Archives des ORGANIZE YOUR TRIP - MYLITTLEPOLYNESIA LAGOON is calling... Fri, 05 Jun 2026 23:41:41 +0000 fr-FR hourly 1 https://www.mylittlepolynesia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/cropped-Logo-MLP-lagooniscalling-1-32x32.png Archives des ORGANIZE YOUR TRIP - MYLITTLEPOLYNESIA 32 32 Apetahi Express Ferry – Schedule 2026, Fares & Tuatea Pass French Polynesia https://www.mylittlepolynesia.com/apetahi-express-pass/ Fri, 05 Jun 2026 23:41:40 +0000 https://www.mylittlepolynesia.com/?p=33328 Inter-island ferry · Leeward Islands · Tuatea Pass Apetahi Express Ferry —Schedule 2026, Fares& Tuatea Pass Tahiti · Huahine · Raiatea · Taha’a · Bora Bora · Maupiti Tuatea Pass 24,000 XPF — 30 days unlimited Schedule valid from January 2026 Home› Plan your trip› Apetahi Express — Schedule & Pass The Apetahi Express is the inter-island ferry connecting Papeete to the Leeward Islands — Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a, Bora Bora and Maupiti. It is the affordable, authentic alternative to inter-island flights for exploring the islands at your own pace. This guide covers everything: the complete 2026 schedule, fares (flat rate 7,000 XPF per trip), the Tuatea Pass 30-day unlimited, baggage allowance, and how to book. Islands served7 islandsTahiti → Maupiti Fare per trip7,000 XPFFlat rate — any distance Tuatea Pass24,000 XPF30 days unlimited Papeete → Huahine3h10Departs 06:30 Papeete → Bora Bora6h50Departs 06:30 · arrives 13:20 Rest dayTuesdayNo service Contents Routes & network Fares 2026 Schedule 2026 Tuatea Pass 30 days Baggage allowance What about Moorea? FAQ Free PDF guide Plan Your French Polynesia Trip — 10 Steps Complete checklist including inter-island transport strategy for your itinerary. Islands on the route 1st stop Huahine 3h from Papeete 2nd stop Raiatea Sacred island · Marae 3rd stop Taha’a Vanilla · Coral garden 4th stop Bora Bora Iconic lagoon · Overwater Final stop Maupiti The secret Bora Bora Tauati Ferry Moorea 45 min from Papeete The network Apetahi Express ferry routes — French Polynesia Leeward Islands The Tuatea network (Apetahi Express + Tauati Ferry) serves 7 islands in a loop. The Apetahi Express operates the Leeward Islands route — from Papeete all the way to Maupiti — while the Tauati Ferry handles the Tahiti–Moorea crossing. You board and disembark wherever you like along the loop. Tahiti (Papeete) → Moorea (Tauati) → Huahine → Raiatea → Taha’a → Bora Bora → Maupiti ⟲ The Apetahi Express loop — board and disembark freely at any island along the route Route segment Approximate duration Papeete → Huahine ~3h10 Huahine → Raiatea ~1h Raiatea → Taha’a ~45 min Taha’a → Bora Bora ~1h Bora Bora → Maupiti ~1h15 Papeete → Bora Bora (full journey, 4 segments) ~6h50 Maupiti — weather cancellations are common The Maupiti pass is notoriously dangerous in heavy swell. The Bora Bora–Maupiti crossing can be cancelled without notice in rough conditions. If Maupiti is non-negotiable on your itinerary, always allow a buffer day — and check sea conditions before leaving Bora Bora. Pricing Apetahi Express fares 2026 — flat rate regardless of distance One of the great things about the Apetahi Express: the fare is a flat 7,000 XPF per trip, regardless of distance. Whether you travel