Getting Around the Islands of French Polynesia – Inter-Island Pass
Planning a trip to French Polynesia is not only about choosing dreamy islands like Bora Bora or Moorea, it’s also about organizing your inter-island transportation, an often underestimated but essential part of any itinerary. With 118 islands spread across five archipelagos, this paradise requires some smart logistics: domestic flights, ferries, lagoon shuttles, and the famous Air Tahiti inter-island pass.
In this guide, My Little Polynesia, our blog dedicated to travel and expat life in Tahiti, shares local tips on how to choose between Air Tahiti and Air Moana, when to take a ferry instead of a plane, and how to avoid common mistakes when building a multi-island itinerary. Whether you’re traveling for two weeks in Moorea, Bora Bora, Fakarava, Raiatea, or Maupiti, you’ll find updated, practical advice tested by locals.
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How to Choose the Right Transport and Inter-Island Pass in French Polynesia
The short answer: it depends. In mainland France we’re used to comparing car, train, or flights. In French Polynesia, the rules are different.
In general, domestic flights are the fastest and most reliable way to travel between islands, especially to reach the Tuamotu, Australs, or Marquesas archipelagos, Nuku Hiva or Hiva Oa.
But there are a few exceptions where ferries and boats are clearly the better choice:
- Tahiti ⇄ Moorea: just 20 km apart. The ferry from Tahiti to Moorea takes 30–45 minutes, runs many times per day, and accepts cars, scooters, or bikes. It’s cheaper and more practical than flying.
- Raiatea ⇄ Taha’a: these two islands share the same lagoon, so there’s no flight. Transfers are done by boat shuttles provided by guesthouses or hotels.
- Maupiti ⇄ Bora Bora: there are a few boat shuttles per week, a good option if you want to combine the islands without flying. But the crossing depends heavily on weather, as Maupiti’s pass is difficult in heavy swell. Always book in advance and keep a margin day in case of cancellation.
- Aranui Cargo Cruise: for something unique, the Aranui combines passenger cruise and cargo delivery, sailing through remote archipelagos—a very special way to explore French Polynesia.
Outside of these cases, flights are the only option. Many islands are only accessible by air, and maritime connections (except ferries and lagoon shuttles) are rare or irregular.
Inter-Island Flights in French Polynesia: Air Tahiti vs Air Moana
When traveling in French Polynesia, the plane is the main mode of transport between archipelagos, especially to reach remote islands like the Tuamotu or the Marquesas.
Two airlines share the Polynesian skies: Air Tahiti, the historic carrier, and Air Moana, the new competitor on the market. Here’s what you need to know to make the right choice.
If you’re wondering what to bring for your trip to Polynesia, check out our complete packing guide for Tahiti and Bora Bora with all the essentials you’ll need.
Our Recommended Inter-Island Travel Plan for a 20-Day Trip in French Polynesia (4 Islands)
As residents in French Polynesia, we know that planning an inter-island itinerary can quickly become a logistical challenge—especially for a three-week trip with multiple destinations. Here’s our simple and effective method to organize a multi-island journey without (too much) stress:
Compare flights on the two official websites: Air Tahiti and Air Moana. Check prices, schedules, flight durations, and any hidden stopovers.
Create a comparison table with departure island, arrival island, available days, flight duration, and price. This makes it easier to spot inconsistencies or good deals.
Call the airlines directly (both have free numbers from France) to double-check real-time availability, ask questions, and sometimes discover alternatives not shown online.
If you plan a loop itinerary with several islands—especially sensitive destinations like Maupiti, or when connections are tight, we recommend using a local travel agency. They know the real flight rotations, handle unexpected changes, and can adjust your route stress-free if a flight is canceled or rescheduled. Plus, they often have negotiated fares.
With this method, you stay in control of your budget while securing the essential connections of your trip.
Also read: Travel in French Polynesia – 10-Day Itinerary (Tips, Islands & Budget)
What to Know Before Booking Your Inter-Island Flights in French Polynesia
Before booking your inter-island flights in French Polynesia, it’s important to understand how the routes really work. Unlike in other destinations, flights here are not always logical or available in both directions. For instance, you may find a flight from Moorea to Huahine, but no direct return to Moorea. In that case, you would have to travel back through Tahiti and then take the ferry across to Moorea, or rethink your itinerary altogether.
Flights also often operate like bus routes, making several stops along the way. A single journey may run Tahiti – Moorea – Huahine – Raiatea, but unless your ticket specifically allows it, you cannot get off at one of the intermediate stops. If, for example, you booked a Bora Bora to Tahiti flight with a stop in Moorea, you cannot disembark in Moorea even though the plane lands there.
Another thing that surprises travelers is that pricing does not always follow geographical logic. A longer flight such as Tahiti to Huahine can sometimes be cheaper than a shorter connection like Moorea to Huahine. Attempting to “outsmart the system” by trying to exit at an unplanned stop won’t work either, as airlines carefully check both baggage and passenger numbers.
Our best tip is to avoid booking each flight separately as one-way tickets. Instead, build a multi-destination itinerary or ask for a global quote. This approach is usually cheaper and prevents inconsistencies that can complicate your travel plans.
