Raiatea is known as the “sacred island” and is regarded as the cradle of all Polynesian civilizations. The island has very impressive archeological remains and evokes a sense of beauty and mystery at every turn.

Located 220 km northwest of Tahiti, Raiatea is the largest and highest of the Leeward islands. It is located inside a large lagoon which also encloses the neighboring island of Tahaa, located to the north. The splendid Faaroa Bay is the deepest bay in all Polynesia (over 30 meters 100 feet deep). It is in Raiatea that the nautical bases of all sailboat rentals for the Leeward Islands are located.

By plane, this lovely slice of paradise is a 45-minute flight from Tahiti, or a 15-minute flight from Huahine – which has 3 to 5 daily flights. By boat, you can use the Taporo VI and the Vaeanu which sail there 2 to 3 times a week from Tahiti. This is a 12-hour crossing with a 1-hour stop in Huahine. Most of our clients prefer to fly, but if you have the time, this is another elegant way to start the vacation.

Uturoa City is the capital of the Leeward islands and the charter base where you will begin your vacation is located in Uturoa Marina, about 500 meters from the city and several restaurants.  Raiatea is just a launch pad for visiting the many islands, such as Bora Bora, Huahine, Moorea, Tahiti, Rangiroa, and Tikehau

Beaches are indeed rare in Raiatea, but this does not diminish the island's charm. When you charter a bareboat, or luxury crewed sailboat you can explore the lagoon with the freedom and ease that resort guests can’t even imagine.  Take in lush scenery and vistas and snorkel in spots not accessible to the average vacationer.

As an option, reserve a kayak (or just take your dinghy) and partake in a “must-have experience”. Leave your sailboat in the lagoon and paddle up the river to the inside of the Faaroa Valley.  Pass silently through luscious vegetation invading the banks of this enchanting river. Unlike other bays in Polynesia, Faaroa does not cut through the mountains, it is an alluvial plain at the end of the hills, through which a pretty river flows slowly to the sea. The river’s mouth, which is 100 ft wide, is delimited by two islets. The area is relatively deserted and untouched.

Other must-see areas around Raiatea  include  the bays of Faatemu and  Opoa around the sacred grounds of Taputapuatea, Motu Nao Nao, on the island's South side

You shouldn't leave Raiatea without visiting Taputapuatea: Polynesia's largest marae. Dedicated to Oro, the god of war, human sacrifices used to take place there. The Tainuu Marae, on the island's West Coast, was built to look like Taputapuatea. The Protestant Church was built with stone blocks taken from the marae. The Haapapara Valley, behind the village of Opoa, hides many petro glyphs. And for hiking fans, the mountains here are a real treasure with many hikes in search of a diversified fauna.

You can hike or a 4x4 excursion to Mt. Temehani, in search of the famous Tiare Apetahi, the island's flower emblem – which you are not allowed to pick because it is protected - and all the surroundings. In Faaroa, visit to the botanical garden and the magnificent vista point from the road across the island.

For the diving fans, not far from the neighboring island of Tahaa, facing the port Uturoa, divers are invited to the Octopus Grotto, Apoo Fee, in the Vaitoare lagoon, between 30 and 50 m deep, this 120-meter long underwater gallery features two caves with ceilings covered with stalactites, an extraordinary hiding place for all local marine species. But relax; nobody has ever seen giant octopuses or ferocious sharks there. There are also several diving spots all around the island.

Here is a classic trip that covers many of the spectacular sights of Tahiti, but there are more, many more so we encourage you to call your Multihull Company charter professional to help you plan the trip that best meets your needs and desires.  

Itinerary

POLYNESIA DREAM -- 11 days/10 nights 
Tahiti - Moorea - Huahine - Raiatea - Tahaa - Bora Bora 

DAY 1: TAHITI As always, you will be welcomed aboard and shown the yacht, meet the crew and invited to relax. Your first sail will be crossing to Moorea Island (3 hours); you will be mooring in Cook's Bay, for dinner and swimming at night while at anchor. 

DAY 2: MOOREA 
It is a short ride to Opunohu bay where you may choose to go on a half day Safari excursion with a guide to see Belvedere - the pineapple road - visit archeological Polynesian sites. You can also enjoy water-based activities, such as swimming and beachcombing. 

DAY 3: MOOREA 
Enjoy nautical activities: snorkeling parties - kayak rides - swimming with sharks and rays watching you. Don't worry, this is a blast. Don't forget to bring your underwater camera as the sights are out of this world! Have dinner on board and enjoy the sunset before you cruise into the open sea for night navigation to Huahine Island (90 nautical miles). 

DAY 4: HUAHINE
Have breakfast on board in the lagoon, then stop and visit Fare, the main village of Huahine island. Enjoy lunch and a short navigation of one hour inside the lagoon, south of Huahine, Spend the afternoon having fun with sea kayaks or beachcombing.

DAY 5: HUAHINE 
Spend time discovering Avea Bay. It is famous for its snorkeling and all around appreciation of the natural surroundings. Another day in paradise spent on the beach, oh my! 

DAY 6: RAIATEA 
After breakfast on board, sail to Raiatea (4 hours) where you will be mooring in Faaroa Bay, where we highly recommend seeing the river of Faaroa by dinghy and visiting the botanic garden. This is a breathtaking, easy paddle and you will not regret it.

DAY 7: RAIATEA 
It is a short navigation to Raiatea lagoon. In the east part you can spend time shopping in Uturoa and its local market. As an option consider a half day guided tour of Raiatea specifically to see the largest archeological Polynesian site Taputapuatea. Have lunch on board and sail to Tahaa Island, situated in the same lagoon. Visit a pearl farm there that will make you fall in love with the large pearls of the area. Then consider dinner and an evening in a restaurant with a local Polynesian show. 

DAY 8: TAHAA 
Spend the day at Hurepiti bay; while at anchor enjoy water-based activities. But, we also suggest taking a guide - very inexpensive - to visit the vanilla plantations. You will get to enjoy a full day of discovery on this lovely island and never think of a vanilla shake again without recalling this time. 

DAY 9: TAHAA - BORA BORA
Sail in the morning, crossing to Bora Bora, a navigation of 4 hours. Bora Bora has the greatest lagoon of French Polynesia. Once you arrive, slip into the cool waters for a refreshing swim. And once back on board relax and enjoy the best views in the world.

DAY 10: BORA-BORA
Today is the day to discover the underwater riches of Bora-Bora. There are sharks, turtles and tropical fish galore all worth watching. Take short navigations around the lagoon of Bora Bora. Discover the reef barrier and go snorkeling in a coral garden. And don't forget your underwater camera as you will - we promise - come back with some fantastic images that will amaze your friends.

DAY 11: BORA-BORA Set sail today for Vaitape Pier where you will off load and bid a fond - certainly by this time - farewell to your crew. Enjoy the rest of the day on the island.

Available Yachts in Tahiti

Motor Yachts
Catamarans
Monohulls