The Tuamotus are reached only by plane from Tahiti via Air Tahiti (domestic carrier).
From Papeete (PPT), regular routes include: Tahiti-Rangiroa (1 h flight, 4-7 rotations/week, €200-300 return), Tahiti-Fakarava (1 h 30, 3-5 rotations/week, €250-350 return), Tahiti-Tikehau (1 h, 3-5 rotations/week, €200-300 return), Tahiti-Manihi (1 h 30, 2-4 rotations/week, €250-350 return). Flights are operated in ATR 42/72 (turboprops) and include 23 kg of checked luggage. The Air Tahiti multi-island passes (Bora-Tikehau, Lagons) save on multi-atoll combinations.
The inter-atoll flights are also possible: Rangiroa-Fakarava direct (30 min, €80-120), Rangiroa-Tikehau (15 min, €60-90), with only a few weekly frequencies. For the less frequented atolls (Mataiva, Anaa, Hao), frequencies are rarer (1-2 flights/week) and prices higher.
On each atoll, land travel is done by scooter (€25-40/day), car (€50-80/day, limited choice) or bicycle (€15-25/day). Distances are short: Avatoru-Tiputa at Rangiroa is 12 km, Rotoava-north pass at Fakarava is 5 km. Most accommodations offer airport transfers (often included).
Marine transfers between motus are done by motorised pirogue via organised excursions or hotel shuttles. Some lodges located on isolated motus (Pearl Beach Resort at Manihi, Hotel Maitai Rangiroa) provide boat transfers from the airport. For the south pass of Fakarava (60 km from the main village), daily shuttles organised by dive clubs allow day-return access (count 1 h 30 by boat).
Read also
- Rangiroa, the giant of the Tuamotus — Second largest atoll in the world, Tiputa pass and legendary diving with dolphins.
- Fakarava, UNESCO Reserve — Biosphere Reserve, wall of grey reef sharks at the south pass, grouper spawning in June-July.
- Society Islands — Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora: the main tourist archipelago to combine with the Tuamotus.
- French Polynesia — Complete territory guide: 5 archipelagos, formalities, budget, best time.