Ferries run several times a day between the Papeete ferry terminal on Tahiti and Vaiare on Moorea’s east coast. Depending on the boat, the crossing takes roughly 25 to 55 minutes, and visitor one-way fares are a few thousand Pacific francs at most. Buy tickets online or at the terminal, arrive at least 30 minutes before departure, and keep checked luggage within the limits below.
Who runs the crossing
The government’s maritime affairs office (DPAM) lists the companies serving the Tahiti–Moorea route for passengers, freight and vehicles. Three names matter to visitors:
| Operator | Vessels | Crossing time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aremiti | Aremiti 5 and Aremiti 6 (Aremiti Express) | The quicker boats; Tahiti Tourisme quotes 25 to 45 minutes for a Tahiti–Moorea ferry crossing | Tickets valid on both vessels for 360 days |
| Vaeara’i | Vaeara’i | About 50 to 55 minutes dock to dock | 4 to 5 crossings a day; larger ship with stabilisers, lounges and a VIP lounge |
| Tauati Ferry | Tauati | Check with the operator | Run by the Tuatea group; online booking via its ferries site |
Older guides often mention Terevau. The Vaeara’i comes from the same company that built the Terevau ferries, and the government page still refers to Terevau and Aremiti as the regular operators. If you see different names on booking sites, it is usually this change of vessel rather than a new route.
For most visitors the choice comes down to the departure time that suits you. The Aremiti boats are quicker; the Vaeara’i takes longer but is spacious and steady, which some passengers prefer if they are prone to seasickness.
Schedules: how to check them
Each company publishes its own timetable, and they change with school holidays, maintenance and public holidays. The Aremiti website shows a weekly schedule for both vessels in each direction and flags weeks with limited places or single-vessel operation. Vaeara’i’s timetable page gives its 4 to 5 daily crossings.
Between them, departures run from early morning into the evening, and sailings around weekends and public holidays can be busy with residents. Check the exact timetable for your date a day or two before travelling rather than relying on a printed schedule, and note the time of the last boat of the day.
Fares and tickets
Both main operators publish separate resident and tourist fares. At the time of checking:
- Aremiti listed a tourist adult (over 12) fare of 2,350 XPF one-way or 4,700 XPF return, and a tourist child (under 12) fare of 1,500 XPF one-way. Babies under two travel free.
- Vaeara’i listed a tourist adult fare of 1,900 XPF one-way or 3,500 XPF return.
These change, so check current rates when booking. A return ticket with one company ties you to its boats, so if you want flexibility, buy one-way tickets.
Vaeara’i’s FAQ notes that you must show your boarding pass and valid ID when boarding, and that tickets are generally non-refundable, with changes handled by email or at its ticket offices. Aremiti tickets are valid for 360 days and can be used on either of its vessels.
Luggage rules
Aremiti’s conditions of transport set clear limits that are worth packing to:
- Hand luggage: one bag per passenger, up to 10 kg, with length, width and height adding up to no more than 115 cm. Rolling cases may not be pulled through the restaurant and lounge areas.
- Hold luggage: each ticket includes one lot of up to two bags or parcels, weighing up to 23 kg in total, with each bag’s three dimensions adding up to no more than 200 cm.
- Put your name and contact details on every bag.
That 23 kg total is per passenger, not per bag, which catches out couples with two large international suitcases each. If you are carrying more, ask the operator about freight charges, or leave a bag at your Tahiti hotel if you are coming back through Papeete.
Vaeara’i does not allow coolers in passenger areas; they travel as freight in a designated area.
Check-in and boarding
- Foot passengers: Aremiti asks passengers to present themselves at least 30 minutes before departure. Boarding is subject to available space.
- Reduced mobility: mention it when buying tickets and report to staff at least 45 minutes before departure.
- Vehicles: rental cars and other vehicles must be in the boarding area at least 30 minutes ahead, and vehicle check-in closes 10 minutes before departure. Check your rental agreement before taking a car across.
- Pregnancy: after the sixth month, Aremiti requires a medical certificate.
On board, sit on the open deck for views of Tahiti behind you and Moorea’s peaks ahead; in season you may spot dolphins or whales. Inside seating is the better choice in rough weather.
Connecting from Faa’a airport
Faa’a International Airport is close to Papeete, and the ferry terminal is on the downtown waterfront, so a taxi or pre-booked transfer is the simplest connection with luggage. Allow extra time at morning and late-afternoon rush hours. Our airport transfers guide covers the options.
If your international flight lands at night, do not plan on the first ferry of the morning after a sleepless flight. A night on Tahiti and a mid-morning crossing is far more pleasant, and it protects you if the flight is late. On the way home, aim to be back on Tahiti several hours before your flight, and avoid the last ferry of the day.
Arriving at Vaiare
At Vaiare you will find taxi stands, car and scooter rental desks and the local bus. Tahiti Tourisme’s Getting to Moorea page lists a bus fare of 300 XPF per adult and 150 XPF per child, with departures from the Vaiare quay timed around ferry arrivals and separate buses for the east and west coasts. The bus is cheap but infrequent, so for most resort stays a pre-arranged transfer or rental car is easier. Distances vary a lot: Accor puts the Sofitel at Temae about 4 km from the Vaiare ferry dock, while Tahiti Tourisme places Les Tipaniers in Tiahura, on the northwest coast, 30 km away. Our Moorea guide explains which coast suits which kind of stay.
Planning notes
Choose your sailing by timing rather than brand, book online once your flights are fixed, and pack to the 23 kg hold allowance. If you are visiting only for the day, our Moorea day trips page has ideas. Far & Away Adventures can book the ferry, transfers and Moorea stay as one package.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book the Moorea ferry in advance?
Foot passengers can usually buy at the terminal, but booking online is wise on Fridays, Sundays, holidays and any time you are taking a car.
Can I fly to Moorea instead?
Tahiti Tourisme lists air options to Moorea, but for most visitors the ferry is simpler, cheaper and frequent. Check current flight availability if you prefer to fly.
Is the crossing rough?
It crosses open water, so it can be bumpy in strong trade winds. Sit low and toward the middle of the vessel, look at the horizon, and consider the larger Vaeara’i if you are prone to seasickness.
Use this guide for trip ideas, not a current quotation or a guarantee of access, safety, inclusions or availability. Confirm the requirements and conditions for your dates, destination and provider before booking.