Top 8 activities in Raiatea and Taha'a
Considered to be the cradle of the Polynesian people and their culture, the islands of Raiatea and Taha'a are surprisingly less popular than their neighbours Bora Bora and Huahine. Yet they too offer magnificent scenery, as well as a host of activities to help you have a great time, close to nature!
Separated by a giant according to Polynesian myths, Raiatea and Taha'a were originally one and the same, which is why they share the same lagoon. Raiatea is home to Mount Temehani, the sacred mountain where the Tiare Apetahi flower is found; as well as the Taputapātea marae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; while Taha'a is now better known as Vanilla Island. The lagoon that surrounds them offers a heavenly setting, as do the white sand motus that lie there, facing the lush green jungle of Raiatea. And to make the most of the beauty, history and culture of these 2 unusual islands, here is a Top 8 list of things to do on Raiatea and Taha'a!
1 - Snorkelling in the lagoon and passes
It's no surprise that snorkelling features in this top list of things to do in Raiatea and Taha'a, as the Polynesian lagoons are all home to some of the richest and most varied underwater flora and fauna. Their crystal-clear waters are teeming with tropical fish and coral, as well as stingrays, harmless blacktip sharks and even turtles, which the lucky ones will be able to spot while snorkelling.
Several snorkelling trips to Raiatea and Taha'a are available from Uturoa, in the north of Raiatea, but it's also possible to find others a little further south, such as this guided sea kayaking trip with snorkelling in the Raiatea lagoon from Taputapuapea. Whichever experience you choose, you're sure to have an exceptional time, surrounded by magnificent underwater scenery!
2 - Discover the Faaroa River by kayak or SUP
Did you know that there is only one navigable river in French Polynesia, and that it is on Raiatea? It's the Faaroa River, in the commune of Taputapuapea, which plunges into the island's rainforest and is easily navigated by kayak or stand-up paddle. Needless to say, it's a refreshing change from all the other water sports available in Polynesia, making it a must-do activity on Raiatea!
Kayaking up the Faaroa River in Raiatea takes no more than 3 hours and is the perfect way to enjoy a trip into the heart of nature with your family, partner or friends. Accompanied by a guide, you'll also have the pleasure of learning more about the island's flora and fauna, as well as its history and legends, making it a unique site to visit in French Polynesia!
3 - Scuba diving
Just like snorkelling, scuba diving in Raiatea and Taha'a is one of the not-to-be-missed adventures on these islands, like all the others in French Polynesia. Whether it's for a first dive, an exploration dive or even a training course, scuba diving will give you a closer look at the underwater fauna and flora than you would get with snorkelling, and for more experienced divers, access to exceptional sites (wrecks, caves, etc.) home to bigger fish!
First dives are generally made in the lagoon of Raiatea and Taha'a, to a maximum depth of 6 metres, while exploration dives can be made offshore as well as in the lagoon and in the passes, to a depth of 40 metres for divers who have validated their PE 40 / Level 2. The variety of dive sites around the 2 islands makes them a real paradise for scuba diving enthusiasts, so don't hesitate to take part in several excursions to discover as much as possible!
4 - Take a boat trip
It's impossible not to enjoy a pleasant boat trip on the lagoon of Raiatea and Taha'a during your stay, with its bewitching turquoise waters inviting you to go for a swim, and its motus of white sand to relax on, away from it all. Whether it's a full day or just 2 hours, you'll have a memorable time sailing on crystal-clear waters teeming with fish, guided by a local captain who will also share with you a wealth of information about the culture and history of Raiatea and Taha'a!
A range of boat trips are available, both at sunset and during the day, in a motorised pirogue or even a private sailing pirogue on the lagoon of Raiatea and Taha'a, with a few snorkelling stops to make the most of the lagoon and Polynesian music to immerse you in the relaxed atmosphere of French Polynesia.
5 - Fly over the islands and their lagoon in a microlight or helicopter
As well as discovering the islands from land and sea, it's essential to get some height so you can admire the landscapes of Raiatea and Taha'a from an exceptional angle during a panoramic flight. Whether you're looking for a complete overflight of the 2 islands and their lagoon, including a flight over Bora Bora if you wish, or a simpler experience to observe the motus of the lagoon, taking off on a microlight flight over Raiatea and Taha'a will give you unforgettable memories!
French Polynesia's impressive palette of colours will leave you breathless, with unsuspected shades of blue that you won't miss from your privileged place in the sky. And if you're on a budget and want to share the experience with friends and family, you can also fly over Raiatea and Taha'a in a helicopter!
6 - Escape on horseback
There aren't many equestrian centres in French Polynesia, but the island of Raiatea is lucky enough to have one on its soil! It's the Cadichon Vallée ranch, located in Taputapuapea, in the south of the island. Ponies and horses are on hand, ready to take both beginners and experienced riders for a ride through the forest around the sacred mountain, or into the lagoon for a refreshing break before the ride ends.
Horse-riding is a must-do activity on Raiatea, as it's an experience not available on all the islands of French Polynesia, and a unique way to enjoy Raiatea's magnificent setting! Whether it's for 1, 2, 3 or 4 hours, you won't be bored for a single second on the back of your horse, under the professional guidance of a qualified riding instructor.
7 - Visit the islands with a guide in a 4x4, van or quad bike
There's nothing like the company of a local guide to fully discover the culture, history and most beautiful sites of a place, as their knowledge adds a significant educational edge to the experience. So if you'd like to learn more about the Polynesians' sacred island, don't miss out on a guided tour of Raiatea in a minivan! You'll have the pleasure of visiting a pearl farm, the island's botanical garden and the must-see Taputapātea marae, all while having the opportunity to sample delicious local produce.
You can also explore Taha'a in a 4x4 for half a day, including various cultural stops with commentary by your guide, or set off on a Taha'a adventure on a quad bike, with a choice of 2 circuits that will take you past the most beautiful and important sites on the Vanilla Island. It's up to you whether you prefer to enjoy your activity from the comfort of a 4x4, or while soaking up the thrills in the saddle of an all-terrain quad bike!
8 - Jet-skiing for the ultimate thrill
As well as quad biking, you can also enjoy the thrills of the water on a jet ski in Raiatea and Taha'a! Punctuated by snorkelling breaks or even combined with a 4x4 excursion, your jet ski excursion is sure to provide you with incredible memories of the lagoon of Raiatea and Taha'a, alone or with 2 people on the machine, in complete safety alongside a qualified instructor.
Whether or not you've tried jet-skiing before, there are no pre-requisites other than knowing how to swim, making this water sports activity accessible to as many people as possible! So it's easy to enjoy with family or friends, in the superb setting of Raiatea and Taha'a, which will make your experience unforgettable.
Less frequented than the other major islands of the Society Archipelago (Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea and Huahine), you can see that Raiatea and Taha'a have plenty to see and do! What's more, their importance in Polynesian history means that you can immerse yourself completely in the local culture, as well as taking a different approach to French Polynesia. So what are you waiting for to go to Polynesia and discover paradise on Earth?
Don't forget to take a look at the various activities available on the other islands of the Society Archipelago: