Raiatea, French Polynesia

Raiatea is the second largest of the Society Islands in French Polynesia. The chief town on Raiatea is Uturoa, administrative center for the Leeward Islands (French Îles Sous-le-vent). The islands of Raiatea and nearbyTahaa, are both enclosed by the same coral reef, and may once have been a single island. Shuttle boats take you from Raiatea to Tahaa where you can choose to take a panoramic hike through mountains and visit a vanilla plantation.

Raiatea's most famous landmark, is an open air temple made up of seven marae built of stone, once a religious homeland for the Polynesian Maori. Other attractions include water sports, adventure activities, cultural tours, lagoon excursions and tours of pearl or vanilla farms.

Things to See and Do

* Guided island tour
* River tour
* Excursion to Tahaa island
* Explore the temple ruins
* Snorkeling & Diving

Cruise Season – Jan - Dec
Currency – CFP franc (XPF)
Language – French, Tahitian
Land Area – 167.7 km²
Population – 12,030 approx
Electricity – 2 angled flat pins and 1 round pin centred below Australian style
Time – GMT minus ten hours
International Country Telephone Code – + 689

Port Location – The port is located at the main town of Uturoa in Uturoa harbor.

Transport Links –Air Tahiti offers services from the Tahiti with stops at Bora Bora, Moorea and some of the other islands depending upon cargo and people.

Two cruise ships/luxury liners currently ply the islands: the Paul Gauguin, which does a regular 7-day trip around the Societies, with occasional trips out to the Tuamotus, Marquesas and Cook Islands; and the Tahitian Princess which does similar itineraries.