Papeete, Tahiti

French Polynesia

Dive into crystalline lagoons teeming with tropical fish and glide past lush volcanic peaks that inspired Gauguin's greatest masterpieces.

Currency CFP Franc (XPF)

Language French, Tahitian

Time Zone TAHT (UTC-10)

Best Time to Visit Sep–Nov

Typical Duration 7-36 nights

Price Range $954.50–$94,500 per person

Port Type Departure & Port of Call

Tender Port No

Papeete is the gateway to French Polynesia's iconic South Pacific islands, offering cruisers access to pristine lagoons, overwater bungalows, and the vibrant culture of Tahiti and its neighboring islands.

Cruises that visit Papeete, Tahiti

Build Your Day in Papeete, Tahiti

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 10:00 PM

Usually about 14 hours ashore

Embarkation port — worth arriving early

My ship arrives around: Getting around:

Papeete Market Fun place to visit when you are visiting Papeete, Tahiti. Market · ★ 4.4 · 2k

Belvedere Lookout A must see when visiting the French Polynesia. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 1k

Les 3 Brasseurs Live music, great people watching, good food and cold beer. Sports bar · ★ 4.1 · 1k

Place Vai'ete One of the authentics things to do at papeete. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 1k

Pā'ōfa'i Gardens You can take a walk, get a bit of Tahiti, and relax. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k

Le RAINA I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Papeete Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu

Le Sully Best restaurant we tried in Papeete. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k

Musée de la Perle Robert Wan Recommend this as one of your stops while in Papeete. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 0k

L'O A La Bouche The best overall dining experience in Papeete we had. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k

Vaima Shopping Center It was crowded and a lil dirty but prices were ok Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 0k Open · Closes 5 PM

Notre Dame Cathedral Nice place to visit and to learn about the history of colonial Papeete. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 0k

Maru Maru Best restaurant in Papeete. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k

Cruise ships dock in Papeete Great location for town and ferry boat to Moorea Marina · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open now

Bougainville Park Quiet park for shaded walks Tourist attraction · ★ 4 · 0k

Belvédère du Tahara'a The spot to view is Papeete and moorea. Observation deck · ★ 4.7 · 0k

Brasserie des Remparts Tahiti Carefully crafted cocktails paired nicely with our shared plates. Bar · ★ 4.6 · 0k

Botanica New Spot in Papeete. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k

Tiki Bar High quality drinks and nice ambiance. Bar · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM

Pacific Plaza Mall Have found everything I needed here plus friendly staff. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open · Closes 8 PM

Tahiti Pearl Market Attentive, no-pressure service and great selection. Jewelry store · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open · Closes 5:30 PM

Le BAROOF Cool bar Live music Great vibe and great cocktails Bar · ★ 4.1 · 0k Closed · Opens 4:30 PM

Moko Café Tahiti First food experience in Tahiti and this did not fail us. Grill · ★ 4.9 · 0k

La Petite Maison Best food in Papeete! French · ★ 4.6 · 0k

REEFTOP - 360° lounge & bar I really liked going here and taking guests that come to enjoy Tahiti; Bar · ★ 4 · 0k Closed · Opens 4 PM

HINANO LIFE Picked out two tees ($46 US ea) and a zip hoodie ($65 US). Fashion accessories store · ★ 4.1 · 0k Open · Closes 5 PM

Restaurant Hei Very nice dining experience on Tahiti, Id say its refined island eating. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 6:30 PM

Kozy restaurant The food here was literally the best food I had in Tahiti. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k

Tahiti by boat Great trip directly from the Hilton Tahiti. Whale watching tour agency · ★ 4.4 · 0k

Brasserie Hoa Good vibe, excellent music. Brewery · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 4 PM

Wonderland 😂 Maybe Ahi Poke in French means cooked fish. Restaurant · ★ 4.6 · 0k

The Surf House Tahiti We ordered the steak with pepper sauce and a local roasted flat fish. Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 0k

Place To'ata Park · ★ 4.4 · 0k

MANUA Exquisite Tahitian Art It is worth a trip back to Tahiti just to visit Manua Art again. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k

