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Raiatea French PolynesiaCruise Port Guide

Upcoming cruises to Raiatea

Raiatea, the second largest island in French Polynesia, shares a stunning lagoon with its sister island, Taha'a. Cruise ships typically dock at the new Gare Maritime cruise terminal in Uturoa, the main town located on Raiatea's northern tip. From here, you can explore Raiatea or take a short ferry ride to Taha'a.

Known as "Havaiki" or the "sacred island" in Polynesian tradition, Raiatea holds deep historical significance, believed to be the first inhabited island with the ancient Taputapuatea marae at Opoa. The island is watched over by Mt Temehani (772m), home to the unique Tiare apetahi plant. Taha'a, nicknamed "the vanilla island," boasts soft mountain shapes, a filigree coastline, and numerous vanilla plantations, along with beautiful motu (islets) and a turquoise lagoon. Be aware that French Polynesia is generally expensive; budgeting for high costs for accommodation, food, and groceries is essential.

Getting Around from the Port

The Gare Maritime cruise terminal is conveniently located in the center of Uturoa, making the town easily accessible on foot.

  • Car Rentals: Available for those wishing to explore Raiatea independently. The island's circumference is approximately 100 km.
  • Local Tour Operators: Numerous tour operators are situated at the dock, offering a variety of excursions including circle island tours, 4-wheel drive safaris, kayak tours, and motu (islet) tours to enjoy the beautiful beaches.
  • Ferry to Taha'a: Taha'a is just a 15-minute boat ride away, with ferries departing from the terminal area.

Attractions and Activities

  • Explore Uturoa (Raiatea): The cruise terminal is in the heart of Uturoa, allowing for easy exploration of the town on foot. Visit the local market, especially lively on Wednesdays and Fridays.
  • Raiatea Island Tour: Rent a car for a self-guided tour of the island (approx. 100 km loop) or book a guided circle island tour or 4-wheel drive safari from operators at the dock.
  • Faaroa Bay and Waterfalls (Raiatea): Discover the island's deep, narrow Faaroa Bay and its many waterfalls, accessible via guided tours or by rental car.
  • Taputapuatea Marae (Raiatea): Visit this significant ancient Polynesian temple complex located in Opoa, a key historical site.
  • Mt Temehani (Raiatea): For nature enthusiasts, explore the area around Mt Temehani, known for its unique Tiare apetahi plant.
  • Taha'a, The Vanilla Island: Take a 15-minute boat ride to Taha'a. Most guided excursions to Taha'a include visits to vanilla plantations (it's known for its rich vanilla aroma) and local pearl farms, which are the primary attractions. Taha'a also offers stunning motu with white sandy beaches.
  • Motu Tours & Water Activities: Operators at the dock offer various motu tours for beach relaxation, snorkeling, and kayaking in the shared lagoon of Raiatea and Taha'a.

Shopping

Numerous stores are available near the cruise terminal. Be aware that most shops close between noon and 2 PM.

  • Local Specialties: Look for high-quality vanilla, copra, and a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and seafood.
  • Prices: French Polynesia is known for its high cost of living, so expect food and groceries to be expensive.

Weather

Raiatea enjoys a warm tropical climate year-round, with temperatures ranging from 77°F to 88°F (25°C to 31°C). The dry season from May through October is the heart of cruise season, bringing reliable sunshine, lower humidity, and calm seas in the Society Islands lagoon. Light clothing, sunscreen, and a light rain jacket for brief afternoon showers round out your packing list.

Average Temperature (°F)
8176Jan8277Feb8378Mar8277Apr8177May8076Jun7974Jul7974Aug7974Sep7974Oct8075Nov8276Dec
Average Precipitation (in)
16.4Jan8.77Feb5.63Mar5.54Apr3.76May4.21Jun4.04Jul4.37Aug8.03Sep8.39Oct9.58Nov11.2Dec

Safety

  • No Bargaining: It is not customary to bargain or haggle over prices in markets or stores in French Polynesia.

Currency and Language

  • Local Currency: CFP Francs (XPF).
  • Exchange Rate: As a reference, 1000 CFP francs is approximately 8.38 euros.
  • Languages: The official languages are French and Tahitian.
  • Internet Access: TS Espace Com, offering six computers with internet access, is located behind the main Gare Maritime pier building.

Top Attractions

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Mount Temehani
The highest peak on Raiatea, Mount Temehani is famous for being the only place in the world where the rare and beautiful Tiare Apetahi flower grows. Hiking trails offer stunning panoramic views of the island and its lagoon.
Faaroa River
The only navigable river in French Polynesia, the Faaroa River offers a unique opportunity for kayaking or paddleboarding through lush tropical vegetation. It's a serene journey into the island's verdant interior.
Raiatea Lagoon
The expansive lagoon surrounding Raiatea offers countless opportunities for water activities. Its calm, clear waters are ideal for snorkeling, diving, paddleboarding, and boat tours to explore the diverse marine ecosystem and hidden motus.
Motu Iriru
A small, uninhabited islet easily accessible by boat, Motu Iriru is a perfect spot for a secluded picnic, swimming, and snorkeling. Its shallow, clear waters are teeming with colorful fish and coral.
Motu Ofetaro
Another beautiful motu in the Raiatea lagoon, Motu Ofetaro is a popular destination for day trips. It offers excellent snorkeling opportunities, calm waters for swimming, and a tranquil setting for relaxation.
Raiatea Pearl Farm
Discover the fascinating process of black pearl cultivation on a guided tour of a local pearl farm. Learn about the grafting techniques, the life cycle of the oyster, and the grading of these exquisite gems, with opportunities to purchase pearls.
Nordby Wreck
A popular dive site featuring the wreck of the Nordby, a three-masted schooner, now an artificial reef teeming with marine life and offering an intriguing underwater exploration.
Uturoa Market
The vibrant heart of Uturoa, this bustling market is where locals gather to sell fresh produce, fish, and handicrafts. It's a great place to experience local culture, sample tropical fruits, and find unique souvenirs.
Belvedere Viewpoint (Uturoa)
Offering panoramic views over Uturoa town, the lagoon, and the surrounding islands, this viewpoint is easily accessible and provides a fantastic photo opportunity. It's a great spot to appreciate Raiatea's natural beauty.
Anapa Beach
A beautiful stretch of white sand beach on the southwest coast of Raiatea, Anapa Beach is known for its calm, clear waters ideal for swimming and relaxation. It's a popular spot for locals and visitors seeking a peaceful beach experience.
Hotopuu Beach
Located on the west coast of Raiatea, Hotopuu Beach offers a tranquil setting with soft sand and clear waters. It's a good spot for a quiet swim or to enjoy the scenic coastal views away from more crowded areas.
Teavapiti Pass
One of the main passes connecting the Raiatea lagoon to the open ocean, Teavapiti Pass is a renowned dive site. Divers can experience exhilarating drift dives through strong currents, encountering sharks, rays, and large pelagic fish.
Motu Nao Nao
This small, uninhabited motu is a popular stop for boat tours and private excursions. It offers pristine beaches, excellent snorkeling in its surrounding coral gardens, and a secluded atmosphere for relaxation and picnics.
Marae Tainuu
An ancient Polynesian temple site, Marae Tainuu offers a glimpse into the island's rich cultural and spiritual past. While less grand than Taputapuatea, it provides a serene and historically significant place for reflection.