What To Do In Raiatea Island: 14 Activities!

Welcome to the famous Raiatea Island.

 

Are you also wondering ‘what to do in Raiatea Island’? Let us guide you on the way.

 

We’ll focus on this French Polynesian Island’s most adventurous, romantic, fun, and educative activities!

 

Let’s get started.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• 🌋 Adventurous activities: Hike to Mount Temehani for breathtaking views and the chance to spot the rare Tiare Apetahi flower.

 

• 🌊 Water activities: Explore the Faaroa River by kayak, snorkel at the Coral Gardens, or take a sailing trip around Raiatea’s lagoon.

 

• 🏛️ Cultural experiences: Visit the Marae Taputapuatea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

 

Location of Raiatea Island

Raiatea is located in the Society Islands archipelago of French Polynesia, roughly 210 km (130 miles) northwest of Tahiti.

 

Millions of years ago, Raiatea and its neighboring island, Taha’a, were part of the SAME LANDMASS before geological shifts separated them.

 

Raiatea is the second largest island in French Polynesia, covering 175 km² (68 mi²).

 

It is also the third most populated island after Tahiti and Moorea, serving as the region’s key cultural and economic hub.

 

Marae Taputapuatea

 

The first thing on our list of ‘What to do in Raiatea Island’ is the famous Marae Taputapuatea, a UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE and one of Polynesia’s most important cultural landmarks.

 

This ancient open-air temple was a key site for religious ceremonies and political gatherings, believed to be the ORIGIN POINT OF POLYNESIAN MIGRATION across the Pacific.

 

It’s believed that Raiatea Island is the starting destination for Polynesian migrations to Hawaii and New Zealand.

 

The stone courtyards and carved pillars offer a powerful glimpse into Polynesian traditions and explain why Raiatea is a sacred island.

 

👉 INSIDER TIP: Guided tours provide deeper insights into the site’s history and rituals. Book a tour with a local tour operator.

 

Practical information:

• Location: Southeast coast of Raiatea
• Entrance fee: Free (guided tours cost extra)
• Opening hours: Open year-round
• Visit duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour
• Facilities: Limited, so we recommend that you bring water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes

 

Faaroa river

The Faaroa River, 3 miles (5 km) long, is the ONLY NAVIGABLE RIVER in French Polynesia.

 

It starts in the Mount Temehani foothills and flows into the Faaroa Bay on Raiatea’s eastern coast.

 

The river winds through lush vegetation, perfect for kayaking or boat tours.

 

The calm waters are suitable for all skill levels and perfect for seeing Raiatea’s natural beauty.

 

Practical information:

• Location: Eastern side of Raiatea, accessible from the main coastal road
• Length: 3 miles (5 km)
• Starting point: Mount Temehani foothills
• Ending point: Faaroa Bay
• Activities: Kayaking, boat tours, or guided excursions. Book your guided tour with a local.
• Recommended visit duration: 1.5 to 2 hours

 

Mount Temehani

 

Mount Temehani is Raiatea’s highest peak at 2,401 feet (732 meters).

 

It is famous for its unique flora; this mountain is home to the Tiare Apetahi, a rare flower that grows only on Mount Temehani and worldwide.

 

The hike offers spectacular views of Raiatea’s landscapes, islands like Tahaa, and the turquoise lagoon below.

 

👉 INSIDER TIP: Start early to avoid the midday heat and improve your chances of seeing the Tiare Apetahi in bloom as its petals open at sunrise.

 

Practical information:

• DOWNLOAD LINK to the trail!
• Location: Northern Raiatea, accessible via inland roads
• Elevation: 2,401 feet (732 meters)
• Length: 9 miles / 15.5 km
• Hiking duration: 4 to 5 hours round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate; some steep and rocky sections

 

 

Horseback riding

 

One of the best ways to explore Raiatea Island is on horseback.

 

Guided rides take you through coastal trails, valleys, and plantation fields, providing a peaceful escape into nature.

 

Tours cater to all experience levels, with guides leading and offering insights into the island’s history and culture.

 

👉 INSIDER TIP: Opt for a sunset ride for stunning views over Raiatea’s coastline during golden hour.

