Vaitape, Bora Bora | Town
Vaitape Bora Bora
Welcome to Bora Bora Island, one of the most beautiful and iconic destinations in the world. The main town on the island is called Vaitape, and it’s a great place to base yourself while exploring everything Bora Bora has to offer.
History of Vaitape
Vaitape has a long and fascinating history dating back centuries. The area was first settled by Polynesian voyagers who arrived on the island around the 4th century. Over time, Vaitape developed into a major hub for trade and transportation on the island, thanks to its strategic location on the lagoon. Today, Vaitape is still an important center for the local community and a popular destination for tourists.
Things to Do in Vaitape
You can acquire a good, pure understanding of the islanders’ way of life here in Vaitape.
- Locals and visitors congregate at the harbor to eat inexpensive Polynesian food from the well-known roulottes, more food trucks can also be found on the route to Matira Beach.
- If you are lucky, you can may can see celebrities in front of Magasin Chin Lee, the biggest supermarket on the island. Purchase an Eau Royale and just join them; this way, you may join the conversation right away.
- Visitors can find a post office, a bank, car rentals, and a few small internet cafés in this town. Additionally, some talented artists have relocated here and run galleries where they market outstanding paintings or sculptures, like Alain Despert of Bora Bora Art at Vaitape.
- Directly across from the Vaitape harbor is the Centre Artisanal, where you can get lovely handmade jewelry and other Polynesian goods at reasonable prices. Additionally, there are various pearl shops on-site where you may buy jewelry fashioned from the renowned black Tahitian pearl.
- The memorial to the seafarer Alain Gerbault in the harbor and the tiny Protestant chapel across from Chin Lee are both worthwhile stops.
- Le Récif, the island’s sole nightclub, is located between Vaitape and the second port, Farapiti, where ships from the other French Polynesian islands dock, 0pen beginning at 8pm, Wednesday through Saturday.
- You should also make a direct excursion from Vaitape to Motu Tapu, an offshore location where Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau filmed his 1929 silent film Tabu – A Story of the South Seas. Since only members of the royal family of Queen Pomare IV were originally allowed to reach the island, tapu literally means taboo in Tahitian.
Accommodations in Vaitape
When it comes to accommodations, Vaitape has something for everyone. There are a number of hotels and resorts to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxurious overwater bungalows. If you prefer a more authentic experience, there are also a number of vacation rentals available, including traditional Polynesian-style huts. No matter what your budget or preferences are, you’ll be able to find a place to stay that suits you in Vaitape.
Tips for Visiting Vaitape
If you’re planning a trip to Vaitape and Bora Bora Island, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your trip:
- The best time to visit Vaitape and Bora Bora Island is from May to October when the weather is dry and sunny.
- Be sure to bring plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent, as the sun can be intense and mosquitoes are common in the area.
- Respect the local culture and customs while you’re in Vaitape. This includes things like dressing modestly, removing your shoes before entering someone’s home, and respecting local beliefs and traditions.
- Make a plan for your trip, but also leave some time for spontaneity. Bora Bora Island is a place to relax and unwind, so don’t feel like you have to stick to a rigid schedule.
Vaitape on Bora Bora Island is a destination like no other, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and modern conveniences You can have a lovely lunch and go snorkeling here this afternoon. There are direct boat connections from the town that takes you to Tapu in about 10 minutes. You can also rent a boat for a half-day or a day-long snorkeling trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Vaitape to Matira Beach?
There are several ways to get from Vaitape to Matira Beach, which is located on the south side of Bora Bora Island. Here are a few options:
- By car: If you have access to a rental car, you can drive from Vaitape to Matira Beach. The drive should take about 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
- By bus: There is a public bus system on Bora Bora Island that runs between Vaitape and Matira Beach. The buses are a cheap and convenient way to get around, but the schedule may not be very frequent.
- By taxi: Taxis are readily available in Vaitape and can take you directly to Matira Beach. This is a more expensive option, but it is also the most convenient.
- By boat: If you’d like to see more of the island’s lagoon, you can hire a boat or join a tour that will take you from Vaitape to Matira Beach. This can be a fun and scenic way to get to the beach, but it may also be more expensive than the other options.
What is Vaitape famous for?
Vaitape is known as a hub for trade and transportation on the island, and is a popular destination for tourists due to its proximity to many of the island’s attractions, including cultural landmarks, outdoor activities, and natural beauty.
How to get from Bora Bora airport to Vaitape?
There are not many options to get from the Bora Bora airport to Vaitape. You must take one of the water taxis which are readily available at the airport and can take you directly to Vaitape.
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