Vaitape
Vaitape is the largest city of Bora Bora Island in French Polynesia. It has a population of 4,927, about half of the island's population which is about 10,605. It is located about 210 km (130 mi) northwest of Papeete, the capital of French Polynesia. The main language of Vaitape is French, although 20 percent of the population speaks Tahitian.
History
The area was first settled by early
Geography
Vaitape is located on the western side of the main island of Bora Bora. It has a view of the western part of the Bora Bora lagoon. It is about 2,000 mi (3,200 km) east of
Climate
Bora Bora has a tropical monsoon climate. Temperatures are relatively consistent throughout the year, with hot days and warm nights. The dry season lasts from June to October yet precipitation is still observed throughout this period.
| Climate data for Bora-Bora | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 30.2 (86.4) |
30.8 (87.4) |
30.5 (86.9) |
30.3 (86.5) |
29.5 (85.1) |
28.5 (83.3) |
28.1 (82.6) |
28.1 (82.6) |
28.6 (83.5) |
29.1 (84.4) |
29.4 (84.9) |
29.6 (85.3) |
29.4 (84.9) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 25.1 (77.2) |
25.3 (77.5) |
25.5 (77.9) |
25.5 (77.9) |
25.2 (77.4) |
24.2 (75.6) |
23.8 (74.8) |
23.8 (74.8) |
24.0 (75.2) |
24.3 (75.7) |
24.6 (76.3) |
24.8 (76.6) |
24.7 (76.5) |
| Average rainfall mm (inches) | 268.7 (10.58) |
233.2 (9.18) |
176.9 (6.96) |
182.7 (7.19) |
129.8 (5.11) |
98.2 (3.87) |
83.3 (3.28) |
59.7 (2.35) |
65.5 (2.58) |
99.8 (3.93) |
203.7 (8.02) |
280.6 (11.05) |
1,882.1 (74.10) |
| Mean monthly sunshine hours | 201.1 | 202.6 | 239.4 | 219.8 | 224.1 | 224.5 | 231.8 | 248.4 | 241.0 | 230.5 | 217.7 | 207.0 | 2,687.9 |
| Source: NOAA[2]
| |||||||||||||
Most rainfall occurs during the summer months (November to April) and is accompanied by high humidity.[3]
Transportation
Air
Bora Bora Airport serves the island of Bora Bora. The airport serves as a stopover en route for other destinations in French Polynesia. Although the airport is regularly used by private jets bringing guests to the island,
Sea
Bora Bora is one of the main stops for cruise ships departing from Papeete. Smaller boats can be rented for tours to discover Bora Bora's islets and go snorkelling among the coral reef. Small ferries transport passengers from the airport to Vaitape and luxury hotels around the island. A ferry departs several times a week from Vaitape for the islands of
Road
Bora Bora's main road runs through Vaitape. The maximum speed limit is 60km/h in limited stretches of the island. There is no freeway in Bora Bora.
Economy
There are a few supermarkets located in the city which sell common items such as fish, fruit, vegetables, bread, canned foods, general grocery items but also tools, toys, light furniture and white goods. Fruits include mangoes, breadfruits, pineapples, papayas and various sorts of bananas.
References
- ^ "History". Bora Bora. Retrieved 18 January 2023.
- ^ "Bora-Bora Motu Climate Normals 1961–1990". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Retrieved 13 January 2018.
- ^ "The best time to visit Bora Bora: budget or blowout, here's our guide". Lonely Planet. Retrieved 18 January 2023.