How to Travel from Tahiti to Bora Bora: A 2026 Guide

What are the TWO best ways to get from Tahiti to Bora Bora?

 

Let’s take a look at each option and how much they cost!

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Travel Options and Duration: There are two ways to travel from Tahiti to Bora Bora: by flight or ferry.

 

• Cost Comparison: Flight tickets cost €200 to €300 (USD 210-315) for a one-way trip, whereas ferry tickets cost €100 to €150 (USD 105-160).

 

• Private Charter Experience: For a more luxurious and personalized experience, you can book a private charter, such as a yacht, speedboat, or seaplane.

 

 

Traveling to Bora Bora

Bora Bora, part of the Society Islands in French Polynesia, is a paradise destination for people on their Bora Bora honeymoon or looking to enjoy some luxurious overwater bungalows next to the turquoise lagoon.

 

You’re up for a long journey to reach Tahiti from LAX or San Francisco. However, paradise is worth it!

 

Look at the amazing Bora Bora resorts below!

You’ll have to take three steps to reach your resort. First, you’ll land on your international flight to Papeete, the airport in Tahiti. From Tahiti to Bora Bora, you’ll take another flight or a ferry (see below).

 

As Bora Bora is a central island with many small motu (islets), you’ll take another boat from the airport or harbor to your resort.

 

KEEP IN MIND: The journey in itself will offer you amazing views of the Pacific Ocean and other islands like Moorea and Huahine.

 

The flights themselves are Instagrammable and an unforgettable experience with the views you get to enjoy! Take a look below for awesome pictures!

 

Now, let’s take a closer look at the two best ways to get from Tahiti to Bora Bora (below we’ll also discuss what the best option is).

 

 

Flights from Tahiti to Bora Bora

Flying from Tahiti to Bora Bora is the best and fastest way to reach the island.

 

There are direct flights from two airlines: Air Tahiti and Air Moana.

 

Airlines and Flight Duration

Air Tahiti and Air Moana operate daily direct flights between Faa’a International Airport in Tahiti and Motu Mute Airport in Bora Bora.

 

The flights last 45–50 minutes, meaning they never go to very high altitude, meaning that you get to enjoy amazing aerial views of the Pacific Ocean and the islands.

• Air Tahiti is the primary domestic airline for this route, offering daily flights. They also provide a shuttle service from Bora Bora’s airport to Vaitape, the main village on the island.

 

• Air Moana is a newer airline that also provides flights between Tahiti and Bora Bora, often with cheaper prices.

Booking and Prices

Flight prices range from €200-€300 (USD 210-315) for a one-way ticket, depending on the time of year and how early you book.

 

Round-trip tickets are often a better deal.

 

Flights can be booked directly online via Aviasales.

 

Shuttle and Transfers

Upon arrival in Bora Bora, Air Tahiti provides a shuttle service from Motu Mute Airport to Vaitape.

 

This transfer, which takes 15 minutes, is included in the flight ticket.

 

From Vaitape, many resorts offer private boat transfers to the overwater bungalows and main accommodations scattered across the island. Check with your resort if they offer you one!

 

Some hotels also provide a baggage transfer service when you are leaving Bora Bora.

 

This means that your luggage is transported to the airport separately from the yourself.

KEEP IN MIND: Air Tahiti’s liability does not commence until the baggage is checked in for the flight.

 

INSIDER TIP: The interesting thing about Air Tahiti is when you check in they give you a boarding pass with no seat assignment! It’s on a first-come, first-served basis, so I recommend boarding earlier rather than later if you want a window spot!

 

Ferry from Tahiti to Bora Bora

 

You can also take a ferry from Tahiti to Bora Bora.

 

Even though the trip takes longer, it is a different way of travelling, slowing you down.

 

The only thing you’ll have to do is enjoy the scenery of the Pacific Ocean and its islands for 8 hours.

 

You have the choice between the Apetahi Express and the Vaearai to connect Tahiti to Bora Bora.

 

Apetahi Express

The Apetahi Express is the main and biggest ferry service that connects Tahiti with Bora Bora.

 

The Apetahi Express ferry from Tahiti to Bora Bora makes four stops before reaching Bora Bora.

