4 Best Ways to Get to Moorea from Tahiti for Epic Day Trip

If you are visiting Tahiti, you probably should take at least a day trip to Moorea from Papeete, Tahiti’s capital city.

Moorea also known as the ‘pearl of the sea’ is one of the most beautiful island in French Polynesia. This island is more rural compared to Tahiti but possesses epic scenery that is simply too good to miss.

Moorea is right next to Tahiti, it’s highly recommended for travelers visiting Tahiti to add a Tahiti to Moorea itinerary if don’t wanna feel regretful after their trip.

In order to get there, there are many different ways to choose from but I know you’re here to know the best way to get to Moorea from Tahiti. I recommend taking a ferry to Moorea and I’ll explain why, keep reading.

Here are all the best ways to Moorea:

1. By Air
2. By Ferry
3. Drive a Car
4. Book a Tour

I’ve explained all these options one by one and more in this article to help you make a more informed decision.

How far is Moorea from Tahiti?

Moorea is Tahiti’s closest neighbor and the distance between these two islands is about 11 miles (18 km) if we measure it from Tahiti International Airport to Moorea Airport.

If you are staying on the west or northwest coast of Tahiti (areas like Papeete, Faa’a, and Puna’auia), you can actually see the island of Moorea which is located around 286° northwest of Tahiti.

Being close proximity to Tahiti makes Moorea a popular destination for most travelers as it takes very little time to reach Moorea and doesn’t cost much.

Is Moorea Worth it?

There are many reasons to visit Moorea, and one of the main reasons that attracts people is its breathtaking natural beauty. You’ll find green jagged mountains covered in dense vegetation, turquoise lagoons dotted with coral reefs and white sandy beaches here in Moorea.

You’ll find numerous mountains in Moorea, Mount Rotui in the west and Mount Tohivea in the east are some of the main landmarks of Moorea.

Apart from engaging in water activities like snorkeling & scuba diving, hiking is also a popular choice for exploring the island’s captivating natural beauty.

Moorea is absolutely a worthy island to visit, you cannot miss it.

Which island is better Tahiti or Moorea?

Both Tahiti and Moorea have their own unique features, it all depends on your personal taste. Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong with either of these two islands. However, I must say when it comes to views, Moorea takes the lead.

Below, I’ve talked about Tahiti vs Moorea in detail.

Tahiti

Tahiti is the largest island in French Polynesia with an area around 1,044 Km². Faa’a International Airport in Tahiti serves as the hub for all foreign flights, hence it is the most populated island in this archipelago.

• Infrastructure of Tahiti is better, it’s a lot more built up. Roads are well paved and you get stable internet unlike Moorea. Due to developments, Tahiti is kind of losing its island spirit.
• Accommodations in Tahiti are almost double that of Moorea. You’ll find a wide range of hotels, restaurants, and guest houses catering to various preferences and requirements.
• Prices in Tahiti are slightly higher, and there are way more accommodation and food options in Tahiti than in Moorea.
• Views on Tahiti are not much compared to Moorea. However, you’ll find some great hikes, waterfalls, black sand beaches and other attractions in Tahiti.

Moorea

Moorea is a remote island also known as the ‘sister island of Tahiti’. Life on Moorea is slow paced, you’d feel more relaxed and calm here.

• Views in Moorea just get better, it has many attractions with more activities than you’d get in Tahiti.
  The waters of Moorea are clearer and bluer than that of Tahiti. You’d encounter an abundance of coral reefs and a variety of marine life in Moorea.
• Infrastructure of Moorea is fine, it’s not much developed compared to Tahiti. You’d get a village-like atmosphere, however, it adds to the raw and natural feel of the island.
• Accommodations on Moorea fall significantly behind those of Tahiti, despite the fact it’s the second most visited island in French Polynesia. Don’t take this difference in terms of quality, but rather in terms of accommodation capacity and options.
• Prices are lower in Moorea, it is slightly cheaper than Tahiti. However, it’s worth noting that prices in general on these islands are higher.

So now that you’ve made up your mind to travel to Moorea from Tahiti, and looking for all the best ways to get there. I’ve got you covered, you’re at the right place.

How to get to Moorea from Tahiti?

You don’t need any additional documents or applications for Moorea, all you need is a means of transportation that can take you to the island.

The fastest way from Tahiti to Moorea

The fastest way to get to Moorea from Tahiti is by air. Flights to Moorea fly from Tahiti’s Faa’a International Airport (PPT) and land at Moorea Airport (MOZ) near Temae village, and the flight duration is about 15 minutes.

Typically the cost of a round-trip flight from Papeete to Moorea ranges from $100 to $400 depending on the season. You can buy tickets either at the airport or online through the Skyscanner which I highly recommend.

If you had an international flight to Moorea Island, there’s a higher chance that you’ll experience a layover because local flights to Moorea don’t sync well with international ones.

