French Polynesia, an island chain in the South Pacific Ocean, including Moorea, a tropical paradise. The island is well-known for its lovely beaches, verdant hillsides, and bright coral reefs. Anyone visiting French Polynesia should make the trip to Moorea, and the best way to get there from the main island of Tahiti is by boarding a ferry from Papeete, the nation’s capital. In this post, we’ll explore the many facets of taking the Moorea boat from Papeete, such as the kinds of ferries that are available, how much they cost, how long the voyage takes, and what to expect.
Types of Ferries Available
There are two primary ferry types available while traveling to Moorea from Papeete: the conventional boat and the high-speed catamaran. The high-speed catamaran is a smaller, faster vessel that can accommodate 150 passengers, whereas the conventional ferry is a larger, slower vessel that can accommodate up to 400 passengers. Although both ferries include outdoor seating and air-conditioned cabins, they provide a slightly different experience.
For those who like to enjoy the South Pacific Ocean and the island of Moorea at a leisurely pace, the conventional ferry is a fantastic choice. The outside seating areas are ideal for taking in the breeze and the sun, and the ferry features huge windows that offer panoramic views of the surroundings. Additionally, the conventional ferry contains a snack bar where you can buy drinks and small snacks.
On the other side, individuals who wish to get to Moorea fast and effectively should take the high-speed catamaran. The catamaran can go at up to 40 mph and is built for speed and comfort. Although the windows on the high-speed catamaran are narrower than those on the conventional ferry, it still offers outdoor lounging areas and a snack bar.
Cost of the Ferry Ride
Depending on the ferry you choose and the season, the cost of the trip from Papeete to Moorea varies. The regular ferry costs about $35 USD per person during the peak season, which is from June to August, while the high-speed catamaran costs about $45 USD per person. The regular ferry costs about $30 USD per person during the low season, which runs from September to May, while the high-speed catamaran costs about $40 USD per person.
It is important to note that these costs are for one-way tickets only, and they do not include any additional charges for things like luggage or seat reservations. Check the ferry company’s website or inquire at the Papeete ferry terminal for more details on extra costs if you wish to reserve a specific seat or are planning to bring a lot of luggage.
Duration of the Journey
The sort of ferry you take will determine how long it takes to travel from Papeete to Moorea. Moorea can be reached in about 45 minutes by regular ferry and in about 30 minutes by high-speed catamaran. You can check the timetable on the ferry company’s website or at the Papeete ferry port. Both ships leave multiple times every day.
It is significant to remember that the ferry timetable can alter depending on the season and the weather. Ferries operate more frequently during the peak season and less frequently during the low season. Checking the timetable in advance is always a smart move to make sure you can board the ferry that best suits your trip objectives. It is best to check for updates on the day of your travel because bad weather might potentially influence the timetable.
What to Expect During the Trip
You may anticipate breathtaking views of Moorea Island and the South Pacific Ocean throughout the journey. Both the conventional ferry and the fast catamaran have outdoor seating spaces where passengers can enjoy the scenery and breeze. Those who would rather unwind indoors will find a peaceful setting in the air-conditioned staterooms. In addition, you may anticipate a comfortable and smooth ride thanks to the high-speed catamaran’s shorter travel time.
Additionally, the ferry operators offer a range of amenities on board. Most ferries offer a snack bar where you may buy drinks and small snacks, and some of them even have restrooms and seating facilities. Many boats also feature a small gift shop on board where you may buy trinkets.
One thing to bear in mind is that the trip can occasionally be bumpy, particularly if the seas are rough. If you are prone to motion sickness, it is advised to bring motion sickness medicine and to avoid eating large meals before the journey.
Conclusion
To sum up, the Moorea ferry from Papeete is a practical and inexpensive way to go to the stunning island of Moorea. Everybody can choose between the classic and high-speed catamaran ferries, which are both available. Depending on the type of ferry and the season, the cost of the ferry voyage varies, although it is typically reasonable. You may look forward to breathtaking views of the South Pacific Ocean and the island of Moorea during the 30- to 45-minute excursion. Generally speaking, traveling to Moorea via ferry from Papeete is a must-do activity for tourists to French Polynesia. It offers a chance to view the beauty of the island and its environs from the water and is a terrific way to start or end your journey to Moorea. Check the schedule in advance, don’t forget your camera, and enjoy the voyage.
Our Top FAQ's
The traditional ferry is a larger vessel that can carry up to 400 passengers, and it offers panoramic views of the surroundings through its large windows and outdoor seating areas. The high-speed catamaran is a smaller, faster vessel that can carry up to 150 passengers, and it is designed for speed and comfort. It has smaller windows and outdoor seating areas, but it reaches Moorea in half the time of the traditional ferry.
The cost of the ferry ride varies depending on the type of ferry you choose and the time of year. During the high season, which runs from June to August, the cost of the traditional ferry is around $35 USD per person, while the cost of the high-speed catamaran is around $45 USD per person. During the low season, which runs from September to May, the cost of the traditional ferry is around $30 USD per person, while the cost of the high-speed catamaran is around $40 USD per person.
The duration of the journey from Papeete to Moorea depends on the type of ferry you choose. The traditional ferry takes around 45 minutes to reach Moorea, while the high-speed catamaran takes around 30 minutes.
During the trip, you can expect to enjoy stunning views of the South Pacific Ocean and the island of Moorea. Both the traditional ferry and the high-speed catamaran offer outdoor seating areas where you can take in the views and the breeze. The cabins are air-conditioned, providing a comfortable space for those who prefer to relax indoors. Additionally, you can expect a smooth and comfortable ride, with the high-speed catamaran providing a faster journey time. The ferries also provide amenities like a snack bar and bathrooms.