Plan a CruiseHuahine Cruise Port Guide
Huahine is known as "The Garden Island" due to its lush tropical scenery and is considered one of French Polynesia's most picturesque and geographically diverse islands, featuring steep mountains and protected bays. Ships arriving in Huahine will anchor or moor offshore, and passengers will be tendered ashore to the village of Maroe on Huahine Iti. There isn't much to see or do directly at the tender dock.
The main hub for visitors is Fare, the largest settlement, located on Huahine Nui. The two islands, Huahine-Nui and Huahine-Iti, are connected by a bridge, making exploration of both easy within a day or two. Huahine offers a more relaxed and less touristic experience compared to islands like Moorea, Bora Bora, or Tahiti, providing a sense of solitude and quietness that many travelers cherish. Fare's waterfront is home to small boutiques, a jewelry store, banks, a well-stocked supermarket (selling everything from food to furniture), and cafes that often provide free WiFi to customers. The island also boasts numerous beautiful and easily accessible white sandy beaches. Be aware that prices for accommodation, food, and groceries across French Polynesia are generally very high, so plan your budget accordingly.
Getting Around from the Port
Upon arrival, cruise lines operate a shuttle service from the tender dock in Maroe (Huahine Iti) across the bridge to Fare (Huahine Nui), which is the main village. These shuttles typically use open-air, wooden bench wagons known locally as "Le Truck." Be advised that the ride can be quite rough, so it's recommended to bring something soft to sit on.
For independent exploration, car and scooter rentals are available directly at the tender dock from companies like Avis, Hertz, and Europcar. A four-door sedan with air conditioning typically costs around $100 for the day, while scooters start from about $50. Taxis are extremely scarce on the island, so don't rely on them for transportation.
Attractions and Activities
Huahine offers a variety of excursions to discover its natural beauty and cultural highlights:
- Island Tour: Explore the island's interior and coastline, often including a visit to a vanilla plantation. A unique highlight is the opportunity to see the famous "super eels," which can grow over 2 meters long.
- Avea Beach Outrigger Trip: Enjoy a traditional outrigger canoe trip to Avea Beach, known for its pristine sands and clear waters, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
- Combine Tours: It's often possible to combine an island tour with a visit to Avea Beach, allowing you to experience both the cultural and natural attractions of Huahine within your port stay.
- Independent Exploration: Renting a car or scooter (available from $50-$100/day at the tender dock) allows you to explore both Huahine-Nui and Huahine-Iti at your own pace, enjoying the many accessible white sandy beaches and picturesque viewpoints.
It's always a good idea to compare the prices and offerings of your cruise line's organized tours with independent options for the best value.
Dining & Shopping
The village of Fare, accessible via the cruise shuttle, is the main hub for dining and shopping. Along the waterfront, you'll find several cafes that provide free WiFi for customers, small boutiques, a jewelry store, and a bustling supermarket stocked with a wide range of goods, from groceries to furniture.
Shops in Huahine generally operate from about 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, closing at noon on Saturdays. Be aware that most shops observe a long lunch hour, and nearly all shops (except those in hotels) are closed on Sundays. A crucial point for shoppers and diners: everything in French Polynesia is very expensive, including food and groceries. It is highly recommended to bring ample funds. Additionally, bargaining or haggling over prices in markets and stores is not customary here.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the CFP Franc (XPF). The exchange rate is approximately 1000 CFP francs to 8.38 euros. Credit cards are generally accepted in larger establishments like the supermarket and rental agencies, and there are banks with ATMs available in Fare. The official languages spoken are French and Tahitian.