Take a lagoon tour of Raiatea or Tahaa.

Finding the fun on Raiatea and Tahaa is not very difficult! These sister islands offer many unique and interesting activities to choose from.

Ride beautiful Marquesan horses for a day, take an eco, botanical, or cultural tour, or experience the magnificent shared lagoon by guided tour from a sailboat or outrigger canoe...

Other choices include seeing the islands from a birds eye view on a flightseeing trip you'll never forget, or fishing for Wahoo in the lagoon on a light tackle reel.

Whatever you decide to do, this page is your starting point for ISLAND FUN on Raiatea and Tahaa islands!

TST makes choosing your favorite island activity easy! If you want MORE choices, simply check out our other "To Do" pages: WATERSPORTS, ADVENTURES, RELAXATION, RECREATION & GAMES, or SHOPPING, EATING & SERVICES.

Want more? Be sure and explore our "WHAT TO SEE" section for more sightseeing and exploring ideas, touring, island attractions, and other interesting things to see and do!

Camping

Sadly, as is the case with most other islands in French Polynesia, camping on Raiatea and Tahaa is rather limited. There are only a few "official" spots to camp, and they are on the grounds of certain pensions.

These campgrounds can serve as alternatives to hotel stays for those of you who like the outdoors. Basic amenities will vary but may include communal shower and bath facilities, communal kitchens, and storage space.

The 3 places on Raiatea that advertise camping on their premises are listed below.

TAHITI SUN TRAVEL RECOMMENDS:

Sunset Beach Motel Camping

Sunset Beach Motel Apooiti

PK 2 , Apooiti Bay, P.O. Box 397, Uturoa-RAIATEA
Telephone- (689) 66.33.47 Fax- (689) 66.33.08
Contact: Mr. Moana BOUBEE
E-MAIL & Reservations

Total Units- 16, Lagoonside BUNGALOWS and Mountainside CAMPGROUND
Accept Visa and Mastercard

AND THE REST OF THE LISTINGS:

Note:
TAHAA HAS NO DESIGNATED CAMPING GROUNDS OF ITS OWN. YOUR ONLY CHOICES ARE TO ASK THE FAMILY PENSIONS OR SEEK UNDEVELOPED AREAS... (NOT AN EASY TASK)

Of course, there will always be those adventurous and rugged backpacker types that will inevitably seek hidden spots along the shorelines of the lagoon or quiet places in the interior to rest for the nights.

The locals won't encourage this because most of the shore acreage is private property, but if you must: Take heed, give respect, and definately, NO garbage and NO fires.

Good ideas for campers: Bring your own tent and get permission from any landowners you happen to pitch your tent on their property BEFORE you do it...

Lastly, if anybody finds out any other good places to camp on Raiatea or Tahaa, please email us with the details and we'll share the knowledge here for future campers.

Eco Tours

This section highlights activities related to exploring the natural environment and/or cultural history of Raiatea...

Activities include relaxing Nature tours of French Polynesia's only navigable river, the Faaroa, as well as various island excursions that include colorful descriptions of the cultural aspects and history of Raiatea & Tahaa, as well as touring various archeological sights of the islands by foot.

Below is a list of qualified companies, organizations, and individuals that can help arrange an interesting day touring experience for you on Raiatea & Tahaa.

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:

GETTING SERIOUS ABOUT IT:
For more serious, strenous, and longer hiking trips, trekking, climbing and exploring ideas, visit our Hiking & Climbing section on the adventures page now!

USING LAND ROVERS AND 4 WHEEL DRIVES:
There are many companies that land tour both Raiatea and Tahaa with 4 wheel drive vehicles. Visit our special 4x4 Safari section on the adventures page now!

FOR MORE TOURING:
Be sure and visit our Lagoon Excursions (below), our Bus & Mini Van Tours on the RELAXATION page, or our comprehensive "What To See" section for lots more sightseeing ideas, island attractions, and other interesting things to do and see on Raiatea & Tahaa!

Lagoon Excursions

This section includes various ways of exploring, sightseeing, and experiencing the fantastic shared lagoon of Raiatea and Tahaa by way of the water.

You'll snorkel, learn the facts and information about the lagoon, fish the reefs, picnic on motus, and appreciate the rugged beauty of the islands shorelines as much as you will the brilliant blue colors of the lagoon...

Many tour companies specialize in various forms of lagoon tours, and many concentrate on the island of Tahaa. The reason for this is because the island is easily circled by boat, and there are so many interesting things to see and do in her waters, it makes for a perfect day.

Raiatea, on the other hand, is equally fascinating, but much larger and not entirely enclosed by the lagoon, thereby making it a less common circle island tour.

Here's a list of companies that take 1/2 and full day tours of both islands:

By SAILBOAT

Surely seeing and learning about the lagoon from the decks of a luxury Catamaran is a perfect way to spend the day?

