Moorea is a magnificent island in French Polynesia that is well-known for its gorgeous beaches, sparkling waters, and lush tropical scenery. The Moorea Ferry Dock serves as the primary point of entry for visitors to the island, which is a well-liked vacation spot for those seeking a tropical break. The Moorea Ferry Dock’s history, facilities, and services, as well as the numerous modes of transportation accessible to tourists, will all be covered in this page.
The Moorea Ferry Dock’s History
On Moorea’s west coast, near the community of Vaiare, is where you’ll find the ferry dock. The dock was initially constructed in the 1960s as a means of connecting Moorea with the nearby island of Tahiti. The locals wanted to make it simpler for them to commute to Tahiti’s main island for employment, shopping, and medical requirements, so they came up with the idea of a ferry service between the two islands. The only means of transportation between the two islands at the time were small boats, which were not only expensive but also risky during bad weather.
The Moorea Ferry Dock was built beginning in 1962, and it was finished in 1965. Local resources like coral and coconut wood were used to construct the dock. On January 1st, 1966, the pier was formally opened, and that same day the first ferry service between Moorea and Tahiti started. The government-owned corporation Société des Transports Maritimes de Polynésie (STMP) ran the ferry service, which ran many times per week.
The pier has had a number of repairs and restorations over the years to enhance its amenities and services for tourists. A new terminal building was built in the 1970s to give passengers greater amenities such ticketing, luggage storage, and vending machines for food and beverages. The port was enlarged in the 1980s to allow larger ferries, and a new parking lot was constructed close to the dock in the 1990s.
The Moorea Ferry Dock is now a cutting-edge building with all the required amenities for passengers. The pier is open every day of the year and is run by the Société des Transports Maritimes de Polynésie (STMP). The 45-minute ferry ride between Moorea and Tahiti is offered many times per day. Additionally, ferries to other French Polynesian islands like Bora Bora, Huahine, and Raiatea leave from the Moorea Ferry Dock.
Moorea Ferry Dock amenities and services
Travelers can take advantage of a number of facilities and services at the Moorea Ferry Dock, such as:
Ticketing: Ferry tickets to and from Moorea are available from the dock’s ticket office. Every day of the week, the ticket office is open from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm. To avoid standing in line at the box office, travelers can also buy their tickets online ahead of time. Both French and English are accessible for use with the online ticketing system.
Luggage storage: While they wait for their ferry to depart, passengers can leave their luggage at the dock. At the port, there are a number of luggage storage rooms that offer the service for a little cost. Every day of the week, from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm, the luggage storage areas are open.
Food and beverages: Travelers can buy food and beverages at the dock from a number of vending machines and snack bars. Sandwiches, chips, and soda are just a few of the goods and beverages available from the vending machines. A greater variety of foods and beverages, such as sandwiches, burgers, and coffee, are available at the snack bars.
Facilities: Travelers may use the restrooms at the dock, which are tidy and well-maintained. The bathrooms are open 24 hours a day and are situated next to the terminal building.
Parking: Near the pier, there is a sizable parking lot where visitors can leave their vehicles. The parking lot is available every day of the year, without fee.
Options for Getting Around at the Moorea Ferry Dock
Travelers can choose from a variety of modes of transportation after they arrive at the Moorea Ferry Dock. The ferry is the most widely used method of transportation because it is the shortest and most practical means to reach Moorea. The ferry travels multiple times daily and takes around 45 minutes. The Société des Transports Maritimes de Polynésie (STMP) runs the boats, which have air conditioning, comfortable seats, and restrooms. A one-way ticket typically costs $30 per passenger.
Taking a flight to Moorea is an additional choice. Daily flights to Moorea leave from Papeete, the nation’s capital in French Polynesia. Travelers can purchase tickets in advance for the flight, which takes place every 20 minutes. Flights from French Polynesia’s national carrier, Air Tahiti, to Moorea cost around $100 per person for a one-way ticket.
