What to Do : Island Fun on Raiatea and Tahaa : Tahiti Sun Travel

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.

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:

KAOHA NUI LAGOON (& Faaroa River) TOURS
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!

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!

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
Guided tours to archeological site Taputapuatea and up the Faaraoa river. Also, lagoon tours by outrigger canoe, circle island Tahaa tours, visiting and picnicing on a Motu, etc.

ALMOST PARADISE TOURS
Mr. Bill Kolans
P.O. Box 290 Uturoa- RAIATEA,
Tel. (689) 66.23.64
Guided tours to archeological site Taputapuatea and up the Faaraoa river.

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

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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

TSTN
EZ Print Internet Coupon Participant.

The Coupon saves 10% off all cruises!

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!

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:

MATAU
Uturoa Harbour, PO. Box 441- 98 735 Uturoa, RAIATEA, Contact: Mr. Didier FRAUCIEL, Telephone- (689) 66.43.91
32 ft. traditional Polynesian sailing canoe available for rental by the hour or day... lagoon excursion available, motu transfers, etc.

By OUTRIGGER CANOE (w/ motors)

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, E-MAIL & Reservations
Telephone/ Vm/ Fax :(689) 66.10. 90, Contact: Mr. Bruno FABRE

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!

AND THE REST OF THE LISTINGS:

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.

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 Faaraoa river and visiting Marae Taputapuatea, walking the reef, snorkeling, and full day excursions around Tahaa with multiple cultural presentations.

TAHAA TOURS EXCURSIONS
Mr. Edwin MAMA, PO. Box 122- 98 735 Haamene- TAHAA, Telephone/ Fax- (689) 65.62.18
2, 40 ft., locally built motorized outrigger canoes, minimum of 6, maximum 24 passengers each, specializing in half and full day lagoon excursions of Tahaa island. Visit pearl farms, vanilla farms, motu picnics, etc.

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...

TAHITI SUN TRAVEL RECOMMENDS:

KAOHA NUI LAGOON (and Faaroa River) TOURS
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!

AND THE REST OF THE LISTINGS:

RAIATEA DISCOVERY PO Box 705- 98 735 Uturoa- RAIATEA Contact: Mr. Gerard DUVOS/ Mrs. Maria COWAN Telephone/ Fax- (689) 66.24.16 28 foot aluminum speed boat ours of Tahaa, minimum 6, maximum 12 passengers. Visiting pearl farms and motus, snorkeling, visiting Taputapuatea marae, etc.	JOHNS (FISHING) TOURS Tel/ Fax.- (689) 66.33.44, Cell- (689) 79.71.74- (TAHAA) Minimum 2, maximum 4 persons. Specializing in customized circle island tours of Tahaa and light tackle fishing in the lagoon. Catch bonita, snappers, jackfish, etc., visit the coral gardens, snorkeling, swimming, etc.
HINERANI TOURS PO. Box 809-98 735 Uturoa- RAIATEA Contact: Mr. & Mrs. Lysis and Heiariki TEROOATEA Telephone/ Fax- (689) 66.25.75 2, 27 ft. locally built 27 foot fiberglass motor boats. Minimum 6, maximum 24 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. Tahaa Island picnics on request.	OFETARO TOURS PO. Box 438-98 735 Uturoa- RAIATEA, Contact: Mr. Joseph SHAM KOUA, Telephone/ Fax- (689) 66.34.46 2, 32 ft. fiberglass motorboats. Minimum 12, maximum 60 passengers. Half and full day excursions of the lagoon. Snorkeling, picnicking on a motu, cultural presentations, fish feeding, swimming, etc.
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.	ATINIU TRANSPORT Mr. Marcelino ATINIU, PO. Box 250- 98 734 Haamene- TAHAA, Telephone (689) 65.62.42/ 72.09.60, Fax- (689) 41.04.40 Half and full day 4x4 or outrigger canoe excursions of Tahaa island. Botanical and cultural knowledge shared, pearl farm, vanilla growing, motu picnics, etc.
TAHAA DISCOVERY Mr. Matahiarii LAUGHLIN, PO. Box 246- 98735 Haamene- TAHAA, Telephone- (689) 65.66.67, Fax- (689)65.69.18 One covered catamaran with 2 motors, locally built, max. capacity of 60 persons and one covered 32 ft. motor launch w/ max. capacity of 30 persons both built for half and full day touring of the lagoon of Tahaa and Raiatea. We visit pearl farms, snorkel, picnic on motus, visit maraes, vanilla farms, botanical gardens, etc.	MONIQUE CRUISE Mr. Monique TUAHU, PO. Box 120- 98734 Haamene- TAHAA, Telephone/ Fax- (689) 65.62.48 One covered locally built fiberglass boat, 27 ft., minimum 8, max. 12 passengers specializing in half and full day touring of the lagoon of Tahaa and Raiatea. We visit pearl farms, snorkel, picnic on motus, visit maraes, vanilla farms, botanical gardens, etc.