Papeete–Huahine (3h) or Bora Bora–Maupiti (1h15), the price is the same. Apetahi Express — Tahiti to the Leeward Islands Ticket Adult & Child (+2 yrs) Baby (-2 yrs) One way 7,000 XPF Free Return 14,000 XPF Free Apetahi Express — Between Leeward Islands Same flat rate applies for all inter-island segments: Ticket Adult & Child (+2 yrs) Baby (-2 yrs) One way 7,000 XPF Free Return 14,000 XPF Free Tauati Ferry — Tahiti to Moorea Ticket Adult & Child (+2 yrs) Car Motorbike One way 1,100 XPF 4,400 XPF 1,300 XPF Return 2,200 XPF 8,800 XPF 2,600 XPF Tickets are non-refundable Both Apetahi Express and Tauati Ferry tickets are non-refundable. If your dates are uncertain, the Tuatea Pass (24,000 XPF / 30 days unlimited) offers more flexibility with no risk of losing money on unused tickets. Papeete to Bora Bora by ferry — total cost The full Papeete → Bora Bora journey covers 4 segments at 7,000 XPF each = 28,000 XPF total. With the Tuatea Pass at 24,000 XPF, you already save on this single journey — and can keep travelling for 30 days. Timetable Apetahi Express schedule 2026 — valid from 2 January 2026 The ferry runs 6 days a week — Tuesday is the rest day. Two directions: outbound (Papeete → Maupiti) on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays; return (Bora Bora → Papeete) on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Outbound — Papeete to Maupiti · Wednesday · Friday · Sunday Route segment Departs Arrives Papeete → Huahine 06:30 09:40 Huahine → Raiatea 10:00 11:00 Raiatea → Taha’a 11:20 12:05 Taha’a → Bora Bora 12:20 13:20 Bora Bora → Maupiti 13:40 14:55 Maupiti → Bora Bora (evening return) 15:15 16:30 Return — Bora Bora to Papeete · Monday · Thursday · Saturday Route segment Departs Arrives Bora Bora → Maupiti 06:00 07:15 Maupiti → Bora Bora 07:35 08:50 Bora Bora → Taha’a 09:10 10:10 Taha’a → Raiatea 10:25 11:10 Raiatea → Huahine 11:30 12:30 Huahine → Papeete 12:50 16:00 Tuesday — no service The Apetahi Express does not run on Tuesdays. If your itinerary requires a Tuesday crossing, plan for an inter-island flight or adjust your dates. Official Apetahi Express 2026 schedule — valid from 2 January 2026 (source: apetahi-express.pf) Advance booking required for Leeward Islands Booking ahead is mandatory for trips between Tahiti and the Leeward Islands (Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a, Bora Bora, Maupiti) to guarantee a seat on board. Book in person at a Papeete agency or by email: contact@tuatea.com — Tel. +689 40 50 57 57. Between Tahiti and Moorea (Tauati Ferry), no advance booking is required. Unlimited travel The Tuatea Pass — 30 days unlimited on all 7 islands Inter-island ferry pass Tuatea Pass 24,000 XPF / person (~€200) Unlimited trips for 30 days Valid on all 7 network islands Apetahi Express + Tauati Ferry Worth it from your 4th trip Activated on first trip taken Personal — non-transferable Valid 1 year from purchase date Children +2 yrs: same price Is the Tuatea Pass worth it? At 7,000 XPF per segment, the pass pays off from your 4th trip. Example: Papeete → Huahine → Raiatea → Bora Bora → Maupiti = 4 segments = 28,000 XPF in individual tickets vs 24,000 XPF with the pass. And you can keep travelling freely for 30 days. The real value, beyond price, is total freedom —

