Adventures on Raiatea and Tahaa : Tahiti Sun Travel

Most of the guides are the owners of the vehicles and make your comfort and fascinations their business. They will share with you wonderful stories of the islands, teach you fascinating history and lore, and answer any question you can think of as you explore. Your choices include:

ON RAIATEA

HINERANI TOURS PO. Box 809-98 735 Uturoa- RAIATEA Contact: Mr. & Mrs. Lysis and Heiariki TEROOATEA Telephone/ Fax- (689) 66.25.75/ 72.49.66 One 8 seater Land Rover, Minimum 2, maximum 8 passengers. Half day 4x4 excursions on Raiatea island.	JEEP SAFARI RAIATEA Mr. Petero MOU KAM TSE, P.O. Box 51- 98 735, Uturoa- RAIATEA Tel. (689) 66.15.73/ 78.23.73, Fax (689) 66.19.79 2-8 seater Land Rovers, 2-8 Seater Rangers, and 1-6 seater A/C Nissan, Minimum 4, maximum 32 passengers. Half or full day 4x4 excursions of Raiatea with picnic on a motu, and other sightseeing highlights.
RAUVINE SAFARI TOURS Mr. Josia BORDES P.O. Box 1175- 98 735 Avera- RAIATEA, Telephone/ Fax. (689) 66.25.50 One 8 seater Land Rover. Minimum 4, maximum 16 passengers. Half or full day 4x4 tours of Raiatea, cultural sightseeing, and picnics.	RAIATEA 4x4 Mr. Gerard DUVOS, Mrs. Maria COWAN P.O. Box 705- 98 735 Uturoa- RAIATEA, Tel./ Fax (689) 66.24.16 2- 8 seater Land Rovers, and 1- 6 seater A/C Trooper. Minimum 4, maximum 22 passengers. Half day 4x4 excursions of the island of Raiatea, including Taputapuatea Marae and other sightseeing highlights of the island.

VANILLA TOURS Mr. and Mrs. Alain and Cristina PLANTIER PO. Box 124- 98 735 Haamene- TAHAA Telephone (689) 65.62.46, Fax- (689) 65.68.97 1 Land Rover, Minimum 4, maximum 8 passengers. Full day botanical excursion orientated toward Vanilla growing and its delicate drying process, as well as discovery of Tahaa's traditional flora and food and medicinal crops.	TAHAA TOURS EXCURSIONS Mr. Edwin MAMA PO. Box 122- 98 735 Haamene- TAHAA Telephone/ Fax - (689) 65.62.18 2 Land Rovers, Minimum 6, maximum 16 passengers. Full day 4x4 excursions of Raiatea and/ or Tahaa. Botanical and cultural knowledge shared, pearl farm, vanilla growing, etc.
HAINANUI TOURS Mr. Philippe PAOAAFAITE PO. Box 155- 98 734 Haamene- TAHAA Telephone- (689) 65.61.90/ 78.22.09 1 Isuzu single cab, Minimum 4, maximum 7 passengers. Half and full day 4x4 excursions of Tahaa island. Botanical and cultural knowledge shared, pearl farm, vanilla growing, etc.	VAIPOE TOURS Mr. Daniel AMARU P.O. Box 104- 98 735 Haamene- TAHAA, Telephone/ Fax. (689) 65.60.83 / 78.67.68, Fax- (689) 65.60.83 1 Land Rover giving 4x4 tours of Tahaa. Minimum 4, maximum 8 passengers.
LOLITA TOURS Mrs. Tearere Lolita ARIITU-MOROU P.O. Box 184- 98 734 Haamene- TAHAA, Telephone- (689) 65.61.06, Fax- (689) 65.65.65 1 Ducatto single cab giving 4x4 tours of Tahaa. Minimum 4, maximum 12 passengers.	ATINIU TRANSPORT Mr. Marcelino ATINIU PO. Box 250- 98 734 Haamene- TAHAA Telephone (689) 65.62.42/ 72.09.60, Fax- (689) 41.04.40 2 Mazda single cabs, Minimum 2, maximum 14 passengers. Half and full day 4x4 excursions of Tahaa island. Botanical and cultural knowledge shared, pearl farm, vanilla growing, etc.
REMUNA TOURS Mrs. Remuna TERIIPAIA, PO. Box 82- 98734 Haamene- TAHAA Telephone/ Fax- (689) 65.63.28 or try 72.93.28 1 Land Rover, Minimum 4, maximum 7 passengers. Half and full day 4x4 excursions of Tahaa island. Botanical and cultural knowledge shared, pearl farm, vanilla growing, etc.	HANALEI TOURS Mr. & Mrs. Edme & Tevaite FAAITOA PO. Box 61- 98733 Patio- TAHAA, Telephone- (689) 65.67.60 1 Dodge, Minimum 4, maximum 7 passengers. Half and full day 4x4 excursions of Tahaa island. Guided visits to pearl and vanilla farms with culture and botanical demonstrations. Also, picnic on a motu, snorkeling, and more.

