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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy breakfast options
Papeete Ferry Terminal
Best Time
Enjoy breakfast options

Highlights
Must-see attractions
The Papeete Ferry Terminal is your gateway to Moorea, offering scenic crossings and a glimpse of island life.
"Well organised and clean, but if you won't to have breakfast, pay attention to be there way before 9:30!"
🎟️ 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Sunrise Views
Papeete Ferry Terminal
Catch breathtaking sunrises over the Pacific Ocean from the terminal or during your ferry journey.
Terminal Architecture
Papeete Ferry Terminal
Appreciate the modern and tropical architecture of the ferry terminal building.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ferry Ticket Savvy
Navigating the Terminal
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ 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.
🚕 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.
⬆️ Upper Deck Views
Aremiti ferries offer an upper deck for enjoying open-air views during the crossing.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ 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.
🚕 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.
⬆️ Upper Deck Views
Aremiti ferries offer an upper deck for enjoying open-air views during the crossing.
📍 Find Your Ferry
Zoning numbers on ground-level pillars help locate your specific ferry company.
What Travellers Say
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.
"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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
Depending on your location, it's often walkable from downtown Papeete, allowing you to explore the market and shops before your journey.
Taxis are readily available at the airport and can take you directly to the Papeete Ferry Terminal. The journey is relatively short.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
A one-way ferry ticket is approximately $20 USD. Prices can vary slightly, so it's best to confirm at the ticket counter.
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.
While online booking for Terevau can be problematic, Aremiti generally allows in-person purchases. Booking in advance, especially for vehicles, is recommended if possible.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The terminal has a spacious waiting area upstairs, restrooms, and a small food establishment offering drinks and nibbles.
Boarding typically begins about 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
Yes, reviews consistently describe the ferry terminal and the ferries themselves as clean and well-maintained.
There is a small food place upstairs with seating where you can enjoy a cool drink or snacks before boarding.
Look for the zoning numbers on the pillars at ground level, which will help you locate the correct area for your ferry company.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
Yes, but only if you arrive before 9:30 AM. After that time, the food options typically switch to lunch.
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.
The food trucks, or 'roulottes,' offer a variety of dishes, including steak frites, tuna carpaccio, and other local specialties.
If you arrive early enough for breakfast, it can be convenient. Otherwise, exploring Papeete's food scene offers more variety.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning sunrise shots over the harbor, the modern architecture of the terminal itself, and the bustling activity of ferries preparing for departure.
Absolutely! The ferry ride offers fantastic opportunities for ocean views, island landscapes, and capturing the beauty of the Pacific.
The upstairs waiting area provides good vantage points for harbor views. The upper deck of the Aremiti ferry is also excellent for unobstructed photos.
Early mornings for sunrise and late afternoons for golden hour light offer the most dramatic and beautiful photographic conditions.
Yes, with the ferries docked and preparing for departure, you can get clear shots of their exteriors and the boarding process.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Ferry Services to Moorea
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. 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.
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. 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
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. 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.
Some popular spots mentioned include Roulotte Kimihere for steak frites and Roulotte Vatea for various dishes. 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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit