Society IslandsMooreaShark-tooth peaks & coral lagoon

Just 30 minutes by ferry from Tahiti, Moorea is famous for its jagged volcanic peaks, emerald mountains, and one of the world's most beautiful lagoons. Visitors come for whale watching (July-November), snorkeling with rays and sharks, scenic hikes, ATV tours, and relaxed beachfront resorts.

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In depth

Moorea: everything you need to know before you go

The practical guide to Tahiti's neighbour: ferries, seasons, the lagoon, the interior - and who Moorea is really for.

Moorea is the island you can see from Papeete's waterfront, just across the channel. It is the easiest escape in French Polynesia - green, dramatic, organised for visitors - and at the same time a real island where people farm pineapples, go to school and stop for baguettes on the coast road.

Where is it?

Moorea sits about 17 kilometres northwest of Tahiti, across the stretch of water Polynesians call the Sea of the Moon. Its skyline is a row of sharp volcanic peaks around two deep bays, Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay, with a lagoon and a string of motu (small reef islets) on the northwest side.

How do you get there?

Most travellers come by ferry from downtown Papeete: Aremiti, Vaeara'i and Tauati all make the crossing, which takes around forty minutes. Cars, scooters and bikes travel on the same boats. There is also a short hop by plane from Tahiti's airport for those connecting onwards. Once on Moorea, one coastal road of about sixty kilometres rings the island - most visitors rent a car, a scooter or an e-bike, because buses are few.

When should you go?

The drier, cooler season runs roughly May to October and is the most comfortable for hiking and lagoon days. November to April is warmer and wetter, greener too, with fewer visitors outside the holiday weeks. Humpback whales pass through Polynesian waters from about July to November - Moorea is one of the best places in the world to see them.

What to do

Live the lagoon. The sandbanks off the northwest coast are famous for blacktip reef sharks and stingrays gliding in waist-deep water. Snorkelling, paddling and lagoon tours leave from all along the coast.
Meet the whales. In season, licensed boats take small groups out beyond the reef. Choose an operator who respects approach rules - the encounter is better for everyone, whale included.
Climb to the Belvedere. The lookout above Opunohu Valley faces both bays at once, with Mount Rotui between them. The road up passes pineapple fields and some of the island's restored marae (pre-European temple platforms).
Walk into the interior. Trails like the Three Coconuts pass cross the green heart of the island - shaded, muddy after rain, and worth every step.
Go around the island. Take the coast road slowly: fruit stands, churches, surf breaks at Haapiti, and a different mountain profile at every kilometre.

Where to stay

The northwest corner (Hauru Point and Tiahura) has the beaches and most of the lagoon activity. Cook's Bay and Maharepa are the island's little hub, handy for shops and the ferry road. Haapiti on the west coast is quieter and loved by surfers. You'll find every type of stay, from family pensions - often the warmest way to meet the island - to resorts on the lagoon.

Is Moorea for you?

Moorea is the right island if you want mountains and lagoon in the same day, real village life, and things to do every single day of your stay. It is not the island for total seclusion: it is close to Tahiti, well visited, and the coast road is a living road. If what you're after is atoll silence and nothing on the horizon, look at the Tuamotu - and come to Moorea to be busy outdoors.

Practical tips

Rent your wheels early in high season - the island is bigger than it looks from the ferry.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen; the lagoon is the island's treasure.
Carry some cash for fruit stands and small snacks.
Trails cross private or protected land in places - stay on the path, and go with a guide for the interior routes.
Sunday morning is quiet: shops close, churches sing. Plan around it, or better, listen.

That is Moorea.

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Essentials · 3 min

Set sail for Moorea - A practical guide to reaching this paradise by boat!

Want to visit Tahiti’s sister island? Here’s everything you need to know.

Mo’orea (from Mo’o: lizard - Rea: yellow) is an island of incredible beauty, known for its heart-shaped outline, lush green mountains, and stunning white-sand beaches framed by turquoise waters. It’s easy to see why so many travelers fall in love with it. If you’re planning to visit this tropical paradise from Tahiti, one of the most popular options is to take a ferry from the Port of Papeete. Here’s everything you need to know to board the ferry and reach Tahiti’s sister island, Mo’orea.

Planning your trip

To organize your trip, you’ll need to plan around the ferry schedules, as they vary depending on the season, weekdays, and public holidays. I recommend checking the timetables of the three companies still crossing between Tahiti and Moorea: Aremiti, Vaeara’i and Tauati.

Keep in mind that ferries aren’t the only way to reach Moorea. You can also fly from Tahiti via Faa’a International Airport or choose a private helicopter transfer. The ferry remains the most popular option among locals because it’s affordable, convenient, and offers a pleasant experience.

Find our guide here: Traveling between the islands: How to book your ticket.

Booking your ticket

You can compare fares and departure times on each company’s website before choosing the option that suits you best. Once you’ve selected your ferry and departure time, I highly recommend booking your ticket in advance.

If you’re bringing a car, make sure to reserve as early as possible. Vehicle spaces are limited and often sell out quickly. You can book online through the ferry companies’ websites or directly at the ticket counters at the Port of Papeete (see the links below).

Tip: Stay informed before your departure, as ferry schedules may change and delays can occasionally occur.

Getting to the Port of Papeete

Plan to arrive at least 40 minutes before departure to give yourself time to navigate the port. The Port of Papeete is easily accessible by car, taxi, or public transportation from most parts of Tahiti.

If you haven’t already purchased your tickets, you can do so at the port before departure. If you’re traveling with a vehicle, proceed to the designated boarding area to prepare for embarkation.

Please note: only the driver may remain inside the vehicle during boarding and must have both their passenger ticket and vehicle ticket. All other passengers must proceed to the passenger boarding lounge.

Enjoying the crossing

Once on board, present your ticket to the crew and settle in for a scenic crossing lasting between 30 and 50 minutes, depending on the ferry company.

Take the opportunity to enjoy the open ocean and, during whale season, you may even spot dolphins or humpback whales along the way. Most ferries offer three seating areas: the snack lounge, a quieter relaxation lounge, and the outdoor deck, where you can enjoy the fresh sea breeze and spectacular views.

Every moment of the journey is part of the Moorea experience.

Arriving in Moorea

After a smooth crossing, you’ll arrive on the Island of Pineapples, ready to discover everything it has to offer. Whether you rent a car, scooter, or use public transportation, Moorea invites you to explore its turquoise lagoons, lush mountains, and charming Polynesian villages.

By following these simple steps, you’ll be ready to enjoy an unforgettable visit to one of French Polynesia’s most beautiful islands.

So get ready to cast off and experience an unforgettable adventure in the heart of the South Pacific!