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Known as French Polynesia's best-kept secret, this dreamy paradise has a warm and hospitable culture that is pristine and untouched by heavy tourism. While its sister island Tahaa is internationally renown for its vanilla, Raiatea is recognized as the region's cultural and historical center - local folklore describes it as the birthplace of the Polynesian gods. In the Tahitian language "ra'iatea" means "bright sky" but for you it will mean bright sky, neon blue seas, awe-inspiring coral reefs and the romantic sound of the French language.
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The One Thing You Don't Want to Miss
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For the most part, Raiatea has a rocky shoreline but you can still enjoy the beautiful surrounding waters. The island is situated in a lagoon, surrounded by barrier reefs and beauty that would make the Little Mermaid jealous. So take a swim, snorkel or try a scuba diving adventure and immerse yourself in the crystal clear, placid waters. You'll find yourself surrounded by angelfish and imagine you've discovered some kind of underwater heaven.
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Other Fun Things to Do
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Have a picnic on one of the Motus or "little islands" in the lagoon surrounding Raiatea. Most are uninhabited and have beautiful, unspoiled sandy beaches. Visit one and you can truthfully say that you've traveled to a deserted island. Several Motu boat tours specialize in the trip to these islands, and will even arrange your picnic basket. |
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Watch the sky melt into the beautiful colors on one of Raiatea's sunset cruises. You'll leave around 4:00 PM and sip Tahitian cocktails until the sun kisses the sea. |
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Soak up the waters and all its tropical beauty without getting wet. Glass-bottom boat tours offer a fantastic way to sit back and enjoy an intimate view of the island's rich marine life. |
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Vanilla lovers, this is your chance to be served an entire afternoon flavored with your favorite spice. Raiatea is home to over 80% of Tahiti's vanilla harvest. Take a tour of the plantations and see a demonstration of the pollination and curing process. |
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Adventure down the same river that once sent explorers on historic adventures to Hawaii and New Zealand. Wind through the flourishing rain forest and explore the coast on a comfortable power outrigger canoe. |
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After taking in Raiatea's beauty, soak up some of Polynesia's history. The Taputapuatea marae complex is considered a national monument and Polynesia's best preserved historical site. Ancient times will come alive when you explore the many marae and shrines. |
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Sporting Adventures
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Hike up the sacred Mount Temahani, an extinct volcano now lush with vibrant green vegetation. You can tour the mountain with a guide or on your own along its trailheads. Either way you'll find hidden pools and waterfalls, and perhaps even the famous and extremely rare tiare apetahi flower - indigenous only to this region. For the really adventurous, climb up to one of the mountain peaks for an unforgettable view.
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Shopping for Bargains
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Explore Uturoa, the island's commercial center and port of call. Here you'll find local produce markets and quaint boutiques stocked with handicrafts, clothing and artworks. Polynesia is famous for its black pearls, and the island features numerous specialty shops stocked with these rare and beautiful jewels.
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Get a Taste of Local Flavor
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In Raiatea gourmet French cooking and Tahitian flavors influence most of the local cuisine. Freshly caught seafood and exotic fruits are island staples. Poisson Cru, one of the most popular dishes, is like coconut candy for tuna lovers. If you love vanilla you may never want to leave the island, because this spice is deliciously worked into much of the local fare. And there is nothing more refreshing than a bite of lush tropical fruit like the Noni after a day in the sun.
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Local Currency
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The local currency is the French Pacific Franc (CFP). Banque Socredo and Banque de Tahiti have branches in Uturoa and both have ATM's. Banks, hotels and resorts will exchange travelers' checks and accept major credit cards.
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| Weather in Raiatea, French Polynesia |
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Temperature |
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Fahrenheit |
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Celsius |
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Average High |
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86° |
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30° |
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Average Low |
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77.2° |
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25.11° |
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Mean Temperature |
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N/A |
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N/A |
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Record High |
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N/A |
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N/A |
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Record Low |
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N/A |
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N/A |
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Precipitation |
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Inches |
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Centimeters |
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Average Precip. |
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0 in |
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0 cm |
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