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Raiatea Insight Tour
Tour 34761
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Departs: Afternoon
Price: US$54
Extremely limited capacity
A South Pacific Anthropologist’s dream, the sacred isle of Raiatea is
where the mythology of Polynesia began. See Mt Temehani, the birthplace of the
gods, and the only place where the lovely “Tiare Apetahi” flower grows. Drive
around the bay of the Faaroa river where Hiro built the large fleet of boats to
take the new religion and culture all over the Polynesian triangle. Continue
along the lush jungle through the crater viewing plantations of pineapple,
papaya, taro, vanilla beans and copra. Under the gaze of Mt Sainte at Opoa,
where all the gods live, you will walk into the past of Polynesia. Visit
Taputapuatea—the international marae dedicated to Oro, the bloodthirsty god of
war who demanded human sacrifices. A two-hour detailed lecture on Polynesian
history entertains you along the way. Your American guide has worked in the
South Pacific for over 50 years and lived on the island for 22 years.
Exclusive Lagoon Tour,
with Snorkeling
Tour 34762
Duration: Approximately 31⁄2 hours
Departs: Afternoon
Price: US$68
Extremely limited capacity
Circle the sacred island of Raiatea by boat while enjoying
the views of the bays and mountains and learning its history. After meeting with
your skipper, you will travel the north coast of the island, where you will
learn about the formation of the motus (coral atolls) and passes.
On the west coast, you will exit the lagoon for navigation near the barrier
reef and see flying fish stretch their wings for take off on short flights over
the water. Mostly uninhabited, this side of the island has high mountains with
steep walls that dominate the shallow lagoon. After re-entering the lagoon by
way of one of the many breaks in the reef, you will stop for snorkeling on the
south side of the island, at the motu called Nao Nao. Motu Nao Nao is a
beautiful deserted islet situated near the reef surrounded by colorful
underwater life. You will be guided in depths ranging from 4 to 6 feet around
coral formations to meet with the tropical fishes in their natural habitat. You
will have time to take a stroll on the islet if snorkeling does not appeal to
you. When you return to the boat, you can rinse with a freshwater shower before
enjoying local fruit and juices.
Next, the skipper will show you the east coast, where you will see
the fascinating Polynesian open-air temple—Marae Taputapuatea. From your boat,
you will see the most important temple in Polynesia, which is located at the
edge of the lagoon. Discover its historical significance from your well-informed
guide. A little further along you will tour the Bay of Faaroa and see the
entrance to the river that bears the same name. The Faaroa River is the largest
in French Polynesia.
Please note: This tour is not for beginning snorkelers. You should
be comfortable wearing snorkel gear and being in deep water to cope with the
occasional currents. Disposable cameras are suggested for snorkeling, but
regular cameras in camera bags can also be taken on the boat. The boat has
shade, but sun reflection off the water can cause sunburn; sunscreen is highly
recommended. Please wear your bathing suit with shorts and t-shirt; don’t forget
your towel and snorkel gear.
4-Wheel-Drive Safari
Tour 34763
Duration: Approximately 31⁄2 hours
Departs: Afternoon
Price: us$45
extremely limited capacity
Visit the highlights of Raiatea, a verdant, lush Polynesian island
in a four-wheel-drive vehicle. Discover the local flora of Raiatea’s hills and
deep valleys. Visit the magnificent bay of Faaroa, where the present day
Hawaiians and Maori came from. Should you wish to, you are welcome to take a
refreshing dip in the river. You will visit vanilla, noni and coconut
plantations, and stop for incredible panoramic views of the lagoon along the
way. The final stop on your exploration today is that the famous Marae
Taputapuatea, the sacred site from where the ancient Polynesians departed to
discover the other islands which now form the triangle of Hawaii, New Zealand
and Easter Island.
Please note: Wear your bathing suit under your clothing; bring a
towel, dry clothes, a hat, sunscreen and camera. Refreshments (water, juices and
fruit) are included.
Horseback Riding
Tour 34764
Duration: Approximately 21⁄2 hours
Departs: Afternoon
Price: US$48
extremely limited capacity
The calm and sure-footed horses used for today’s excursion come from the
Marquesas Islands. This two-hour, guided excursion takes you through the
mountains and provides a splendid panoramic view of Raiatea and the surrounding
islands. Although beginners are welcome, this ride is more suited for those with
some experience. It is recommended that participants wear long trousers.
Outrigger Canoeing on the
Faaroa River
Tour 34765
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Departs: Afternoon
Price: US$48
limited capacity
Board a typical Polynesian outrigger motorized canoe and glide on deep
blue waters towards the eastern coast of the island. The tour will take you
upstream the only navigable river in the Society Islands—the Faaroa River. Along
the way, discover the lush vegetation of a tropical forest with wild hibiscus
purau trees, bamboo groves, Tahitian chestnut trees and much more. Departing
from the river, you will be taken to a small motu (islet) where you will have
the opportunity to swim and relax in the sun.
Please note: Wear your bathing suit under shorts and t-shirt.
Please bring a hat, sunscreen and towel. |
