Making the most of Raiatea
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Raiatea is French Polynesia's second-largest island and forms part of the Society Islands. Its shared lagoon with neighbouring Taha'a creates a beautiful aquatic setting suited to numerous activities.
Most cruise vessels berth at the new Gare Maritime terminal in central Uturoa, Raiatea's principal town at the island's northern tip. A ferry then carries passengers to their destination on Tahaa.
A printable map is useful to take with you.
Polynesian tradition says Raiatea, formerly Havaiki or the "sacred island", was the first island inhabited. Hiro, a descendant of creator god Taaroa and Oro, became its first king, founded its dynasty and established the Taputapuatea marae at Opoa. Numerous mythological legends give the different places of interest a mysterious, magical atmosphere. Mt Temehani (772m), a kind of Polynesian Olympus and "fragrant paradise" where the strange, unique "Tiare apetahi" grows, watches over an island still untouched by the turmoil of modern life. Its mountain range divides the island from north to…
In the same lagoon's northern reaches, legend says a sacred eel inhabited by a princess's spirit separated Tahaa from Raiatea. Gentle mountains and a filigree coastline characterise this island, nicknamed "the vanilla island" for its numerous plantations. Its many motu, beautiful white-sand beaches and turquoise lagoon enchant every visitor and cruise passenger.
Uturoa market, the commercial centre and Cruise Port for cruise liners, overflows with produce from land and sea, especially on market days, Wednesdays and Fridays. Nature favours both islands, whose high-quality vanilla and copra are well known, alongside plentiful, varied fruit and vegetables and the riches of their underwater world.
Getting around
Numerous tour operators wait at Raiatea's dock. Options include circle-island trips, 4 wheel drive safaris, kayaking, motu visits with pleasant beaches and other excursions.
Cars can be hired to circle the island, an approximately 100 km return journey.
Choose a combination tour covering the highlights.
Nearby places
Certain cruise lines also call at Tahaa, only a 15 minute boat journey away. It is also known as Vanilla island.
Taha'a offers a view of the traditional, peaceful life of the Tahitians, with the rich scent of vanilla hanging heavily in the air. Soft mountain forms enhance the straightforward beauty of this flower-shaped island, encircled by small motu and bright sandy beaches. Farmers cultivate watermelon, vanilla and copra in the fertile valleys cutting through its interior.
Most organised excursions visit both a vanilla plantation and a local pearl farm, together covering the mainland's principal attractions.
Food and shopping
Uturoa is Polynesia's second-largest city, with numerous shops and a lively market. Wednesdays and Fridays are the best market days.
Shopping lies very close to the terminal. Most stores close between noon and 2PM.
Everything in French Polynesia is extremely expensive. Even budget accommodation puts pressure on finances, as do meals and groceries, so bring plenty of money because you will need it.
Haggling or bargaining over prices is not customary in shops or markets.
Money
1000 CFP francs equal 8.38 euros.
Staying connected
The official languages are French and Tahitian.
TS Espace Com is behind the Gare Maritime main pier building and provides six computers with Internet access.