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How to Get to Moorea

How to Get to Moorea

Moorea Society Islands, French Polynesia Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airports

Airports

  • Moorea Airport (MOZ/Temae Airport): Inter-island flights only, mainly short hops from Tahiti.
  • Tahiti Faa'an International Airport (PPT): Main international gateway to French Polynesia, all international flights arrive here.
  • Inter-island flights (PPT to MOZ): Air Tahiti operates frequent 15-20 min flights.

Airlines & Routes

Several major airlines connect Tahiti (PPT) to global hubs.

Global Connections

  • North America: Direct flights from LAX, SFO, SEA, HNL to PPT.
  • Europe: Direct flights from Paris (CDG/ORY) to PPT (sometimes with LAX stop).
  • Oceania: Direct flights from AKL, SYD to PPT.

High Season Flights

Most expensive (July-Aug, Mid-Dec-Jan). Booking 6-12 months in advance is strongly advised. Availability also becomes limited quickly.

Shoulder Season Flights

Prices are moderate, and seat availability remains good (May-Jun, Sep-Nov). This period usually has a good balance of value and pleasant travel conditions.

Low Season Flights

This period generally sees the best deals and best accessibility for flights (Feb-Apr). Flexibility with dates can result in significant savings.

Airport Transfers

From Tahiti PPT

  • Taxis: Readily available outside arrivals for quick journeys to Papeete ferry terminal.
  • Hotel Shuttles: Many hotels in Tahiti offer pre-arranged services.
  • Ferry: main transfer to Moorea from Papeete port.
  • Inter-island flight: Quick alternative to the ferry, offering aerial views.

From Moorea MOZ

  • Taxis: Available but expensive. They usually meet incoming flights.
  • Hotel Transfers: Many hotels and guesthouses on Moorea offer pre-arranged services (often for a fee).
  • Car Rental: Agencies have desks at the airport, allowing you to pick up your automobile upon arrival.
  • Local "Le Truck" buses might meet some flights, but schedules are unpredictable.

Airport Facilities MOZ

Basic Amenities

Moorea Airport (MOZ) is a small, functional terminal. It has check-in counters, a small cafe for snacks and drinks, and restrooms.

No Extensive Retail

There are no duty-free shops or extensive retail options. It serves as a simple arrival and departure point for inter-island connections.

Car Rental Desks

Car rental agencies have desks at the airport, making vehicle pickup upon arrival convenient.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services

The main and most common means of getting between Papeete (Tahiti) and Moorea.

Operators

  • Aremiti: Operates both passenger-only catamarans (Aremiti 5) and larger car ferries (Aremiti Ferry 2), with multiple daily departures.
  • Terevau: Operates a passenger-only catamaran, also with multiple daily departures.
  • Journey Time: Approximately 30-45 minutes, offering scenic views of both islands.

Cruise Ports

Moorea serves as a popular stop for cruise ships.

Port Details

  • Cruise ships typically anchor in Cook's Bay or Opunohu Bay.
  • Passengers are tendered ashore to a pier, usually located near Cook's Bay.
  • Immigration: Cruise ship passengers undergo standard port entry procedures after their initial arrival and immigration clearance at Tahiti (PPT).

Ferry Connections to Land Transport Moorea

Upon arrival by ferry in Moorea, several transport options await.

Vaiare Ferry Terminal

  • Taxis are available but can be expensive.
  • Pre-arranged hotel transfers are a common and convenient option.
  • Car rental agencies may deliver vehicles directly to the terminal if arranged in advance.

Immigration Procedures at Seaports

For ferry passengers arriving from Tahiti, no additional immigration procedures apply. This is an inter-island transfer within The Land of pristine lagoons, similar to domestic travel.

Local Bus Connections

  • Some local "Le Truck" buses might meet certain ferry arrivals.
  • Their timetables are unpredictable and not reliable for general tourist transport.
  • For fixed itineraries, it is best not to rely on "Le Truck" at the boat terminal.

Departure Information

  • International Flights from PPT (Tahiti): Arrive at Tahiti Faa'an International Airport at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled international flight.
  • This accounts for sufficient time for check-in, security screening, and immigration procedures, especially during peak travel times.
  • Inter-island Flights from MOZ (Moorea): Arrive at Moorea Airport (MOZ) at least 60-90 minutes before departure.
  • Ferry from Vaiare (Moorea) to Papeete (Tahiti): Arrive at Vaiare Ferry Terminal at least 30-45 minutes before departure.
  • Allow extra time if you are traveling with a vehicle.
  • Boarding typically closes 15 minutes before departure for ferries.

Departure Facilities

Tahiti Faa'an International Airport PPT

PPT offers a range of facilities for departing travelers.

Amenities

  • Duty-free shops available for last-minute souvenirs.
  • Several restaurants and cafes for dining options.
  • Currency exchange services for leftover local currency.

Moorea Airport MOZ & Vaiare Ferry Terminal

These smaller hubs have more limited facilities.

Basic Provisions

  • Moorea Airport (MOZ) has basic amenities like check-in, a small cafe, and bathrooms.
  • Vaiare Ferry Terminal has a basic waiting area, restrooms, and a small snack bar.
  • Both are mainly functional spaces for passenger transfers.

No Exit Fees

No Extra Charges

No specific exit fees or taxes are typically charged upon departure from A Paradise in the south pacific.

Costs Included

These costs are generally included in your airfare or cruise fare when you purchase your ticket.

Transparency

Confirm with your airline or cruise provider for specific inclusions regarding departure fees.

Travel Tip: Booking Flights

Consider using flight comparison sites like Skyscanner or joining services like Dollar Flight Club to find great offers on airfare to Tahiti (PPT).