Satellite view of Vaitape

Vaitape

French Polynesia

Dive into impossibly clear lagoons teeming with tropical fish and encounter graceful rays in their natural habitat.

💱 Currency CFP Franc (XPF)
🗣 Language French, Tahitian
🕐 Time Zone SST (UTC-10)
☀️ Best Time to Visit Dec–Jan
🚢 Typical Duration 146-169 nights
💰 Price Range From $44,490 pp
Port Type Port of Call
🚤 Tender Port Yes

Gateway to Bora Bora and the stunning turquoise lagoons of French Polynesia, offering pristine beaches and world-class snorkeling opportunities.

Cruises that visit Vaitape

Build Your Day in Vaitape

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM
Usually about 10 hours ashore
Getting around:
Le Bora Bora by Pearl Resorts The presentation of the food was fantastic, and the quality was outstanding. Hotel · ★ 4.7 · 1k
InterContinental Le Moana Bora Bora Resort They also have plenty of complimentary and paid activities. Resort hotel · ★ 4.6 · 1k
Bora Bora Beach Club Great waterfront views, good food (the burger was awesome) and drinks! Family-friendly · ★ 4.3 · 1k
Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora Excursions and activities are offered through the concierge. Hotel · ★ 4.7 · 1k
The Lucky House Fare Manuia Restaurant Wonderful drinks, wonderful food and wonderful vibe. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k
Restaurant Saint James The atmosphere, the staff and the quality of the food was outstanding. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Matira Beach - recommend padded water socks + ample restrooms, no waiting Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 1k 🕐 Open now
Bora Bora Yacht Club Super fun atmosphere, love music, games, and kid friendly. Restaurant · ★ 4 · 1k
Bora Ocean Adventures It was a truly magical experience that we’ll remember for a very long time. Dive club · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Chin Lee Supermarket Reasonably priced items, friendly service, and credit cards accepted. Supermarket · ★ 4.2 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 8 PM
Bora Bora Lagoonarium We danced and learned how to shrewd a coconut and drank the water and milk! Boat tour agency · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu
The Westin Bora Bora Resort & Spa Highlights 1. Pool bar staff: Truly outstanding. Hotel · ★ 4.6 · 0k
La Villa Mahana The husband and wife team curate an amazing dinner in a beautiful setting. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6 PM
Arii Motu Grill Location was incredible, food was great, and the service was even better. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Reef Discovery Bora Bora Yaelle kept things fun and moving along and our 3.5 hours just zipped by. Boat tour agency · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Lagoon Restaurant at The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort Staff was super cute, food was art and ambience was wonderful. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k
ʻĀmanahune Steep, but rather short. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Arc En Ciel Bora-Bora If you are in Viatape you need to go to see Melanie at Arc En Ciel! Jewelry store · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closes soon · 5 PM
Super U To'a Amok Wide selection of products and quick checkout Supermarket · ★ 4.1 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 6:30 PM
Bora Bora Romantic Tour Thanks for the great day, I couldn’t ask for more! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closes soon · 5 PM
Le Gecko🦎 Beautiful view, accommodating owner, great food! Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5:30 PM
Fantasy awesome store with dresses and unique pearls! Clothing store · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closes soon · 5 PM
Mt. Pa’ia Summit Some rope sections are at least 100’. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Bobcat Wine & Coffee House Sandwiches, alcohol too but coffee is fantastic Coffee shop · ★ 4.1 · 0k
Les Délices I had the mahi mahi with a vanilla sauce and sweet potato fries as the side. Snack bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Thu
Tupuna Safari Bora Bora Amazing and unforgettable experience! Off roading area · ★ 4.7 · 0k
L'atelier Nuanua ... and makes them herself and has the nicest lady running the shop! Jewelry store · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closes soon · 5 PM
Arii Moana Delicious fresh food, and great service staff. Mediterranean · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Bora Bora Original The most unique items we have seen on Tahiti, so far. Clothing store · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Closes soon · 5:30 PM
La Perle de Maimiti A wonderful experience, highly recommended. Bead store · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Teavanui Shop Bora Bora Beautiful little gift shop with a great selection of items. Gift shop · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closes soon · 5:30 PM
Natura Discovery Bora Bora Tour operator · ★ 4 · 0k 🕐 Closes soon · 5 PM
Bora bora water world Snorkeling masks, towels, water, juice, and fresh fruit were all provided. Tourist attraction · ★ 5 · 0k
Iriatai French Restaurant The quality of the duck and lamb rack were very good and tasted tasty Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6:30 PM
Tahiti Pearl Market Bora Bora Great selection and customer service. Jewelry store · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closes soon · 5:30 PM
Secrets Bora Bora The art selection alone makes it worth the stop in. Art gallery · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closes soon · 5:30 PM
Vaimiti The service was spot on, and the atmosphere was top-notch. Bar · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Opens soon · 5 PM
Bora Spirit T-Shirt & Souvenirs Great T-shirts wonderful, helpful and friendly owners. Custom t-shirt store · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closes soon · 5 PM
Fare Hoa Beach Bar & Restaurant Amazing dinner and service! Grill · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closes soon · 5 PM
Boutique Bora Bora One of the best selections of (8string- and 4string-) ukuleles in Bora Bora. Store · ★ 3.5 · 0k 🕐 Closes soon · 5 PM
Tresors by Tahia On the priciest side but the jewelry quality was really high. Boutique · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closes soon · 5:30 PM
Ukulele Bar Great cocktails for a really good price! Bar · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Quai de Vaitape Bora Bora Transportation service · ★ 3.6 · 0k
Boutique Chin Lee Definitely the most affordable place to get souvenirs and groceries Gift shop · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Te Ava The staff really are so fun—they’re attentive, fun, and full of personality. Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Vaiotaha Point Scenic spot · ★ 3.5 · 0k
Bar Uaina Bar · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Opens soon · 5 PM