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Inter-island ferry · Leeward Islands · Tuatea Pass

Apetahi Express Ferry —
Schedule 2026, Fares
& Tuatea Pass

Tahiti · Huahine · Raiatea · Taha'a · Bora Bora · Maupiti Tuatea Pass 24,000 XPF — 30 days unlimited Schedule valid from January 2026

The Apetahi Express is the inter-island ferry connecting Papeete to the Leeward Islands — Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a, Bora Bora and Maupiti. It is the affordable, authentic alternative to inter-island flights for exploring the islands at your own pace. This guide covers everything: the complete 2026 schedule, fares (flat rate 7,000 XPF per trip), the Tuatea Pass 30-day unlimited, baggage allowance, and how to book.

Islands served7 islandsTahiti → Maupiti
Fare per trip7,000 XPFFlat rate — any distance
Tuatea Pass24,000 XPF30 days unlimited
Papeete → Huahine3h10Departs 06:30
Papeete → Bora Bora6h50Departs 06:30 · arrives 13:20
Rest dayTuesdayNo service
Contents
Routes & network Fares 2026 Schedule 2026 Tuatea Pass 30 days Baggage allowance What about Moorea? FAQ
Free PDF guide Plan Your French Polynesia Trip — 10 Steps Complete checklist including inter-island transport strategy for your itinerary.
The network

Apetahi Express ferry routes — French Polynesia Leeward Islands

The Tuatea network (Apetahi Express + Tauati Ferry) serves 7 islands in a loop. The Apetahi Express operates the Leeward Islands route — from Papeete all the way to Maupiti — while the Tauati Ferry handles the Tahiti–Moorea crossing. You board and disembark wherever you like along the loop.

Tahiti (Papeete) → Moorea (Tauati) → Huahine → Raiatea → Taha'a → Bora Bora → Maupiti ⟲
Apetahi Express ferry routes French Polynesia Leeward Islands loop

The Apetahi Express loop — board and disembark freely at any island along the route

Route segmentApproximate duration
Papeete → Huahine~3h10
Huahine → Raiatea~1h
Raiatea → Taha'a~45 min
Taha'a → Bora Bora~1h
Bora Bora → Maupiti~1h15
Papeete → Bora Bora (full journey, 4 segments)~6h50
Maupiti — weather cancellations are common

The Maupiti pass is notoriously dangerous in heavy swell. The Bora Bora–Maupiti crossing can be cancelled without notice in rough conditions. If Maupiti is non-negotiable on your itinerary, always allow a buffer day — and check sea conditions before leaving Bora Bora.

Pricing

Apetahi Express fares 2026 — flat rate regardless of distance

One of the great things about the Apetahi Express: the fare is a flat 7,000 XPF per trip, regardless of distance. Whether you travel Papeete–Huahine (3h) or Bora Bora–Maupiti (1h15), the price is the same.

Apetahi Express — Tahiti to the Leeward Islands

TicketAdult & Child (+2 yrs)Baby (-2 yrs)
One way7,000 XPFFree
Return14,000 XPFFree

Apetahi Express — Between Leeward Islands

Same flat rate applies for all inter-island segments:

TicketAdult & Child (+2 yrs)Baby (-2 yrs)
One way7,000 XPFFree
Return14,000 XPFFree

Tauati Ferry — Tahiti to Moorea

TicketAdult & Child (+2 yrs)CarMotorbike
One way1,100 XPF4,400 XPF1,300 XPF
Return2,200 XPF8,800 XPF2,600 XPF
Tickets are non-refundable

Both Apetahi Express and Tauati Ferry tickets are non-refundable. If your dates are uncertain, the Tuatea Pass (24,000 XPF / 30 days unlimited) offers more flexibility with no risk of losing money on unused tickets.

Papeete to Bora Bora by ferry — total cost

The full Papeete → Bora Bora journey covers 4 segments at 7,000 XPF each = 28,000 XPF total. With the Tuatea Pass at 24,000 XPF, you already save on this single journey — and can keep travelling for 30 days.

Timetable

Apetahi Express schedule 2026 — valid from 2 January 2026

The ferry runs 6 days a week — Tuesday is the rest day. Two directions: outbound (Papeete → Maupiti) on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays; return (Bora Bora → Papeete) on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

Outbound — Papeete to Maupiti · Wednesday · Friday · Sunday

Route segmentDepartsArrives
Papeete → Huahine06:3009:40
Huahine → Raiatea10:0011:00
Raiatea → Taha'a11:2012:05
Taha'a → Bora Bora12:2013:20
Bora Bora → Maupiti13:4014:55
Maupiti → Bora Bora (evening return)15:1516:30

Return — Bora Bora to Papeete · Monday · Thursday · Saturday

Route segmentDepartsArrives
Bora Bora → Maupiti06:0007:15
Maupiti → Bora Bora07:3508:50
Bora Bora → Taha'a09:1010:10
Taha'a → Raiatea10:2511:10
Raiatea → Huahine11:3012:30
Huahine → Papeete12:5016:00
Tuesday — no service

The Apetahi Express does not run on Tuesdays. If your itinerary requires a Tuesday crossing, plan for an inter-island flight or adjust your dates.

