Papeete Cruise Port Guide
Photos: Remi Jouan (CC BY-SA 3.0) · via Wikimedia Commons; JOAQUIN ROMERO, Benjamin Lemoine, Daniël Kretzen, Slava Voronin, Georges Guillarm · via Google Maps
- Country:
- French Polynesia
- Region:
- Hawaii & Pacific
- Coordinates:
- 17.5397° S, 149.5689° W
About Papeete
Papeete is the capital city of French Polynesia, an overseas collectivity of the French Republic located in the Pacific Ocean. The commune is situated on the island of Tahiti, in the Windward Islands administrative subdivision, where both the President of French Polynesia and the French High Commissioner reside.
Attractions near the port
Most of Papeete's main attractions lie within easy reach of the cruise terminal. Pā'ōfa'i Gardens, just 0.8 km away, is highly rated by visitors. Place Vai'ete and Notre Dame Cathedral are both just 0.2 km from the port, making them ideal for a quick visit. Bougainville Park offers green space at the same distance.
Culture enthusiasts will find the Musée de la Perle Robert Wan 0.6 km away, showcasing pearls and Tahitian heritage. MANUA Exquisite Tahitian Art, located 0.2 km from the port, specialises in local artwork and craftsmanship.
Nearby ports
Papeete serves as a gateway to the wider region, with Honolulu and Lahaina among nearby cruise destinations in Hawaii & Pacific.
Papeete is the capital city of French Polynesia, an overseas collectivity of the French Republic located in the Pacific Ocean. The commune of Papeʻete is located on the island of Tahiti, in the administrative subdivision of the Windward Islands, of which Papeʻete is the administrative capital. Both the President of French Polynesia and French High Commissioner reside in Papeʻete.
Read more on Wikipedia (text CC BY-SA)
Things to do in Papeete on a port day
Top-rated sights within reach of the cruise terminal. Ratings, hours and reviews from Google — check opening times before you go.
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Photo: Mario Alberto · via Google Maps Park and Garden
Place Vai'ete
4.3 (610) 0.2 km from port
Waterfront park & gathering place popular for its convergence of food trucks in the evening.
Near: Crêperie la Boule Rouge (24 m) · MANUA Exquisite Tahitian Art (62 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “We came here to go get some Tahitian food trucks. We had about four or five options and we ended…” — jared dornak
- 5 · “Absolutely beautiful in the evening, locals practising sports, playing grounds for children, music in the bars. Just enjoyed the atmosphere…” — Daniela amritha
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Photo: Sylver Cheeseman · via Google Maps Park and Garden
Pā'ōfa'i Gardens
4.6 (498) 0.8 km from port
Lushly landscaped green space with hundreds of trees, walking trails & ornamental fish ponds.
Near: Le RAINA (98 m) · Laboratoire de Paofai (120 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Tuesday: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Wednesday: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Thursday: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Friday: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Saturday: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
- Sunday: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
- 5 · “Lovely garden with some shady spots for picnics. Enjoy the free sculpture. Check the ponds for eels spotting.” — Rachel Murray
- 5 · “Visiting Pa’ófa’i Gardens felt like stepping into a living postcard. The moment I arrived, I was surrounded by the calm…” — Zofia Serafin
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Photo: Didier Taburiaux · via Google Maps Museum
Musée de la Perle Robert Wan
4.3 (282) 0.6 km from port
Intimate museum offering educational exhibits on the legends of pearls & jewelry making.
Near: Direction De La Santé (16 m) · Protestant Church of Paofai (54 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Toilets
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday: Closed
- 5 · “This was my top Papeete attraction. The staff is kind and informative.” — DocLee
- 5 · “Beautiful presentation of pearl farming and some associated history. They also have pearls and pearl jewelery for sale if you're…” — Ken Crasta
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Photo: sergio · via Google Maps Church
Notre Dame Cathedral
4.3 (184) 0.2 km from port
Historic colonial & part Gothic style Catholic church inaugurated in 1875 with three bells.
Near: Ecp School Of Driving Polynésienne (36 m) · Banque de Polynésie - Agence CATHÉDRALE (44 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- 5 · “You can't miss this cathedral. It is absolutely stunning. Be sure to take a few moments of your time to…” — Alexandra
- 5 · “This is a church. In the middle of the city. Nothing special. But free parking for two hours, close to…” — Miklós Csere
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Park and Garden
Bougainville Park
4.0 (158) 0.2 km from port
Small, tranquil park offering tree-topped walkways, shaded lawns & public gardens.
Near: Queen Mārau’s Old Bungalow (88 m) · Office Des Postes And Telecommunication (89 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Good for children
- Dogs allowed
Opening hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
- 5 · “Nice place very near the cruise port” — Dip
- 5 · “Amazing place for chilling out, having some coffee or beer in a nice bars and restaurants surrounded. Or just go…” — Fiat
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Art Gallery
MANUA Exquisite Tahitian Art
4.9 (53) 0.2 km from port
Near: Banque SOCREDO - distributeurs automatiques de billets (30 m) · Mahana Lodge Tahiti (46 m)
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Opening hours
- Monday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Tuesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Wednesday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Saturday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Sunday: Closed
- 5 · “I had a great experience here. The lady was super nice and let me took all the time I needed…” — barbara dyer
- 5 · “We had a fantastic experience at Manua Exquisite Tahitian Art. The staff were very helpful and patient throughout our visit.” — Jim Hill
Map of Papeete and nearby attractions
Cruises calling at Papeete
Deals update daily — see all Hawaii & Pacific cruises.
