Getting to the island
After your international flight lands in Papeete, Tahiti, one more leg gets you to the resort. Which one depends on the island's location, but it directly affects whether you arrive the same day, how comfortable it is for elders, and whether you need a night in Tahiti.
Domestic flight (Air Tahiti)
International flights land at Tahiti's Faa'a airport (PPT) in Papeete; from there an Air Tahiti domestic flight connects to the regional airport on Bora Bora, Moorea, or Taha'a, followed by a resort transfer. Moorea can also be reached by ferry from the Papeete waterfront — no flight needed.
- Time
- Bora Bora / Taha'a: about 50 min flight. Moorea: about 10 min flight, or 30–45 min ferry
- Cost
- Roughly $150–350 per person round trip; prices climb fast in high season or close to the date (booked by the resort, usually a separate line on the bill)
- Runs
- Multiple daytime flights; Moorea ferries run frequently all day and usually connect with a late international arrival
Good for
Multi-island trips (Bora Bora + Moorea)Saving money via the Moorea ferryTravelling with parents / elders (the ferry is smooth)
Watch out
- · Air Tahiti's baggage limit is usually 20 kg, with steep excess fees
- · High-season fares (July–August, Christmas/New Year) sell out early — often tighter than hotel availability
- · International flights typically land late at night in Papeete; if you miss the last domestic connection, plan an overnight in Tahiti
Resort speedboat transfer
Bora Bora and Taha'a resorts sit on small motu inside the lagoon with no road link to the airport, so every guest transfers by resort speedboat, luggage handled for you.
- Time
- 10–30 min depending on where the resort sits in the lagoon
- Cost
- Included round-trip at most five-star resorts; a few budget properties charge extra, roughly $30–60 one way (booked by the resort, usually a separate line on the bill)
- Runs
- Timed to flight arrivals, essentially all day
Good for
Every guest staying on Bora Bora / Taha'a — there is no alternative
Watch out
- · Occasional swell in the wet season, similar bumpiness to Maldives speedboats
- · Confirm the transfer schedule with the resort ahead of a late-night arrival
One-line advice
- · With elders / infants, short trip, red-eye arrival → prefer a speedboat island (North / South Malé Atoll).
- · Going to Baa, Noonu and other northern luxury atolls, arriving in daylight → seaplane, and enjoy the view.
- · Going to Laamu and other far-southern atolls → domestic flight transfer; leave enough connection time.
- · Evening / night arrival but want a seaplane island → likely a night in Malé; check when booking.