Bora Bora

When you step off the tender at Vaitape wharf, you are arriving in the heart of Bora Bora’s main village, which serves as a scenic and functional gateway rather than a secure industrial zone. Within a 5 to 10-minute walk, you will find the Centre Artisanal directly across from the pier, offering handmade Polynesian crafts and jewelry. The immediate area features several pearl boutiques specializing in Tahitian black pearls, a post office, banks, car rental agencies, and the island’s largest supermarket, Magasin Chin Lee. You can also visit the memorial to seafarer Alain Gerbault and a small Protestant chapel nearby. While the village is charming and accessible, it is quite rural with limited sidewalks and heavy car traffic; importantly, there are no swimming beaches or major natural landmarks within this short walking distance, so you will see many tour operators and shuttles waiting at the pier to transport passengers to Matira Beach or lagoon excursions.

• Walkability: The main village of Vaitape is compact and flat, making it easy to explore on foot once you arrive at the wharf. However, the island’s main ring road is approximately 32 kilometres long, so while the terrain is generally flat and paved, walking between major sites like Matira Beach and Vaitape is quite a distance. Many visitors prefer to hire a bicycle to enjoy the scenery at a more comfortable pace.
• Public Transport: Traditional public transport is very limited on Bora Bora. There is a local bus service known as “Le Truck,” but it operates on an irregular schedule, primarily catering to school and ferry hours. There is no local transit card; if you manage to catch a bus, you will need to pay the driver in cash using local CFP Francs (XPF).
• Taxis/Rideshare: Land taxis are available on the main island and can be found at the Vaitape wharf or arranged through your resort, though they can be quite expensive. Rideshare services like Uber or DiDi do not operate here. Because Bora Bora is a lagoon-based destination, water taxis are a common and flexible way to travel between the various motus (islets) and the main island, and these typically require pre-booking or on-demand requests.

• Bora Bora does not use transit cards like Opal or myki; local transport is primarily via boat shuttles, taxis, or rental bicycles, with most land-based travel on the main island paid for in cash (XPF).
• Strict biosecurity laws are in effect to protect the fragile ecosystem; you must not bring any fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, or plant products off the ship, and all such items must be declared upon arrival.
• Tipping is not customary or expected in French Polynesia, though a small amount for exceptional service is appreciated; a local tourist tax is typically included in your service charges or hotel rates.
• Ensure you have reef shoes and high-SPF sunscreen, as the tropical sun is intense and footwear is essential for safely navigating the lagoons and coral reefs.

• The Must-Dos
  • Book a lagoon tour to snorkel with black-tip reef sharks and stingrays in the crystal-clear, waist-deep waters of the outer reef.
  • Take a 4WD or ATV safari to the interior of the island to reach breathtaking lookout points and view the historic American WWII cannons.
  • Hire a jet ski for a guided circuit around the entire island, stopping at the centre of the volcano and various pristine swimming spots.
• Best Free/Low-Cost Activity
  • Spend the day at Matira Beach, the island’s only public beach, renowned for its white sand, coconut palms, and shallow turquoise water perfect for swimming.
  • Rent a bicycle in Vaitape and cycle the 32-kilometre flat road that circles the island, allowing you to explore local villages and scenery at your own pace.
  • Visit the various pearl shops in Vaitape to learn about the cultivation of the famous Tahitian black pearl without the obligation to purchase.
• Local Hidden Gem
  • Snorkel at the “Natural Aquarium” (the Coral Gardens) near the Sofitel Private Island, a vibrant reef teeming with tropical fish that is often less crowded than the main lagoon stops.
  • Hike a portion of the Valley of the Kings trail with a local guide to discover ancient marae (temples) and forage for wild fruits hidden in the lush mountainside.
  • Explore the local artisan stalls at the Vaitape wharf for authentic hand-painted pareos and locally made monoi oil, away from the high-end resort boutiques.

There is no dedicated free Wi-Fi inside the Vaitape Cruise Terminal in Bora Bora. However, cruise passengers can find free Wi-Fi within a short walk of the tender pier at several local establishments in Vaitape village. Popular options include the Aloe Cafe, located in the heart of the village, and the MaiKai Marina, which offers free connectivity to customers. Additionally, most major resorts on the island provide Wi-Fi for their guests, and some smaller snack shops near Matira Beach may offer limited access.

For ships anchoring in Bora Bora, the tender boats drop passengers at the Vaitape Wharf in the heart of the main village. The most convenient major supermarket is Chin Lee Supermarket, located on the main road just a 5-minute walk north of the tender pier. It is well-stocked with groceries and French specialties. Another option is Super U, though it is further away and typically requires a taxi or bicycle to reach from the wharf area.

The island’s primary pharmacy, Pharmacie de Bora-Bora (also known as Pharmacie Lafayette), is also centrally located in Vaitape on the main street, approximately a 3-minute walk from the tender pier, making it very easy to reach for medical supplies and sun care.