Tahiti-Moorea crossings and ships to the archipelagos

To check boat times in Tahiti, travellers look at the Aremiti and Vaeara'i websites for Moorea, the Polynesian Maritime Affairs Directorate for the archipelagos, aggregators such as Horaires Tahiti, and Radio1 bulletins whenever the swell picks up.

Papeete ferry terminal, the starting point

Ferries to Moorea leave from the ferry terminal in central Papeete, facing the waterfront. They dock at Vaiare, on the east coast of Moorea, after a crossing of thirty to forty-five minutes depending on the vessel and sea conditions.

Aremiti, the long-established operator

Aremiti runs ferries carrying passengers and vehicles, as well as a fast boat between Papeete and Moorea. Its website publishes timetables, fares and bookings, with more sailings on weekdays during the rush hours of daily commuters.

Vaeara'i, the other Moorea link

The Vaeara'i fast boat also connects Papeete and Moorea, with its own timetable and online booking. Comparing the two operators helps you find a suitable departure, especially on Sunday evenings, when return trips to Tahiti are in heavy demand.

What does the DPAM publish?

The Polynesian Maritime Affairs Directorate summarises the shuttles between Tahiti and Moorea and publishes the schedule of departures to the archipelagos. It is the official administrative source, useful for checking that a sailing listed on an aggregator really exists.

Reaching Huahine, Raiatea and Bora-Bora by sea

The Apetahi Express links Tahiti, Moorea and the Leeward Islands, including Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a and Bora-Bora, on a weekly schedule. Mixed cargo ships also serve these islands more slowly, with a few passenger berths to book well in advance.

Schooners to the Tuamotu, Marquesas and Austral Islands

Schooners and mixed cargo ships supply the Tuamotu atolls, the Marquesas and the Austral Islands from the port of Papeete. The Aranui, bound for the Marquesas, also carries cruise passengers; departures depend on freight and sea conditions.

Timetable aggregators

Horaires Tahiti, Moorea Life and the open Puublik database bring together crossings from all operators on a single page. They are handy for comparison but may show a timetable changed at the last minute, so the operator's page always takes priority.

Swell and cancelled crossings

Heavy swell in the Moorea channel or a wind warning can reduce the number of sailings. Météo-France Polynésie issues marine bulletins; our page on Tahiti weather forecasts shows where to read them before you board any boat.

Media that report disruption

Radio1 publishes boat and flight times every day, while Tahiti Infos, TNTV and Polynésie la 1ère announce strikes, breakdowns and changes of operator. The local radio stations of Tahiti remain the quickest way to receive a warning.

Combining boat and plane

For the distant archipelagos, flying is often simpler than taking a schooner, which suits travellers with plenty of time. Domestic flights from Faa'a are detailed on our page about Tahiti-Faa'a airport flight times, alongside arrivals and departures.

Boarding with a vehicle

Aremiti ferries carry cars, scooters and vans between Papeete and Vaiare, with booking recommended. Rental companies on Moorea also offer vehicles on the island, often a simpler and cheaper option for a short stay of a few days.

How can you check a last-minute timetable?

On the day of departure, check the operator's page or social media, then the DPAM for ships to the archipelagos. If in doubt, call the ticket office at the Papeete ferry terminal before you set off for the quay.

Planning a sea crossing in Polynesia

1. Choose your destination, whether Moorea, the Leeward Islands or the remote archipelagos, then identify the operator serving that route.
2. Check timetables on the Aremiti, Vaeara'i or Apetahi Express websites, and book ahead for peak hours.
3. Cross-check with the DPAM page for schooner departures to the Tuamotu, the Marquesas and the Austral Islands.
4. Read the Météo-France Polynésie marine bulletin the day before and on the morning of departure, especially during the southern swell season.
5. Listen to Radio1 or read Tahiti Infos for strikes, breakdowns or cancelled sailings announced during the day.
6. Arrive at the Papeete ferry terminal with time to spare, especially if you are taking a vehicle.

Sea timetable sources and conditions

Maritime basics in Tahiti

• Departure port: Papeete ferry terminal
• Arrival port on Moorea: Vaiare
• Maritime authority: Polynesian Maritime Affairs Directorate (DPAM)
• Operators to Moorea: Aremiti and Vaeara'i
• Time zone: UTC-10
• Ticket currency: CFP franc (XPF)

Mistakes to avoid with Tahiti boat times

• Relying on a ferry time found in an old article or forum, when operators change their sailings with the seasons.
• Forgetting the reduced Sunday and public holiday schedules and missing the last ferry back from Moorea to Papeete.
• Assuming a Tuamotu schooner leaves on a fixed date: departures vary with freight, weather and ports of call.
• Ignoring a Météo-France Polynésie swell bulletin and turning up at the quay when the crossing has been cancelled.
• Confusing Vaiare, the Moorea ferry port, with Cook's Bay or Opunohu when booking a transfer.

Questions about Tahiti boats