Papeete Ferry Terminal - The burger store in Singapore Universal Studios.
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Papeete Ferry Terminal

3.8
·56 reviews·Papeete, French Polynesia

The Papeete Ferry Terminal is your gateway to Moorea, offering scenic crossings and a glimpse of island life.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Morning before 9:30 AM

Enjoy breakfast options

CrowdMedium
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Papeete Ferry Terminal - The burger store in Singapore Universal Studios.

Papeete Ferry Terminal

Best Time

Morning before 9:30 AM

Enjoy breakfast options

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

The Papeete Ferry Terminal is your gateway to Moorea, offering scenic crossings and a glimpse of island life. Instagram

3.8
(56 reviews)

"Well organised and clean, but if you won't to have breakfast, pay attention to be there way before 9:30!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Buy Tickets in Advance

Purchase ferry tickets ahead of time, ideally in person, to avoid online booking issues.

⏰ Arrive Early for Breakfast

If you want breakfast, get to the terminal before 9:30 AM; only lunch is available afterward.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Moorea Ferry Crossing

Moorea Ferry Crossing

Papeete Ferry Terminal

Scenic ferry ride to Moorea, offering stunning ocean views and a glimpse of island life.

Instagram
Sunrise Views

Sunrise Views

Papeete Ferry Terminal

Catch breathtaking sunrises over the Pacific Ocean from the terminal or during your ferry journey.

Instagram
Terminal Architecture

Terminal Architecture

Papeete Ferry Terminal

Appreciate the modern and tropical architecture of the ferry terminal building.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Ferry Ticket Savvy

Buying ferry tickets to Moorea can be tricky online; some sites lack checkout functionality. It's often easier to purchase in person. Arrive early, especially if you plan to have breakfast, as the food options change after 9:30 AM. Reddit

Navigating the Terminal

The Papeete Ferry Terminal is well-organized with clear zoning numbers on pillars to find your ferry company. Boarding typically begins 30 minutes before departure. Be aware of potential scams where taxis might direct you to a specific ferry service to encourage spending at an adjacent restaurant while you wait. Reddit

Best Times

When
Morning before 9:30 AM
Why
Enjoy breakfast options
Crowd
Medium
When
30 minutes before departure
Why
Smooth boarding process
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Just a normal day in Papeete 💀😭 #tahiti #papeete #frenchpolynesia #funnyvideos
@jeremie.tshimanga
14.1K likes • 116.6K views

🎟️ Buy Tickets in Advance

Purchase ferry tickets ahead of time, ideally in person, to avoid online booking issues. Reddit

⏰ Arrive Early for Breakfast

If you want breakfast, get to the terminal before 9:30 AM; only lunch is available afterward. Reddit

I need some white girl music 🥲🫣 #tahiti #club #frenchsongs #clubbing #frenchpolynesia #foreigner #austrian #papeete #kontiki #reeftop @Kamili 🦋
@elisaveta.sc
13.4K likes • 117.1K views
Goodbye beautiful Tahiti, onto Moorea 🛳
emilyteachout
77 likes • 0 views

🚕 Taxi Scam Alert

Be wary of taxis directing you to specific ferries to make you wait and spend money. Confirm your ticket and ferry company. Reddit

⬆️ Upper Deck Views

Aremiti ferries offer an upper deck for enjoying open-air views during the crossing. Reddit

Beautiful sunrise on @aremititahiti #ferry #tahiti #pacificocean #traveladventures #sunrise #adventures
ma.ranwet
18 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Buy Tickets in Advance

Purchase ferry tickets ahead of time, ideally in person, to avoid online booking issues. Reddit

⏰ Arrive Early for Breakfast

If you want breakfast, get to the terminal before 9:30 AM; only lunch is available afterward. Reddit

🚕 Taxi Scam Alert

Be wary of taxis directing you to specific ferries to make you wait and spend money. Confirm your ticket and ferry company. Reddit

⬆️ Upper Deck Views

Aremiti ferries offer an upper deck for enjoying open-air views during the crossing. Reddit

📍 Find Your Ferry

Zoning numbers on ground-level pillars help locate your specific ferry company. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.8
(56 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Travelers find the Papeete Ferry Terminal well-organized and clean, with friendly staff. The ferry crossing to Moorea is a highlight, offering beautiful views. However, some visitors have encountered issues with online ticket purchasing and advise caution regarding taxi drivers who may try to direct them to specific ferries to encourage spending. Reddit

"A one-way ferry ticket is priced at $20. After the purchase, proceed up the stairs to the spacious waiting area. The ferry is very clean and well-maintained."

