There are certain attractions and activities on Raiatea & Tahaa that seem to merit a special listing, in addition to other categories we might have thought of on other pages.

These are unique only to Raiatea or Tahaa islands, and no where else in the world...

We dedicate this page as a tribute to their uniqueness.

TST makes sightseeing and island exploring options easy! If you want MORE choices, simply check out our other "WHAT TO SEE" pages: ARTISTS,CRAFTSMEN, & OTHER SPECIALISTS and GENERAL SIGHTSEEING & POINTS OF INTEREST.

Wan't more? Be sure and explore our "WHAT TO DO" section for even more activities, adventures, relaxation, shopping ideas and other things to do and see!

Archeological Wonders (featuring Taputaputea Marae)

Explore Raiatea’s numerous archaeological sites, including "Taputapuatea Marae", Tahiti - Polynesia's most significant, famous, and well preserved religious site.

If you had to choose one thing Raiatea is most famous for, you would have to say is it's rich cultural and historical background. Raiatea is, simply put, an archaeologists dream. Peppered throughout the island are a number of legend filled temples, or "marae". These fascinating sites help to tell the stories from which legends are formed. (Please see our special section - Legend/History to find out more)

The information unearthed over the years from these sights help corroborate the locally held belief that Raiatea was a staging area for ancient Polynesian mariners.

To the ancient Polynesians, the island of Raiatea was known as sacred Havai'i, and was the center of royalty, religion, and culture. It's thought that the Polynesians who discovered and settled Hawaii embarked from Raiatea and named the new land after their home in French Polynesia.

Both Students of anthropology and average visitors will find hours of fascination, fact and fun at these sites.

There are several Tours with and without guides to aid you in finding out the details of these archaeological treasures. Most, it seems, concentrate on the most famous and important of them all- "Taputapuatea Marae".

JEEP SAFARI RAIATEA Mr. and Mrs. Petero and Mirella MOU KAM TSE P.O. Box 51 Uturoa- RAIATEA Tel. (689) 66.15.73, Fax (689) 66.19.79	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
ALMOST PARADISE TOURS Mr. Bill KOLANS P.O. Box 290 Uturoa- RAIATEA, Tel. (689) 66.23.64 Visit Taputapuatea marea with one of Raiatea's leading Polynesian historians for a fun and informative day.	WEST COAST CHARTERS BP. 1109 Uturoa- 98735 RAIATEA Marie and Tony, Tel./ Fax- (689) 66.45.39, Cell- (689) 79.28.78 Tour Tahaa's vanilla plantations and pearl farms. Also, snorkeling, visiting turtles, and circle island tour of Raiatea including Faaroa river tour, Taputapuatea marae, and visiting botanical gardens.

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SEA TURTLE PRESERVE (Tahaa)

The Islands comprising French Polynesia contain a large and diverse variety of sea life. There are many species of sea turtles throughout. Some of these turtle populations are threatened due to various environmental reasons, as is true with most of the world's sea turtles.

The Island of Tahaa has foreseen and not forsaken the beauty and importance of having healthy populations of turtles in and around its lagoons. Here you can visit a Turtle nature preserve and sanctuary and observe several species of Tahiti- Polynesia's turtles, living in their natural environment.

This is an important association and foundation for the preservation of marine turtles.

FAAROA RIVER (Raiatea)

The Faaroa River is Tahiti Polynesia's only navigable river. The river is quite magical and holds much fascinating Tahitian historical lore.

The best modes of transportation for seeing the river is by powerboat or outrigger speed canoe. These exciting daytrips start off in the fjordlike inlet on Raiatea known as the Faaroa Gorge, and continue up the river until it becomes too shallow to navigate.

The river walls are steep and lush with jungle foliage. You may see different species of birds and many wild hibiscus "purau" trees interspersed throughout these cool rainforest cliffs.

The local guides will get your imagination running wild as you try and recall images of brave Maohi families departing westward in their canoes towards the great pacific expanse on their migratory voyages to settle New Zealand.

There are a few companies that specialize in Faaroa River tours.


TAHITI SUN TRAVEL RECOMMENDS:

Lagon Aventure

Based out of the Marina Apooiti -
(BP. 985 Uturoa- 98 735) - RAIATEA
Telephone/ Fax: (689) 66.34.45
Mobile: (689) 79.26.27
Contact: Mr. Hubert CLOT
E-MAIL & Reservations

Kayak up Raiatea's fabulous Faaroa River. We are the only company that regularly takes kayaking tours like this up the Faaroa River. A fantastic day of relaxing paddling and enjoying beautiful scenery while you learn about the fascinating history of Polynesia's only navigable river.

We are also local sailing experts offering various sailing options and courses in sailing instruction from beginners on up...

SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS AND INFORMATION!

AND THE REST OF THE LISTINGS:

UNIQUE ATTRACTIONS ON THE OTHER ISLANDS

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