We arrived in Raiatea on Wednesday morning. Although not as popular as a vacation spot, Raiatea is the second largest of the Society Islands. According to Po
lynesian tradition, the island was once known as the Sacred Isle, or Havaiki. There are many legends that arise from mythology that lend a mysterious and magical atmosphere to the island’s various places of interest.
Raiatea shares a protected lagoon with the island of Tahaa and is totally surrounded by a reef, yet offers navigable passes to the open sea. Raiatea is also home to picture-perfect, flat island islets, or “motus,” scattered across the lagoon with beautiful white-sand beaches.
Uturoa is Raiatea’s capital and main port, and where the ship docked. We ventured out on a motorized outrigger from Uturoa south to the Faaroa Bay and Faaroa River. After navigating the magnificent lagoon and coastline, we descended into the shady realms of Faaroa River, which was much like a “jungle cruise” because of its thick foliage and jungle growth. Unlike Disney World, no rhinocerouses or alligators leaped out at us, and it was very peaceful (and surprisingly, no bugs!).
lynesian tradition, the island was once known as the Sacred Isle, or Havaiki. There are many legends that arise from mythology that lend a mysterious and magical atmosphere to the island’s various places of interest.
Raiatea shares a protected lagoon with the island of Tahaa and is totally surrounded by a reef, yet offers navigable passes to the open sea. Raiatea is also home to picture-perfect, flat island islets, or “motus,” scattered across the lagoon with beautiful white-sand beaches.
Uturoa is Raiatea’s capital and main port, and where the ship docked. We ventured out on a motorized outrigger from Uturoa south to the Faaroa Bay and Faaroa River. After navigating the magnificent lagoon and coastline, we descended into the shady realms of Faaroa River, which was much like a “jungle cruise” because of its thick foliage and jungle growth. Unlike Disney World, no rhinocerouses or alligators leaped out at us, and it was very peaceful (and surprisingly, no bugs!).
Afterwards, we ventured to one of the many motus scattered around the lagoon to have refreshments and swim in the shallow waters. It was a nice finale to our last day in French Polynesia.
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