Bora Bora Airport is on Motu Mute, across the lagoon from Vaitape, the island’s main village. Air Tahiti and Air Moana run boat shuttles for their passengers, and the crossing takes about 15 minutes.
Each airline schedules its shuttle around its flights. They do not publish one timetable for both airlines. From Vaitape, Air Tahiti’s shuttle leaves 90 minutes before departure; Air Moana’s leaves 75 minutes before. Check the instructions for your airline and flight date on your ticket.
Check your shuttle departure time
The two airlines operate separate shuttles, so follow the instructions for the carrier operating your flight.
| Airline | When to leave Vaitape | Shuttle details |
|---|---|---|
| Air Tahiti | 90 minutes before the scheduled flight | The shuttle is included for passengers traveling on their arrival or departure date. No advance shuttle booking is needed. |
| Air Moana | 75 minutes before the scheduled flight | The shuttle is free for passengers with an Air Moana ticket or reservation. No separate booking is needed. |
Each airline schedules its shuttle around its flights, so there is no shared, fixed ferry schedule. Air Tahiti says its shuttle schedule can change and is updated each Friday for the following week. Air Moana describes its schedule as a reference that adjusts to flight times. Check your carrier’s current instructions for your travel date instead of relying on an old timetable.
Get to the Vaitape dock
For an airport departure, go to the Vaitape dock at the time your airline specifies. Air Tahiti asks passengers to be at the pier 90 minutes before their flight. Keep your flight details or other proof of travel with you. Air Tahiti requires proof that you are traveling that day.
Air Tahiti says shuttle capacity is limited and boarding can be refused if the boat is full or for safety reasons. If you have a large group or need a private transfer, ask your accommodation about its boat arrangements. The airline shuttle may not have room for everyone.
Travel from the airport to Vaitape
When you land at Bora Bora Airport, pick up your bags and follow your airline’s directions to its shuttle boat. The boat takes passengers to Vaitape, where taxis and car rentals are available for the next part of your trip.
Some accommodations arrange private boat transfers, and Air Moana says its shuttle is optional when a hotel has arranged one. Confirm the pickup point and timing with your accommodation before you travel. The airline shuttle crossing takes about 15 minutes, so allow extra time for a separate hotel transfer.
Allow time for check-in
If you arrange your own transport to the airport, Air Tahiti says to arrive 90 minutes before departure. For flights from Bora Bora in the Leeward Islands, Air Tahiti check-in closes 20 minutes before departure; arriving after the cutoff can mean being denied boarding. If you take the airline shuttle, follow the departure time it gives you. Leave extra time if you need to arrange a separate transfer.
Air Tahiti says passengers keep their carry-on bags with them during the boat crossing. Its stated carry-on size limit is 115 centimeters in total when you add the bag’s length, width, and height.
Confirm your shuttle time for your travel date
Before leaving your accommodation, confirm your airline, flight departure time, and the shuttle departure or pier arrival time for that date. If your flight time changes, check the shuttle instructions again. Air Tahiti charges passengers who use its shuttle on a date other than their arrival or departure date. Check with the airline for the current fee.
.jpg){kind=link}