Finally, to avoid facing sold-out flights or very high prices, make sure you plan early. Check our full article about best flights combination LA to Tahiti and Bora Bora
Traveling Between Islands in French Polynesia with Air Tahiti
Air Tahiti is the main airline in French Polynesia, operating for more than 60 years. It serves the majority of inhabited islands, with over 45 destinations across all five archipelagos. Its fleet of ATR aircraft is perfectly adapted to inter-island flights, connecting the most famous destinations like Bora Bora, Moorea, and Raiatea, as well as remote atolls such as those in the Tuamotu and Austral Islands.
Flights are frequent, connections are extensive, and overall reliability is strong, although occasional delays or schedule changes may occur due to weather. Air Tahiti also offers the well-known Air Tahiti Pass, a fixed-price multi-island package that allows you to visit several islands on a single ticket. While this can be cost-effective, the pass sometimes comes with restrictions on the order and choice of islands.
Prices are generally higher than with Air Moana, but Air Tahiti’s geographical coverage is far superior. For complex itineraries or trips covering more than three islands, Air Tahiti is often the only viable choice. Customer service, both in agencies and by phone, is responsive and helpful.
It is strongly recommended to book flights well in advance, especially in high season, as prices rise quickly and seats on smaller islands like Maupiti or Fakarava or Tikehau are very limited.
🌴 Read the Full 10-Day Itinerary
Traveling Between Islands in French Polynesia with Air Moana
Air Moana is a new Polynesian airline, created in 2023, offering inter-island flights at generally lower prices than Air Tahiti. It serves several islands in the Society and Tuamotu archipelagos, including Moorea, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Taha’a, Rangiroa, and Fakarava.
The airline operates with a smaller fleet, which means fewer daily rotations and less flexibility in schedules. This can also create challenges for rebooking in case of cancellations or unexpected weather.
That said, the onboard experience is excellent, with modern aircraft, friendly crews, and a pleasant atmosphere—similar to Air Tahiti. For travelers looking for simple direct flights at affordable prices, Air Moana is a great alternative.
One drawback is that the website can be difficult to use, especially on mobile. It is usually better to check flights on a desktop computer or contact the airline directly for confirmation.
Discover all our tips to organize an itinerary adapted for divers in Polynesia.
➡️ Our recommendation: compare round-trip flights on Air Tahiti and Air Moana for each leg. Do it on a desktop to clearly view schedules and fares—their mobile sites aren’t very smooth. You can also mix and match (outbound with one airline, return with the other) to get the best price.
Not sure when to come? Discover the 
Best Time to Visit French Polynesia
For a more complex multi-island trip in French Polynesia (for example, 4 islands or more), working with a local travel agency is often a real advantage. Agencies know the logistical constraints, the real flight schedules, and can optimize your itinerary to avoid wasted time or unnecessary nights in Tahiti. In case of a cancellation or bad weather (common in Maupiti or the Tuamotu), an agency can quickly rebook all of your flights—something much harder to handle if you booked everything yourself.
We recommend calling or sending an email with your desired dates and islands to compare prices between the airline websites and the special rates available with the Air Tahiti Pass. If you prefer book your trip in French Polynesia on your own please check our full article.
At MyLittlePolynesia, we usually choose a multi-destination booking without the pass, because it’s easier to see each flight’s price independently and adjust our route with more flexibility.
For a loop of 3 islands or more, consulting a local agency can save you both time and money.
Don’t be fooled by appearances: the pass is not always the simplest or the most economical solution.
Tip: Never book a flight between Tahiti and Moorea. The two islands are only 20 km apart, and the ferry takes 40 minutes for around €10–15 per person, depending on the company. There are about 20 ferry crossings per day between the islands. The advantages of the boat are clear: lower price, flexibility (you can buy tickets just before boarding), and the option to bring a vehicle for about €30 extra per crossing.
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And if you’re still unsure, don’t worry—just reach out to us directly, and we’ll be happy to add extra explanations to this article if needed.
You can check out our article on the Marquesas, why this archipelago is a must-include during your trip to Polynesia.
If the system seems a little complex, that’s completely normal—we’ve all been there at some point. Remember, French Polynesia is the size of Europe, with 118 islands spread across five archipelagos. Even the largest island, Tahiti, can be driven around in just 2 to 2.5 hours without stopping.
❓FAQ – Inter-Island Travel in French Polynesia
How far in advance should I plan a trip to French Polynesia?
➡️ In most cases, you need to plan well ahead. The only exceptions are Tahiti–Moorea (connected by ferry) and Raiatea–Taha’a (connected by lagoon shuttles). All other island transfers are done exclusively by plane.
Are there ferries to Bora Bora or the Tuamotu Islands?
➡️ No. There are no regular ferry services between Tahiti and remote islands such as Bora Bora, Rangiroa, Fakarava, or Tikehau. The only public ferries operate between Tahiti and Moorea.
Is it easy to create a loop itinerary?
➡️ Yes, but it requires good coordination. Some routes are not available every day, or only exist in one direction. To avoid planning issues, we recommend staying at least 4 nights per island.
Why is a short flight sometimes more expensive than a longer one?
➡️ Pricing can be illogical because airlines use a segment-based system with integrated stopovers. For example, Moorea–Huahine can cost more than Tahiti–Huahine, even though it’s a shorter route.
What should I do in case of cancellation or bad weather?
➡️ If you booked your flights independently, you’ll need to contact the airlines yourself to rebook. If you used a local travel agency, they’ll handle the changes for you—usually much faster and with less stress.
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👉 Here, we share our best travel experiences, insider tips, favorite spots, and authentic advice to explore French Polynesia with passion 💙 (Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Huahine, the Marquesas, Tuamotu…)
