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Vaitape Harbor

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Port
—°10
Vaitape Harbor (French Polynesia)

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Vaitape Harbor is the main port of entry for Bora Bora's tourism industry. The harbor was first built in the 1940s by the US military during WWII as a seaplane base. Today, it handles the majority of supplies for the island's luxury resorts. The harbor has a dedicated fuel dock supplying diesel and gasoline. It also serves as a base for scientific vessels studying coral reefs. The local economy is heavily dependent on the harbor; a strike in 2020 caused a 40% drop in tourist arrivals. Security measures include CCTV and a 24/7 harbor master. The port authority enforces strict environmental standards, such as waste disposal from ships. Plans for a marina expansion were approved in 2023 to accommodate superyachts.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C282828282727262626262727
Rain mm206180144121946043393474114211

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
Vaitape Harbor is the commercial heart of Bora Bora and the main transshipment point for all goods destined for the island's luxury hotels. The port supplies the entire island chain with essential commodities.
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Visiting
The port is clearly visible from the main road, especially along the quay where cargo ships and supply boats moor. Visitors can watch operations from the nearby sidewalk.
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Where to view it
An optimal public viewpoint is the road bridge near the port entrance, offering a direct view of ships entering and leaving. The hill towards Matira Beach also provides a good perspective on the harbor basin.
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Local products
The port mainly transships fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and imported luxury goods for the hotels. Travelers can buy local products such as vanilla, coconut oil, and pearls at the nearby market.
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Active season
The port operates year-round, with peak traffic during the high season from May to October when resort supply runs at full capacity. Cruise ships dock more frequently during this time.
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Nearby
Combine the port visit with a trip to Matira Beach or a boat tour of Bora Bora's lagoon. A stroll along Vaitape's main street with souvenir shops and restaurants is also recommended.

Geography

Coordinates
-16.50010, -151.75050

Facts

  • Harbor built in 1940s as US seaplane base.
  • Fuel dock supplies 500,000 liters daily.
  • 2020 strike caused 40% drop in tourist arrivals.
  • CCTV surveillance installed in 2015.
  • Marina expansion approved in 2023 for superyachts.
  • Scientific vessels use harbor for coral reef studies.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

VaitapeVaitape<1 km · EExplore →
Marae ArituituiMarae Arituitui1 km · SWExplore →
St. Joseph Church FaanuiSt. Joseph Church Faanui2 km · NWExplore →
Marae FaremiroMarae Faremiro3 km · EExplore →
AnauAnau5 km · NExplore →
Marine Museum Bora BoraMarine Museum Bora Bora6 km · NWExplore →
Bora Bora Leopard Ray TrenchBora Bora Leopard Ray Trench6 km · NExplore →
Taha'a Coral GardenTaha'a Coral Garden26 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Vaitape Harbor (10)

Viewpoint over Fa'anui Bay

Lookout point above Fa’anui Bay on Bora Bora, offering views of the turquoise lagoon and surrounding motus.

Point de vue des falaises

Cliffside viewpoint on Bora Bora, overlooking the lagoon and the open ocean.

Evangelist Church

Church in French Polynesia, a place of worship for the evangelical community on Bora Bora.

Marae Taianapa

Archaeological site on Bora Bora, remains of a traditional Polynesian ceremonial platform.

Église Saint-Pierre-Célestin

Catholic church in French Polynesia, located on the island of Bora Bora.

Vieux Canons Américains

Ruins of old American cannons from World War II on Bora Bora.

Ohue

Viewpoint on Bora Bora with panoramic views of the lagoon and Mount Otemanu.

Pahia

Mountain on Bora Bora, one of the island's two prominent peaks alongside Otemanu.

Marae

Archaeological site on Bora Bora, remains of an ancient Polynesian ceremonial place.

Marae Marotetini

Archaeological site on Bora Bora, remains of a traditional Polynesian ceremonial platform.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Vaitape harbor?
The main harbor of Bora Bora for ferries and supplies.
Where is it located?
It is located right in the main town of Vaitape.
Is there tourist info there?
Yes, near the harbor there are several information booths.
How to leave the harbor?
There are taxis and shuttle buses to the resorts.
Is it busy?
Yes, especially when ferries or cruise ships arrive.
Vaitape Harbor: where is it located?
Vaitape Harbor is located in French Polynesia.
Vaitape Harbor: what is there to see?
Highlights include Viewpoint over Fa'anui Bay, Point de vue des falaises, Evangelist Church.
Vaitape Harbor: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Vaitape Harbor: why is it worth visiting?
Vaitape Harbor is the main port of entry for Bora Bora's tourism industry.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Faanui — Vaitape Harbor (French Polynesia)
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History & landmarks

Uturoa Town Hall — Vaitape Harbor (French Polynesia)
Uturoa Town Hall
The administrative building of Uturoa on Raiatea, the second-largest settlement in French Polynesia.

Nature

Mount Pahia — Vaitape Harbor (French Polynesia)
Mount Pahia
Mount Pahia is the second highest peak on Bora Bora, known for its distinctive twin summits.
Mount Otemanu — Vaitape Harbor (French Polynesia)
Mount Otemanu
Mount Otemanu is the iconic landmark of Bora Bora, rising 727 meters high.

More places

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Papeete Town Hall is a magnificent colonial-style building that resembles the former palace of Queen Pomare.
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Vaitoare is the main port in southern Taha'a and the gateway to the island of Raiatea.
Vaiare — Vaitape Harbor (French Polynesia)
Vaiare
Vaiare is the primary port of Moorea and the main gateway for travelers arriving by ferry from Tahiti.
Marae Tara — Vaitape Harbor (French Polynesia)
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A small, quiet marae on Bora Bora used for ancestral worship.
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Marae Vaiotaha
This historic marae on Bora Bora was once the island's most significant.
Marae Taianapa — Vaitape Harbor (French Polynesia)
Marae Taianapa
This marae on Bora Bora is notable for its secluded location.
WWII Cannons Bora Bora — Vaitape Harbor (French Polynesia)
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American coastal artillery cannons from WWII, strategically placed on the hills overlooking the Bora Bora lagoon.
Alain Despert Gallery — Vaitape Harbor (French Polynesia)
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