Welcome to the Bora Bora cruise port guide. Known around the world as the island of romance. It is a geological wonder in the middle of the South Pacific. It’s combination of reefs, islands, mountains and beaches make it absolutely one of those places on earth that simply feels like paradise. Sailing into Bora Bora is absolutely stunning. There is only 1 location where ships can enter and exit the lagoon. When your ship leaves the Pacific, sails past the motu and enters the lagoon it will immediately feel like paradise and you will know what the fuss is all about. Read the Bora Bora cruise port guide underneath for all the information you will need about the cruise port and transportation options.
Your cruise ship will drop anchor in the lagoon of Bora Bora
In the far distance you will see the tender port at the foot of the mountain.
Your tender boat will dock at the Bora Bora cruise terminal
The Bora Bora cruise terminal offers great facilities. One of the first things you will see is the local shore excursions that are being offered shore side.
Inside the Bora Bora cruise terminal you will find a small crafts and souvenir market.
This is the Bora Bora cruise terminal from the outside.
Bora Bora cruise port guide: tender port
Bora Bora has no pier that is large enough for cruise ships to dock. Therefore your cruise ship will drop anchor in the lagoon of Bora Bora and ferry you to shore with their tender boats. The tenders will drop you off at Vaitape. This is the main town of Bora Bora. At the tender pier you will find a cruise terminal with several facilities. Sometimes the tourist information is represented. There is a local souvenir market inside the terminal and local tours are offered at the cruise terminal. On the other side of the cruise terminal is where you will find a parking lot and across the street the shopping continues. Viatape is small but charming. You will find some souvenir shops, pearl shops, local supermarket and a church here. Other than that there is not much else you can walk to.
Transportation
Keep in mind that Bora Bora has one road that circles the island. However, there are adventurous road that will lead up to the mountain which is often where the shore excursions also take you. Transportation is limited on the island. To make sure you do not come back disappointed we recommend you to consider a prebooked excursion either through the ship or online.
Shore excursions
Your private tours are on offer right in front of the cruise terminal. You will find there are tours by car that circle the island, fishing tours, 4×4 jungle drive, and lagoon tours. Prices range from 100 US dollar for a tour to 5 US dollar for a one way shuttle to the beach.
Beaches closes to port
There is not a beach within walking distance of the cruise tender dock. To get to the beach you can best utilise the shuttle service that is offered by the locals. Pay around 5 US dollar one way per person to get a ride to either Matira beach or the Bloody Mary’s restaurant. Matira beach is a wonderful paradise beach where you will find some casual bars and restaurants. There is limited shade available on the beach, but hardly any facilities like beach beds and towels, so make sure you come prepared.
Diving and snorkelling
Bora Bora offers great snorkelling and diving area’s within its lagoon. There is no spot near the cruise dock that we can recommend you to walk to to go snorkelling. You will need some form of transportation to get to a beach or snorkelling area. The best snorkelling opportunities are through a tour or excursion. Most tour will go to the Lagoonarium. It is a famous snorkelling site where you get the opportunity to get up close to black tip sharks, stingrays and parrot-fish. If you do not want to go snorkelling through an excursion you can also simply take the shuttle bus to Matira beach and do some simple snorkelling there.
Places of interest
Bora Bora can give you a perfect beach day or snorkelling experience, but there is more to it! There is something to find here for everybody. Whether you want to explore the incredible lush interior, visit the world’s most renowned spa’s, go hiking through the jungle or go shopping. For example, other places to visit on the island would be: Mont Otemanu: the highest peak on the island providing you with amazing views. The Pearl Farm: where you learn more about this interesting industry. Bloody Mary’s: Famous local restaurant with your delicious food and local style interior.
Wi-fi
Unfortunately there is no wi-fi at the cruise terminal and it is quite hard to get a proper connection on Bora Bora. If you want to get online we recommend you to visit one of the local resorts.
Local currency
If you are visiting more than one port of call in French Polynesia we recommend you to change into the local currency XPF. If not you will be fine with US dollars. Spending more than 50 US dollars means it will be in your favour to change into the local currency.
