Papeete Cruises

Papeete is the capital city of the Tahiti Island and the whole of the French Polynesia. With a population of over 290,000 people, the city is the second most populated in the country and, mostly, serves as the gateway to other attractions around Tahiti.

Papeete is a tropical city, that is full of tall palm tress and flowers but also of government and industrial establishments. The sightseeing opportunities are enough for one or two days, you can then explore the rest of Tahiti with its caves, waterfalls and stunning beaches.

The Best Time to Cruise to Papeete

It is said that there are just two seasons in French Polynesia – the winter (dry) season and the rain and hurricane season. The former runs approximately from April to November and the latter from November to April.

The months from December to February would probably be considered the worst to visit Papeete, as the chances of a hurricane are at their highest.

In our opinion, the best months to cruise to Tahiti and Papeete in particular are May-June and September-October:

• – Temperatures are not as high
• – Rainfall is relatively low
• – Whales and manta rays are out

Things to Do in Papeete

Papeete is a vibrant city, that’s full of things to do and see. Local architecture and cuisine reflect the island’s hybrid culture, French and Polynesian. There is also beautiful nature to be explored.

Below are some of the things you could explore while in the city:

• – Wander around the Papeete Market to really get to know the local way of life. The 19th century building housing the market is Tahiti’s oldest institution and is a sight in its own right.
• – Admire the native flora at the Bougainville Park, you will find a huge banyan tree providing shade and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
• – Visit the city’s must-see attraction, the Notre Dame Cathedral, it is beautiful in its simplicity and boasts some very pleasant artwork inside.
• – Check out some of the unique and expensive pearls in the region at the Robert Wan Pearl Museum. The museum also features interesting exhibits.

Top Cruise Lines

Papeete and Tahiti in general attract a great range of cruise lines, there is one for every taste and budget, so the choice is yours. Heaps of their cruises will set sail in Sydney or Brisbane:

• Princess cruises to Papeete
• Royal Caribbean cruises to Papeete
• MSC cruises to Papeete
• Oceania cruises to Papeete
• Holland America cruises to Papeete