Plan a CruiseBora Bora Cruise Port Guide
Upon arrival in Bora Bora, your cruise ship will anchor, and you will tender directly to the center of Vaitape, the main town on the island. This convenient drop-off point places you within easy walking distance of essential services like an ATM, an internet cafe, a Europcar rental office, and a post office. Bora Bora, famous for its iconic Mount Otemanu and stunning overwater bungalows, lives up to its reputation as a mythical Pacific island. The island itself is relatively small, with a circumference that can be driven in about an hour, while its crystal-clear lagoon is three times larger than the landmass. Be aware that Bora Bora is known for being an expensive destination.
Getting Around from the Port
The tender pier places you right in Vaitape, allowing you to walk to several amenities including an ATM, internet cafe, and Europcar rental. For exploring beyond Vaitape, car, scooter, and bicycle rentals are available just outside the port entrance on the main street. Electric bikes are often a good choice due to well-maintained roads. Taxis can be found at hotels, though you might consider organized boat tours, 4x4 safaris, or even helicopter excursions for comprehensive sightseeing.
Attractions and Activities
With 8-10 hours, focus on the island's natural beauty, particularly the lagoon:
- Lagoon Activities (Boat Tours / Independent Rental): The lagoon is the star. Options include circle-the-lagoon excursions, often with a motu picnic. You can also rent a small boat. Don't miss the Coral Garden to the southeast, a natural underwater park teeming with fish and corals. Near Point Matira, you can observe graceful manta rays. For a thrilling experience, consider a Shark Feeding tour where local divers feed 4-5 foot reef sharks from chest-deep water – it's considered safe and fun. Similar tours offer interaction with friendly Gray Rays, which can be petted. The "White Valley" at the pass entrance is known for gray sharks and barracudas.
- 4x4 Island Tour: A popular choice for land exploration. A 3-hour tour around the island, visiting panoramic viewpoints and historic US cannons, costs approximately $30 per person if a large enough group forms. These tours are often sold directly at the port. Remember your camera!
- Resort Day Pass: Many beautiful hotel resorts allow non-guests to use their facilities, including restaurants and magnificent beaches, for a fee. This is a popular way to experience Bora Bora's luxurious side and relax by the water.
- Lagoonarium: Located near the Le Meridien Hotel, this offers another opportunity to experience the marine life up close.
It's advisable to compare excursion options offered by your cruise line with independent providers, as well as online platforms like GetYourGuide and Viator.
Dining & Shopping
Near the tender pier, you'll find a craft market where local artisans sell handmade shell jewelry and belts, wood sculptures, pareaus (sarongs), and other Polynesian handicrafts. Please note that bargaining or haggling over prices is not customary in markets or stores here. Bora Bora is known for being an expensive destination, so plan your dining and shopping budget accordingly. Specific restaurant recommendations near the port are limited, but hotel resorts offer dining options if you opt for a day pass.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the CFP franc. The exchange rate is approximately 1000 CFP francs to 8.38 euros. US dollars are readily accepted across the island. An ATM is conveniently located near the tender pier in Vaitape. As mentioned, Bora Bora is a very expensive destination.