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Vaitape

About Vaitape

Vaitape serves as a port of call for cruise travelers exploring the South Pacific, with Viking Ocean Cruises offering voyages that touch this charming Bora Bora destination. While a single cruise line operates here, the port connects passengers to some of the world's most remarkable itineraries, including extended journeys spanning 141 nights that traverse from the South Pacific to destinations like Sydney, Bali, and beyond. The peak season runs through December and January, when the warm tropical weather draws cruisers seeking island paradise.

Stepping ashore in Vaitape, you'll discover the stunning natural beauty that defines French Polynesia, from crystalline lagoons to lush volcanic peaks. The port provides an authentic glimpse into island life, where you can experience local culture, pristine beaches, and the legendary hospitality of Bora Bora. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, Vaitape offers a memorable escape during your cruise exploration of the Pacific.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Explore Bora Bora's Lagoon Paradise

Vaitape is your gateway to one of the world's most stunning lagoons, where crystalline turquoise waters surround dramatic volcanic peaks. Take a lagoon tour or snorkel excursion to encounter vibrant coral gardens, tropical fish, and gentle rays in their natural habitat. The iconic Mount Otemanu backdrop creates an unforgettable backdrop for photos and memories.

2

Taste Fresh Poisson Cru & Local Flavors

Savor Vaitape's signature dish, poisson cru—fresh raw fish marinated in coconut milk and lime—at waterfront restaurants near the port. Local vendors offer tropical fruits, coconut bread, and Tahitian-style grilled fish that showcase the island's fresh seafood traditions. These authentic flavors capture the essence of French Polynesian cuisine in just a few hours.

3

Shop Local Markets & Artisan Crafts

Browse Vaitape's vibrant market stalls for handwoven pareos, shell jewelry, and intricate wood carvings created by local artisans. The waterfront shops offer black pearls—Bora Bora's most famous export—along with coconut oil products and tropical souvenirs. Haggling is welcomed, and you'll find unique pieces impossible to find elsewhere.

4

Discover Polynesian Culture & History

Visit the Bora Bora Museum near the port to learn about ancient Polynesian navigation, colonial history, and traditional customs of these sacred islands. Local guides share stories of warrior traditions and ancestral connections to the land, offering profound insight into island heritage. Cultural demonstrations often showcase traditional dance and crafts unique to Bora Bora.

5

Hike to Scenic Viewpoints & Peaks

Trek to accessible viewpoints above Vaitape for panoramic vistas of the lagoon, surrounding motus (small islands), and neighboring islands on the horizon. The relatively short hikes reward you with breathtaking photo opportunities and a sense of the island's dramatic volcanic geology. Early morning departures ensure cooler temperatures and clearer skies for optimal views.

Cruise Lines at Vaitape

Cruises Departing From Vaitape

Cruises Visiting Vaitape

Ship Schedule at Vaitape

Vaitape Location

Other Cruise Ports in French Polynesia

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vaitape?

Vaitape is an official port in French Polynesia with UN/LOCODE PFVAI.

What is PFVAI?

PFVAI is the UN/LOCODE for Vaitape, French Polynesia.

Where is Vaitape located?

Vaitape is in French Polynesia; coordinates are -16.5062723, -151.7495305.

What type of port is Vaitape?

It is an official_port.