Raiatea

When to Visit Raiatea for a Yacht Charter

The best time to charter in Raiatea is from April to October, during the dry season, when you'll find steady trade winds, minimal rainfall, and calm lagoon cruising. November to March is the green season, with lush scenery and occasional tropical showers—ideal for fewer crowds and vibrant landscapes.

Cruising Highlights – Where to Sail from Raiatea

• Taha’a (The Vanilla Island)
  Just a short sail from Raiatea, Taha’a shares the same lagoon and is famous for its vanilla plantations and coral gardens. Drift snorkel in coral channels or enjoy a beach BBQ on a remote motu.
• Bora Bora
  Cruise to French Polynesia’s most iconic destination. With its turquoise lagoon, Mount Otemanu, and overwater bungalows in the distance, Bora Bora is paradise in its purest form.
• Huahine
  A longer but rewarding sail east brings you to the untouched beauty of Huahine, a quieter island with lush jungle, archaeological sites, and peaceful anchorages.

Must-See – Marae Taputapuatea

Don’t miss Marae Taputapuatea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most important temple complex in Polynesia. This sacred open-air site connects Raiatea to the ancient navigation routes of the Pacific and offers a deep cultural insight into the region's history.

Where to Eat & Drink

• Le Ficus – Tucked in the hills of Raiatea, this family-run spot serves up French-Polynesian fusion dishes with incredible lagoon views.
• Villa Ixora – An elegant waterfront restaurant and boutique hotel serving refined seafood dishes—perfect for a romantic evening ashore.
• Snack Mimosa – For casual local fare, grab poisson cru (Tahitian raw fish salad) and enjoy lunch overlooking the marina.

Flavours of Raiatea

Indulge in the true taste of Polynesia: fragrant vanilla from Taha’a, fresh tuna in coconut milk, taro root dishes, and sweet tropical fruit like papaya and lychee. Wash it all down with a chilled Hinano beer or a fruity local rum cocktail.

Art & Culture

Raiatea’s rich cultural tapestry is woven into everyday life. Visit the local market for handmade pareos (sarongs), black pearl jewellery, and traditional carvings. Learn about Polynesian navigation and storytelling, or time your visit with a local festival showcasing music, dance, and ancestral pride.

Iconic Swim Spot – Coral Garden Drift Snorkel (Taha’a)

Anchor near Taha’a’s motus and experience one of the region’s top snorkel spots. Step onto the motu, walk to the reef’s edge, and let the current gently carry you past colourful corals, butterflyfish, and rays in an underwater drift adventure.

High Tide Recommends

• Begin your charter with a sunrise paddleboard in Raiatea’s serene lagoon.
• Visit a vanilla plantation on Taha’a and take home freshly cured pods.
• Sail to a private motu for a traditional Polynesian feast, cooked in an earth oven (ahima'a) and served beneath the stars.
• End your trip in Bora Bora with a spa day or snorkel with manta rays in its crystal-clear lagoon.

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