The best outdoor activities in Raiatea & Taha'a

Find out what to do in Ra'iātea and Taha'a! It's a safe bet that, from the window of your plane flying over Polynesia, you couldn't help but notice two singular islands, sharing the same lagoon. These are the sister islands of Ra'iātea and Taha'a, located about 20 kilometers southeast of Bora Bora.

Less known than Tahiti and Moorea, they are also part of the Society archipelago, and more precisely of the Islands Sous-le-Vent, with Bora Bora. Polynesian myths speak of a time when the two islands of Ra'iātea and Taha'a were one and the same, and that they were separated by a giant. They would be the cradle of the Polynesian people and their culture, hence the nickname of sacred island carried by Ra'iātea. Mount Temehani, the sacred mountain, can be found there.

Because of its history and culture, it is highly recommended to visit Ra'iātea during a stay in Polynesia. Just because the island is not as famous as its neighbors does not mean that there are not things to do in Ra'iātea and Taha'a!

In terms of sightseeing, don't hesitate to visit one of the many pearl farms in Ra'iātea, or one of the vanilla plantations in Taha'a, also known as Vanilla Island. These are must-see places, as is the famous Taputapātea marae on the island of Ra'iātea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a sacred place for Polynesians and has a very important place in their culture, as does Mount Temehani where one of the rarest flowers in the world, the Tiare Apetahi flower, blooms. One of the things to do in Ra'iātea during a hike on Mount Temehani would be to go in search of this flower only found here!

As for sports activities, there is something for everyone. Although the islands of Ra'iātea and Taha'a are covered in jungle and less touristy than their neighbor Bora Bora, the sports activities offered there are still numerous and varied!

You can explore the islands of Ra'iātea and Taha'a in different ways:

. on land by 4x4, scooter, bike, horse, and for the more athletic on foot via trails, including the 3 Waterfalls hike, reputed to be one of the most beautiful to discover Ra'iātea ;
. at sea while sailing on the lagoon dotted with motu (islets) linking Ra'iātea and Taha'a by boat, pirogue, catamaran, windsurfing, as well as by jet ski, but also by canoe or paddle with the possibility of sailing up the Faaroa River, the only navigable river in French Polynesia;
. in the air by boarding a helicopter or microlight to get superb panoramas of the islands of Ra'iātea and Taha'a from the sky.

And if you're wondering what to do in Ra'iātea and Taha'a once you've seen the islands from every possible angle, you can head out to explore the crystal clear waters of their beautiful lagoon. There is no shortage of snorkeling and diving activities on the Polynesian islands! Surfing and windsurfing can also be a way to roam the lagoon while getting your thrills.

The islands of Ra'iātea and Taha'a may not be as well known as the other major Polynesian islands, but they're sure to entice you with their rugged beauty, lush jungles and clear lagoon waters, as well as their wide range of things to do. Don't hesitate to visit Ra'iātea and Taha'a during your next stay in French Polynesia!