Tourists seeking to get away from the bustle of daily life frequently travel to Moorea, a small island in French Polynesia. The island is renowned for its breathtaking beaches, clear waters, and verdant surroundings. But getting there can be a little challenging, particularly for those who have never been to French Polynesia before. Everything you need to know about travelling to Moorea will be covered in this post, including the best airports to fly into, how to book a ticket, and what to anticipate once you get there.
Choosing the Right Airport
Choosing the appropriate airport is the first step in organizing a vacation to Moorea. Moorea is served primarily by Temae Airport (MOZ) in Maharepa, Moorea, and Faa’a International Airport (PPT) in Papeete, Tahiti.
On the island of Tahiti, there is an airport called Faa’a International Airport, which serves French Polynesia. Due to the fact that it has more flights and connecting alternatives than Temae Airport, it is the most popular airport for travelers to fly into. From significant cities in the United States, Canada, and Europe, numerous major airlines, including Air France, Air Tahiti Nui, and Air New Zealand, offer flights to Faa’a International Airport. This airport is a practical choice for passengers as it has excellent connections to numerous foreign locations.
The closest airport to the island is Temae Airport, which is situated on Moorea. The primary airline of French Polynesia, Air Tahiti, primarily serves this minor airport. The main village of Cook’s Bay is around 25 minutes away from the airport, which is situated on Moorea’s east coast. Temae Airport is the greatest alternative if you’re seeking for a more direct and practical route.
The convenience and affordability of the flights, as well as the Moorea activities and sights you intend to visit, should all be taken into account while selecting the airport. Flying into Faa’a International Airport may be more convenient if you intend to visit Moorea and Tahiti simultaneously because it has more connecting flights and transportation alternatives. On the other hand, traveling into Temae Airport can be more affordable and practical if you intend to spend the majority of your time on Moorea.
Booking a Flight
Booking a flight is the next step after deciding on the airport you wish to fly into. The most convenient way to purchase airline tickets to Moorea is through a travel agency or internet travel agency. Flights to Moorea are available from significant cities in the United States, Canada, and Europe on a number of major carriers, including Air France, Air Tahiti Nui, and Air New Zealand.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that flights to Moorea are not always direct and frequently need a stopover at Papeete, Tahiti, when making travel arrangements. Usually, the flight from Papeete to Moorea takes approximately 20 minutes.
Additionally, it’s crucial to reserve your flights far in advance because, during the busiest travel times, Moorea flights can become very popular. You will have more alternatives and a better chance of finding the best prices if you book your flight early.
It’s crucial to think about the airline’s baggage policies and costs while looking for a flight to Moorea. French Polynesia has stringent baggage policies, and if your bags weigh more than allowed, you may be assessed additional fines.
Preparing for Your Trip
Start packing for your trip as soon as you have your flight booked. In addition to planning plans for travel, lodging, and activities on the island, this entails acquiring the requisite travel documents, such as a passport and visa.
American citizens do not need a visa to travel to French Polynesia, but they do need a current passport. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of entrance, so be sure to check the expiration date.
Making plans for both traveling to and from the airport as well as moving around the island in terms of transportation is crucial. The ideal method to get around Moorea is to rent a car or a scooter, as it allows you the freedom to see the island at your own pace. But it’s crucial to remember that driving in French Polynesia can differ slightly from what you’re used to. Because the roads are congested and twisty, it’s crucial to drive defensively and follow the rules of the road.
There are other ways to get around the island if you’d rather not drive. There are taxis and buses, although they may cost more than renting a car or a scooter. It’s a good idea to check with your lodging company as well, as many of them provide complimentary transportation to and from the airport.
Moorea offers a selection of lodging choices, ranging from opulent resorts to reasonably priced guesthouses. Booking your lodging in advance is crucial because there may be a strong demand for rooms during the busiest travel times.
Finally, it’s critical to schedule your outings and activities in advance. Moorea is renowned for its stunning beaches and clean waters, and the island is home to many well-liked snorkeling and diving locations. The island also provides a wide range of additional activities, including 4×4 tours, horseback riding, and hiking. The island’s cultural and historical landmarks are also worth exploring, such as the Marae Arahurahu, an old temple that was originally used for religious rituals.
Getting Around Moorea
To get around Moorea once you’ve arrived, you’ll need to make transportation arrangements. The best way to get around Moorea is to rent a scooter or a car, as was previously suggested. You will be free to tour the island at your own speed and take in the sights that most appeal to you as a result.
You must be older than 21 and possess a valid driver’s license if you decide to rent a vehicle. Additionally, it’s crucial to obey local traffic laws and drive cautiously on the curvy, narrow roads.
Taking the bus is another way to get around Moorea. If you are uncomfortable driving, Moorea’s bus system is an excellent method to visit the island because it is dependable and reasonably priced. The majority of the island is covered by the bus routes, which follow a regular schedule.
On the island, there are also taxi services available, however they can be more expensive than renting a car or riding the bus. Since cabs are not metered, it’s crucial to negotiate a fare with the driver before setting off on your route.
What to Expect
You may anticipate a warm welcome from the island’s inhabitants when you arrive in Moorea. French and Polynesian influences may be found in the island’s culture, and the people there are incredibly proud of their roots.
Moorea is renowned for both its stunning beaches and its pristine waters. Numerous well-known snorkeling and diving locations, as well as various marine reserves, can be found on the island. The island also provides a wide range of additional activities, including 4×4 tours, horseback riding, and hiking.
The weather and climate of the island should be considered while making travel plans. Tropical weather characterizes Moorea, with warm temperatures and high humidity levels. The dry season, from May to October, is the ideal time to visit the island. The weather is often sunny and dry throughout this time, with little rain.
Overall, Moorea is a stunning and distinctive location with something to offer everyone. Moorea is a well-liked vacation spot for travelers hoping to escape the ordinary and take in the splendor of French Polynesia because of its gorgeous beaches, clean oceans, and lush greenery. Every traveler may find something to enjoy on Moorea, from the mouthwatering native cuisine to the welcoming residents. Moorea is the ideal vacation spot if you want to unwind on the beach, go snorkeling in the pristine waters, or discover the natural and cultural beauties of the island. You can have a pleasant and delightful journey to this tropical paradise with careful planning. Make sure you experience everything the island has to offer, from its breathtaking beaches to its lush mountains, and create lifelong memories.
Our Top FAQ's
The two main airports that serve Moorea are Faa’a International Airport (PPT) in Papeete, Tahiti, and Temae Airport (MOZ) in Maharepa, Moorea.
Many major airlines, such as Air France, Air Tahiti Nui, and Air New Zealand, operate flights to Moorea from major cities in the United States, Canada, and Europe.
The best way to get around Moorea is by renting a car or scooter, as it gives you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace. Taxis and buses are also available, but they can be more expensive.
The best time to visit Moorea in terms of weather is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this time, the weather is generally sunny and dry, with little rainfall.