Papeete, Tahiti
Hotels in Papeete near Cruise Terminal
Papeete is the capital city of French Polynesia, located on the island of Tahiti
Where to Stay?
Papeete is located on the island of Tahiti in the South Pacific Ocean. Tahiti is the largest, most populated and commercial island of the Society Islands group. It’s a real island paradise with breathtaking scenery, lush rainforests, pituresque waterfalls and golden beaches.
The cruise passenger pier is located in the heart of downtown Papeete, alongside the waterfront a short distance away from Faa’a International Airport. . You will find luxurious 5 star resorts on Tahiti, but there also more affordable lodging alternatives.
Several reasonable priced accommodations are located right in Papeete’s downtown area at the waterfront, 5 minutes from both ferry and cruise terminals. Nearby attractions include the Cathédrale de Papeete Notre-Dame de L’Immaculée Conception, the colourful Papeete Market and Town Hall.
Papeete is home to some luxurious resorts with overwater bungalows which offer splendid views across the lagoon to Moorea. Stay at a beachside property alongside a beautiful sandy beach. Many of them feature a day spa and health club. Daily activities include Tahitian dancing, yoga and aqua-aerobics.
A few properties are located right next to the airport, ideal for early morning flights. There are also some guest houses and family-owned small hotels which offer lodging in French Polynesia. Many of them are budget-friendly. Some hotels offer a free transport shuttle to the city center.
Popular by cruise passengers is also an extended stay on one of French Polynesia’s tropical islands such as Moorea or Bora Bora.
Bestsellers
InterContinental Tahiti Resort
★★★★
Luxury resort. Stay in rooms with garden or lagoon views, or stay in an overwater bungalow.
Hotel Tahiti Nui
★★★
Hotel located in downtown Papeete French Polynesia opposite the cruise port terminal.
Tahiti Airport Motel
★★★
Within close distance of Faa’a International Airport, a few miles from the port.
Papeete Tahiti
Cruise Ship Passenger Terminal in Downtown
Ships dock right at the pier of Port de Plaisance harbor, which is close to the heart of the downtown area. Many shops and restaurants are located close to the terminal. There is also a municipal market nearby.
The Moorea ferry dock is just right next of the cruise terminal.
Port Autonome de Papeete
BP 9164 Motu Uta
Papeete 98715, French Polynesia (Polynésie française)
phone : 47 48 00 – fax 42 19 50
web : www.portdepapeete.pf
Capital of French Polynesia – South Pacific Ocean
Papeete boasts some great museums, historical churches and old buildings. Visit the Paul Gauguin Museum, which chronicles the French artist’s life who lived on Tahiti in the 1880s. The museum features Gauguin sketches and a sculpture.
Do not miss the Museum of Tahiti, located near Le Meridien hotel, considered one of the best museums in the South Pacific. Nearby you can stroll through the Harrison W. Smith Botanical Gardens. Papeete’s main marketplace is the Marché Municipale (city market). Discover beautiful handicrafts and local arts. Polynesian treasures such as wooden drums, iconic hand carved sculptures, original paintings, bowls and platters are here for sale. Also fish, fruit and flowers can be purchased at the Papeete Market.
At the bijouteries (jewelry shops) around the Centre Vaima, along boulevard Pomare, and in the Quartier du Commerce you have the opportunity to purchase beautiful Tahitian Black Pearls.
The island of Tahiti is surrounded by clear warm waters, brilliant blue lagoons, and pristine sandy beaches where palm trees rustle in the breeze. The waters are home to many colorful tropical fish, manta rays, dolphins, sharks and bright coral. A heaven for divers and snorkelers.
A great way to discover the wondrous beauty of Tahiti is by taking a circle island trip or a 4WD Excursion into the island’s heart. Admire the valley of Faarumai, home to Vaimahutu, one of the most photographed and breathtaking waterfalls on Tahiti.
Extend your cruise vacation, spend a few nights in a pre or post cruise hotel, and discover all major sights and attractions of this beautiful island. Why not take a ferry to nearby island of Moorea for a few days. Ferries leave to Moorea from the ferry dock located just beside the cruise terminal. Moorea is 30 minutes away by boat.
Cruise Lines
Cruise companies sailing from the port include the luxury lines; Silversea, Oceania Cruises, Princess, Regent Seven Seas, Crystal, Windstar Cruises and Paul Gauguin.
Popular are roundtrip sailings from Papeete to various Polynesian Islands and itineraries to Auckland New Zealand and the port of Honolulu in Hawaii (check hotels). Some longer voyages will bring you to Sydney in Australia.
Currency
The currency of French Polynesian’s is the Cour de Franc Pacifique (CFP), usually called French Pacific Franc (XPF). US dollars and Euros are widely accepted.
Currency converter.
Banks and ATM machines are located downtown. They may not be open on Sunday.
Nearest airport – Faa’a International
Faa’s Intercontinental Airport () — Faa’s airport is approximately 15-25 minutes from downtown and the pier, depending on traffic.
Taxis, rental cars, scooters and bicycles are all available for hire. The cheapest way to travel around is by a local bus, known as le truck. These are large local buses that are constantly transporting people.
The capital city is a few miles away from the airport.