by Christina Garcia
27 October 2024
Taking the ferry from Tahiti to Mo'orea is an experience I’ll never forget. Starting from different points on Tahiti, whether the convenient Tahiti Airport Motel, the budget-friendly Hotel Sara Nui, or the luxurious Intercontinental Resort, each departure sets the stage for a breathtaking journey.
When I stayed at Hotel Sara Nui, I decided to take advantage of its prime location near the ferry terminal. With my luggage in tow, I set off on foot for the short 10-minute walk. The streets of Papeete were bustling with early morning activity, and as I wheeled my suitcase along Rue des Remparts, I could already feel the excitement of heading to Mo'orea. Despite the morning heat, the walk was easy, and the closer I got to the terminal, the more I could see the shimmering turquoise waters and hear the gentle hum of the ferries at port.
Upon arriving at the Papeete ferry terminal, I easily found the ticket counters for both Aremiti and Terevau, quickly purchasing my ticket for the next ferry. Despite the luggage, the walk was hassle-free, and being able to walk straight to the terminal from Hotel Sara Nui was a huge convenience.
When I stayed at the Intercontinental Resort Tahiti, the journey to the ferry terminal added a bit of luxury to the experience. The hotel, located a little farther from the port, offered stunning views of Moorea from its lagoon-facing rooms. After a relaxing morning swim, I arranged for a taxi to take me from the resort to the ferry terminal. The ride along Tahiti’s coastal road provided an opportunity to soak in more of the island’s beauty before reaching Papeete. Although the drive was longer than the quick walk from Sara Nui, the extra time was well worth it, and arriving at the bustling port felt like the perfect prelude to the adventure across the water.
My stay at the Tahiti Airport Motel was all about convenience. Located just across the street from the Faa’a International Airport, it made for an easy transition from landing in Tahiti to catching the ferry the next morning. Despite its proximity to the airport, the hotel is quiet, clean, and perfectly suited for a short stay. Early the next morning, I took a quick taxi ride to the ferry terminal. Though the motel is a bit farther from Papeete, it’s only about a 15-20 minute taxi ride away. The advantage here is being close to the airport, especially if you’re arriving late or leaving early.
Once aboard the ferry, the view from the deck was absolutely spectacular. As the boat left the harbor, I could see a lot of authentic daily life on the island of Tahiti—locals bustling along the waterfront, small fishing boats heading out, and markets beginning to come alive. The ride itself was relatively short, usually 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the ferry. As we crossed the sea, the dramatic peaks of Mo'orea came into view, rising out of the ocean like a scene from a postcard.
The approach into Mo'orea’s Vaiare Bay was nothing short of breathtaking. As we neared the island, the anticipation of what was to come built with every passing minute. The sheer beauty of the island began to capture my heart before we even docked—the lush green mountains, the turquoise waters, and the serene beaches left me in absolute awe. The bay itself is incredible, and as the ferry slowly edged toward the harbor, my excitement was undeniable. It felt as if my vacation had already begun, and stepping off the boat was just the beginning of what would be an unforgettable experience on this island paradise.
Each starting point—whether Hotel Sara Nui, the Intercontinental, or the Tahiti Airport Motel—offered its own unique experience and added to the anticipation of reaching Mo'orea, making the ferry ride even more special.
To book a ferry from Tahiti to Mo'orea, you have two main options: Aremiti and Terevau. Both services offer frequent daily crossings, with booking options available online and at the Papeete ferry terminal. For booking, you can visit their respective websites:
• Aremiti: Aremiti Ferry Website – Aremiti operates two vessels, with the Aremiti 5 being a fast ferry (about 30 minutes) and the larger Aremiti 2 taking a bit longer. The Aremiti ferries offer more amenities like a café and outdoor seating, making it a more luxurious option.
• Terevau: Terevau Ferry Website – Terevau is slightly cheaper and offers crossings in about 45 minutes. It is a budget-friendly option with fewer onboard amenities, but it is reliable and a great choice for those looking to save a little money.
Both ferries allow you to book tickets for passengers or vehicles, which is convenient if you’re planning to ferry over a rental car from Tahiti to Mo'orea. The process for ferrying a car is straightforward—simply select the option for a vehicle when booking online or in person at the terminal. Keep in mind that space for cars can be limited, so it’s a good idea to book in advance. Aremiti has slightly larger vehicle capacity, making it a better option for those planning to bring their car.
As owner and an agent at Point Me to Paradise Travel, creating unforgettable experiences in the South Pacific is not just my job—it’s my passion. As an expert in Hawaii, Tahiti, and the South Pacific, I specialize in crafting custom itineraries that are as unique as each of my clients. Whether it’s a once-in-a-lifetime group trip, a dream destination wedding, or the ultimate romantic honeymoon, I take pride in designing experiences that go beyond the ordinary. From the stunning landscapes of Tahiti and Mo'orea to the hidden gems of Hawaii, I pour my heart and soul into every trip I plan.
My goal is not only to create seamless, unforgettable vacations but also to save my clients money in the process. With my deep knowledge of the islands and my extensive network of local connections, I’m able to offer unparalleled service and custom itineraries that often come at a lower cost than booking on your own. Whether you’re looking to explore the romantic beaches of Bora Bora or the adventure-filled valleys of Kauai, I’ll ensure every detail is taken care of so you can focus on enjoying the magic of the South Pacific. It would be my honor to bring your dream vacation to life—reach out today to start planning!
