Spend your first day on the island exploring the heart of Raiatea where you will find most of the island’s treasures. Begin at the Faaroa Bay, where the only navigable river in French Polynesia meets the ocean. After that, take a short drive to the Marae Taputapuatea, a sacred complex and UNESCO World Heritage site. Then, visit the Raiatea Marina and take a boat expedition through the Raiatea Lagoon. End your day with a visit to the Mount Tapioi, where you will enjoy panoramic views of the island.
Spend your second day exploring the breathtaking outer islands and enjoying fun water activities. Begin with a boat ride to the Taha'a Island, where you can take a guided tour of the famous Vanilla Plantation. After that, head to Motu TauTau for a relaxing beach day and scenic picnic. Next, visit the Faanui Bay and Coral Gardens for a snorkeling experience. Finally, end your day with a visit to the Raiatea Surf Breaks, which is one of the island's most beautiful surf spots.
For the best experience on Raiatea, we recommend renting a car while on the island. Public transportation may not be readily available, and renting a car will give you the flexibility to explore the island at your own pace. Taxis are also available but can be expensive for long journeys. For inter-island travel, boats and ferries will get you around.
Transportation costs on the island range from $25-$50 per day for car rentals and $25-$100 for boat or ferry tickets.
If you have more time, consider staying on the outer islands for an unforgettable overnight stay. Activities such as boating, snorkeling, and even scuba diving may take longer than listed to account for unforeseen circumstances such as weather changes.
If you have less time, focus on the landmarks that interest you most and don't forget to take into account travel time from one location to another when planning your itinerary.
The main airport serving Raiatea is the Raiatea Airport (RFP), which is located approximately 5.5 miles from the center of the city. It has direct flights to French Polynesia's main island, Tahiti, as well as to Bora Bora and Huahine. The airport is small and easy to navigate, with car rentals and taxis available to get you to your destination.