Kalina

"We were just fooled. Just a heads up. It was an 11:35 ferry. Taxi took us to one side of the ferry terminal. The employees from this particular ferry snags the luggage out of the taxi. So you are then obligated to go to the one ferry service the taxi dropped you off at. But this fairy doesn't leave till 12:30 so it's a scam it is designed to get you to then sit in the restaurant by food spend money to wait. So buy your tickets in advance and then show your taxi driver so you don't get screwed like we did."

Jeff Herrington

"Well organised and clean, but if you won't to have breakfast, pay attention to be there way before 9:30! After that, there is only lunch... ;-)"

Nadia U.

What People Like

Clean and well-maintained
Scenic ferry crossing
Friendly staff

What People Dislike

Online ticket issues
Taxi driver scams

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Papeete Ferry Terminal is easily accessible by taxi from most hotels in Papeete. Some visitors also mention using it as a starting point for exploring the town on foot before their ferry. TikTok

Yes, the terminal offers parking, and some reviewers mention being allowed to arrive over an hour early to park and then explore the town before boarding. Reddit

Depending on your location, it's often walkable from downtown Papeete, allowing you to explore the market and shops before your journey. TikTok

Taxis are readily available at the airport and can take you directly to the Papeete Ferry Terminal. The journey is relatively short. TikTok

While taxis are the most common and convenient option, local buses do operate in Papeete and may pass near the terminal, though schedules can be less predictable. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Buying tickets online can be challenging due to website issues. It's generally recommended to purchase tickets in person at the terminal. Be aware of potential scams where taxis might pressure you into a specific ferry service. Reddit

Yes, you can buy tickets in person on the day of travel, but it's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak times, to secure your spot and avoid long queues. Reddit

A one-way ferry ticket is approximately $20 USD. Prices can vary slightly, so it's best to confirm at the ticket counter. Reddit

Ticket sales are generally available during the terminal's operating hours, which align with ferry schedules. It's best to check the specific ferry company's schedule for exact times. Reddit

While online booking for Terevau can be problematic, Aremiti generally allows in-person purchases. Booking in advance, especially for vehicles, is recommended if possible. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The terminal has a spacious waiting area upstairs, restrooms, and a small food establishment offering drinks and nibbles. Reddit

Boarding typically begins about 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Reddit

Yes, reviews consistently describe the ferry terminal and the ferries themselves as clean and well-maintained. Reddit

There is a small food place upstairs with seating where you can enjoy a cool drink or snacks before boarding. Reddit

Look for the zoning numbers on the pillars at ground level, which will help you locate the correct area for your ferry company. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There's a small food spot upstairs offering drinks and light snacks. For more substantial meals, consider visiting the 'roulottes' (food trucks) in Papeete before heading to the terminal. TikTok+1

Yes, but only if you arrive before 9:30 AM. After that time, the food options typically switch to lunch. Reddit

Papeete has a vibrant street food scene with many 'roulottes' offering delicious meals, like steak frites or tuna carpaccio, a short distance from the terminal. TikTok+1

The food trucks, or 'roulottes,' offer a variety of dishes, including steak frites, tuna carpaccio, and other local specialties. TikTok+1

If you arrive early enough for breakfast, it can be convenient. Otherwise, exploring Papeete's food scene offers more variety. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture stunning sunrise shots over the harbor, the modern architecture of the terminal itself, and the bustling activity of ferries preparing for departure. Instagram+1

Absolutely! The ferry ride offers fantastic opportunities for ocean views, island landscapes, and capturing the beauty of the Pacific. Instagram

The upstairs waiting area provides good vantage points for harbor views. The upper deck of the Aremiti ferry is also excellent for unobstructed photos. Reddit

