Multi-day Trips from Papeete: Island Hopping Basics

November 5, 2026

Think of Papeete as the junction of French Polynesia: aircraft, ferries and cargo boats all pass through, so a longer trip begins here whatever the final destination.

Stepping stone one: Moorea

The shortest hop is the ferry to Vaiare on Moorea, a crossing of about 30 to 45 minutes. Aremiti, Tauati Ferry and Vaearai all operate the line, according to the government transport office. Moorea can then be combined with other Society Islands, and in an Air Tahiti pass it has to sit at one end of the Society leg.

Stepping stone two: Raiatea and Taputapuatea

Air Tahiti flies from Faa’a to Raiatea, home of the Taputapuatea marae. UNESCO inscribed it in July 2017, and the listed area covers the marae, Atiaapiti Point, two bays, the lagoon, the pass and Otara motu. Visit with quiet respect, as it is a sacred place. The UNESCO file is at whc.unesco.org .

Stepping stone three: the Tuamotu atolls

Rangiroa, Tikehau and Fakarava are reached by air from Papeete. An Air Tahiti pass may combine one of them with the Society Islands. Expect diving rather than sightseeing, and discuss conditions with the dive centre on arrival.

How the passes work

Air Tahiti bundles inter-island flights into passes. Each island is counted once, the pass does not allow a return to Tahiti partway, and Moorea belongs at the start or the end of the Society section. Current pass names and fares are listed on the official page at airtahiti.pf .

Using Papeete as a base

Because Faa’a airport is about 5 km west of the centre, an overnight in Papeete before an early flight saves stress. A taxi to the centre costs roughly 2,500 to 3,500 XPF, with higher rates at night. From November to April tropical storms can disrupt flights and ferries, so keep a spare day in the plan.

Timing and baggage

Inter-island aircraft are small, and baggage allowances are tighter than on international flights, so check them with Air Tahiti when you buy a pass. Build in a buffer day at each end, because a delayed flight on one island can knock out the whole chain of connections. Leave valuables in the hotel safe, as the UK FCDO advises, and carry travel insurance that covers local treatment and medical evacuation.

Accommodation

Compare hotels for your first and last nights at Papeete hotels .