 

Practical information:

• Location: Tours start near coastal areas or inland plantations. Book your tour with a local.
• Duration: Rides vary from 1 to 3 hours
• Difficulty: Suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike
• Best time to visit: Early mornings or late afternoons for cooler temperatures
• Facilities: Tour operators provide helmets and riding gear; bring sunscreen, water, and insect repellent

 

Snorkeling at Coral Gardens

Coral Gardens is one of Raiatea’s top snorkeling spots, known for its coral reefs and marine life. Book a half day snorkeling tour.

 

Located in the shallow waters between Raiatea and Tahaa, this reef is home to colorful fish, sea urchins, giant clams, parrotfish, butterflyfish, and moray eels.

 

The clear water offers excellent visibility (up to 30 meters / 90 feet).

 

👉 INSIDER TIP: Bring a reef-safe sunscreen to help protect the delicate coral ecosystem.

 

Practical information:

• Location: Between Raiatea and Tahaa; accessible by boat
• Boat travel time: 15 to 20 minutes from Raiatea’s main pier
• Depth: Shallow waters, ideal for beginners
• Visit duration: 1 to 2 hours
• The best time to visit is morning for calmer waters and better visibility

Scuba diving

Raiatea offers scuba diving experiences, with dive sites known for their coral walls, caves, and marine life.

 

Popular spots like the Nordby Wreck, a 1900s Norwegian shipwreck resting at 98 feet (30 meters), attract divers worldwide.

 

Other sites feature drift dives, reef canyons, and encounters with sharks, rays, and tropical fish.

 

👉 INSIDER TIP: The Nordby Wreck is ideal for experienced divers, while reef dives in the lagoon offer calmer conditions for beginners.

 

Practical information:

• Popular dive sites: Nordby Wreck, Teavapiti Pass, and The Rose
• Difficulty levels: Beginner to advanced
• Depth range: 16 to 98 feet (5 to 30 meters)
• Best time to visit: Dry season (May to October) for better visibility and calmer seas
• Facilities: Local dive centers offer equipment rental, guided tours, and certification courses

 

Waterfalls

Raiatea’s interior is home to several beautiful waterfalls.

 

The most famous falls are within Mount Temehani’s foothills or along the island’s inland hiking trails.

 

These waterfalls are collectively known as the Three Waterfalls or 3 Cascades Hamoa.

 

These waterfalls are reached via moderate hikes through dense forests, where you’ll pass ferns and wildflowers and sometimes encounter local wildlife.

 

After your trek, you’ll be rewarded with refreshing natural pools.

 

Practical information:

• Location: Found in Raiatea’s interior, often near Mount Temehani
• Hiking duration: Varies; expect 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the waterfall
• Difficulty: Moderate; some trails can be steep or muddy
• Best time to visit: After rainfall for fuller waterfalls, but trails are slippery
• Facilities: Limited; bring water, snacks, and proper hiking shoes

 

Sunset dinners

 

One thing on the list of ‘what to do in Raiatea Island’ is to enjoy a sunset dinner to end your day. Book a tour with a local. 

 

Many waterfront restaurants offer open-air seating, allowing diners to enjoy views of the sun dipping below the horizon.

 

Expect menus featuring fresh seafood, grilled meats, and local specialties like poisson cru — a Tahitian-style raw fish salad marinated in coconut milk and lime.

 

👉 INSIDER TIP: Book a table in advance at popular restaurants like Le Ficus or La Cubana for sunset views.

 

Practical information:

• Popular locations: Waterfront restaurants in Uturoa and along the lagoon
• Cuisine options: Polynesian, French, and international dishes
• Recommended time: Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before sunset for the best experience
• Facilities: Most restaurants accept both cash and credit cards

Sailing trips

Raiatea is famous for being the sailing hub of French Polynesia.

 

Sailing trips often take you through Raiatea’s lagoon, past coastlines, and islands like Tahaa and Bora Bora. Book a multi-day charter with a local. 

 

Many trips include stops at snorkeling spots, coral gardens, and secluded Motus with (small islets) white sandy beaches where you can swim, picnic, or sunbathe.

 

👉 INSIDER TIP: Opt for a sunset sailing tour for spectacular views over the lagoon as the sky turns golden.

