Moorea to Raiatea Island is 124 miles (200 km), a flight of about 25 minutes.
Right side edges ahead due to superior takeoff scenery from Moorea's dramatic volcanic peaks during the initial climb phase. While both sides score equally for the cruise (mostly open ocean between islands) and landing phases are comparable, the right side's view of Moorea's interior ridgeline and steep terrain during departure provides more visual interest than the left side's lagoon approach into Raiatea. This is a marginal difference on a short, ocean-dominated route.
Flight Path
Open ocean of the Leeward Channel (Passe de Toau) separating Moorea and Raiatea; no significant landmarks visible during cruise phase—primarily deep blue water with occasional whitecaps from trade wind swell
Great circle distance and headings ›
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Phase by phase
Takeoff from MOZ
RIGHTRight side captures the dramatic volcanic peaks of Moorea during initial climb. The island's jagged ridgeline and steep terrain are most visible when departing runway 12 (southeast), as the aircraft climbs northwestward and the island's interior mountains remain in view on the right side of the fuselage.
Landing at RFP
LEFTLeft side provides the best approach scenery into Raiatea. When landing on runway 07 (easterly), the aircraft descends from the west, and the left side faces the island's western and southern coastlines, including Raiatea's distinctive lagoon system and the nearby motus (small islands) that frame the approach.
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About This Route
Which side of the plane should I sit on flying from Temae (MOZ) to Uturoa (RFP)?
Sit on the Right side of the plane for the best views on flights from Moorea to Raiatea Island. Right side edges ahead due to superior takeoff scenery from Moorea's dramatic volcanic peaks during the initial climb phase. While both sides score equally for the cruise (mostly open ocean between islands) and landing phases are comparable, the right side's view of Moorea's interior ridgeline and steep terrain during departure provides more visual interest than the left side's lagoon approach into Raiatea. This is a marginal difference on a short, ocean-dominated route.
What can I see during takeoff from Temae in Moorea?
During takeoff from Temae (MOZ), sit on the Right side for the best views. Right side captures the dramatic volcanic peaks of Moorea during initial climb. The island's jagged ridgeline and steep terrain are most visible when departing runway 12 (southeast), as the aircraft climbs northwestward and the island's interior mountains remain in view on the right side of the fuselage. Notable sights include: Moorea's central volcanic ridge (Mount Tohivea and surrounding peaks), Opunohu Bay's curved coastline, fringing coral reef system.
What can I see when landing at Uturoa in Raiatea Island?
When landing at Uturoa (RFP), sit on the Left side for the best views. Left side provides the best approach scenery into Raiatea. When landing on runway 07 (easterly), the aircraft descends from the west, and the left side faces the island's western and southern coastlines, including Raiatea's distinctive lagoon system and the nearby motus (small islands) that frame the approach. Notable sights include: Raiatea's lagoon with its characteristic pale turquoise water, fringing motus and islets, Tahaa Island visible to the northwest across the shallow pass.
How long is the flight from Moorea to Raiatea Island?
The flight from Temae (MOZ) to Uturoa (RFP) takes about 25 minutes. The shortest flight path between them is 124 miles (200 km); winds and air traffic control usually add a few percent.
What does the Moorea to Raiatea Island flight path pass over?
Open ocean of the Leeward Channel (Passe de Toau) separating Moorea and Raiatea; no significant landmarks visible during cruise phase—primarily deep blue water with occasional whitecaps from trade wind swell