Travelers who want to independently explore Moorea frequently choose to rent a car or a scooter. Near the dock, there are a number of rental agencies where visitors can rent a car or a scooter. The best way to explore the island’s picturesque pathways and hidden wonders is by renting a car or scooter. Depending on the type of vehicle and the rental company, the cost to rent a car or scooter ranges from $50 to $70 per day.
Finally, there are numerous taxis and shuttle buses that travel from the Moorea Ferry Dock to different areas of the island. These are an excellent choice for tourists who wish to be dropped off at a certain spot, such as their hotel or rental home. Depending on where you are going, a shuttle bus or taxi will cost you anything from $20 to $30 per person.
Exploring Moorea Island
The lovely island of Moorea has much to offer everyone. The island is well-known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and tropical scenery. The island’s coral reefs can be explored through diving or snorkeling, swimming in the ocean, and relaxing on the beach.
There are a number of hiking trails that lead to picturesque vistas and waterfalls for those who prefer to experience the island’s natural beauty. Popular climb that provides breathtaking views of the island and the nearby islands is the Belvedere Lookout. Another well-liked trail that leads people through a tropical forest and to a waterfall is The Three Coconut Grove.
The Arahoho Blowhole and the Tiki Village Cultural Center are just two of the island’s many cultural landmarks. Seawater is forced through a hole in the reef and blasts out of a blowhole at the Arahoho Blowhole, which is a natural attraction. Visitors can discover the culture and history of the island at the Tiki Village Cultural Center, which is modeled after a traditional Polynesian village.
The island also provides a range of activities, including horseback riding, ATV tours, and water sports. Visitors can reserve a horseback riding or ATV tour to explore the island’s rough terrain or hire equipment for sports like windsurfing, kiteboarding, and kayaking.
Conclusion
For visitors to the stunning island of Moorea, the Moorea Ferry Dock serves as a crucial point of entrance. The dock facilitates visitors’ access to the island and the beginning of their tropical break thanks to its history, comforts, and services. The Moorea Boat Dock offers transportation options for everyone, whether they want to take a ferry, a flight, hire a vehicle or scooter, take a shuttle bus, or take a cab.
Moorea is a paradise island with a range of attractions and activities for tourists. There is something for everyone to enjoy on the island, from relaxing on the beach to discovering its natural beauty and culture. While it’s easy to travel to your hotel or vacation rental by shuttle bus or taxi, renting a car or scooter is a terrific way to discover the island’s hidden beauties.
In conclusion, it is simple for visitors to reach the island and begin their tropical vacation thanks to the contemporary and well-equipped Moorea Ferry Dock. Moorea has plenty to offer everyone, whether you’re searching for a tranquil beach holiday or an action-packed island experience. So, grab your luggage and fly to Moorea for a trip you won’t soon forget. Book Far and Away Adventure’s latest packages today!
Our Top FAQ's
The Moorea Ferry Dock is the primary point of entry for visitors to Moorea, a beautiful island in French Polynesia known for its beaches and tropical scenery.
The Moorea Ferry Dock was constructed in the 1960s, with completion in 1965, to establish a ferry connection between Moorea and Tahiti.
Services at the dock include ticketing, luggage storage, food and beverages, restroom facilities, and a parking lot, all open daily.
Travelers can choose from ferries to various islands, flights to Moorea, rental cars/scooters, shuttle buses, or taxis to explore the island.
A one-way ferry ticket typically costs around $30 per passenger for the 45-minute ride between Moorea and Tahiti.
Moorea Island offers beautiful beaches, coral reefs for diving/snorkeling, hiking trails, cultural landmarks like the Arahoho Blowhole and Tiki Village Cultural Center, as well as activities like horseback riding, ATV tours, and water sports.
Renting a car or scooter is a popular choice for exploring the island’s hidden beauties, with rental costs ranging from $50 to $70 per day.
The Moorea Ferry Dock provides convenient access to the island, offering a range of transportation options and essential services, making it easy for visitors to start their tropical vacation.