So, we’re a couple from Auckland, and we’re dreaming of a French Polynesian adventure! Flights to Papeete are quite affordable for us, which is a huge plus. We’re on a budget, so we’re looking to rely on ferries for inter-island travel. We have about 8-10 days for this trip, and we’re trying to figure out the best way to make it happen. We’re wondering if it’s possible to take a ferry from Papeete to Bora Bora, spend about four days there, and then catch another ferry from Bora Bora to Moorea for the remainder of our vacation? Based on our research, it seems like ferries primarily operate between Papeete and Bora Bora (specifically, the HSLV ferry) and from Papeete to Moorea. We’re also debating whether Bora Bora is the right choice for us. It’s incredibly beautiful, of course, but the boat transfers within Bora Bora seem quite expensive. Would it be wiser to allocate that money to various tours and experiences in Moorea instead?
Rethinking Our Itinerary: Moorea and Huahine It Is!
After much consideration and some wonderful advice, we’ve decided to pivot our plans. Initially, we were quite set on Bora Bora, but the insights we received made us realize that perhaps our budget and desire for varied experiences would be better served elsewhere. We’re now leaning towards splitting our 8-10 days between Moorea and Huahine. We’ll dedicate about half our time to each island, which feels like a great balance. We understand that there likely isn’t a direct ferry route from Moorea to Huahine. Our plan would involve taking a ferry back to Papeete from Moorea, and then catching another ferry from Papeete to Huahine. This seems like a perfectly manageable way to explore these two distinct and beautiful islands without breaking the bank.
Our Ferry-Hopping Adventures
The idea of island hopping by ferry through French Polynesia feels incredibly authentic and, more importantly, budget-friendly for us. We’ve been looking into the various routes and schedules, and it’s a bit of a jigsaw puzzle to piece together. For instance, the Aremiti ferry is a well-known option for the Papeete to Moorea route, offering a relatively quick and scenic journey. We’ve heard fantastic things about the views from the deck as you approach Moorea, with its dramatic volcanic peaks. Then there’s the Terevau ferry, another popular choice for the same route. Knowing these options exist gives us confidence that getting between Papeete and Moorea will be straightforward. Our main challenge comes with traveling further afield, like to Huahine. While direct high-speed ferries between Moorea and Huahine seem less common, the strategy of returning to Papeete as a hub makes perfect sense. It might add a few hours to our travel time, but it’s a worthwhile tradeoff for the experience and savings.
The Call of Moorea: Our First Island Destination
Moorea has truly captured our imagination as our first island stop. Its reputation for stunning landscapes, vibrant marine life, and a more laid-back atmosphere compared to some of the more intensely touristy spots really appeals to us. We’re envisioning long days exploring pineapple plantations, perhaps even taking a quad bike tour through the lush valleys. The idea of snorkeling or diving in its crystal-clear lagoons, teeming with colorful fish and rays, is incredibly exciting. We’ve heard that renting a scooter or a small car is a great way to discover the island at our own pace, stopping at local fruit stands and hidden beaches. One experience we’re particularly looking forward to is visiting the Belvedere Lookout, which reportedly offers panoramic views of Opunohu and Cook’s Bay – a perfect spot for some truly memorable photos. Moorea also seems to offer a good balance of affordable accommodation options, from charming guesthouses to more boutique resorts, which aligns perfectly with our budget.
Embracing Huahine: The Garden Island
Following our time in Moorea, the allure of Huahine, often called the “Garden Island,” is drawing us in. From everything we’ve gathered, Huahine offers a more authentic Polynesian experience, with a slower pace of life and a rich cultural heritage. We’re keen to explore its ancient marae (temples), which are said to be some of the best preserved in French Polynesia. The thought of cycling around the island, passing vanilla plantations and small, friendly villages, sounds absolutely idyllic. We’re also really interested in the sacred blue-eyed eels of Faie – a unique and intriguing natural wonder. Huahine’s less developed nature means it might offer even more opportunities for genuine interaction with the local community and a deeper dive into Polynesian traditions. The beaches are often described as pristine and less crowded, which is exactly what we’re hoping for – a chance to truly unwind and soak in the natural beauty without the hustle and bustle.
Why Not Bora Bora (This Time)?
It was a difficult decision to initially put Bora Bora on the back burner, especially since it’s the postcard image of French Polynesia. While we absolutely acknowledge its breathtaking beauty and iconic overwater bungalows, our budgetary constraints and desire for a more diverse experience led us to reconsider. The information we found about the significant costs associated with internal transfers within Bora Bora, often requiring private boat taxis to get from airports to resorts and then between different parts of the island, really made us pause. We realized that the money we would save by forgoing Bora Bora could be reinvested into more tours and activities on Moorea and Huahine, allowing us to experience more of the culture and natural wonders. For this trip, we’re prioritizing a more immersive and varied itinerary over the singular, albeit spectacular, experience of Bora Bora. Perhaps for a future, more extravagant trip, Bora Bora will be on the cards!
