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Apetahi Express Ferry Pass – Price, Routes in French Polynesia
Dreaming of exploring the Society Islands without breaking the bank? The Apetahi Express 30-Day Pass is made for you. This budget-friendly solution lets you sail freely between the most beautiful islands of French Polynesia for an entire month, at an unbeatable price.
If you have time on your hands and want to travel at your own pace, this pass is the ideal opportunity to discover Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora and the other gems of the Leeward Islands. No more complicated calculations or ballooning transport budgets: with this unlimited pass, you pay once and board as many times as you like.
It’s total freedom for adventurous travelers who prefer to take their time rather than chase flights.
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Apetahi Express pass : Price, Duration and How to Buy
The 30-day pass costs 20,000 XPF (€167) and offers unlimited access to all Apetahi Express routes for thirty consecutive days. If you plan on making at least three or four crossings, you’re already saving money compared to individual tickets. To get your pass, head to the Papeete ticket office. Online booking is also available, you can book last minute.
👉 Check out our full guide on the different ways to get around French Polynesia, island by island and archipelago by archipelago.
Islands Served and How the Routes Work
The Apetahi Express connects the main Leeward Islands in a clever loop system. The ferry departs from Papeete on Tahiti, stops at Moorea, then continues to Huahine, Raiatea, Tahaa, Bora Bora and finally Maupiti — then turns around and goes back the same way, letting you hop on and off as you please.
Note that Moorea is not actually part of the main loop — you need to take the Tauati Ferry shuttle for Tahiti–Moorea crossings. Other companies (Vaeara’i, Aremiti, Terevau) also serve that route, with around 20 daily crossings in 45 minutes.
👉 Check out our full comparison of car rental options in Tahiti and Moorea.
The loop timings are: Papeete → Huahine (3h), Huahine → Raiatea (1h), Raiatea → Taha’a (45 min), Taha’a → Bora Bora (1h), Bora Bora → Maupiti (1h15), then back in reverse. The Leeward Islands are all close together and the sea is calm year-round thanks to the lagoon.
Schedules for 2026 are available on the official Apetahi Express website, though they may vary depending on weather or the tourist season.
👉 Check out our full comparison of French Polynesia’s two inter-island airlines: Air Tahiti vs Air Moana.
Apetahi Express Schedules
We recommend checking schedules regularly on the Apetahi Express website. Note that Moorea is not part of the main loop — you’ll need to take the Tauati Ferry shuttle for Tahiti–Moorea crossings, run by the same company. Other operators — Vaeara’i, Aremiti and Terevau — also serve the Tahiti–Moorea route, with around 20 daily crossings in about 45 minutes.
The loop always follows the same route: Papeete → Huahine (3h), Huahine → Raiatea (1h), Raiatea → Taha’a (45 min), Taha’a → Bora Bora (1h), Bora Bora → Maupiti (1h15), then back in reverse. The Leeward Islands are all close together and the sea is calm year-round thanks to the lagoon, unlike cruises through the Tuamotu archipelago which involve open-ocean sailing.
This makes sailing the Leeward Islands on a catamaran an extraordinary experience.
👉 We’ve written a full guide to help travelers find the best private catamaran cruise with skipper and hostess to suit their needs.
👉 Looking for something different? Check out our full article on exploring French Polynesia with Aranui, the cargo cruise that visits the most remote islands.
Luggage Allowance: What You Need to Know Before Boarding
Each passenger is allowed 23 kg of checked luggage, which must be dropped off before boarding. If you’re traveling with bulky items like a surfboard or diving equipment, let the ticket office know in advance to make sure everything can be accommodated.
For carry-on luggage, the limit is 15 kg and you can keep it with you during the crossing — just present it at the check around thirty minutes before departure. In total, you’re entitled to three bags: a small personal item (handbag or small backpack), a carry-on with combined dimensions not exceeding 120 cm, and a checked bag limited to 160 cm.
👉 Also worth reading: Travelling in French Polynesia — a 15/20-day itinerary with tips, islands and budget breakdown.
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FAQ – Inter-Island Travel in French Polynesia
What is the Apetahi Express 30-Day Pass?
➡️A pass allowing unlimited travel between all Apetahi Express islands for 30 consecutive days — ideal for travelers with time who want to explore multiple islands affordably and flexibly.
How much does it cost and how do I buy it?
➡️The pass is priced at 20,000 XPF and grants unlimited crossings for its validity period. It can be purchased at the Papeete ticket office; online booking is coming soon but not yet active.
Which islands are covered and what are the schedules?
➡️The pass covers all islands served by Apetahi Express: Papeete, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Tahaa, Bora Bora and Maupiti. Schedules may change depending on the season or weather. The 2026 rotations are already published, but it’s recommended to check real-time schedules on the official website before each departure.
Apetahi Pass it good value?
➡️Yes — it’s the most affordable option for visiting multiple islands, especially for flexible travelers who want to experience French Polynesia at a local pace.
What about cancellations or bad weather?
➡️Check schedules online regularly. Cancellations are frequent on the Bora Bora–Maupiti leg, as the pass into Maupiti’s lagoon can be dangerous in heavy swell, meaning access to Maupiti can be cancelled or times modified.
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