Cruise Diva Goes Ashore in Tahiti
Sights to see & things to do
Raiatea
According to historians, Raiatea was the royal, political, religious, and cultural heart of Polynesia. Legend claims it was the birthplace of the gods and it was from here that the great Polynesian voyages were launched to New Zealand and Hawaii.
Diversions
Ships dock in Uturoa where new facilities and a market are nearby. Immediately off the pier, through a covered market where local crafters sell their wares, vehicles gather to whisk passengers off to explore. Automobile rentals are available but only about half the island’s roads are sealed—the rest don’t require four-wheel drive but are rutted and bumpy. There aren’t very many “sights” to see on Raiatea; rather, the beauty of the scenery and the relaxed atmosphere are her greatest appeals. Raiatea's massive volcanic craters are best seen by 4X4 tour. The drive through dense foliage inside the craters crosses several streams and a wide variety of plant life cultivated in the experimental agricultural station and plantations dots the landscape.
Taputapuatea Marae is one of French Polynesia's most sacred sites. This sanctuary with its volcanic stone base was a center for religious expression. Located alongside the water, ceremonies were performed there for significant events in life including spells to guard fishermen taking to sea.
Covered canoe tours transport visitors up the Faaroa River, Tahiti’s only navigable river, and then along Raiatea's beautiful coastline to the dock in Uturoa. Romantic and exotic, a sunset cruise aboard "Va'a Rahi" (meaning literally "canoe big") is a special event if your ship is in port until nightfall. The spell of a perfect south sea sunset is best captured at sea.
A performance of local tamure by the Raiatea Nui Dancers captivates their audiences with a combination of joyous innocence and sexuality—a not to be missed performance! For ships overnighting in Raiatea, Uturoa offers nightlife in the form of a disco, Le Zenith.
Beaches
Raiatea has no beaches but there are beautiful beaches for swimming and snorkeling on the numerous motus. Either a ships’ excursion or a private boat tour arranged dockside would be a pleasant diversion.
Shopping
Immediately in front of the pier there is a covered market where local crafters sell their wares when ships are in port. A couple blocks from the waterfront is a colorful market selling crafts as well as fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
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