|
Papeete, Tahiti, Port Reviews
Papeete, Tahiti Port Review
By Nancy Norris
Papeete, Tahiti
Overview:
The bustling city of Papeete, Tahiti, an overseas territory
of France, is the capital of French Polynesia. Since Faa'a
International Airport is located here, most cruisers on a
South Pacific voyage will embark and/or disembark in this
port city. This tourism center of the South Pacific Windward
Islands is also the main government, financial and
commercial center of French Polynesia. As such, it is one of
the largest and busiest metropolitan areas in the South
Pacific and does not exude the tropical paradise ambiance
one typically imagines when thinking of “Tahiti”.
A tropical island, Tahiti can be
divided into two seasons – wet and dry. Polynesian summer,
between November and April is the wet season and
temperatures range from 80-86°F with the hottest months
being February and March. May through October, the dry
season temperatures usually range from 75-82°F. The local
currency is the French Pacific Franc (XPF), but many vendors
will accept US dollars or Euros and credit cards are widely
accepted. French and Tahitian are the two official languages
spoken in Tahiti, but most people that deal with tourists
speak English.
Cruise ship docked in Papeete
Cruise Port Location and Information:
Cruise ships dock in Papeete Harbor located in the heart of
the city. The cruise port fronts the main street of Papeete
and downtown venues are within easy walking distance (as are
the ferries to Moorea). Restaurants and sidewalk cafés line
the main street. (But be prepared for sticker shock – they
can be very expensive.)
Papeete from cruise ship
Part of the redevelopment project of the waterfront, there
is a lovely park, gardens and promenade next to the cruise
port great for strolling, people-watching and lounging.
Tahua Vaiete
At night the waterfront comes alive with local entertainment
and “roulottes” (food trucks) serving street food.
Roulotte
As mentioned, most cruisers will arrive and/or leave via
Faa'a International Airport. The cruise port is about 20
minutes away from the airport and is easily accessed by taxi
(approximately $25-$30 US) or local bus. (For details about
using the local bus – check out my
Paul Gauguin
cruise review
on eCruiseReviews.)
Airport from bus stop
A tourist office is located just outside the cruise ship
port to pick up maps, information and arrange tours. As a
side note, if you need a break from the heat, the tourist
office is air-conditioned and has lounge chairs and sofas to
relax and enjoy a refreshing sip of water from the
complimentary water coolers.
Exploring on Your Own:
Although your ship is ported on the waterfront in the heart
of the city, there are limited things to see and do within
walking distance. You can easily explore the nearby environs
such as the waterfront park and gardens next to the port
and the Pearl Museum,
Waterfront Park
stroll the boardwalk along the Quay, do some shopping at Le
Marche (public market) and other downtown stores by simply
walking off the ship.
Le Marche
However, beaches and other tourist attractions are not in
close proximity to the cruise port. Contrary to some
information found on the Internet, Le Trucks (local open air
buses) are no longer a transportation option in Tahiti. They
have been replaced by traditional city buses that run on a
relatively regular schedule, but are not necessarily the
best way to tour the island – particularly if time
constraints are involved. While a bus may get you to your
destination, it may not stop for you on the way back. If a
bus is full it will just pass you by. The best way to
explore the island on your own is to rent a car. There is an
Avis car rental a few blocks from the port and making a
reservation in advance is advisable.
Shopping Tips:
There are plenty of shopping opportunities in Papeete, but
prices are typically 2 to 3 times more costly than in the
states (with a few exceptions). Shoppers can select from
fine art, jewelry, books, unique handicrafts, t-shirts,
pareos and other ready-to-wear clothing. If you are in the
market for a black pearl, Papeete is probably the best place
to purchase this Tahitian gem. Known as the black pearl
capital of the world, prices are more reasonable here than
anywhere else in French Polynesia.
Tahitian Black Pearls
The vast majority of shopping is found along the waterfront
from Centre Vaimi to the Mana Rock Cafe. The Centre Vaimi is
the largest building in Papeete located on the main street,
just west of the cruise port.
Centre Vaimi
This shopping center is home to over 70 stores, boutiques,
art galleries, restaurants and snack-bars. The only town
center duty-free shop is located there, as is the Pearl
Museum.