POERANI TOURS
Mr. Teva EBB, PO. Box 100- 98 734 Haamene- TAHAA, Telephone/ Fax- (689) 65.60.25
1 Land Rover, Minimum 4, maximum 7 passengers. Full day 4x4 excursions of Tahaa island. Botanical and cultural knowledge shared, pearl farm, vanilla growing, picnic on a motu, swim, etc.

HIKING & CLIMBING

On Raiatea Island, there is an extinct volcano that is very interesting to trek on called Mount Temahani... Definately one of Raiateas famous landmarks, the mountain has a very rich history. Legend has it Mt. Temahani is the birthplace of Oro, one of Polynesia's principal gods.

One of the favorite things to do on this climb is to try and spot the famous and extremely rare tiare apetahi flower, a white, 5 petal floral gem found indigenous only to Raiatea and Tahaa! This flower is a bit of a living floral legend in Polynesia, and quite remarkable to see. Apparently, its petals open at dawn to receive the warming rays of the sun...
Sound interesting? If you enjoy hiking, it's a wonderful way to spend a day.

The Temahani hike is but one example of many types of hiking and climbing opportunities on Raiatea and Tahaa. Other choices include hiking the trail systems of the interiors of both islands to seek their hidden pools and waterfalls, or climbing one of Raiatea's more difficult peaks for a view you'll never forget.

If you are so inclined, it's possible to ask around for the trail heads and begin these climbs or hikes by yourself, but it will be a lot easier and more interesting your first time with a guide. The guides listed below will explain to you the fascinating history and facts of what you are seeing and experiencing as you walk along the trailways of the wonderful mountain jungle settings...

TAHITI SUN TRAVEL RECOMMENDS:

KAOHA NUI EXCURSIONS
PK 6, Avera, P.O. Box 568- 98735, Uturoa-RAIATEA
Telephone and Fax: (689) 66 25 46 E-MAIL & Reservations
Contact: Mr. and Mrs.Patrick and Sylviane MARINTHE
Most credit cards accepted

"Take a healthy, invigorating journey into Raiatea's lush interior as you learn
about its botanical wonders, history, and fauna."
Patrick of the Kaoha Nui Ranch has been exploring Raiatea's interior longer than any other person on the island. His eco/ botanical tours include hiking to waterfalls and pools, learning about the flora and fauna of Raiatea, climbing Mt. Temahani or other peaks, and exploring the trail system of Raiatea- both on and off trail (and horse). 1/2 day "non-strenous" walking tours, or Full day serious hiking and climbing. Patrick will take you as deep as you want to go!

Other activities, services, and amenities based out of the Kaoha Nui Ranch and Pension include: A comfortable Mid Range Pension for a great lodging choice, truly fine dining at our wonderful restaurant right on the premises, lagoon touring by boat, and, of course, many equestrian related activities including unique interior riding tours and classes, horse training, etc. Our Equestrian center welcomes persons of all ages! See the hyperlinks for the details, or

VISIT OUR DIRECT LINKING WEBSITE FOR LOTS MORE INFORMATION!

AND ANOTHER CHOICE:

MANAVA EXCURSIONS
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew and Roselyne BROTHERSON, P.O. Box 559 Uturoa- RAIATEA, Tel. (689) 66.28.26, Fax (689) 66.16.66

LESS STRENOUS HIKING & WALKING: Some of the above described hiking is physically challenging. For less strenous hiking and exploring ideas, visit our Eco & Cultural Touring section on the Island Fun page now!