 

The ferry departs from Papeete, Tahiti, and stops at Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a, and finally Bora Bora after a journey of 8 hours.

 

Review on Tripadvisor: I used the ferry to travel between Tahiti and Bora Bora end of August and come back at the beginning of Sep (1 week stay). The ferry looks pretty new, has many seats to choose, comfortable and spacious. The WC were also pretty good, clean and many cubicles.

The staff was also friendly despite the fact that there were no so many speaking good english, which took me as surprised but didn’t make a bad experience for me. There’s also of course a Cafeteria with good prices (i.e. big sanwiches for 3/4 EUR), you can pay cash or CC.

You might need to pay attention to the baggage allowance as in the basic rate you can only take 1 piece of luggage with max 15 kg onboard. You might take 2 pieces if they are small, but this might depends on the size and the quantity of people travelling during that day.

If you take a bagpack and a trolley, you might be ask to drop this last one an pay a fee of approx. 20 EUR (again, not always the case, but it might happen).

 

Vaearai Ferry Service

The Vaearai Ferry Service is another ferry option from Tahiti and Bora Bora, though it is not as well-known as Apetahi Express.

 

The ferry also departs from Papeete Harbor in Tahiti and docks at Vaitape in Bora Bora.

 

Same as Apetahi Express, the travel time is around 8 hours, providing enough opportunity to enjoy the scenic journey through the Society Islands.

 

 

Ferry Schedules

The ferry schedule varies depending on the season and weather conditions.

 

Ferries operate almost daily in high season (April to November), but this is not the case during rainy season (November to April) when the weather impacts the sailing times and there are less tourists.

 

You can find updated ferry schedules on Apetahi Express’ official website or by contacting them directly.

Pricing

Ferry tickets are ofcourse cheaper than flights.

 

Expect to pay around €100-€150 (USD 105-160) for a one-way ticket.

Onboard Experience

The Apetahi Express offers comfortable seating and some basic amenities, including snacks and drinks for purchase.

 

It’s a long journey, so we recommended you bring your own food and entertainment (download films on Netflix).

 

Many people love to enjoy spending time on deck, reading a book, watching the islands pass by and taking in the open ocean views.

 

INSIDER TIP: If you’re get seasick quickly, be sure to take motion sickness medication before boarding, as the sea can get choppy at times, especially during windy conditions (mostly only during the rainy season, but you never know).

 

It’s also a good idea to bring a light jacket, as the breeze can get cooler once you’re out on the water for several hours.

 

For more details or to book tickets, visit the Apetahi Express website.

 

 

Tahiti to Bora Bora Travel Time

Traveling from Tahiti to Bora Bora has different travel times depending on whether you choose to fly or a ferry.

 

Flight Time

Flying is, of course, the quickest way.

 

The flight takes 45. After arriving at Bora Bora Airport, a quick shuttle boat will take you to Vaitape village from where you will be taken to your resort.

 

The entire travel time, from boarding to landing and reaching your accommodation, is just under 2 hours.

 

Ferry Time

If you’re not in a hurry and want to take in the sights of the Pacific Ocean, consider the Apetahi Express ferry.

 

This ferry journey takes around 8 hours from Papeete Harbor in Tahiti to Vaitape on Bora Bora.

Tahiti to Bora Bora: Ferry vs. Flight – Which is Better?

So, now you’re wondering, what is the best choice for me?

 

As a fellow passenger and traveler, I prefer to use the plane to gain some time and enjoy the scenic views of Bora Bora during one of the daily tours offered by our best place to stay in Bora Bora, the Four Seasons Resort.

 

Below you can find an overview table of the different elements that you should take into consideration.

Feature	Ferry	Flight
Duration	8 hours	45-50 minutes
Cost	€100 to €150 (USD 105 to 160)	€250 to €500 (USD 260 to 530)
Experience	Scenic ocean views; leisurely journey	Aerial views of Society Islands; quick trip
Comfort	Basic amenities; may get rocky	Short and comfortable; seats can be cramped
Booking Options	Online via Apetahi Express	Online via Aviasales

Now, what if we told you there is a third way to reach Bora Bora from Tahiti?