Apetahi Express ferry schedule 2026 French Polynesia timetable

Official Apetahi Express 2026 schedule — valid from 2 January 2026 (source: apetahi-express.pf)

Advance booking required for Leeward Islands

Booking ahead is mandatory for trips between Tahiti and the Leeward Islands (Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a, Bora Bora, Maupiti) to guarantee a seat on board. Book in person at a Papeete agency or by email: contact@tuatea.com — Tel. +689 40 50 57 57. Between Tahiti and Moorea (Tauati Ferry), no advance booking is required.

Unlimited travel

The Tuatea Pass — 30 days unlimited on all 7 islands

Inter-island ferry pass Tuatea Pass 24,000 XPF / person (~€200)
  • Unlimited trips for 30 days
  • Valid on all 7 network islands
  • Apetahi Express + Tauati Ferry
  • Worth it from your 4th trip
  • Activated on first trip taken
  • Personal — non-transferable
  • Valid 1 year from purchase date
  • Children +2 yrs: same price

Is the Tuatea Pass worth it?

At 7,000 XPF per segment, the pass pays off from your 4th trip. Example: Papeete → Huahine → Raiatea → Bora Bora → Maupiti = 4 segments = 28,000 XPF in individual tickets vs 24,000 XPF with the pass. And you can keep travelling freely for 30 days. The real value, beyond price, is total freedom — take the ferry whenever you want, change island on a whim, no budget anxiety at every boarding.

Important conditions

The pass is personal and non-transferable. Valid for 1 year from purchase date — the 30 travel days start from your first trip taken and must end before the pass expiry. Babies under 2 travel free without a pass. Children over 2 pay the same price as adults.

How to buy the Tuatea Pass

Purchase in person at a Papeete agency or contact the company directly. Buy it as soon as you arrive if you plan to use it right away — the 30 days start on your first trip.

Contact & booking

📧 contact@tuatea.com · 📞 +689 40 50 57 57 · BP 9031 – 98715 Papeete · Website: apetahi-express.pf

Apetahi Express ferry interior comfort French Polynesia Tuatea Pass

Inside the Apetahi Express — a comfortable ferry for crossings ranging from 45 minutes to over 3 hours

What you can bring

Baggage allowance on the Apetahi Express

The Apetahi Express is far more generous than Air Tahiti inter-island flights (limited to 10 kg) — a significant advantage if you're travelling with normal luggage.

Baggage typeAllowanceMax dimensions
Small cabin bag< 5 kg—
Cabin hand baggage< 15 kgSum of dimensions ≤ 120 cm
e.g. 55 + 45 + 20 = 120 cm
Hold baggage< 23 kgSum of dimensions ≤ 160 cm
Baby (-2 yrs)Travels freeNo ticket required
Ferry vs inter-island flight — baggage comparison

Air Tahiti inter-island flights include only 10 kg hold baggage vs 23 kg on the Apetahi Express. If you're travelling with a standard suitcase (20-23 kg), the ferry is not only cheaper but also saves you baggage surcharges. A strong argument for longer stays in the Leeward Islands.

Important note

What about Moorea? And can you go from Moorea to Bora Bora by ferry?

Moorea is not served by the Apetahi Express. The Tahiti–Moorea crossing is handled by the Tauati Ferry (sister company, same Tuatea group) or other operators: Aremiti, Vaeara'i or Terevau. Around 20 crossings per day, 45 minutes each way, 1,100 XPF one way. No advance booking required.

Can you go from Moorea to Bora Bora by ferry?

Not directly. There is no direct ferry from Moorea to Bora Bora. You need to return to Papeete first, then take the Apetahi Express the following morning (departures are on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays). So the journey is: Moorea → Papeete (Tauati Ferry, 45 min) → overnight in Papeete → Papeete → Bora Bora (Apetahi Express, 6h50). Plan at least one night in Papeete between the two crossings.

