Scenic Ocean Cruises: 19 nights from Papeete with Scenic Eclipse II
Mar 25, 2026

Papeete

Papeete, whose name means "water vessel" in the local language, is the capital of French Polynesia, located on the island of Tahiti. Papeete has history, cultural heritage and natural beauty, making it an unmissable place for anyone who wants to explore the magic of Tahiti and French Polynesia. Its history originated at the beginning of the 19th century. The first European explorers, such as Captain James Cook, visited Tahiti as early as the 18th century.

Not long after, Papeete became an important commercial and administrative center of the region. France established a protectorate on the island in 1842, and chose Papeete as the capital of French Polynesia. The atmosphere of Papeete mixes Polynesian relaxation with French style. The city is famous for its wild parties and traditional dances, such as 'ori (Tahitian dance), which you can admire in numerous cultural festivals that are frequently held in the city. Polynesian mythology plays a significant role in the cultural life of Papeete, with many local legends handed down over the centuries. One of the best known myths is the legend of the god Tane, the creator of light, sun and life (a version of Ra of ancient Egypt in the South Pacific). These myths are reflected in the art and music of the region and remain an important part of Tahiti's cultural heritage.

The Central Market of Papeete, or Marché de Papeete, is an important point of interest. Here, you can find fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, flowers and discover local traditional crafts and souvenirs. Papeete boasts interesting museums, such as the Museum of Tahiti and its Islands, where you can learn more about the history and culture of the region. Don't miss the Polynesian Art Gallery to see the work of local artists. Surrounded by beautiful lagoons and coral reefs, Papeete is an ideal place for lovers of water sports, such as diving and snorkeling.

If you are a nature lover it is absolutely worth visiting the waterfalls and tropical forests located nearby. Seafood plays a central role in local cuisine in Papeete. One of the national dishes is poisson cru, raw fresh fish marinated in lime juice, mixed with coconut milk, vegetables and spices. Papeete is an important port for cruise ships in the South Pacific.

The port always welcomes numerous cruise ships, offering passengers the opportunity to explore the city and its surroundings. Cruises departing from or stopping in Papeete often include itineraries through places like Bora Bora, Moorea, and Huahine, so you can truly immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of French Polynesia.