For the visitor
to Raiatea, the legends of this ancient land add fascination
to every activity:
- Discovery of the sacred Mt. Temehani Plateau by
foot, horseback, or 4x4 excursion.
- Exploration by canoe of the Faaroa River and to
the ancient and sacred complex of the legendary Taputapuatea.
- Freedom of chartering a yacht in some of the most
famous sailing waters in the world.
- Enchantment from the people and their villages
while touring the by bus.
- Adventure into the clear waters with day- or night-time
dives.
- Enjoyment of the ambience of the smaller resort
atmosphere.
For the visitor to Taha'a, the cadence of
life creates activities with a more relaxing pace:
- Exploration of the tiny villages and simple island
living along the shores by car or bicycle.
- Discovery of the family-owned pearl farms.
- Enjoyment of the white-sand beaches at a "motu
picnic".
- Adventure into the mountains on one of the many
ancient hiking trails.
- Relaxation at the luxurious and remote resorts.
Some of the most popular activities on both
islands for visitors include:
Vanilla Plantations
Island Exploration
Sail Boat Charter
Faaroa River Trip
Marae Exploration
Diving
Snorkeling
Picnic on Your Own Island
Village Hopping and Shopping
Other activities and sites
Vanilla Plantations
The scented air of Taha'a comes from the fragrance
of vanilla pods curing in the sun. Over 80% of Tahiti's
harvest of this famous spice is grown here. Plantation
tours include strolling among the rows of climbing
orchids and a demonstration of the pollination and
curing process.
Island Exploration
Both Raiatea and Taha'a are enjoyable islands to explore.
By car or bus tour, drive along the quiet circle-island
roads and stop at the villages and peaceful shores.
By boat, cruise within bays dotted with pearl farms
or come ashore on a tiny motu. By foot, follow a guide
along ancient footpaths including a trek to the Temehani
Plateau and to the slopes of Mount Temehani to see
the opening of the Tiare Apetahi flowers.
Sail Boat Charter
Many of the largest sail boat charter companies in
the world are located on Raiatea. Here, yachts are
launched for voyages among the Society and Tuamotu
Archipelagos where passengers enjoy the steady trade
winds, temperate climate, and the hundreds of dramatic
anchorages around each of the islands.
Faaroa River Trip
Winding through a lush rain forest, the Faaroa River
is the only navigable river in Polynesia. These historic
waters launched migratory journeys to faraway islands
now called Hawaii and New Zealand. Powered outrigger
canoes provide a comfortable and unique way to enter
the river and explore the coast.
Marae Exploration
The most sacred and best-preserved historical site
in Polynesia is Raiatea's Taputapuatea. Now considered
a national monument, this immense archaeological area
is easily explored by foot and includes dozens of
marae and shrines.
Diving
A favorite of all divers, the shared lagoon between
the islands is rich with numbers of sites and in variety
including landscapes of sea mounts, caverns, drop-offs,
and famous wrecks.
Snorkeling
The calm and secluded lagoon is home to a wide variety
of reef fish and plant life. Since fish-feeding is
practiced, the lagoon attracts large schools of eels,
perches, triggerfish, red snappers, silver jacks,
tunas, red runners, and reef sharks.
Picnic on Your Own Island
Dozens of tiny motu surround these islands and many
are available for half- or full-day use for couples
or groups. Most islands can be circled in a few minutes
by foot and are the perfect spot to picnic under a
coconut tree, snorkel around the island, or relax
with a book.
Village Hopping and Shopping
Visitors who seek a simpler life enjoy the villages
along the coast of Taha'a.
The quaint village of Haamene has nearby pearl farms
and a turtle preserve, the north-shore village of
Patio is known for traditional fishing and copra activities,
and Tiva is surrounded by Vanilla plantations.
On Raiatea, the villages are also tiny so the best
shopping is found in Utoroa, the only town of size
on either island, where many quaint shops and markets
line the newly renovated waterfront area with art,
crafts, and collectibles from local artisans.
Other activities and sites on Raiatea and
Taha'a include:
Guided hike to the slopes of Mount Temahani.
4X4 Safaris to explore the remote interior roads and
coastal villages.
Vanilla plantations and family-owned pearl farms.
Lagoon excursions by powered outrigger canoe, glass-bottomed
boat, motor boat, kayak, or jetskiing.
Circle-island tours by bus or private car.
Deep-sea fishing.
Shopping on the waterfront in the village of Uturoa
on Raiatea.
Botanical gardens.
Sea turtle preserve.
Snorkeling excursions around the islands and motu.
Guided or self-guided itineraries including these
and other sites can be reserved or planned by your
travel arranger before you travel or at the activities
desk of your resort or cruise ship.
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