Don’t worry, you might get lucky as there are usually four flights available daily that operate between Tahiti and Moorea. The earliest flight departs at 7:15 am and the last one leaves at 7:15 pm. To avoid inconveniences, make sure to show up an hour early at the airport.

To make your flight more enjoyable, I suggest skipping seats 6-10 where the plane propellers may obstruct your sight. And choose the right side seats of the plane to experience stunning landscapes from above on your way to Moorea.

Short island-hop flights utilize smaller planes, thus make sure to look up weight restrictions for your flight.

Air Tahiti and Air Moana are the two flight operators that offer services between Tahiti and Moorea.

I’d say select the option that best fits your schedule, and if you’ve to make a choice, I recommend Air Moana. Below, I’ve briefly discussed them.

Air Tahiti

Air Tahiti is the most popular airline and hence is the most used airline in French Polynesia. It has the largest network providing access to over 47 islands in the country, covering 90% of the population.

Not only does Air Tahiti offers passenger transfers, but also operates cargo planes for the transportation of goods.

Note that they don’t provide seat assignments, it’s on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The flight has all the basic services but no frills. You get a 23 kg (50 lb) maximum weight per passenger, which you can increase to 46 kg (100 lb) in full flex package.

Moreover, if you are traveling to more than one island, they offer a multi-island pass to better cater to your island’s needs.

Air Moana

Air Moana is a relatively new airline compared to Air Tahiti, established in 2022. It currently serves six islands and Moorea is one of them.

You get all the basic services in Air Moana with their tickets being slightly cheaper than Air Tahiti.

Additionally, you have the convenience of assigning your seats according to your preferences, don’t need to rush here to secure your desired seats.

The most expensive way

Helicopter to Moorea from Tahiti is the most expensive way to reach Moorea. While this option may not be suitable for everyone, if you have money and want to avoid the hassle of airport procedures, then a helicopter is the best private air ride for you.

Tahiti Nui Helicopter is a company that offers helicopter trips between Tahiti and Moorea, starting at around $1100 one way. The flight takes about 10 minutes and you’ll enjoy stunning views of the islands from above.

From Tahiti airport to Ferry terminal

The Tahiti airport is situated in the southwest of Papeete. The distance between the airport and Papeete port is around 8 km (5 miles) and the length of time is about 20 minutes.

If you have an international flight, then book a taxi, a private shuttle or a shared shuttle in advance. This way, you can be assured that you’ll be taken from the airport regardless of your arrival time.

From the airport, you can either head to your hotel in Tahiti or make your way to the ferry port for Moorea.

If your arrival is at night, there won’t be any ferries available at that time and you may need a transportation service to take you to your hotel in Tahiti, so better book in advance.

The best way to get to Moorea from Tahiti

The best way from Tahiti to Moorea is by taking a ferry. Ferry to Moorea departs from Papeete ferry terminal and docks at Moorea Viarae ferry dock, and the duration of this sea ride is 30 to 60 minutes depending on the ferry you take.

Taking a ferry is not only the best option but also the cheapest way to get to Moorea. A one-way ferry ticket costs between $10 – $20 per person depending on the age of a person and the ferry company selected. You can either buy tickets in advance or at the ferry terminal.

There are two types of ferries operating between these two islands, a fast ferry and a slow ferry.

Fast ferry is smaller in size and has a capacity of 350 passengers. This ferry is almost 30 minutes faster than the slower one.

Slow ferry is very large in size and has a capacity of more than 600 passengers. It also serves as a means for carrying large freight and vehicles.

In case you miss your ferry, there’s no need to worry because there is a ferry departing every two hours. The first ferry departs from the Papeete ferry terminal at 6:00 am and the last ferry leaves at 5:15 pm. To avoid inconveniences, make sure to arrive at the terminal at least 15 minutes early.

There are two ferry companies Aremiti and Terevau operating between Tahiti and Moorea.

Note that there are separate terminals at the Tahiti ferry port for Aremiti and Terevau.

Again I’d say select the one that best fits your schedule. There’s not any difference in ride quality. I’ve made a little comparison between Aremiti and Terevau down below for you.

Terevau

Terevau Ferry offers transportation for both passengers and vehicles. It makes about 5 trips per day and increases to 6 on Friday between Moorea and Tahiti.

This ferry is slightly cheaper than Aremiti and a ticket is valid for 6 months from the date of purchase, you can use your tickets at any time without any reservation.

Aremiti

Aremiti ferry is the most used ferry as it makes 8 – 11 trips between the islands of Tahiti and Moorea. It also supports both passengers and vehicles transporting.

They have two different ferries Aremiti Ferry 2 and Aremiti 6, in which Ferry 2 supports both passengers and vehicles while Aremiti 6 only carries passengers.

Their tickets are a bit more expensive than Terevau and have a validity of 1 year from the date of purchase.

So this ferry is more flexible and has a better snacks bar, otherwise, it’s all the same.

Take a private boat

Taking a private boat to Moorea from Tahiti is another great option for those who want to sail in the ocean with freedom. It is an expensive option and can cost you from $500 to $1000 depending on the time of the year.