ART'GRICULTURE Tahiti Gift shop · ★ 4.8 · 0k Open · Closes 5 PM

SOUVENIRS Distribution "Le Curios" Trinkets like magnets and tiki carvings were cheaper than on the main drag. Souvenir store · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open · Closes 5 PM

Zion bowl 5 stars drinks and service!! Lounge bar · ★ 4.4 · 0k

Tahiti Pack Great service and the products are original. Store · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open · Closes 5 PM

L'After Good for the last few hours of the night before everything closes. Bar · ★ 4.2 · 0k

Blue Pearl TAHITI "tahitian black pearls specialist" There is plenty of pearl choices beyond what is on display. Jewelry store · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open · Closes 5 PM

Fare Tony Center Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 0k Open · Closes 5 PM

Lux Tahiti Great friendly place good fun Bar · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 6 PM Thu

TAHITI ACTIVITIES CENTER / TE MOANA EXPLORATION Excellent service Tahiti is so beautiful and every holiday must end. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k

Heiva Lounge Bar Great bartender and drinks! Lounge bar · ★ 4.3 · 0k

Le Chaplin's Enjoy bring a crowd, probs the most underrated bar of the waterfront! Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k

Fā'ati City Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k

Fenua Shopping Mamao In-store shopping Gift shop · ★ 4.8 · 0k Open · Closes 1 PM

Tahiti Paradise Activities We were lucky and got the boat to ourselves for the sunset cruise. Business to business service · ★ 3.7 · 0k Closes soon · 12 PM

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Papeete, Tahiti is an embarkation port. Many cruises start or end here — it's worth arriving a day early or extending your stay to explore beyond a single port day.

Next Departures from Papeete, Tahiti

About Papeete, Tahiti

Papeete, the capital of Tahiti, stands as one of the South Pacific's premier cruise destinations, welcoming eleven major cruise lines including Silversea, Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, and Norwegian Cruise Line. With 239 upcoming sailings and strong year-round service, this vibrant port functions as both an embarkation point and a port of call, making it ideal whether you're beginning your voyage or simply stopping by. Most cruises departing from Papeete span seven nights, with many exploring the stunning nearby islands of Bora-Bora, Moorea, Raiatea, and Huahine, while others venture across the Pacific to Hawaii.

Cruise passengers arriving in Papeete discover a lively blend of Polynesian culture and French colonial charm right at the waterfront. The bustling Papeete Market offers an authentic introduction to local life, while nearby beaches and lagoons provide opportunities for swimming and water activities. Peak travel months include January, February, March, September, and October, when the weather is ideal for exploring this enchanting corner of the Pacific.

Explore Papeete's Vibrant Market Culture

Wander through the iconic Papeete Market (Marché de Papeete), where local vendors sell tropical fruits, fresh flowers, and traditional Polynesian crafts. The sensory experience of colorful blooms, aromatic spices, and friendly merchants offers an authentic glimpse into daily Tahitian life. This bustling waterfront market is just steps from the cruise terminal.

Savor Fresh Tropical Cuisine

Indulge in poisson cru, Tahiti's signature dish of raw fish marinated in coconut milk and lime, at waterfront restaurants near the port. Sample tropical fruits like papaya and passion fruit while enjoying views of the harbor. Local eateries offer an affordable taste of authentic Polynesian flavors you won't find elsewhere.

Discover Tahitian History and Heritage

Visit the Musée de Tahiti et ses Îles to learn about Polynesian culture, traditional navigation, and the islands' fascinating history. The museum's exhibits showcase ancient artifacts, traditional outrigger canoes, and displays on indigenous customs. Located conveniently near downtown Papeete, it provides cultural context for your entire South Pacific journey.

Shop for Authentic Polynesian Pearls

Browse the renowned black pearl shops lining Papeete's streets, where you'll find world-class Tahitian pearls at better prices than elsewhere. Expert jewelers can help you select authentic pieces with certificates of authenticity. This is one of the world's premier destinations for luxury pearl shopping with direct access to local artisans.

Relax at Arue Beach and Lagoon

Take a short taxi ride to nearby Arue Beach for pristine lagoon swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear turquoise waters. The calm, protected beach offers a peaceful escape with views of Moorea across the channel. Local beach vendors provide refreshments, making it an easy half-day tropical paradise experience from the port.