TAHAA TERAPU TOURS
Mr. Reynald VAIHO, 98734 Vaitoare- TAHAA, Telephone- (689) 65.69.55/ 20.67.82
One locally built, 36 ft, wood motorboat, minimum 6, max. 12 passengers specializing in half and full day touring of the lagoon of Tahaa and Raiatea. We visit pearl farms, snorkel, picnic on motus, visit maraes, vanilla farms, botanical gardens, etc.

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...

RAIATEA LOCATION
Tahina, Uturao, PO. Box 549- 98 735 Uturoa, RAIATEA, Contact: Mr. Patrick BARDOU, Telephone- (689) 66.34.06 Fax- (689) 66.16.06
2- 16 foot fiberglass boats, with maximum of 10 passengers each.
No boat license permit is required for boat w/ 6 horsepower engine, boating license IS required for boat w/ 15 horse power engine. On request for 1 or 2 hours, but normally 1/2 or full day rentals.

HORSEBACK RIDING

Experiencing Raiatea's lush inner island scenery aboard the back of a horse is a wonderful experience, and one you will not easily forget. You'll ride through dense vegetation, numerous creeks, and see tropical fruit trees and flowers of all sorts. Exotic natural perfumes will seduce and delight you. Winding across shaded pathways, you'll see thick mosses and ferns side by side seeking access to the rivers. The mountains and panoramas are imposing! The lagoon, with it's palette of colours from turquoise blue to emerald green, the magnificant profiles of Tahaa and Huahine, and the islets known as "motus" are unforgettable visions.

The most prominent horseback riding facilities on Raiatea are located at the Kaoha Nui Ranch. The owners, Patrick and Sylviane, are wonderfully charming, educated and experienced guides. Their trips are quite fantastic and well known throughout the islands. Learn all the details by visiting their DIRECT LINKING WEBSITE BELOW. Kahoa Nui Ranch has a set out accommodation which permits to everyone a close to nature stay in best comfort. Rides are organised for half-day. Initiation or experimented training courses, hiking escapades.

TAHITI SUN TRAVEL RECOMMENDS:

Riding the Kaoha Nui Horses on Raiatea's Interior Highlands

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

Kaoha Nui's Ranch facilities and services include a comfortable Mid Range Pension for you to stay at while you participate in our many activities. Our Equestrian interior tours and unique botanical walking "Eco tours" are famous and our Equestrian center welcomes persons of all ages. We also can arrange other activities on the island for you if you so desire!

LIGHT TACKLE FISHING Light tackle fishing the Raiatea and Tahaa lagoon waters...

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:

JOHNS (FISHING) TOURS
Tel/ Fax.- (689) 66.33.44, Cell- (689) 79.71.74- (TAHAA), Minimum 2, maximum 4 persons.
Specializing in customized circle island tours of Tahaa and light tackle fishing in the lagoon. Catch bonita, snappers, jackfish, etc., visit the coral gardens, snorkeling, swimming, etc.

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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