SPORT & DEEP SEA FISHING

The open waters surrounding Raiatea and Tahaa islands offer some of the finest deep sea and light tackle sportfishing in French Polynesia. Whether you're a sportfishing professional looking for your "record billfish", a lightackle enthusiast wanting to catch some fresh dinner, or a beginner to the sport of fishing, the shared waters of Raiatea, Tahaa, and Bora bora, offer you some great choices!

Take a half or full day cruise with these professional fishing charters and enjoy the fish, the company, and the scenery:

TAHITI SUN TRAVEL RECOMMENDS:

LUNA SEA (Bora Bora Sportfishing)
B.P. 186, Vaitape- BORA BORA, Tel: (689) 67.77.79, Fax: (689) 60.59.31
Based on Borabora island, this boat can easily fish the neighboring islands of Tahaa, Raiatea, Huahine, Tupai, and Maupiti. E-MAIL & bookings

"LUNA SEA" is a no-nonsense big game fishing boat (featuring the BLACK WATCH 34 ) built specifically for serious charter fishing in French Polynesian waters off the Leeward Society Islands. "LUNA SEA" is a "Fish Catching" Machine and has already begun to make a great local reputation...

"LUNA SEA" is a Deep Vee proven design making her as dry, smooth, and stable a ride that can be found. She is powered by 2 Yanmar 370 hp Turbo Diesels that make her quick as lightning on a fish. She has a open bulkhead cabin that is well appointed for your comfort. She is equipped with the best fishing gear available featuring Melton International Tackle custom built rods, Shimano Tiagra 2-speed and spinning reels, Top Shot gaffs, and a Relax Marine fighting chair and outriggers. Her electronics are top quality modern Furuno electronics featuring a GPS/ Fish finder, Radar, Icon Radios, and Clarion Stereo system.

So if you want 1/2 day, Fullday, Inter-Island, or Night fishing, book early to make sure you get the dates you want.

COME SEE OUR DIRECT LINKING WEBPAGE FOR ALL THE DETAILS!

SPORTFISHING RUAU II
P.O. Box 386, Fare- HUAHINE, Telephone- (689) 68.84.02, Fax- (689) 68.80.30
Mr. Richard SHAMEL- Captain      E-MAIL & Bookings
Vessel type: Hatteras 36 ft. (capacity: 6 people)
Based on the island of Huahine, this boat can easily fish the neighboring islands of Tahaa, Raiatea, and Bora Bora.

PROFESSIONAL SPORTFISHING ON THE LEEWARD SOCIETY ISLANDS... Custom, charter fishing boat based out of Huahine island specializing in big game sport fish. The Captain has been fishing the Polynesian waters for over 25 years... Whether you want to compete in a tournament and catch a record, (tag and release),or just have a great day of relaxing fishing and come up with fish for the table, this is the boat for you! Half and full day outings!

COME SEE OUR DIRECT LINKING WEBPAGE FOR ALL THE DETAILS!

AND ANOTHER CHOICE:

SAKARIO
Mr. Joseph CHAUSSOY, P.O. Box 70 Uturoa- RAIATEA, Telephone- (689) 66.35.54 / 66.34.94, Fax- (689) 66.24.77
Vessel type: Bertram Flybridge cruiser 28 ft. Available for professional game fishing and personalized cruises.
-Half day outings (5 hours excursion), Full day outings with picnic and drinks included (9 hours excursion).

Don't miss our Light Tackle Fishing section for more fishing opportunities!

SHARK FEEDING (Tahaa)

Shark feeding is a popular and adventurous activity on many of French Polynesia's Society Islands... Apparently, the island of Tahaa is not to be out done here and claims a shark feeding experience of it's own worthy of noting...

SHARK DIVE c/o Subaquatic Institute
Raai Bay, P.O. Box 60 Patio- 98733 -TAHAA, Mr. Bertil VENZO, Telephone- (689) 65.65.55/ 65.65.60, Fax- (689) 65.65.60
Shark diving and scuba operations based out of Tahaa.

See the Watersports section for more scuba information!