Ringed by one of the world's most spectacular lagoons and crowned by the volcanic spire of Mount Otemanu, Bora Bora is French Polynesia at its most cinematic. Tender ashore to Vaitape and choose between glass-clear snorkeling, island-circling adventures, and WWII relics hiding in the jungle.
All cruise ships anchor in Pofai Bay; tenders run continuously to Quai de Vaitape on the western shore.
💡 Pro move: No cruise terminal building — just the wharf and its market. Facilities are minimal; the ATM near the dock is your best bet for local currency.
Bora Bora has no cruise ship pier; all vessels anchor offshore and tender passengers to Quai de Vaitape.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| All cruise lines | Quai de Vaitape, Vaitape village📍 | Tendered |
Bora Bora's magic is almost entirely on or in the water — book your lagoon tour early, as popular slots fill fast.
The signature Bora Bora experience: wade and snorkel in a shallow sandbar with friendly stingrays, then snorkel a coral garden teeming with reef sharks and tropical fish. Independent operators at the pier offer this for $30–$70 pp.
Find lagoon snorkel tours →Rattle through the jungle in an open 4x4, stopping at WWII U.S. naval cannons (installed during Operation Bobcat), panoramic viewpoints of Mount Otemanu, and a pineapple or vanilla plantation. Guides bring the history to life.
Find 4x4 island tours →Bora Bora's only public beach stretches 1.5 km of powdery white sand with calm, shallow turquoise water. Swim, walk the shore, or watch the sun shift color over Mount Otemanu. Taxi from Vaitape takes ~15 minutes.
Find Matira Beach transfers →Zip across the lagoon on your own jet ski, looping the island and taking in unobstructed views of Mount Otemanu from the water. No license required; guides lead small groups.
Find jet ski tours →One of French Polynesia's most famous restaurants, Bloody Mary's has a sand floor, a thatched roof, and a celebrity wall of past diners. Stop in for poisson cru, fresh fish, and a cocktail. Located in Povai Bay, a short taxi ride south of Vaitape. Note: closed for renovation through 2026, reopening as part of the new Bloody Mary's Hotel — confirm hours before booking.
Find restaurant transfers →Watch coral gardens and tropical fish glide beneath your feet without getting wet. Perfect for non-swimmers or those wanting a relaxed look at the lagoon's marine life.
Find glass-bottom boat tours →Vaitape village is compact and walkable; Matira Beach requires a taxi but rewards with a stunning 1.5 km shoreline stroll.
From the tender dock, explore Vaitape's main street: local supermarkets, souvenir shops, a church, and the harbor. Pick up XPF at the ATM and browse the dockside artisan market.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Take a taxi to the north end of Matira Beach and walk south along the shore. The sand is soft, the water is knee-deep for long stretches, and the views of Mount Otemanu are superb. Return by taxi from Matira Point.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for Bora Bora, Society Islands, French Polynesia (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 81°F / 27°C | 78°F / 26°C | 26 | 5:46 AM | 6:46 PM |
| Feb | 82°F / 28°C | 78°F / 26°C | 22 | 6:02 AM | 6:39 PM |
| Mar | 82°F / 28°C | 79°F / 26°C | 22 | 6:10 AM | 6:20 PM |
| Apr | 82°F / 28°C | 79°F / 26°C | 21 | 6:15 AM | 5:57 PM |
| May | 82°F / 28°C | 79°F / 26°C | 20 | 6:23 AM | 5:43 PM |
| Jun | 80°F / 27°C | 78°F / 26°C | 16 | 6:33 AM | 5:41 PM |
| Jul | 79°F / 26°C | 77°F / 25°C | 16 | 6:36 AM | 5:50 PM |
| Aug | 79°F / 26°C | 76°F / 24°C | 13 | 6:24 AM | 5:58 PM |
| Sep | 79°F / 26°C | 76°F / 24°C | 14 | 6:02 AM | 6:02 PM |
| Oct | 79°F / 26°C | 77°F / 25°C | 18 | 5:38 AM | 6:06 PM |
| Nov | 80°F / 27°C | 77°F / 25°C | 21 | 5:25 AM | 6:18 PM |
| Dec | 81°F / 27°C | 78°F / 26°C | 24 | 5:29 AM | 6:35 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
Cruise ships anchor in the lagoon and tender passengers to Vaitape wharf, the main village — effectively the city center. No pier transfer cost.
Unmetered taxis available at Vaitape wharf. Always agree on the fare before boarding — a ride to Matira Beach is typically 1,500 CFP daytime, 2,000 CFP evenings.
Open-air 4x4 guided tours make multiple stops at viewpoints, cultural sites, and plantations. The most practical way to see the whole island in a few hours with port pickup/drop-off.
Rental shops near Vaitape wharf offer bicycles, scooters, and electric fun cars. The main road circles the island (~30 km) and is largely flat — a popular self-guided option.
Private water taxis connect Vaitape to the overwater-bungalow resorts on the surrounding motus (islets). Book ahead; some resort day-passes include complimentary shuttle service.
Upcoming cruises that call at Bora Bora, Society Islands, French Polynesia. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.
Other cruise ports within about 250 km.