Private Charters: Luxurious Ways to Travel from Tahiti to Bora Bora

If you want an exclusive and luxurious travel experience, just like many celebrities before you, private charters are the way to go from Tahiti to Bora Bora.

 

This option not only give you more flexibility and comfort but also provides you with a personalized plan.

 

What Are Private Charters?

Private charters refer to booking an entire vessel—be it a yacht, speedboat, or (sea)plane—specifically for you or your group.

 

Three types of private charters

1) Yacht Charters:

Ideal if you have time and want a luxurious experience on the water.

 

Many charter companies offer crewed yachts, complete with chefs and staff, allowing you to relax and enjoy gourmet meals as you sail through the turquoise lagoon.

 

Price Range: Prices typically range from €8,000 to €15,000 ($8,500 to $16,000) per week for a private, crewed yacht.

 

Companies:

• Tahiti Yacht Charter offers tailored itineraries, including crew and gourmet dining via tahitiyachtcharter.com
• Dream Yacht Charter provides luxury yachts for personalized cruising via dreamyachtcharter.com

2) Speedboat Charters

Perfect for a quick trip, speedboats can take you from Tahiti to Bora Bora in about 2 to 3 hours (majorly reducing the 8-hour travel time by ferry)

 

Speedboat charters often include opportunities for stops at nearby islands or at some of the best snorkeling spots.

 

Price Range: Approximately €2,000 to €3,000 ($2,100 to $3,200) for a private speedboat charter, depending on the boat size and stops.

 

Companies:

• Moana Adventure Tours specializes in speedboat transfers and excursions via moanaadventuretours.com
• Tahiti Nui Helicopters also offers speedboat services (and helicopter transfers) via tahitinuihelicopters.com

3) Seaplane Charters:

For a spectacular experience, you can consider a seaplane charter.

 

This option offers an aerial view of the islands and can take you to Bora Bora in as little as 30 to 40 minutes.

 

Price Range: Around €4,000 to €6,000 ($4,200 to $6,300) per flight, depending on the number of passengers.

 

Companies: Tahiti Air Charter offers seaplane services from Tahiti to Bora Bora via tahitiaircharter.com

INSIDER TIP

If you choose a private yacht or speedboat charter, then planning your trip during the early morning.

 

These times not only provide stunning lighting for photos but also offer calmer waters.

 

 

Travel Documents and Requirements

Traveling from Tahiti to Bora Bora is an exciting adventure, but you need to have the proper documentation before your trip.

 

Passport Requirements

• Valid Passport: You must have a valid passport with at least six months remaining before the expiration date at the time of your arrival in Bora Bora.

 

Visa Requirements

Depending on your nationality, you may need or not need a visa to enter French Polynesia.

 

Citizens from the United States, Canada, the UK, and EU member states can stay in French Polynesia for up to 90 days without a visa!

 

Visit the French Polynesian Government’s official website for updated information.

 

Travel Insurance

Recommended Insurance: Although not mandatory, we highly recommended having travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and trip cancellations.

 

This adds an extra layer of protection in case of unexpected events, ensuring you can travel with peace of mind.

 

You can use our interactive widget below to calculate the insurance cost of your trip!

Packing Tips for the Tahiti to Bora Bora Journey

To end our blog post, there are a few packing trips we have learned from our travels to Bora Bora.

 

• Lightweight Clothing: Pack breathable, lightweight clothes suitable for a tropical climate, including swimwear, shorts, and sundresses.
• Beach Essentials: Don’t forget essentials like a beach towel, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
• Waterproof Bag: Bring a waterproof bag to protect your belongings during boat rides and water activities.
• Comfortable Footwear: Pack comfortable sandals for the beach and sturdy shoes for any hiking or exploring you may do.
• Snorkeling Gear: If you plan to snorkel, consider bringing your own snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins) to ensure a good fit.
• Light Jacket or Sweater: Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket or sweater can be handy.
• Travel Adapter: Bring a travel adapter to charge your devices, as French Polynesia uses types A and B plugs.
• Personal Medications: Pack any necessary personal medications and a small first-aid kit for minor injuries or ailments.
• Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated by bringing a reusable water bottle to refill during your trip.
• Camera or Smartphone: Don’t forget your camera or smartphone to capture the stunning landscapes and memories along the way!

 

FAQ