Port of Call Information

Port of Call Information

Raiatea, French Polynesia


Average Yearly High Temperature in Fahrenheit (&degF)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
78 78 78 76 73 70 69 69 70 71 73 75

Overview

Raiatea is the second biggest of the Society Islands in French Polynesia. The main town on Raiatea is Uturoa, administrative hub for the Leeward Islands. The islands of Raiatea and Tahaa are both enclosed by the same coral reef, and may once have been a single island. Raiatea means "faraway heaven". It is considered the most hallowed of the Polynesian Islands and 1,000 years ago was the first island to be settled consequently creating the religious and cultural heart of Polynesia. It is said that any marae (temple) on another island had to incorporate a stone from the ancient Marae Taputapuatea on Raiatea. Raiatea is a huge mountainous volcanic island, second only in size to Tahiti. Its lush green interior makes it the perfect place for hiking or horseback riding. There are a good number of well-maintained trails there.

Things to Do

Take a very informative and historic trip to Marae at Taputaputaea. It is the biggest and most vital religious site in Polynesia, and features the ancient temple area positioned on the edge of a huge lagoon.

Take a scuba diving trip the best kept secret within the Society Islands is Raiatea/Tahaa. There are over 20 dive sites and all within a 15 minute boat ride of the dive center.

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