Moorea to Bora Bora — the faster option

For a direct connection from Moorea to Bora Bora without an overnight in Papeete, the Air Tahiti or Air Moana inter-island flight is more practical. The ferry makes more sense for travellers who want to visit the Leeward Islands in sequence from Papeete.

Inter-island flights comparison Air Tahiti Pass & Air Moana — Complete Comparison 2026 For islands not served by the Apetahi Express — the full comparison of both inter-island airlines.
Frequently asked questions

FAQ — Apetahi Express ferry & Tuatea Pass

How do I book an Apetahi Express ticket or the Tuatea Pass?
Advance booking is mandatory for trips between Tahiti and the Leeward Islands. Book in person at a Papeete agency or by email at contact@tuatea.com (Tel. +689 40 50 57 57). The Tuatea Pass is purchased in person. Between Tahiti and Moorea (Tauati Ferry), no booking is needed. Check apetahi-express.pf for the latest updates on online booking.
How much does the Papeete to Bora Bora ferry cost?
The fare is a flat 7,000 XPF per segment, regardless of distance. The full Papeete–Bora Bora journey covers 4 segments = 28,000 XPF total. Journey time: 6h50 (departs 06:30, arrives Bora Bora 13:20), with stops at Huahine, Raiatea and Taha'a. With the Tuatea Pass at 24,000 XPF, you save on this single journey — and can keep travelling for 30 days.
What days does the Apetahi Express run?
The ferry runs 6 days a week — no service on Tuesdays. Outbound (Papeete → Maupiti): Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, departing Papeete at 06:30. Return (Bora Bora → Papeete): Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, departing Bora Bora at 06:00 (via Maupiti).
Is there a direct ferry from Moorea to Bora Bora?
No — there is no direct ferry from Moorea to Bora Bora. You need to return to Papeete first (Tauati Ferry, 45 min), then take the Apetahi Express from Papeete the following morning. Allow at least one overnight in Papeete between the two crossings. For a direct connection, inter-island flights (Air Tahiti or Air Moana) are more practical.
What is the Maupiti Express?
The "Maupiti Express" is not a separate company — it refers to the Apetahi Express service to Maupiti. The Bora Bora–Maupiti segment (1h15) is the final stop on the Apetahi Express route. Note that this crossing can be cancelled in rough weather due to the dangerous Maupiti pass.
Is the Tuatea Pass worth it?
Yes, from your 4th trip. At 7,000 XPF per segment, 4 trips cost 28,000 XPF vs 24,000 XPF with the pass. Beyond price, the main value is total freedom — travel as much as you want for 30 days without thinking about cost at every boarding. For a simple one-way Papeete–Bora Bora, individual tickets are cheaper.
What is the baggage allowance on the Apetahi Express?
Each passenger can bring: one small cabin bag under 5 kg, one cabin hand baggage under 15 kg (sum of dimensions ≤ 120 cm), and one hold baggage under 23 kg (sum of dimensions ≤ 160 cm). Babies under 2 travel free. This is significantly more generous than Air Tahiti inter-island flights (10 kg hold only).
Related guides

Plan your French Polynesia transport

Inter-island flights Air Tahiti Pass & Air Moana — Complete Comparison 2026 For islands not served by the ferry — the full comparison of both inter-island airlines. Premium alternative Private Catamaran — Leeward Islands French Polynesia Raiatea, Taha'a, Bora Bora, Maupiti by catamaran — the premium alternative to the ferry. Itinerary 10-Day French Polynesia Itinerary — Moorea, Bora Bora & More The ferry transport strategy applied to a concrete 10-day circuit from the US. On the ground Car Rental in Tahiti — Comparison 2026 Getting around each island once you arrive — car rental options and tips.
Based in Moorea · French Polynesia

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L’article Apetahi Express Ferry – Schedule 2026, Fares & Tuatea Pass French Polynesia est apparu en premier sur MYLITTLEPOLYNESIA.

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