Raiatea

Located 210km northwest of Tahiti, Raiatea is the largest of the Leeward Islands. Dear in the heart of the Polynesians, the island has a certain magic connotation. Former cultural and religious center of Eastern Polynesia, it is must-see island.

First island populated by the Polynesians, Raiatea claims to be the epicenter of the migratory flow to the triangle. True cradle of the maohi culture, it remains the second economic pole of French Polynesia.

According to the legend, the priests set out to build a new marae, making sure to uphold the custom that no one should speak or move during construction. Terehe, a descendant of the royal family disobeyed and went for a swim in the river. Wrathful, the gods awoke an enormous eel from the depths that swallowed the girl. The beast, having trouble digesting, stirred and eventually devoured the heart of the island, splitting it into two separate parts. This is how Taha’a and Raiatea were born.

Geology has since proved that they initially formed just one island several million years ago. Today, the two islands share a history, a heritage and a lagoon.

If Raiatea does not have many beaches of white sand, it can nevertheless count on its green mountains and its lush vegetation. The heart of the island allows superb hiking, horse riding, quad biking and 4WD tours.

Accessible in about 4 hours, Mount Temehani is probably the most famous. It offers an incomparable panoramic view from its belvedere. Your efforts will be rewarded throughout the course by short breaks at the three waterfalls.

Mount Tapioi requires a little less practice. The path is between the gendarmerie and the Uturoa post office and the hike can be done in just under 45min.

Another specificity of Raiatea: its seawater pool. If this site is not extraordinary, its history is somewhat unusual … A few centimeters from the shore, the authorities have undertaken to build a municipal pool but, due to a manufacturing defect, the wall collapsed and the pool is now fully open to the ocean. The ladder and the facility are still there and the students are still taking their swimming lessons…

The “Tahiti black pearl” is undoubtedly the favorite souvenir for all the travelers coming from all over the world. To offer or to indulge yourself, this exceptional gift will be the image of your trip, unalterable. The pearls farm allows you not only to discover how these little jewels of nature are created but also to do some shopping at low cost: mounted or sold naked, pearls are indeed zero-rated here unlike those found in large shops in the capital. If you wish to know more, do not hesitate to read our article on pearl farms.

Fish, fish, fish … look at this fauna that moves under the surface of the water. Marine caves, coral gardens and passes where a universe parallel to ours evolves.

If you want to see more, dozens of dive sites are waiting for you. Within the lagoon, 18m deep, is the wreck of the Danish three masts ship “Nordby” which sank in 1900.

We have to agree, Raiatea does not really have beaches of pristine white sand. On the other hand, the island counts several public motu (islets) within its lagoon. These little islets, arranged like a pearl necklace around the lagoon, will allow you to enjoy an idyllic setting. Here, nature takes over, only the birds and the waves lapping the shore break the silence. Willing to satisfy travelers, the authorities have also chosen to install on-site facilities dedicated to your well-being. Therefore, tables, showers and toilets are at your disposal to make this Robinson’s life more pleasant.

Now that you are in Polynesia, it would be a shame not to take advantage of the natural resources available to you. The ocean and wind combine to offer quality activities: surfing, fly surfing, kite surfing or windsurfing, all options are possible.

And for the less reckless, there is always kayaking!

High place of sailing, Raiatea enjoys optimal sailing conditions. Its large nautical base allows a large number of sailboats, yachts and catamarans to discover the bay and sail between the islands of Taha’a, Bora Bora and Huahine.

From small leisure boats to luxury yachts, there is no doubt that you will find the perfect match…

Whether you are a novice fisherman or a true passionate, we offer an exceptional fishing session! Hatch some rare specimens of Polynesia (pai’here, mahi mahi, haura, jacks and other mackerel), stay focused on the target but do not forget to contemplate the scenery…

The captain will teach you traditional and modern fishing techniques. If you thought fishing was boring, please think again! Catch your fish and don’t forget to take a photo!

It is not a small Tuamotu atoll but it is not Tahiti either. To go around Raiatea, you have to rent a car, a scooter or a quad. The bike seems a bit ambitious to perform the 99km that separate you from the finish line … If you feel lucky, you can try to hitch a ride, the locals are famous for their kindness.

First, you need to fly to Tahiti, and then you just have to book a flight Tahiti – Raiatea via the local airline Air Tahiti. In just 45min, you will have arrived at your destination, just the time to drink a fruit juice in the air.

The island is served daily by air and two to three times a week by sea. However, you will need twelve hours of sailing if you chose this last option. If you are a sailor, the Hawaiki Nui is however a quite pleasant solution.

Like the other islands in the Society archipelago, the climate is tropical and divided into two seasons: a warm season with rainfalls here and there from November to March, and a relatively cooler season with daily sunshine, from April to October. We would advise you to choose a departure during the austral winter, when the temperatures are more bearable, the climate less humid and the weather sunny.