Raiatea Island Travel Guide and Deals
Raiatea is the second largest island in French Polynesia and is located a quick 40 minute flight to the northeast of Tahiti island. Regarded as French Polynesia’s most sacred island, Raiatea is full of legends and was the cultural, religious and royal heart of ancient Polynesia. The legends create a mysterious and magical atmosphere in many places on the island. The ancient Marae, Taputapuatea is the largest in Polynesia.
The island is also full of natural wonders with many waterfalls, lush valleys and surrounding mountains, and Raiatea is home to one of the world’s rarest plants, the Tiare Apetahi, found high in the mountains. You will also find Tahiti’s only navigable river, the Faaroa on Raiatea. The island shares her turquoise lagoon with Taha’a allowing you to easily experience the two islands. Raiatea is the sailing hub of The Islands of Tahiti and you will find many yacht charter bases in Uturoa, the island’s main town.
We love the powerful cultural history of this island as well as her preserved natural beauty. Whilst tourism is present on the island, it is mainly small hotels and family pensions so you still have that sense of solitude.
Raiatea will suit those travellers looking for a cultural discovery as well as an accessible lagoon playground. She offers a range of both land and nautical activities. We recommend you combine a stay on Raiatea island with a stay on Taha’a, her sister island, to create the perfect beach and culture holiday!
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My travel partner and myself have just returned from our trip to Switzerland ( May 2024 ) and wanted to put in writing our utmost gratitude to Katelyn Mulgrew and the team from Entire Travel Group for the professional, prompt and extensive service provided from start to finish. Kate was there with us every step of the way and answered any question or concern we had in a patient and understandable way, which left us with reassurance and confidence. Switzerland Grand Tour was amazing with picture postcard scenery at every turn. Every aspect of the booking was flawless, from the hotels, transportation and documentation it all worked seamlessly. Hotels were comfortable, central, welcoming and contained everything a traveller could need. Train travel throughout Switzerland is the only way to go, you just get on sit down and relax while enjoying the ever changing and spectacular scenery. I have, and, will be recommending Entire Travel Group to all my friends for any of their travel needs and, will definately be using them as my go to company for any future adventures. Thank you again to Kate and the team for helping us tick this item off our bucket list.
My husband and I just returned from the most amazing trip that Zoe Condon compiled for us. Everything was perfect. From first enquiry to trip complete, Zoe was always available to answer questions big or small and offer helpful knowledgeable tips. If you are looking to visit Canada do yourself a favour and ask Zoe, her knowledge is 2nd to none. I look forward to dealing with both Zoe and Entire Travel Group for future holidays.
My wife & I recently returned from a once in a lifetime experience to Canada. We were so fortunate & blessed that Zoe Condon was such a truely wonderful Travel advisor to make our journey so very special. We undertook the “Winter Views & Colourful Hues” and can only describe it as a Magical Winter Wonderland experience. Everyday was full of amazing experiences & adventures that will remain in our memory & hearts forever. As for Zoe, what an incredible asset she is for the Entire Travel Group. She is so caring, helpful, patient & always so professional in delivering “top shelf”customer service. We can never thank & praise Zoe enough……so grateful & Canada blew us away. 🇨🇦❤️ Special mention also for Zoe’s compassion & concern in helping us during a family grief period.
Lisa organised for our family a perfect trip to Rangiroa. We stayed in a beautiful overwater bungalow and pool villa for our teenagers. We were impressed by Lisa's knowledge of French Polynesia and the connecting flights from Australia. Would highly recommend!
Raiatea Island FAQs
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Raiatea is located at the heart of the Society Islands. Raiatea is located 230 km northwest of Tahiti and southwest of Bora Bora.
A direct flight from Tahiti to Raiatea lasts for about 45 minutes. But if you are coming from Bora Bora, Raiatea is accessible through a 20-minute flight.
Around 12,230 inhabitants live in Raiatea, less populated than Tahiti.
Raiatea is a cultural bed of the Polynesian islands thanks to its central location. The island is iconic for its lush landscapes of waterfalls, mountains, marinas, and diverse flora and fauna.
Sailing aficionados would be pleased to know that Raiatea is a top yachting location, thanks to its excellent sailing conditions and peaceful bays and lagoons.
It boasts the only navigable river in French Polynesia, making it the perfect vacation spot for canoe riding in the heart of a tropical forest. There are also different package tours to get a taste of all the island offers.
The most common Raiatea accommodations include top hotels and private resorts that offer the best service possible to guests. But those looking for a more comfortable and intimate stay can enjoy the guest houses.
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