Land Activities

The locals in Raiatea/Tahaa don’t take their natural surroundings for granted. These islands are meant to be explored up-close and personal, so rent a bike, or roam the islands’ serpentine trails.

Biking

Rent a bike and access the sideroads and byways of Raiatea/Tahaa. Traffic on the islands is relatively light, creating a perfect environment for cyclists.

Hiking

When in Raiatea and Tahaa, do as the natives do: walk. As evidenced by the good number of well-maintained trails here, walking is the basic form of transportation on these islands.

Raiatea and Tahaa are a hiker’s utopia full of peaks, plateaus, lagoons and unpaved roads. Explore Mt. Temehani, the Haamene and Hurepiti Bays, or stroll the rustic communities of Patio and Hipu.

Horseback Riding

What could be more romantic than a horseback tour through the wilds of Raiatea/Tahaa? Ride stately Marquesan horses through the mountainous tracks. Breathe in the fragrant, fruit-scented air as you gallop along the numerous rivers. Riding Raiatea/Tahaa by horseback is guaranteed to be a captivating experience.

Water Activities

In Raiatea and Tahaa, the locals encourage visitors to go off the deep end - literally. Fringed with irridescent rivers and lagoons, the region is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, sailing and fishing.

Beaches

Though Raiatea is bereft of beaches on the main island, a number of superb beaches dot the outlying reefs. Rent a boat and sail to white-sand paradises like Motu Nao Nao, Opeha Point, Motu TauTau and Motu Tehutu.

Deep Sea Fishing

Personalized deep sea fishing cruises allow visitors the opportunity to catch exotic specimens from the waters of Raiatea/Tahaa. Half-day outings are available, and full-day excursions often include picnic and drinks.

Fishing

Thanks to the area’s relatively low population, the waters around Raiatea and Tahaa are never depleted of fish. Fishing enthusiasts can take advantage of this fortuitous situation by chartering a fishing boat for a half- or full-day. Cast your line and catch jackfish, mahimahi, marlin, sailfish and tuna.

Sailboat

Some locals swear that the best way to see Raiatea and Tahaa is by sailboat. In fact, Raiatea is the Polynesian base for more than half a dozen yacht charter companies. Cruise around Raiatea/Tahaa, or set an open course for neighboring isles such as Bora Bora or Huahine.

Scuba Diving

Take a dive into the deep blue waters of Raiatea/Tahaa and marvel at the islands’ undersea wrecks, fish and plant life. The islands have a plethora of interesting dive sites, including Avera Pass, Coral Garden and Coral Caves. Lagoon dive sites are numerous here, and many are within a 10- to 20-minute range by boat from port.

Snorkeling

Home to a wide variety of reef fish and plant life, the area offers excellent snorkeling. Since fish-feeding is practiced, the lagoon attracts schools of eels, perches, triggerfish, red snappers, silver jacks, tunas and red runners, not to mention an assortment of sharks.