Official Language:
Tahitian & French
Secondary Language:
English
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Currency:
Pacific French Franc
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Population:
Approximately 8,000 people call Raiatea home.
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Raiatea Tahiti: Tropical, with lots of sun all year long. With just enough rain for its lush vegetation and colorful flowers. The wet season is from November through April. The humidity during this time can be quite heavy with common cloud cover. The dry season, which is cooler with temperatures between 78-85°F/26-29°C degrees runs from May through October.
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Cruise ships generally dock off the island of Raiatea, and you are tendered to shore. A great way to get around the island of Raiatea is via Le Truck, Raiatea's limited bus transportation system. You can also rent a car while on the island. Contact Europcar Raiatea (tel. 689/66-34-06) if you'd like to rent a car, scooter, boat, or bicycle.
Raiatea is a geographically diverse marvel that is the largest island in the French Polynesian Leeward Group. Recently the port and waterfront areas have enjoyed incredible rebuilding, and the wharf is now a beautiful destination that is a pleasure to visit. As your ship approaches the shores of Raiatea, you can see Mount Temahani, the dormant volcano that once wreaked havoc on this lovely island. The legend of Raiatea says that the god of fertility and war, Oro, was born here on Mount Temahani. Locals have worshipped Oro for centuries, and they would not dare blaspheme his holy name out of fear that the volcano may some day rage again.
The Black Pearl Farms and the Vanilla Plantations are glorious one-of-a-kind sights that will captivate your mind and dazzle your eyes. Scuba diving and snorkeling in the coral reefs and the lagoon are two more musts when visiting Raiatea. The restaurants and shopping facilities are quite limited, but there are a couple eateries that are delightful, such as Club Room and Restaurant Moana. At night, it seems as if the entire island congregates at the lively Le Zenith discotheque. The Botanical Eco Tours offered by the Kaoha Nui Ranch give you an opportunity to see this glorious island on horseback.
During your cruise vacation you will enjoy stopping in Raiatea, this largest of the Leeward Islands. Recently the port and waterfront areas have undergone rennovation, and the wharf is now a pleasure to visit. As you sail into port of Raiatea (before docking in the island's main town), you can get a good view of Mount Temahani, the now dormant volcano. Legend has it that the god of fertility and war, Oro, was born here on Mount Temahani. It is further believed that Oro has to be worshipped and never be spoken against or his wrath will be felt though a volcanic eruption.
Raiatea is the second largest island of French Polynesia after Tahiti. Taking an island tour would reveal lush green valleys, numerous waterfalls, pineapple and vanilla plantations. Discover fascinating underwater scenery within Raiatea's deep lagoon which is rich with fish, and surrounded by mountains. Explore Marae Taputapuatea, Faaroa Bay and River.
Though Raiatea is completely surrounded by a reef it does have several navigable passes and the only navigable river in French Polynesia. Raiatea shares a protected lagoon with the island of Taha'a; legends tell how the two islands were cut apart by a mythical eel. Although it has no beaches, there are picture-postcard motus (flat reef islets) with nice beaches in the lagoon. One of the nicest things about Raiatea is that it remains "undiscovered" by most visitors to French Polynesia.
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Attractions |
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Uturo is the main port where cruise ships dock. Here the colorful market is more crowded on Wednesday and Friday mornings when the vendors arrive from Tahaa to peddle their wares. You can easily climb Tapioi Hill, in Tahiti-Polynesia, and get a great view of four islands. On Mount Temehani the highest point on the island, near the village of Pufau, you will find the Tiare Apetahi flower (exclusive to this island). A visit to the Black Pearl Farms and the Vanilla Plantations are a must. Scuba diving and snorkeling in the coral reefs and the lagoon are two more musts when visiting Raiatea.
The restaurants and shopping facilities are quite limited, but there are a couple eateries that are quite tasty, such as Club Room and Restaurant Moana. At night, it seems as if the entire island congregates at the lively Le Zenith discotheque. The Botanical Eco Tours offered by the Kaoha Nui Ranch give you an opportunity to see this glorious island on horseback.
Raiatea's massive volcanic craters are best seen by 4X4 tour. The drive through dense foliage inside the craters crosses several streams and a wide variety of plant life cultivated in the experimental agricultural station and plantations dots the landscape.Taputapuatea Marae is one of French Polynesia's most sacred sites. This sanctuary with its volcanic stone base was a center for religious expression. Located alongside the water, ceremonies were performed there for significant events in life including spells to guard fishermen taking to sea. Covered canoe tours transport visitors up the Faaroa River, Tahiti’s only navigable river, and then along Raiatea's beautiful coastline to the dock in Uturoa. Romantic and exotic, a sunset cruise aboard "Va'a Rahi" (meaning literally "canoe big") is a special event if your ship is in port until nightfall.
Prowl around “Fisherman’s Wharf,” a collection of shops, boutiques, cafes and markets near the pier.
Raiatea is an archaeologist's delight. Scientists have unearthed artifacts linking the island with Hawaii. Local tradition says Raiatea was the great jumping-off point for ancient Polynesian mariners. There are a significant number of marae (Tahitian temples), including Taputapuatea. Considered the most important temple in the Society Islands, it is a national monument.
Faaroa River & Island Exploration
An island tour via four-wheel drive and outrigger canoe.
Walking tour of Taputapuatea Archeological Area
Part of ancient Polynesia. The area’s comprised of 19 marae (worshiping sites), including Matahiraterai, Valley of the Night, Oro’s Shrine, and the Sacrifice Stone. Tours can be booked through “Almost Paradise” (66-23-64) or take a taxi to the area for a self-guided experience.
Beaches
The only worthwhile beaches are located on the motus that are strung around the lagoons that encircle the island (and you have to rent or hire a boat to get to them). Among those include Motu Nao Nao (a stretch of gorgeous white sand) and Opeha Point (known for good snorkeling).
Taking a tour of the Black Pearl Farms on Raiatea is an incredibly enjoyable experience. There are few other places in the world where you can see these gems in their natural form. The best company to contact for a tour of the Black Pearl Farms is Fun Club Marini Iti. The company's headquarters can be found inside the Marini Iti Hotel (689/65-51-01) and they provide reliable excursions. A pleasant afternoon getaway will include a trip around the island and a close-up look at the glistening black pearls.
Vanilla is known as the black gold of French Polynesia, and touring the Vanilla Plantations is quite a pleasant engagement. Jeep Safari Raiatea (689/66-15-73) will provide you with a rip-roaring tour of the farms. The jeep ride alone will be enough to get your blood boiling, but when you lay your eyes on the spectacular Vanilla Plantations your first instinct will be to grab your camera and snap off dozens of pictures of the colorful farms.
The Botanical Eco Tours
of the Kaoha Nui Ranch are tremendous fun, and you can contact the main tour office by calling (689/66-25-46). The Equestrian Tours provide you with a fantastic horseback experience that you will never forget. Touring the ecological sites while you ride one of these gentle animals is immensely enjoyable
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More Information |
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Web: www.raiatea.com
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