 

Practical information:

• Departure point: Uturoa Marina or local tour providers
• Trip duration: Options range from half-day excursions to multi-day charters
• Activities included Snorkeling, swimming, and beach stops (varies by tour)
• Best time to visit: Dry season (May to October) for calmer seas and clearer skies
• Booking: We recommend advance reservations given that Raiatea is French Polynesia’s third most visited island.

 

 

Taha’a day trip

 

A day trip to Taha’a offers a fantastic way to explore this tranquil island known as the Vanilla Island for its vanilla plantations. Book a tour with a local.

 

Lonely Planet even wrote an interesting piece about the difference between Raiatea and Tahaa, as they share the same lagoon.

 

Located just a 15-minute boat ride from Raiatea, Taha’a feels untouched and peaceful, with lush landscapes and pristine beaches.

 

Most day trips include visits to a vanilla plantation, where you’ll learn about the island’s vanilla production, and a pearl farm, where you’ll see the process of cultivating Tahitian black pearls.

 

👉 INSIDER TIP: We recommend booking with Raiatea Blue Lagoon for an all-inclusive classic tour of Tahaa including a traditional vanilla plantation, rum tasting, the Tau Tau coral garden, lunch on board and swimming in the amazing blue waters. 

 

Practical information:

• Travel time: 15 minutes by boat from Raiatea
• Activities included Vanilla plantation tours, pearl farm visits, snorkeling, and beach stops
• Recommended visit duration: 6 to 8 hours for a full-day tour. Book a tour with a local.
• Booking: We recommend to make reservations in advance
• Facilities: Bring sunscreen, swimwear, and a waterproof bag for valuables

 

Botanical gardens

Raiatea’s botanical gardens are a must-visit with their exotic plants and flowers.

 

Strolling through the gardens, you’ll see palm trees, tiare flowers, and vibrant hibiscus blooms.

 

Some gardens also feature medicinal plants and cultural displays explaining their traditional uses.

 

Practical information:

• Location: Found in various parts of Raiatea; check with local guides for the best spots
• Entrance fee: Some gardens may request a small donation
• Recommended visit duration: 30 to 60 minutes
• Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon for cooler weather
• Facilities: Limited; bring water, sunscreen, and insect repellent

 

Vanilla plantations

 

Raiatea’s vanilla farms offer wonderful experiences to learn about one of French Polynesia’s most prized exports. Book a tour with a local.

 

While Taha’a is often called the Vanilla Island, Raiatea also has several plantations where you can discover the intricate process behind cultivating vanilla orchids.

 

During your visit, you’ll experience the rich aroma of drying vanilla pods and gain a deeper appreciation for their craftsmanship.

 

Practical information:

• Location: Various plantations across Raiatea; La Vanilleraie and Hanoa Plantation are two key sites
• Entrance fee: Often free with optional donations or product purchases
• Recommended visit duration: 30 to 60 minutes. Book a tour with a local.
• Best time to visit: Dry season (May to October) when plantation tours are more frequent
• Facilities: Limited; bring water, insect repellent, and cash if you plan to buy vanilla products

 

Local markets

Last on our list ‘what to do in Raiatea Island’ is visiting a local market. Stalls sell fresh produce, handmade crafts, and local delicacies.

 

The Uturoa Market is the most popular spot. It is especially lively in the mornings when locals gather to buy tropical fruits, fish, and flowers.

 

It’s also great to find pareos, woven hats, and vanilla products as souvenirs.

 

Practical information:

• Location: Uturoa Market in the town center
• Opening hours: Early mornings are best; some stalls close by midday
• Facilities: Limited; bring cash for purchases

 

Fishing excursions

 

Raiatea offers excellent fishing excursions, with opportunities to catch species like mahi-mahi, tuna, and wahoo in the island’s rich waters. Book a tour with a local. 

 

Deep-sea fishing trips go beyond the reef, while lagoon fishing offers calmer conditions and scenic views.

 

Experienced guides provide gear, tips, and insights into local fishing techniques.

 

Practical information:

• Departure point: Uturoa Marina or local tour providers
• Trip duration: Options range from half-day to full-day excursions
• Best time to visit: Early morning for optimal conditions
• Facilities: Most tours include equipment, bait, and refreshments — confirm with your provider