Inter-island transport

Getting around in Polynesia

By air or by sea

There are only two ways to travel from one island to the next, by air or by sea. Flying is faster and you get a magnificent bird’s eye view of the different archipelagos. Boats, especially sailing boats, are slower, but the views as you approach the islands are worth the wait.

©Ua Pou From the Ocean Tahiti Tourisme|Bertrand Duquenne

Plane, yacht, cruise, helicopter

Island hopping

Unless you can afford a private jet, you’ll probably fly Air Tahiti or Air Moana, which serve the main islands of French Polynesia. You can also travel by ferry between Tahiti and Moorea or the Leeward Islands plane. If you have time to spare, and you’re not already a passenger on one of the cruise ships based in Polynesia, you can charter a yacht, with or without a skipper. And for a more thrilling trip, you can fly to certain islands, like Ua Pou and Ua Huka, by helicopter.

To the islands

The different means of transport

Quad in the Pineapple Fields in Moorea - Tahiti Tourisme © Stéphane Mailion Photography

Traveling with a pet

inter-island

Traveling with your pet from one island to another is possible under certain conditions. The Islands of Tahiti have a fragile environment and are almost free of any diseases that can be transmitted by animals. By respecting the regulations for the travel of pets, you will ensure the protection of the natural environment of The Islands of Tahiti.

Whether you are transporting your pet, service animal or other, be sure to consult the French Polynesia Biosecurity website beforehand. Some invasive species, such as Florida turtles or mice cannot be transported.

If you are traveling by plane, you will have to inform the company of the presence of your pet when you make your reservation. For more details, contact the airline you have chosen to travel with

Similarly, if you are traveling by ferry, cruise ship, etc., please contact the company you have chosen: Aremiti, Terevau, Aranui, MS Paul Gauguin, etc.

Prepare your trip

The archipelagos