RAIATEA & TAHAA: ISLAND TREASURES

Raiatea and Tahaa are two of French Polynesia's favorite undiscovered treasures...
Far less traveled than Bora Bora, Tahiti, or Moorea, these two fascinating islands offer the vacationer the experience of a true unspoiled French Polynesia.

The larger of the two islands, Raiatea, is only slightly smaller than Tahiti itself. This makes Raiatea the second largest Island in the French Polynesian Archipelago known as the Society Islands, and the largest of the "Leewards." Located directly between Bora Bora and Tahiti, Raiatea is closely situated to all the wonderful South Pacific islands known to the world as Tahiti Polynesia.

Raiatea itself is recognized throughout Tahiti as it's "Sacred Island"- the cultural heart of all Tahiti Polynesia. It is believed by historians that Raiatea was the main stopover point for early Polynesians newly arrived from Hawaii, then known as Hav'aii.

The Island holds much fascinating history, legend, and lore, as well as Tahiti's most significant archeological sites.

Tahaa, slightly smaller and less populated than Raiatea, shares a wonderful lagoon rich in sealife and watersports activities such as scubadiving, windsurfing, and outrigger canoeing. The surrounding waters of both Islands are also known the world over for their legendary sailing, yachting, and sportfishing opportunities. Tahaa's nickname is the "Vanilla Island"- because of it's constant rich aroma of vanilla. In fact, the Island boasts a full 80% of all Tahiti's Vanilla production. Both Islands are also inundated with Pearl Farms legendary for their superb quality, high aesthetic appeal, and value.

All these wonderful attributes and more make Raiatea & Tahaa a fascinating world destination for you to explore. Take some quality time as you browse the pages and information of our site and enjoy your stay.

Where to Stay

Raiatea & Tahaa's varied lodging choices:

• Luxury Hotels & overwater bungalows,
  
  
• Mid-Range family style Pensions & guesthouses, and
  
  
• budget accomodations, including backpacker's & surfer's favorite spots, camping options, and more...

About the Islands

CULTURE, FACTS, MAPS, & MORE:
A bank of information specific to Raiatea & Tahaa.

• Weather (& when to travel), beaches, religion, arts and culture, population, location, languages, flora and fauna (wildlife in general), marine life, dogs & crabs.
  
  
• This section also contains MAPS of the region.

Getting Here & Around

Travel choices and details via:

• International Airlines, Charter flights, Sailing or Cruising vessels, smaller boats and private charters...
  
  
• Also, inter-island shuttle details, land taxis and water taxi service, rental cars, bicycles, & scooters, Le Truck, walking, & hitchhiking,
  
  
• Also, direct access Travel agent links and more.

Sailing, Charter Boats, & Marine info.

Find out why Raiatea is considered Tahiti's yacht chartering and sailing center:

• Charter a sailboat or yacht, or get marina, harbour, & anchorage details, charts of the area, Pacific weather links, marine & yachting services info. & more.
  
  
• Need drydock or boatyard service? Check out Polynesia's only FULL SERVICE BOATYARD, LE CARENAGE for details.

Tahiti News & General Information

Current news, general information, and the basics for all the islands of Tahiti Polynesia:

• General info & the basics: customs regulations, time difference, banking & foreign exchange rates, marriage formalities, entry requirements, telephone services, medical care, employment situation for foreigners (getting jobs).
  
  
• Plus, a general resource index for useful numbers & contacts, LATEST NEWS UPDATES, and more...

TSTN Travel Tips

Specialized tips on traveling to Tahiti and her surrounding islands includes:

• Capital city of Papeete information, how to prepare best, what to pack and why, weather (and when to travel), mosquitos, money management, renting and booking cars, and lots more.

In order to improve this section for all, WE LOVE TO HEAR PUBLIC INPUT!

TSTN Business Central

HOMEBASE for Tahiti Sun Travel Network business section includes:

• WHO WE ARE, WHAT WE DO, AND WHY- Read all about the Tahiti Sun Travel Network and its multi-lingual pages. Our philosophy, who's involved, details on copyright and photo notes, and a standard disclaimer.
  
  
• RECIPROCAL LINKS- Our handpicked favorites covering many subjects for Tahiti, her surrounding islands, and more from around the world.
  
  
• FREE CLASSIFIEDS- Similiar to a newspaper classified section, except on the internet! Buy and sell Polynesian products, jobs and careers wanted and offered, miscellaneous, etc.
  
  
• RATES & ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES- Details on becoming a TSTN listed or LINKING member. Advertising rates and opportunities, benefits and details of our EZ Print Coupon System, and more.
  

Raiatea.com IS Your Complete Guide to Raiatea & Tahaa.