Welcome to the Papeete cruise port guide. Papeete is home to almost 140.000 people. It is the capital of French Polynesia and is located on the island of Tahiti. After your ship has done some island hopping you will see the mayor difference between the remote and quite islands and this bustling city. Tahiti is considered the economic and political center of French Polynesia.
The rest of the island of Tahiti is also a gem to explore. This heart of French Polynesia is amazing port of call to visit if you are interested in dramatic peaks, turquoise lagoons and unique culture.
Papeete cruise port – fast facts:
- Cruise ships dock in Papeete
- The cruise dock is in the city center of Papeete
- There are taxi’s available for taxi tours at the cruise dock
Read our Papeete cruise port guide for all the tips on what to see and do when your ship makes this your port of call.
Papeete – Tahiti – French Polynesia – docked
Luckily this is one of the few ports of call in French Polynesia where cruise ships are able to dock. The cruise dock is situated directly in between the ferry and yacht dock. From here you simply walk cross the street and you are in the city center of Papeete.
Tourist information
There is a tourist information office located near the cruise dock. You will find it about 100 meters/yards to your right hand side as you exit Papeete’s cruise dock.
They have good information on transportation, things to see and do and what not! Make sure to kick off any visit to Papeete here.
Public transportation
There is a public transportation system in Tahiti that you can use to get around. Please know its route mainly follows the coastline and it does not go into the interior of the island.
You will find the bus stop across the street from the Papeete cruise terminal. You can buy a ticket with the local currency.
Taxis
You will find there are often some taxis waiting for you at the cruise pier of Papeete. They can take you around the island or provide you with a simply taxi tour. Please know private taxis can be quite expensive as they are often around 70 US dollar per hour.
Shore Excursion
Aside your ship’s shore excursions you can also choose to take one of the local tours. There is little trolley train on the dock that offers city sightseeing, but there are also often snorkelling and island sightseeing tours offered at the exit of the port.
Wi-fi
Papeete is most likely the best port of call in French Polynesia where you are able to find proper and affordable wi-fi. Find restaurants and cafe’s right near the pier that offer it.
The ferry to Moorea
When you ship is docked at the Papeete cruise terminal you will be overlooking the city center of Papeete on one side and on the other side you will see an island in the far distance which is Moorea. The islands are connected by ferry which only takes 1 hour. The ferry station is located directly to the left hand side when you leave the cruise dock.
If your ship will be in Moorea the day after Papeete you will find tours for Moorea are offered on the cruise pier in Papeete. When a local makes a deal for an excursion or private tour the following day he simply takes the ferry across and meets you there.
What to see and do in town
Papeete is different from the other port of call in French Polynesia. The city offers in inside into the most populated area of the all the islands together.
Places to visit are:
The Waterfront
Bougainville Park
Cathedral of Notre Dame
Papeete Market
Pouvanaa a Oopa