the best places to eat on the island:
- Best overall: Coco Beach Moorea (map)
- Best international: Rudy’s (map)
- Best fast food: Pura Vida (map)
Going back to Tahiti
Tahiti is the only island with a ferry and air connection to Moorea, so going back to Tahiti is the only way out of the island. This is why I recommend getting a round-ticket right away.
You can take a ferry at any time or date within 1 year from the day of purchase. Remember that with return tickets, you need to go back with the same ferry operator you took to get to Moorea.
The first ferry from Moorea departs around 05:40 every day, and the last one is around 17:00. You’ll find a detailed timetable for departures from Moorea to Tahiti for both ferry operators on their websites.
I also recommend getting to the ferry terminal 30 minutes before the ferry departure.
| ⛴️ Ferry operators: | Aremiti and Terevau |
| 🎫 Price per person: | US$9 – US$18 |
| 🚗 Vehicles prices: | US$44- US$111 |
| 🕒 Travel time: | 25-45 minutes |
FAQs about the Tahiti to Moorea ferry
🕰️ How long is the ferry from Tahiti to Moorea?
The ferry from Tahiti to Moorea is from 25 minutes to 45 minutes long, depending on the vessel. Aremiti 6 and Terevau are faster, Ferry 2 is slower.
💵 How much is the ferry from Tahiti to Moorea?
The average cost for a ferry from Tahiti to Moorea is $US15 per person for a one-way ticket. Round trip is around US$30.
🎟️ Do you need reservations for the Moorea ferry?
No. You can buy your ticket online or on-site at the ferry terminal, but no reservations are needed.
⛴️ Which ferry is best to Moorea?
Aremiti 6 is best for passenger transport, and Ferry 2 is best for car transport. Both are run by Aremiti company.
Final thoughts on the Tahiti ferry to Moorea
That’s it, dear reader! You’re now ready to take the Tahiti to Moorea ferry! This guide has all the information you need from directions, ticket prices, timetables, and more. Hopefully, it answered all your questions!
Remember to buy your ticket in advance if you’re transporting a car, and if you have time, stay in Moorea at least 2 days to truly enjoy this lovely place!
If I missed something or if you need further assistance, write a comment below! I’ll be quick to answer!
Have a pleasant trip,
Darija
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