|
|
|
|
|
Raiatea and Taha'a are two separate islands sharing the same lagoon. Located 120 miles northwest of Tahiti, between Huahine and Bora Bora among the leeward Society Islands, Raiatea is the second largest island of French Polynesia after Tahiti. The island tour reveals lush green valleys, numerous waterfalls, and pineapple and vanilla plantations. Discover fascinating under-water scenery within Raiatea's deep lagoon, rich with fish and surrounded by mountains.
 Sample Shore Excursions:
View Excursions Details Below!
- Anapa Pearl Farm - The Creation of the Pearl.
Duration: 2½ Hours. Adventure, Concierge Choice, Water.
- Raiatea Highlights Island Tour.
Duration: 4 Hours. Seated.
- Kayaking the Faaroa River.
Duration: 3½ Hours. Water.
- Jungle Hike Up to the Waterfalls.
Duration: 5 Hours. Adventure.
- Coral Garden Drift Snorkeling.
Duration: 3 Hours. Water.
Note: These are typical shore excursions for this port of call. Actual tours offered may vary and are normally assigned within 120 days of sailing date. Advance tour requests cannot be made for this port if it falls on an embarkation or disembarkation day, however a program of shore excursions may be made available for purchase on board the vessel.
|
|
 |
|
 |
Anapa Pearl Farm - The Creation of the Pearl
- Duration: 2½ Hours.
- Adventure, Concierge Choice, Water.
- Code: RAI-6849
Learn about Tahiti's mysterious black pearl and snorkel in the waters in which it is cultivated during this unique visit to the Anapa Pearl Farm.
Depart the pier for the brief drive to your awaiting skiff boat. After embarking the boat, you will ride out to Raiatea's reef to visit a small pearl station built over the lagoon. Upon arrival at the Anapa Pearl Farm, your tour guide will unveil all the secrets of Tahiti's most mysterious gem; the black pearl. You will experience an unforgettable pearl harvest, and see how a black pearl is cultured by way of a surgical procedure.
Next, you will have an opportunity to go snorkeling on Raiatea's beautiful reef. After receiving your safety and snorkeling instructions, you will enter the water with your guide. While exploring the coral garden, you will see an abundance of tropical fish and rare pearl oysters in their underwater slumber.
Following your snorkeling session, you will be served fresh juice and take in the view of Bora Bora rising above the reef before returning to the pier.
Please note: This unique experience is limited to a maximum of six guests per departure. Wear your swimsuit under a cover-up, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and bring snorkeling equipment and a towel from the ship. There are no restroom stops on this tour. The pearl farm features a small boutique; cash and credit cards are accepted. The pearl station is not accessible for guests who utilize a wheelchair.
|
|
|
|
Kayaking the Faaroa River
- Duration: 3½ Hours.
- Water.
- Code: RAI-7575
Discover the pristine natural beauty of Raiatea along the same route as New Zealand's Maohi settlers during this scenic kayak adventure on the Faaroa River.
Depart the pier via off-road vehicle for the drive to the Faaroa River, French Polynesia's only navigable river. Upon arrival, you will receive your safety instructions and equipment, then embark your kayak. Led by your guide, you will begin your tour by paddling from Raiatea's fjord-like inlet, or Faaroa Gorge, en route to the scenic Faaroa River. Along the way, you will find the steep river walls to be lush with jungle foliage, and home to diverse species of birds and wild hibiscus trees, or purau, growing along the sheer cliffs of the rainforest.
Following your tour, you will re-board your off-road vehicle for the return drive to the pier.
Please note: This active tour involves approximately 1.75 hours of paddling. Guests must know how to swim, and be in good physical conditions. This tour is not recommended for guests with back and/or neck problems, or guests with limited mobility. Please wear your swimsuit under a cover-up with reef shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and insect repellent. Kayaks are single, but two-seat kayaks may be available upon request. Participants must be at least 12 years of age, and weigh less than 220 pounds; children must be accompanied by a parent. You will be required to follow your guide and wear your lifejacket at all times. A small waterproof bag will be available on board the kayak to store your small items.
|
|
|
|
Jungle Hike Up to the Waterfalls
- Duration: 5 Hours.
- Adventure.
- Code: RAI-6881
Experience Raiatea's exquisite beauty during this guided jungle hike, and a visit to the waterfalls at the bottom of the Hamoa Valley.
Depart the pier for the brief drive to the Hamoa Valley. Upon arrival, your botanist guide will lead you on a guided hike along Raiatea's east coast to see the island's waterfalls. From here, you will continue on the path running next to the Hamoa River to see the numerous waterfalls at the bottom of the valley. During your hike, you will learn about Raiatea's lush tropical flora, including numerous flower and fern species that include the local chestnut tree, or mape, and wild hibiscus, or purau.
As you make your way through the lush vegetation, slippery rocks and entangled roots, it will take you about 1.5 hours to reach the first cascade and another 20 minutes to reach the second one. There are ropes to hang on to at the steepest passages. Your tour will conclude with a swim in a beautiful natural basin of clear, cool water before re-boarding your mini-van for the return drive to the pier.
Please note: Operation of this tour is dependent upon favorable weather conditions. This tour involves an extremely strenuous and physically challenging hike that includes scaling rock formations with the use of permanently attached ropes. This tour is for trained hikers who are physically able to hike for 3.25 hours (2 hours uphill and 1.25 hours downhill), with an elevation gain of 600 feet. Due to the slippery nature of the trails, guests are strongly advised to wear plastic sandals or trail shoes with anti-skid soles. Please wear a swimsuit under a cover-up, sunscreen and insect repellent, a hat sunglasses and bring a bottle of water from the ship. There will be no restroom stops on this tour.
|
|
|
|
Coral Garden Drift Snorkeling
- Duration: 3 Hours.
- Water.
- Code: RAI-7004
Explore the scenic beauty of Raiatea's sister island during this snorkeling and lagoon tour along the Taha'a coast.
Depart the pier aboard a covered motorized boat for the 30-minute ride along the west coast of Taha'a, Raiatea's beautiful sister island. Upon arrival, you will disembark the boat for a guided walk across an uninhabited islet, or motu, located just off the coast. After reaching the other side of the motu, you will commence your snorkeling experience. Your guide will lead you while the current carries you through the shallow lagoon on the way back to the boat. This area abounds with a spectacular variety of tropical fish and amazing coral.
Upon returning to the boat, refreshments and additional snorkeling time will be made available before you are transferred back to the pier.
Please note: This tour is also offered from the port call at Taha'a (TAM-6883). This tour is recommended for experienced snorkelers that are extremely comfortable in the water as snorkeling is done over very shallow water. Guests are encouraged to wear a swimsuit under a cover-up with reef shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and bring a towel from the ship.
|
|
back to Tahiti/South Pacific Shore Excursions List
|
|
back to Tahiti/South Pacific Cruises
|
|
