Cruise port Moorea
Info for port Moorea on 30 Mar 2027
Port information & tips for Moorea
Moorea is considered the emerald-green jewel of French Polynesia and enchants travelers with a spectacular silhouette of rugged volcanic peaks and turquoise lagoons. The island impresses with its relaxed atmosphere and lush tropical vegetation and offers a world-famous panoramic view of the twin bays, Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay, thanks to the Belvedere Lookout. In the immediate vicinity, the historical town of Papetoai and the colorful coral gardens also invite discovery. As Moorea is a classic tender port, ships usually anchor in the protected Opunohu Bay and take guests to the Papetoai Pier. Local markets are easily accessible from this central landing point, while available shuttles guarantee a fast connection to the surrounding coastal villages and picturesque dream beaches.
Moorea is a tropical island paradise in the heart of French Polynesia and, due to its location, is usually accessed via the neighboring main island of Tahiti. While cruise ships often anchor in the picturesque Cook’s Bay or Opunohu Bay and bring guests ashore by tender boat, the port of Vaiare on the east coast serves as the central arrival point for island ferries.
Airplane
Arrival from the DACH region is via Faa’a International Airport (PPT) in Papeete on Tahiti, which can be reached with stopovers from Frankfurt, Munich, or Zurich. From Tahiti Airport, a short, approximately 15-minute domestic flight with Air Tahiti takes you directly to Moorea Island Airport (MOZ), located in the northeast of the island and just a few kilometers from the main landing stages.
Ferry & Transfer
A comfortable and popular connection is provided by the modern fast ferries of the Aremiti and Terevau shipping companies, which connect the port of Papeete directly with the terminal in Vaiare on Moorea. The crossing takes only 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the type of ship, and the high frequency allows for flexible planning. From the ferry terminal in Vaiare, you can reach the cruise ship docks as well as hotels conveniently by taxi or pre-booked shuttle transfers in about 15 to 20 minutes.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long flight time of over 20 hours and the significant time difference, arriving at least two days before embarkation is highly advisable. A stay at one of the resorts on Moorea offers the ideal opportunity to acclimatize and explore the island at leisure. Many accommodations also assist their guests in organizing transfers to the tender stations in Cook’s Bay or Opunohu Bay, ensuring a relaxed start to the cruise.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually provide you with a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
In port on 30 Mar 2027
