Maupiti Getting there & around

Getting there & away

Maupiti is 320km west of Tahiti and 40km west of Bora Bora.

Boat

Because of strong currents and a tricky sand bar in the Onoiau Pass, it can only be navigated by smaller ships, which are often forced to wait for appropriate tidal conditions.

The Maupiti Express(67 66 69) runs between Maupiti and Bora Bora on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday (2500/3500 CFP one way/return). Leaving Vaitape (Bora Bora) at 8.30am, it arrives at Maupiti at 10.15am then departs for the return trip at 4pm and arrives at Bora Bora at 5.45pm. There's enough time to have a good look around Maupiti and return to Bora Bora on the same day, although the crossing can be quite rough at times.

The rustic little Maupiti Tou Ai'a makes a once-weekly Pape'ete-Maupiti trip, occasionally via Ra'iatea. It departs on Wednesday evening and arrives on Thursday morning, returning on Friday. A berth on the deck costs 2500 CFP; bring bedding.

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Air

Air Tahiti flies from Maupiti to Tahiti (14, 500 CFP, 1½ hours, five weekly) and Ra'iatea (6500 CFP, 25 minutes, three weekly). The Air Tahiti office (67 80 20; 8-11am Mon-Thu, 9.30-11am Fri) is in the village beside the mairie.

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