Papeete Day Trips by Ferry and Coast Road
Papeete works well as a base for day trips because the ferry terminal, the coast road and the marina are all close to the centre. These are the options with confirmed details.
Moorea by ferry
The Aremiti catamarans (Aremiti 5 and Aremiti 6) cross from Papeete to Vaiare on Moorea in about 30 to 45 minutes. Tourist fares from July 2026 are 2,350 XPF one way and 4,700 XPF return for adults and anyone aged 13 or over, 1,500 XPF one way and 3,000 XPF return for children under 13, and free for under-2s. Tauati Ferry and Vaearai also serve the line. Departure times change with the season and school holidays, and Sunday sailings are not guaranteed, so check the operator’s own timetable at aremitiexpress.com before you plan a return.
Once at Vaiare, the Belvedere lookout is free and reached by road, at about 219 m above Opunohu Bay. Temae Beach is a public white-sand beach with lagoon swimming. The Rotui juice factory is open on varying days, and some operators say it closes at weekends. Rent a car or take a tour from the dock, and leave time to be back at the terminal for your return crossing.
East-coast loop
Point Venus, the Arahoho Blowhole and the Faarumai waterfalls all sit along the same coast road east of Papeete. Point Venus is about 10 km out, where Captain Cook observed the 1769 transit of Venus. The Arahoho Blowhole reopened on 30 October 2026 after cliff-securing works and is free; keep well back from the opening in big swell. At Faarumai, Vaimahuta (80 m) is a short walk, while the two other falls are 20 to 30 minutes further and can be closed on works days.
Tahiti Iti and Teahupo’o
Take the coast road around to Taravao and on to the end of the road at Teahupo’o, roughly 60 to 75 km from Papeete, so a full day by car is realistic. You can watch the wave from a licensed boat from the village marina, and surfers there are experts. Vanira Lodge sits in the hills above the village with a pool and restaurant, according to hotel listings, though its current opening is worth confirming.
Tetiaroa
A sailing-catamaran day trip from the Papeete marina takes about 11 hours, including 2.5 to 3 hours of sailing each way and roughly 5 hours on the atoll. It is a day trip only, with no overnight stay.
For bookable options, try Papeete day trips .
Read more: Papeete tours and things to do in Papeete .