Navigating Inter-Island Travel: Our Plan
Our strategy for moving between these beautiful islands is fairly straightforward, despite the need to loop back to Papeete. We’ll start by flying into Papeete, as our flights are quite reasonable there. Immediately after, we’ll hop on a ferry, likely Aremiti or Terevau, for the short and scenic trip to Moorea. We foresee spending approximately 4-5 days immersing ourselves in Moorea’s charm. After Moorea, our plan is to take a ferry back to Papeete. From Papeete, we’ll then look for a ferry service, such as the Apetahi Express, which operates routes to the Leeward Islands, including Huahine. This segment will be a longer ferry ride, but we’re picturing it as part of the adventure, offering incredible ocean views. We anticipate spending another 4-5 days exploring the delights of Huahine before taking a final ferry back to Papeete for our departure home. This approach allows us to stay within our budget parameters while still experiencing two distinct facets of French Polynesia.
Accommodation on a Budget
Finding budget-friendly accommodation is a key part of making this trip feasible for us. On Moorea, we’ve been looking into guesthouses and smaller, locally-run pensions rather than large resorts. Places like the Pension Varuna or others listed on platforms like Booking.com often offer comfortable rooms with breakfast included, and the opportunity to interact with local hosts. This not only keeps costs down but also enhances our cultural experience. Similarly, on Huahine, we’re aiming for similar types of accommodations. Small bungalows, family-owned lodges, often referred to as ‘fares,’ seem to be plentiful and offer a genuine slice of island life. We’re prioritizing places with good reviews for cleanliness and hospitality, and ideally, within walking distance or a short scooter ride to beaches and local amenities. Self-catering options, where we can buy fresh produce from local markets and prepare some of our own meals, are also on our radar to help stretch our travel budget further.
Embracing Local Cuisine and Experiences
One of our absolute favorite things to do when traveling is to dive headfirst into the local food scene, and French Polynesia promises to be a culinary delight. We are particularly excited to try the national dish, poisson cru, which is fresh raw fish marinated in lime juice and coconut milk – it sounds incredibly refreshing, especially in the tropical heat. We’re also keen to seek out local “roulottes” or food trucks, which we’ve heard offer delicious and affordable meals, from grilled fish to Chinese-inspired dishes. Exploring the local markets for fresh fruits like mangoes, papayas, and pineapples is high on our list. On Huahine, we hope to find opportunities to learn about and perhaps even sample traditional ma’a Tahiti, which is a feast cooked in an underground oven called an ahi ma’a. These authentic culinary experiences are not only a feast for the taste buds but also a fantastic way to connect with the local culture and meet friendly people, all while keeping our food expenses in check.
FAQ Section
Is it possible to travel between all French Polynesian islands by ferry?
No, it’s not possible to travel between all French Polynesian islands by ferry. While ferries operate regularly between certain islands, particularly within the Society Islands group (like Tahiti, Moorea, and some of the Leeward Islands like Huahine and Raiatea), reaching more distant island groups like the Tuamotus or Marquesas typically requires inter-island flights.
Are ferries generally cheaper than flights for inter-island travel?
Yes, generally speaking, ferries are significantly cheaper than flights for inter-island travel in French Polynesia, especially for tourist routes like Papeete to Moorea or Papeete to Huahine. This is why many budget travelers opt for ferry travel when possible.
What is the typical duration of a ferry ride from Papeete to Moorea?
The ferry ride from Papeete to Moorea typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the specific ferry service (e.g., Aremiti or Terevau) and whether it’s a high-speed catamaran.
How can I find ferry schedules and book tickets?
Ferry schedules and tickets can usually be found directly on the websites of the ferry companies, such as Aremiti and Terevau for the Papeete-Moorea route. For longer routes to the Leeward Islands, companies like Apetahi Express would be the ones to check. It’s often recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season.
Is it worth visiting French Polynesia on a budget?
Absolutely! While French Polynesia has a reputation for being expensive, it is definitely possible to visit on a budget. Focusing on guesthouses, utilizing ferries, eating at local roulottes, and choosing islands like Moorea and Huahine over more exclusive destinations like Bora Bora can significantly reduce costs. The natural beauty and cultural experiences are accessible to everyone, regardless of budget.
References List
Aremiti Ferry Services
Terevau Ferry Services
Tahiti Tourisme Official Website
Air Tahiti Nui (for inter-island ferry information)
Your French Polynesian Adventure Awaits
Armed with this information and a spirit of adventure, we’re ready to make our French Polynesian dream a reality. If you’re also contemplating a trip to these stunning islands on a budget, consider following our lead! Explore the reliable ferry options between Papeete, Moorea, and Huahine. Dive into the rich culture and natural beauty of the “Garden Island” and embrace the vibrant charm of Moorea. Research local guesthouses, seek out those delicious roulottes, and plan your days around authentic experiences rather than just resort amenities. French Polynesia offers an incredible journey for every traveler, even those watching their wallets. Start planning your unique island-hopping adventure today and discover the magic that lies beyond the usual tourist trail!
