Tahiti to Bora Bora: Ferry vs Plane – Which Is Better?
Trying to decide whether to take the ferry or fly from Tahiti to Bora Bora? We've done both. We took the Apetahi Express to Bora Bora, stopping in Huahine for two nights along the way, then flew out afterwards. Here's how the two compare — including cost, travel time, seasickness and which we'd choose next time.
Quick Guide - Tahiti to Bora Bora
Ferry | Plane | |
Travel time | Around 8 hours for the full journey | Around 45–50 minutes |
Best for | Island hopping & slower travel | Getting to Bora Bora quickly |
Stops | Huahine, Raiatea & Taha'a | Usually direct |
Main advantage | You can make the journey part of your trip | Fast & easy |
Main downside | Limited schedule & potentially rough seas | Can be more expensive |
If you're simply trying to get from Tahiti to Bora Bora as quickly as possible, fly.
But if you have more time and want to visit some of the other Society Islands along the way, the ferry is definitely worth considering.
In fact, a lot of people don't even realise there is a ferry from Tahiti to Bora Bora!
We chose a combination of both.
Taking the Ferry From Tahiti to Bora Bora
If you have a bit of time, I actually think the ferry is a brilliant way to get to Bora Bora — especially if you're planning to visit more than one island.
The Apetahi Express travels from Tahiti through Huahine, Raiatea and Taha'a before reaching Bora Bora, with the full journey taking around 8 hours.
But you don't have to do it all in one go.
We took the ferry from Tahiti to Huahine, stayed for two nights, then continued on to Bora Bora. And honestly, this is how I'd do it again.
Huahine is gorgeous, much quieter than Bora Bora and felt completely different. Instead of losing an entire day sitting on a ferry, we turned the journey into part of our French Polynesia trip.
🌴 Thinking about doing the same? Read our Huahine Travel Guide for where we stayed, what we did and why this little island ended up being so worth the stop.
How Much Is the Ferry From Tahiti to Bora Bora?
The Apetahi Express currently costs 7,000 XPF per person one way from Tahiti to Bora Bora.
If you jump off along the way, you'll need another ticket to continue. So, for example, Tahiti → Huahine followed by Huahine → Bora Bora currently costs 14,000 XPF per person.
Planning to visit several islands? Check the Tuatea Pass before buying individual tickets. It currently costs 24,000 XPF per person and gives you unlimited travel for 30 days between Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a, Bora Bora and Maupiti.
Another bonus is that luggage is included — up to 15 kg of cabin luggage plus a 23 kg checked bag.
💰 Our tip: Work out your entire island-hopping route first, then compare the cost of individual ferry tickets, the Tuatea Pass and flights before booking anything.
How Often Does the Tahiti to Bora Bora Ferry Run?
This is the tricky bit if you are short on time.
The Apetahi Express doesn't run to Bora Bora every day, so you need to plan around the ferry rather than simply turning up when you're ready to leave.
Schedules can also change, so check the current Apetahi Express timetable before booking your accommodation.
We stayed 2 nights on Huahine, but depending on the timetable, you may need to stay less or longer on one of the islands before the next ferry comes through.
Not exactly a disaster in French Polynesia... but definitely something worth knowing.
Can You Stop at Other Islands on the Way to Bora Bora?
Yes — and for me, this is the best reason to take the ferry.
The route takes you through Huahine, Raiatea and Taha'a, so you can turn what would otherwise be a long travel day into a proper little French Polynesia island-hopping trip.
We chose Huahine because it's roughly halfway.
If we did it again, I'd probably add even more stops.
Is the Tahiti to Bora Bora Ferry Rough?
Okay... this is definitely worth knowing. 😂
The stretch between Tahiti and Huahine can get pretty rough.
Our crossing was choppy enough. We found sitting downstairs much more comfortable and less rocky.
Obviously, every crossing is different. You might have perfectly calm seas.
But if you're someone who gets badly seasick, I wouldn't choose an 8-hour ferry journey over a 50-minute flight.
Take the flight and enjoy Bora Bora instead!
Flying From Tahiti to Bora Bora
If you just want to get to Bora Bora, flying wins hands down.
The flight from Tahiti takes around 45–50 minutes, and both Air Tahiti and Air Moana fly the route.
It's quick, easy and makes much more sense if you're on a shorter French Polynesia holiday.
Before booking the ferry, I'd compare flight prices for your dates. Sometimes the difference isn't big enough to justify spending most of the day travelling by boat.
When comparing fares, check what's included too. Air Tahiti's standard fares include 23 kg of checked luggage, while Air Moana's cheapest Light fare doesn't include a checked bag.
Which Side of the Plane Has the Best Bora Bora Views?
This is one little tip worth remembering.
Flying Tahiti to Bora Bora? Try for the left-hand side of the plane.
It should give you the best chance of getting those ridiculous blue-lagoon-and-Mount-Otemanu views as you approach Bora Bora. The landing approach can occasionally vary depending on conditions, but left is the side I'd choose.
And have your camera ready!
Getting From Bora Bora Airport to the Main Island
Arriving in Bora Bora is a little different from most airports.
The airport is on its own tiny motu — Motu Mute — so you don't walk outside, grab your bags and jump in a taxi.
You get on a boat!
If you're staying on Bora Bora's main island, the airport shuttle takes you across the lagoon to Vaitape in around 15 minutes, and the transfer is free.
It's ridiculously beautiful and quite possibly the best airport transfer we've ever had.
If you're staying at one of the big resorts on the outer motus, check your booking before you arrive. Many resorts organise their own boat transfers directly from the airport, often at an additional cost.
🏝️ Still deciding where to stay? Read our guide to staying on Bora Bora's main island vs a resort — there is a huge difference in price and experience.
Which Is Cheaper: Ferry or Plane?
This isn't quite as straightforward as ferry = cheap, plane = expensive.
Ferry prices are fairly predictable, while airfares change depending on your dates and availability.
So I'd check both.
If the flight isn't much more expensive and you're only wanting to visit Bora Bora, I'd probably fly and save the day.
But if you're planning to visit Huahine, Raiatea or Taha'a anyway, the ferry is such an awesome option.
Ferry vs Plane: What Would We Do?
If we were doing this trip again, I'd actually do it very similarly — but I'd probably make even more of the ferry route.
I'd stop at Raiatea and Taha'a, spending a few nights on each before reaching Bora Bora.
And if we had enough time, I'd even keep going after Bora Bora to Maupiti — the final island on the Apetahi Express route and only around an hour further by ferry.
For us, that's where the ferry really wins. Don't just use it as a cheaper way to get to Bora Bora — use it to island-hop through French Polynesia.
Then, when you're ready to move on, fly out.
That's exactly how I'd plan it next time.
More French Polynesia Travel Guides
Planning a trip to French Polynesia? These guides might help you plan your island-hopping adventure — and hopefully save a little money along the way!
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