Papeete, on the island of Tahiti, is the capital of the French Polynesia. Cruise passengers come to Tahiti as it is the gateway to islands such as Bora Bora, Moorea, Raitatea, Huahine and Rangiroa. Here's how to get to Tahiti and the best way to visit the sites.
Getting to Papeete, Tahiti
Air Tahiti Nui flies direct from Los Angeles Airport (LAX) to Tahiti Faa'a Airport (PPT). The airline regularly offers a promotion where kids fly free when flying with a paying adult. The flight time is about eight hours. With the time difference in Tahiti being two hours back from LAX, a flight leaving at 11:40 p.m., LAX time, doesn't get into Tahiti until around 5 a.m. Air France also offers flights from LAX.
For those that think eight hours is too long, break the flight into two days. For example, fly from LAX to Honolulu (HNL) which is a 5.5 hour flight. Stay one night or two at a Honolulu hotel. Then, continue on, well rested from HNL to PPT for another 5.5 hours. Hawaiian Air also offers flights to Tahiti.
Alternatively, choose a French Polynesia cruise that starts in Honolulu and ends in Tahiti. Or, start in Tahiti and end in Honolulu. That route generally takes about 11 or 12 days depending on the itinerary.
How to Get Around Tahiti
The international airport of Faa'a is located about three miles from Papeete, and the location of the cruise terminal. Many cruise passengers decide to stay a day in a Tahiti hotel before starting their cruise. When taking a taxi, agree on a price in either XFP or US currency. Taxi fares rise drastically after 8 p.m.
Local buses are a convenient way to get from area hotels such as the Sofitel or the Intercontinental, to the town center. Fares are around 500 XPF ($6 USD) per person each way. While in town, one can explore safely on foot.
What to Do in Tahiti
While in the town of Papeete, the market (Le Marche du Papeete) is one of the main attractions. Popular souvenirs from Tahiti include sarongs, pearls, vanilla bean, vanilla suntan oil and mosquito repellent.
Bus excursions are a great way to see the top attractions of the island. Book an excursion through your hotel, through your cruise line or on your own. A typical island drive includes photo ops at the Monument of Captain Bligh, One Tree Hill, the lighthouse at Point Venus, the Araholo Blowhole and the waterfall in the Faarunai Valley.
Another option is to take the Aremiti fast ferry over to the island of Moorea for a day of snorkeling. The boat ride takes about 30 minutes and offers a selection of departures. For example take the 9:15 a.m. departure from Papeete and return from Moorea on the 4:45 p.m. ferry.
The remote location of Papeete, Tahiti adds to its reputation as a unique cruise destination. Once there, it is easy to get around and a great place to relax, explore or shop for souvenirs before heading to another island for more relaxing, exploring and shopping.
Sources:
Renee cruised on Princess Cruises' Royal Princess in the French Polynesia from December 17 to January 10, 2011 and then again in March 2011.
Renee Ruggero - Renee is a published travel writer and cruise industry insider with more than 1,000 days on cruise ships, visiting over 50 countries.