Vaimi Center Shop
However, if you are looking for inexpensive souvenirs then a
visit to Le Marche is a must. This 150+ year public
marketplace is filled with hundreds of stalls filled with
vanilla, local handmade crafts, pearls, Tahitian oils,
pareos, fruits, vegetables and flowers. Located just 2
blocks from the cruise port, morning is the best time to
visit.
Marketplace Shopping
Port Highlights:
--Tahua Vaiete,
Jacques Chirac Park and Les Jardins de Paofai:
Although these public spaces within easy walking distance of
the cruise ship dock have already been mentioned, they are
definitely port highlights that deserve to be explored. Just
stroll along the promenade that leads from the port and
enjoy these urban havens.
Les Jardins de Paofai
--Pearl Museum: Located on the ground floor of the
Centre Viami shopping complex on the main waterfront
boulevard, Musee de la Perle is a small museum providing a
glimpse into the history, science and art of the Tahitian
black pearl. It is open daily and worth a visit,
particularly if you wish to gain a bit of knowledge before
making a purchase.
Pearl Museum
--Le Marche: Just 2 blocks from the cruise port, this
old public marketplace is not only a great place to purchase
some Tahitian souvenirs, but it is one of Tahiti's most
famous landmarks and offers a glimpse into the local
Polynesian life and culture. Definitely worthwhile.
Landmark Marketplace
--Les Roulottes: At dusk, the waterfront in front of
the cruise port between To'ata Square and Tahua Vaiete turns
into a mini-festival. Food trucks (les roulottes) roll in
serving a wide range of fast foods from pizza and crepes to
raw fish and BBQ meats and local entertainers perform for
the crowds.
Nighttime on the Papeete Waterfront
While the above highlights are within walking distance of
the port, the following tourist spots require transportation
outside the city limits.
--Tomb of King Pomare: Traveling east outside of the
city, the first tourist stop is the commune of Arue. This
was once the land of the Pomare family and is now the
location of the Tomb of King Pomare V, the last monarch of
Tahiti.
King Pomare V Tomb
--Venus Point: Continuing east, Pointe Venus is the
spot where the first Europeans came ashore and claimed
Tahiti for England. Today, it is a park with a nice black
sand beach (the closest to downtown). The park's lighthouse
is the only one in all of French Polynesia.
Venus Point
--Arahoho Blowhole: This is a fun geological site. On
one side of the road is the ocean and a black sand beach. On
the other side of the road is this blowhole that often
shoots out a geyser of water to drench unsuspecting
tourists.
Arahoho Blowhole
--Paul Gauguin Museum: This art museum is a Japanese
style museum dedicated to the works and life of the artist
in French Polynesia.
Paul Gauguin Museum
Tiki on museum grounds
Harrison Smith Botanical Gardens:
Just next door to the Paul Gauguin Museum, these now public
gardens are home to an amazing array of tropical plants from
around the world and spectacular Tahitian flora.
Tahitian Hibiscus
Off the Beaten Path:
An off-road adventure on a 4X4 safari tour will allow you an
in-depth exploration of the interior of Tahiti that is not
seen by any circle island tour. Traveling through the heart
of Tahiti can be rough,
A 4X4 Safari Route
but catching views of the valley waterfalls can be worth the
effort.
Waterfall on a 4X4 Adventure
Another option is to take the 30 minute ferry ride to Moorea
and enjoy a day snorkeling or lounging on the beach. Ferries
run from the ferry dock close to the cruise port several
times a day from early morning to late afternoon.
Dining and Drinking Suggestions:
Papeete Sidewalk Cafe
There is no question eating and drinking in Tahiti is
expensive. While I can't recommend any specific restaurants,
sampling the less expensive, yet fresh and tasty fare
offered at one or more of the “roulottes” that line the
waterfront at night is a definite winner. Try the
traditional Polynesian “poisson cru” or one of the specialty
crépes.
Waterfront Roulottes
Must Do List:
As mentioned above, enjoying the activity, entertainment and
food along the Papeete waterfront at night is worth not
retiring early. Of course, spending a few hours at one of
the black sand beaches scattered about the island is always
a good choice.
Tahitian Black Sand Beach
|
