Vairao (Tahiti Island, French Polynesia)

Port Vairao (aka Matiti) is a port town located on Tahiti Island's southwestern coast. As a tourism travel destination, Vairao is popular for scuba diving, snorkelling, surfing, sport fishing (in Vairao Bay's lagoon).

Vairao has the island's deepest bay, large enough for anchoring of the world's largest cruise liners. After tendering to port's pier, passengers are transported to Teahupoo (village) - among country's most famous surfing destinations (part of Tahiti Pro international surfing competition), with extreme swells causing waves up to 9 m (30 ft) high.

From Teahupoo, cruise tourists can explore the cliffs Fenua Aihere and Te Pari (accessible by foot only), enjoy beach walks (passing a lighthouse), swimming, and sunbathing. Road travel continues towards Taravao, reaching a lookout point overlooking the island from a height of 600 m (1970 ft). From Taravao, Papeete is roughly opposite (approx 55  km / 34 mi) to the northwest. Next is visited Tautira (beach village on island's southeastern coast).