Raiatea, French Polynesia

Raiatea is the second largest of the Society Islands in French Polynesia. The chief town on Raiatea is Uturoa, administrative center for the Leeward Islands (French Îles Sous-le-vent). The islands of Raiatea and nearbyTahaa, are both enclosed by the same coral reef, and may once have been a single island. Shuttle boats take you from Raiatea to Tahaa where you can choose to take a panoramic hike through mountains and visit a vanilla plantation.

Raiatea's most famous landmark, is an open air temple made up of seven marae built of stone, once a religious homeland for the Polynesian Maori. Other attractions include water sports, adventure activities, cultural tours, lagoon excursions and tours of pearl or vanilla farms.

Things to See and Do

* Guided island tour
* River tour
* Excursion to Tahaa island
* Explore the temple ruins
* Snorkeling & Diving

Cruise Season - Jan - Dec
Currency - CFP franc (XPF)
Language - French, Tahitian
Land Area - 167.7 km²
Population - 12,030 approx
Electricity - 2 angled flat pins and 1 round pin centred below Australian style
Time - GMT minus ten hours
International Country Telephone Code - + 689

Port Location - The port is located at the main town of Uturoa in Uturoa harbor.

Transport Links -Air Tahiti offers services from the Tahiti with stops at Bora Bora, Moorea and some of the other islands depending upon cargo and people.

Two cruise ships/luxury liners currently ply the islands: the Paul Gauguin, which does a regular 7-day trip around the Societies, with occasional trips out to the Tuamotus, Marquesas and Cook Islands; and the Tahitian Princess which does similar itineraries.