Raiatea Highlights
-
Port
Raiatea, Society Islands, French Polynesia
-
Activity Level
Moderate Activity
-
Excursion Type
All
-
Wheelchair Accessible
No
-
Starting At (prices in USD)
$130
-
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
-
Duration
Approximately 3½ Hours
-
Meals Included
Meals not included
Board an air-conditioned bus for a panoramic drive through the main town of Uturoa -- the cultural and administrative center of Raiatea.
You will see Mount Temehani -- endemic home to the Tiare apetahi. This extremely rare flower grows nowhere else on Earth. An amazing fact about this flower is that, each morning when the sun touches the flower, the petals open with a slight crackling sound.
From the bus, take in the view of the lagoon that is home to some pearl farms. Your scenic drive will pass the coastline and give you a glimpse of Polynesian daily life. Raiatea is a very green island, and your guide will point out flowers and fruits along the way.
Continue on the inland road of Raiatea, joining the east coast road that leads through a giant bamboo forest to the south of the island. Pass through the village of Fetuna, whose primary industry is fishing, then pause for refreshments in the district of Vaiau.
You will stop at the Tainuu marae (open-air temple) before heading back to the pier. Time permitting, you may also briefly visit a pearl farm along the way.
Please note:
Bus tours operate mainly on paved roads; however, some road conditions may be rough. Ride will be bumpy. Guests who are pregnant or have a back or neck condition are not allowed to participate. Guests who are prone to motion sickness should consider this before booking and/or take appropriate medication. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Bring insect repellent. Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable/reef-safe sunscreen. Bring bottled water. Expensive clothing or jewelry should not be worn on tour. Duration is approximate. Tour operates rain or shine but may be canceled by the operator in the event of extremely bad weather or unsuitable conditions.