Moorea: the guide to useful addresses (ferry, health, shopping, accommodations, activities)
Moorea, Tahiti's sister island, is about 30 minutes by ferry from Papeete. The Moorea-Maiao commune has 18,332 residents (2022 census), and Annuaire de Polynésie lists 364 businesses there: hotels and guesthouses, restaurants, supermarkets, car rentals, healthcare, and boat excursions. This guide brings together practical information and top recommendations for staying or living there.
- Ferry from the maritime station in Papeete to the Vaiare port: about 30 minutes.
- Afareaitu Hospital: 24/7 emergency services at 40 55 22 26.
- Bus on the beltway route: 300 XPF per adult, 150 XPF per child.
- Associated communes: Paopao, Haapiti, Afareaitu, Teavaro, Papetoai, and the island of Maiao.
- View all businesses: Moorea-Maiao in the directory.
Getting to Moorea
By ferry
Several daily departures connect the Papeete maritime station to the Vaiare port on Moorea's east coast, in about thirty minutes. Companies listed by the Polynesian Maritime Affairs Directorate and Tahiti Tourism include Aremiti (including Aremiti Express), Vaeara’i, and Tau’ati Ferry; Terevau also appears in the directory. Ferries carry passengers and vehicles: book in advance for a car, especially on weekends and during school holidays, and check the day's schedule with the company.
By plane
The Temae airport, in the northeast of the island, welcomes flights of a few minutes from Tahiti according to Tahiti Tourisme. The ferry remains the most commonly used means of transport.
Getting around the island
A belt road circles Moorea. A bus travels along it (300 XPF per adult, first departure around 4 a.m.), but a car or scooter is more practical. The directory lists 8 car rental companies and 4 scooter rental companies on Moorea, for example Avis Pacificar Moorea. Compare them in our guide car rental.
Health
- Moorea Hospital in Afareaitu: switchboard 40 55 22 22, emergency 24/7 at 40 55 22 26.
- Moorea-Maiao Dispensary: 40 56 02 50.
- Pharmacies: for example the Haapiti Pharmacy.
- Physiotherapy, osteopathy: physiotherapist in Afareaitu, Marc Amoretti, osteopath.
In case of emergency: dial 15. More information in our health and emergency guide.
Grocery shopping
Moorea has 8 supermarkets and 4 grocery stores listed: U Express Supermarket Rémi, Store René, Store Alam, Store Manea, as well as Champion in Toa Moorea. Also consider the fish and fruits sold along the roadside. See our guide grocery shopping.
Staying in Moorea
Accommodation is the first sector listed in the directory on the island: 23 hotels, 6 hotel complexes, guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, villas, and vacation rentals, including even a camping site, the Camping Nelson, one of the island's best-rated addresses. Our guide Find your accommodation in French Polynesia helps you choose.
Eating and going out
With 25 listed restaurants, Moorea offers a wide range of options, from beachside snacks to gourmet dining. For events, caterers like ML l’Expérience culinaire provide services at home. See also our guide restaurants of Tahiti and the islands.
Activities and excursions
- Boat excursions (7 providers): lagoon tour, rays and sharks, motu.
- Surf: Moorea Iriatai Surfschool.
- Diving: see our guide diving clubs.
- Tourist attractions (6 listed): viewpoints, gardens, cultural sites.
- Pearls and jewelry: 13 jewelry stores listed.
Living and working in Moorea
Many residents travel back and forth to Papeete by ferry. On site, you'll find schools (11 listed), banks, real estate agencies (5), hair salons, and artisans. Professionals in Moorea, add your business to appear in the directory and on the map.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the ferry take between Tahiti and Moorea?
Approximately 30 minutes between the maritime station in Papeete and the Vaiare port.
Is there a hospital in Moorea?
Yes, at Afareaitu, with 24/7 emergency services (40 55 22 26).
Do you need a car in Moorea?
It's recommended: a bus goes around the island, but a car or scooter offers more freedom. They can be rented on site.
How many residents are there in Moorea?
18,332 residents in the Moorea-Maiao commune (legal population 2022), including 343 in Maiao.