TAHITI SUN TRAVEL RECOMMENDS:

Tane Catamaran Charters

Based out of Uturoa, RAIATEA
Telephone/ Fax :(689) 66.16.87, Cell (689)73.96.90
E-MAIL & Reservations
Contact: Martine and Christian
Most credit cards accepted

Come experience the Tahaa/ Raiatea lagoon aboard our custom 14 meter Catamaran.

We're setup for cruising in comfort! We make full day or weekend charter touring around the island of Tahaa or Raiatea.

We'll snorkel, fish, swim, relax, and eat in style. Stop where you want, picnic, or see a particular sight... it's up to you!  Longer charters are fine too, just let us know where you want to go.

Another great option is our 2 hour sunset cruise with tasty Tahitian cocktails!

SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS AND INFORMATION!

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

Sail the famous shared lagoon of Raiatea and Tahaa on one of our 2 sailboat options:

1) The Tilapia 22 footer is perfect for beginners or daysailing enthusiasts. 1/2 day and full day charters, bareback rentals (no special license needed), or guided exploration tours of the lagoon. (This is the only place on Raiatea where you can charter a quality sailing vessel like this without an accompanying guide.)

2) The Kalim Trimaran- a 34 foot beauty with a 10 person capacity. Perfect for families, extended lagoon excursions, and in depth island exploration forays. We are sailing experts and offer all kinds of courses in sailing instruction- from beginner lessons to expert level training.

SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS AND INFORMATION!

TRADITIONAL SAILING CANOE

Now here's an interesting alternative to any motorized tour on the islands. This boat is a beauty... Its 32 ft. long, cut and constructed from local timber by a local yachting enthusiast with a fascination for traditional Polynesian sailing vessels, with a varnished hull and actually SAILS around Raiatea and Tahaa. (unlike most outriggers nowadays)

This is the option for true sailing conneisseurs:

By OUTRIGGER CANOE (w/ motor)

These motorized canoes are common throughout the islands of Tahiti Polynesia and are a great way to take a lagoon cruise. Although hardly "traditional" with their engines, the basic style is the same the Polynesians have used to travel throughout the islands for years.

TAHITI SUN TRAVEL RECOMMENDS:

L' Excursion Bleue

Office: BP.123, 98 735 RAIATEA
Telephone/ Vm/ Fax :(689) 66.10. 90
Contact: Mr. Bruno FABRE
E-MAIL & Reservations

L' EXCURSION BLEUE is the ultimate Taha'a day tour!

We'll take a small group in our spacious motorized dugout canoe- roomy, covered, and comfortable and experience Taha'a- the vanilla island.

The beam of the dugout is astonishingly stabile, splitting each wave and slipping over them without the shocks and rolling other boats have. A fireworks of emotions and experiences await you!

On l' excursion bleue you will: discover a vanilla plantation, experience a pearl-farm, meet with marine tortoises and observe frightening stonefish in a water park, and have a delicious picnic with locally prepared fresh fish on a small private island.

We will also take you to the islands best snorkeling spots and discover the fantastic universe of the coral gardens. (underwater photo portraits included)

On the return along the west coast of the island, we'll cross an area where we often see dolphins. All this while sipping fresh fruit drinks (with and without alcohol) and a full delicious Polynesian meal included...

This is a day to remember- a guaranteed highlight of your French Polynesian vacation!

SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE DETAILS AND INFORMATION!

AND THE REST OF THE LISTINGS:

By POWER BOAT or CRUISER:

There are also a few companies that specialize in powerboat tours of the lagoon surrounding Raiatea and Tahaa. These tours are the same as the other outrigger tours listed above, only on different boat choices with varying assortments of activities...

Here's the listings:

Rentals

There is one place on Raiatea to rent small powerboats and cruise the lagoon by yourself. These boats are a great way to explore the peace and beauty of the lagoon on a nice relaxing afternoon. No special licenses are required (for the smaller horsepower ones), however a basic knowledge of engines and seamanship is recommended...

Light Tackle Fishing

Fishing the lagoon between Raiatea and Tahaa and outside of the reefs surrounding both islands is a great way to spend the day.

You don't really even have to be a fishing enthusiast to have fun doing it. The clean air, water, and Polynesian sun will be ample rewards for your time spent out on the water. If you catch some fish, (and you will) that's just an extra bonus!

Here's the business listings offering a great light tackle fishing experience:

Don't miss our Sport and Deep Sea Fishing section for more fishing opportunities!

Flightseeing & Helicopter Tours

If you're fortunate enough to have the financial ability to partake in a helicopter or small airplane tour of Raiatea, Tahaa, or ANY of the other Society Islands, we highly recommend it.

Although no TST member has experienced this activity "just for fun", we can only imagine from our many airplane flights between the islands how nice it would be.

Flying over these islands is something different and always amazing... the colors of the ocean and all their blue tones with a lush and green island oasis seemingly placed on top is an amazing and unforgettable sight.

Go to our Getting Here & Around page for helicopter and charter plane touring options.

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