Vaitape
The central town on the west coast of the main island, home to the airport ferry terminal, shops, a black pearl store and a church. It is the island's main supply point and the starting point for tours around the island.
Vaitape is the administrative centre and largest settlement of Bora Bora. The airport is on a small island to the north, and free ferries run from there to the terminal here. Near the terminal are a handicraft market, black pearl shops, a supermarket, banks and several local restaurants, offering far cheaper meals than the resorts. The town's Protestant church and the monument to the navigator Alain Gerbault are worth a visit. The island loop road is about 32 kilometers long, and you can rent bicycles, electric scooters or cars in town. Day tours also depart from here. Most shops are closed on Sundays.
Opening hours
Shops about 08:00–17:00; most closed on Sunday
Nearby sights
- Bora Bora Lagoon
- Mount Pahia Hike
- Marae Fare Opu
- Mount Otemanu
- Bloody Mary's
- Motu Tapu
- Matira Beach
- WWII American Cannons