What to See on Raiatea and Tahaa : Unique Attractions and Activities : Tahiti Sun Travel

Unique Attractions on Raiatea and Tahaa Islands

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.

ARCHAELOGICAL WONDERS FEATURING TAPUTAPUATEA MARAE

SEA TURTLE PRESERVE

FAAROA RIVER

OTHER ISLANDS

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!

Sacred Taputapuatea, Raiatea ARCHAEOLOGICAL WONDERS
featuring TAPUTAPUATEA 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".

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.

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!

KAOHA NUI (Emerald River) TOUR
PK 6, Avera, P.O. Box 568- 98735, Uturoa-RAIATEA
Telephone and Fax: (689) 66.25.46,
Contact: Mr. Patrick MARINTHE
Most credit cards accepted E-MAIL & Reservations

Kaoha Nui offers both Circle island tours of Tahaa and Faaroa River exploration tours on Raiatea. Both are great fun for all ages. 1/2 and full day options include:

1) Tahaa Circle island: Together, we'll explore the "Vanilla Island", pointing out its highlights and stopping along the way at the most interesting places. You'll see vanilla plantations, pearl farms, visit a motu and picnic, see a fish park, and lots more.

2) Faaroa River Tour- Raiatea: We cruise up the legendary river and learn all about the plants and wildlife as only naturalist Patrick can explain with over 20 years of experience and a great sense of humour.

Still want to explore? We can arrange lots of other activities on Raiatea or Tahaa for you if desired!

BOOK HERE OR VISIT OUR DIRECT LINKING WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS NOW!

MANAVA EXCURSIONS
Mr. and Mrs. Andrew and Roselyne BROTHERSON
P.O. Box 559- 98 735 Uturoa- RAIATEA, Tel. (689) 66.28.26, Fax (689) 66.16.66
Locally built 27 foot motorized outrigger canoe. Minimum 6, maximum 13 passengers. 1/2 day excursions up the Faaroa river and visiting Marae Taputapuatea, walking the reef, snorkeling, and full day excursions around Tahaa with multiple cultural presentations.

RAIATEA SAFARI TOURS
Mr. Michel DURAND / Mr. Michel CIXOUS
P.O. Box 272- 98 735 Uturoa- RAIATEA
Tel. (689) 66.37.10, Fax (689) 66.26.25
Motorized, 30 foot, motorized outrigger canoe. Maximum passengers- 24. Faaraoa river tours with snorkeling on a motu, and circle island Tahaa tours w/ snorkeling, visiting motus, etc.

FAAROA TOURS
Mrs. Noma WONG, P.O. Box 596- 98 735 Uturoa- RAIATEA,
Telephone/ Fax. (689) 66.32.70
3 - 36 foot motor outrigger canoes. Minimum 6, maximum 36 passengers each. 1/2 day excursions up the Faaraoa river, snorkeling and experiencing a motu. Also, full day excursions around Tahaa island upon request.

HINERANI TOURS
PO. Box 809-98 735 Uturoa- RAIATEA
Contact: Mr. & Mrs. Lysis and Heiariki TEROOATEA
Telephone/ Fax- (689) 66.25.75
Locally built 27 foot fiberglass motor outrigger canoe.
Minimum 2, maximum 11 passengers.
Full day lagoon excursions include navigating up the Faaroa River, snorkeling on a motu, fishing on the reefs, and stopping at the Taputapuatea marae.

TYRINA (WEST COAST CHARTERS)
PK 16, Tevaitoa, BP. 1109 Uturoa- 98735 RAIATEA, Contact:Marie and Tony TUCKER, Tel/ fax. (689) 66.45.39/ 79.28.78
Locally built 27 ft. unsinkable fiberglass motor boat, minimum 6, maximum 12 passengers.
Touring Tahaa's vanilla plantations and pearl farms, snorkeling, visiting turtles, motus, and circle island tours of Raiatea including Faaroa river tour, Taputapuatea marae & visiting botanical gardens.

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.