Early mornings for sunrise and late afternoons for golden hour light offer the most dramatic and beautiful photographic conditions. Instagram

Yes, with the ferries docked and preparing for departure, you can get clear shots of their exteriors and the boarding process. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Papeete Ferry Terminal is a straightforward point of departure for families heading to Moorea. The ferries are generally clean and spacious, offering a comfortable ride for children. Reddit It's advisable to purchase tickets in person to avoid online booking frustrations. Reddit Consider arriving a bit earlier if you want to grab a snack, but be mindful that breakfast options are limited to before 9:30 AM. Reddit The short ferry ride itself can be an adventure, with opportunities to spot marine life and enjoy the ocean breeze. Pack some snacks and drinks for the journey, as options onboard might be basic. TikTok

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, the Papeete Ferry Terminal offers an economical way to reach Moorea. Ferry tickets are reasonably priced at around $20 USD one-way. Reddit Opting for the ferry over other transport methods significantly cuts down on costs. Instagram Eating at the 'roulottes' (food trucks) in Papeete before or after your ferry trip is also a budget-friendly way to experience local cuisine. TikTok+1 Purchasing tickets directly at the terminal avoids potential online booking fees or issues. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Papeete Ferry Terminal and the journey to Moorea offer excellent photographic opportunities. Capture stunning sunrises over the harbor from the terminal building or the ferry itself. Instagram The modern architecture of the terminal provides interesting lines and shapes for urban photography. Instagram During the ferry crossing, the vast Pacific Ocean and the approaching island of Moorea create picturesque scenes. Instagram Don't miss the chance to photograph the bustling activity of the ferries preparing for departure. The upper deck of the Aremiti ferry is particularly good for unobstructed views and shots. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Ferry Services to Moorea

The primary gateway to Moorea from Tahiti is the Papeete Ferry Terminal, serving two main companies: Aremiti and Terevau. While both offer regular crossings, travelers often find the online booking experience for Terevau to be less intuitive, with some users reporting issues with checkout functionality. Reddit Aremiti, on the other hand, is often cited as being more straightforward for purchasing tickets, though in-person purchases are generally recommended for both to avoid potential online glitches. Reddit

When planning your trip, it's crucial to understand that taxis might try to steer you towards a specific ferry service, sometimes leading to unnecessary waiting times and encouraging you to spend money at nearby establishments. Reddit To avoid this, always confirm your intended ferry company and departure time with your taxi driver and ensure you have your tickets in hand. Boarding usually commences about 30 minutes before departure, and the ferries themselves are described as clean and well-maintained, offering a comfortable journey across the turquoise waters. Reddit

For those seeking the best views during the crossing, the Aremiti lines are noted for having an upper deck that allows passengers to enjoy the open-air scenery. Reddit This provides an excellent opportunity for photography and simply soaking in the tropical ambiance. Whether you're heading to Moorea for a day trip or a longer stay, understanding these nuances of the ferry terminal and services will ensure a smoother travel experience.

Culinary Delights Around the Terminal

While the Papeete Ferry Terminal itself offers limited dining options, primarily a small spot for drinks and snacks, the surrounding area of Papeete is a haven for food lovers, especially those who enjoy street food. The famous 'roulottes' (food trucks) are a must-try experience. TikTok+1 These mobile eateries offer a diverse range of delicious and affordable meals, from classic steak frites and hearty burgers to fresh seafood like tuna carpaccio. TikTok

Visitors are advised to visit the terminal's food spot before 9:30 AM if they wish to have breakfast, as the menu typically shifts to lunch offerings afterward. Reddit This means that for a more substantial pre-ferry meal, exploring the roulottes or local eateries in Papeete is highly recommended. Many of these food trucks are conveniently located and offer a vibrant atmosphere, allowing you to savor local flavors before embarking on your journey to Moorea or other islands. TikTok+1

Some popular spots mentioned include Roulotte Kimihere for steak frites and Roulotte Vatea for various dishes. TikTok+1 Experiencing these local culinary gems adds another layer to your visit to Papeete, making the journey to the ferry terminal a gastronomic adventure in itself.

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