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Tahiti Faa'a International Airport
PPT • NTAA
Logistics · Destination Guide
Lagoon snorkels, shark dives, and humpback whale season a ferry ride from Tahiti
Use this travel brief to set arrival flow, local transit, and gear movement before you lock your itinerary.
Most international travelers arrive at Tahiti Faa'a International Airport (PPT), then transfer to the Papeete ferry terminal for the crossing to Vaiare on Moorea. Flying from Tahiti to Moorea-Temae Airport (MOZ) is possible and fast, but the ferry is the normal planning path for divers because it handles luggage, rental-car logistics, and frequent same-day arrivals. Leave buffer time between international arrival, baggage claim, ferry transfer, and your first dive, especially at night or after long-haul flights.
Tahiti Faa'a International Airport
PPT • NTAA
5 km to Papeete ferry terminal; about 20 km across the sea to Moorea • Allow 20 to 45 minutes by road to the ferry terminal depending on traffic and baggage timing, then 25 to 50 minutes by ferry depending on vessel.
The main international gateway for French Polynesia and the practical arrival point for Moorea trips. From PPT, take a taxi, shuttle, or pre-booked transfer to the Papeete ferry terminal, then ferry to Moorea.
Transport: Taxi to ferry terminal, Pre-booked hotel transfer, Package transfer, Domestic flight to MOZ, Rental car with ferry booking
Moorea-Temae Airport
MOZ • NTTM
5 km to Maharepa and about 10 km to Vaiare ferry dock • 10 to 25 minutes by road to many east and north coast accommodations.
Small domestic airport on Moorea's northeast side near Temae and Maharepa. Useful for packaged island-hop itineraries, but many divers still prefer the ferry for luggage and schedule flexibility.
Transport: Taxi, Hotel shuttle, Rental car, Dive-center pickup when offered
On Moorea, rent a car for dive bags, beach hopping, and mixed-group itineraries. Scooters and e-bikes are fun for light travelers, but rain, potholes, and night riding require caution. Taxis are available at the airport, ferry dock, hotels, and some villages, but do not work like ride-share. Some hotels and operators offer shuttles to Vaiare, Temae, Maharepa, and resort zones.
French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of France, so entry rules depend on nationality, passport type, and purpose of travel. U.S. tourists generally do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days in a 180-day period and should hold a return or onward ticket. Other nationalities should check the official French Polynesia or French consular requirements before booking. Carry proof of accommodation, funds, insurance, and onward travel if requested.
Bring certification cards, dive computer, SMB, mask, and exposure suit if fit matters. Rental gear is available from Moorea dive centers, but sizes and specialty gear can be limited. Inter-island flights may have tighter baggage allowances than international flights, while ferries are friendlier for heavy dive bags. Rinse gear at your dive center or accommodation, and keep wet gear sealed on ferries, taxis, and rental cars.
CFP Franc (XPF)
The CFP franc is used throughout French Polynesia. Cards are widely accepted at resorts, many restaurants, dive centers, and larger shops, but carry XPF cash for food trucks, markets, parking or access fees, small pensions, and tips for exceptional service.
ATMs are easiest in Papeete and available in Moorea's main villages, ferry areas, and commercial zones, but they are less dense than in large cities. Withdraw before remote beach or valley days and do not assume every small vendor accepts cards.
110V and 220V • 50Hz and 60Hz depending property • A, B, C, E
Many hotels use European-style Type C or E outlets, while some properties also provide North American-style sockets. Bring a universal adapter and confirm that chargers are dual voltage before plugging in cameras, strobes, laptops, or dive-computer chargers.
Communications
Main-island mobile coverage is generally good around Moorea's villages, resorts, ferry dock, and airport, but signal can weaken in valleys, behind mountains, or offshore. Vini offers travel eSIM options for French Polynesia, and many accommodations provide Wi-Fi. Download ferry schedules, maps, and booking confirmations before driving into Opunohu Valley or remote coastal zones.
Language
French is the official language and Tahitian is widely spoken. English is common in hotels, dive centers, and tourism businesses, but basic French greetings and Tahitian words such as ia ora na are appreciated.
Insurance
Carry travel insurance that covers scuba, snorkeling, freediving, boat tours, evacuation from Moorea to Tahiti, and weather-related delays. Divers should strongly consider DAN or equivalent dive accident coverage because hyperbaric and specialist treatment may require transfer to Papeete.
Packing list
Pack a 3mm wetsuit or full suit, reef shoes, rash guards, sunglasses, hat, reef-safe sun protection, mosquito repellent, dry bag, SMB or snorkel float, reusable water bottle, and trail shoes. Bring spare mask straps, defog, camera O-rings, and any prescription mask or freedive gear you cannot easily rent.