There aren’t many companies offering this one-way private trip, you may need to search for them and possibly book in person.

Car Drive to Moorea

Although you cannot drive a car directly to Moorea as there isn’t a road or bridge connecting the two islands. However, you can load your rental car onto a ferry that will take it to Moorea while you sitting inside the car.

Once reached Moorea, you can drive your car around Moorea and take it wherever you want to go.

To book a car ferry to Moorea, you’d need to purchase a ticket with an additional option for the vehicle. The cost of this option can range from $50 to $100 depending on the size of the vehicle and the ferry company you select.

How much are Moorea car rentals?

Car rental rates vary from company to company and island to island. In Moorea, you can expect rates around a $100 per day, including a full tank of gas.

I’d recommend renting a car in Tahiti as you’ll find cheaper rates and more options here compared to renting a car in Moorea. You can either book your car in person at the company station or you can book it online through Expedia.

It’s better to book your car in advance because sometimes rental companies don’t have cars available on the spot.

Moorea Tour Package from Tahiti

Another great way and probably the easiest way to get to Moorea from Tahiti is to book a tour package or find a reliable agent that arranges everything for you.

All you’ve to do is select the package that best suits your needs, pay the money and they will take care of the rest. It’s a convenient way to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience.

7 nights of the liveaboard sailing program

If you’re interested in a private boat tour to Moorea, then this package is for you. You can either book a shared boat tour or reserve the entire boat exclusively for yourself.

The sailboat is equipped with comfortable cabins, so you can relax and enjoy this ocean journey from Tahiti to Moorea. Breakfast is included in the package and is prepared onboard.

The itinerary looks like this: A couple of nights in Tahiti where you visit Taina Marina and Point Venus.

Then, you’ll have 4 nights in Moorea where you can explore Temae Beach, Haapiti, Cook’s Bay, and Opunohu Bay.

After that, you’re sailed back to Tahiti where your journey began.

Moreover, you can discuss the itinerary with the agency and plan it according to your preferences.

Tahiti, Moorea vacation package – 7 nights

This package is offered by easyTahiti travel agency in which you’re greeted at the airport and transferred from there to your Moorea hotel by ferry.

You get to choose your travel dates, accommodations that suit you, and plan activities with the travel advisor.

The package includes a 1 night stay in Tahiti, followed by 5 nights in Moorea, and concludes with another 1 night in Tahiti before leaving you at the airport for your departure back to your home country.

Customized Traveling

E-Tahiti is the travel agency that allows you to make a custom travel plan for Moorea. You’ve got the freedom to personalize your trip and itinerary based on your preferences. This agency also offers travel agents to assist you throughout your trip.

Moorea Day Tours

If you want to make the best out of your day in Moorea, I’d recommend booking a day tour package. This way you can simply relax and enjoy the Moorea day trip without any worries while everything is planned for you.

There are various types of tours available providing different activities to cater to all types of people, you simply have to pick the one that suits your mood for the day.

Enjoy Moorea Day tour

Get a nice overview of the island with this package. The tour guide will provide interesting insights about Moorea and help you explore its main sights.

The excursion starts with climbing Magic Mountain by 4WD which is 180 meters high. From the top, you get a panoramic view of the island.

Then you’ll be headed to Belvedere Lookout, a famous and highest viewpoint of Moorea. You’ll be able to see both bays and lush fruit trees there while enjoying coconuts.

Afterward, you’ll visit the Moorea tropical garden, where you’ll see some local plants and a vanilla plantation. You also get a beautiful view of Opunohu Bay from this location.

Then to Temae Beach, a public beach that is considered one of the best beaches in Moorea. You’ll have lunch and plenty of time to relax and enjoy this beautiful beach.

From there, you’ll be taken to your last destination Afareaitu Waterfalls, which is a 15mins hike from the parking area.

Moorea Like a Local tour

Want to experience Moorea like a local for a day? If yes, then this is the best day tour for you. You’ll have the opportunity to spend a day with a Tahitian family and experience their culture.

They will teach how to paddle a canoe around the beautiful waters of Moorea and you’ll also learn ancient fishing techniques using nets. The process of catching fish can be fascinating and may take longer than expected.

While waiting for the catch, you can dive into the waters, and enjoy some snorkeling to make the most of your time. Once fish is caught, it will be prepared and served as your lunch for the day.

Moreover, you’ll learn how to prepare a traditional Polynesian lunch and the art of coconut palm braiding.

This is more than a typical tour, offering a unique and exciting experience.

Final thoughts on a day trip to Moorea from Tahiti

If you’re in Tahiti, one of the best things you could do on your trip is to visit Moorea. The island is very close to Tahiti and offers a rural atmosphere.

Above, I’ve talked about all the options and highlighted the best ways to get to Moorea from Tahiti. This detailed guide will help you make a decision that suits your preferences and ensures a better travel experience.