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From a travelers viewpoint, it would be fair to call the Islands of Raiatea & Tahaa in Tahiti Polynesia considerably far removed from the well promoted tourism of Tahiti's "Major 3 Islands"- Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora.It's no wonder that the tourism industry has recently begun to promote Raiatea and Tahaa as interesting vacation alternatives to these other more well known cousins of Tahiti- Nui. They are truly some of the last "undiscovered jewels" of Tahiti Polynesia. For those of you interested in finding the perfect South Seas getaway islands without all the tourism and promotion, Raiatea and Tahaa are excellent choices. Although not really considered "remote" in location, getting to these islands does take a bit of planning. Because of their relative close proximity to Tahiti, Moorea, and Bora Bora - Raiatea and Tahaa can now be found on the main "tourist routes" of all charter flight and shuttle boat services. Unless you own your own yacht or jet, you'll need to plan a combination of travel modes. Make the decisions yourself by using the information below as your guide or consult our travel agent. Also, learn about entry requirments and customs regulations.
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS TO PAPEETE, TAHITI-NUITo get to Raiatea, (unless you have your own yacht), you'll first need to get to the capital city of Papeete on the main island of Tahiti- Nui in French Polynesia. The airport there is called the Tahiti-Faaa International Airport. Click here for airport details and amenities.
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International airlines regulary scheduling flights to Papeete:A.O.M.
French Airlines |
Corsair |
Tahiti
Airlines |
You'll most likely need to get to a good sized city or a Tahiti flight "hub" to fly direct to Papeete on these airlines. Contact them direct to see if they can offer you the connections you need, or consult our travel agent.
CHARTER FLIGHTS/ SMALL PLANES
Since there is no airport on Tahaa, all charter flights take you to Raiatea. Charter air services regularly scheduling flights to Raiatea:
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AIR
MOOREA (Private Charter Flights) |
AIR
ARCHIPELS (Private Charter Flights) |
BY HELICOPTER
These birds are the ultimate island hoppers! The ONLY helicopter service in
French Polynesia providing inter-island travel and flightseeing is Polynesia
Helicopteres (formerly known as Heli-Inter).
This company has been doing business
in French Polynesia for years and caters to the more... shall we say... "influental"
of travelers.
TST says "If you can afford it, go for it!"
POLYNESIA HELICOPTERES
Based out of the Tahiti- Faa'a International Airport
Flights upon request to ALL Polynesian destinations,
specializing in the Society Islands of Bora Bora, Moorea, Tupai and the Marquesan
island of Nuku Hiva.
P.O. Box 6109- 98 702, Faaa- TAHITI
Tahiti Contact: Mr. Marc KOSKA, Tel.(689) 54.87.20, Fax (689) 54.87.21
BY SEA
Besides for the major cruiselines, (see Tours & Cruises page for details) there are a handful of large seacraft that make regular (or semi regular) trips to Raiatea and Tahaa islands from various points in French Polynesia. Most run out of Papeete, but not all... (Read the details of each particular islands "getting here" page)
The boats and ferries listed below run schedules to Raiatea & Tahaa from Tahiti and other islands on fairly thin intervals, making for difficult vacation planning, if that is what you're trying to do.
To avoid dissapointment, TST recommends going down to the ferry quay of the island you are on and checking in person with the individual companies to see their current schedules and running times. If you happen to be there when a vessel fitting your schedule is there, take advantage of the moment and go for it, but don't try to plan your vacation around a particular island ferry or other vessel and certainly don't rely on their schedules to make an important international flight connection.
Large Seacraft regularly scheduling trips to Raiatea, Tahaa, and beyond:
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VAEANU |
AREMITI III |
HAWAIKI NUI |
TAHITI NUI/ MEHERIO II & III, & TE ARATAI |
MAUPITI EXPRESS (c/o Tahaa Transport Services) |
TST Comment: SCHEDULE FLEXIBILITY
Because of the constantly changing routes of operation, running times, schedule, hours, prices, it is impossible for us to be accurate with particular company schedules and running times. (If we tried that, we'd often be wrong, that's why we don't try...) The best way to deal with these constant changes is to remain flexible in your ferry or boating plans and check in person at the docks in Papeete or Bora bora when you're there. Also, always give yourself an extra day cushion when it comes to making important international flight connections.
| Access to Raiatea and Tahaa Islands can also be achieved via various sailing and private boat charters: See our special SAILING, BOAT CHARTER, & MARINE INFO section for details. |
INTER-ISLAND
SHUTTLES
(Running regularly between Raiatea & Tahaa)
From Raiatea, it's quite easy and cheap to get to Tahaa island. Since there is no airport on Tahaa, you must take an inter-island shuttle. Trips take about 15 minutes between islands and the tickets are cheap.
These boats run daily from the main dock in Uturoa, and advanced booking isn't necessary on most days. Between the boats, there are at least 2 runs per day, 6 or 7 days a week, and usually more. You can get tickets and departure schedules right across the street from where the shuttles dock, or by contacting their offices.
Choices are as follows:
UPORU/ IRIPAU, (c/o S.A.R.L. Enota) |
TAMARII TAHAA ( SERVICE TRANSPORTS RAROMATAI) |
WATER TAXI & TRANSPORT SERVICE
Another great service for Raiatea and Tahaa is this Water Taxi and barge. 2 boats for 2 different purposes: The water taxi quickly takes you anywhere on Raiatea or Tahaa you want to go for whatever purpose...
Hotel transfers, last minute airport shuttle rides, recreational areas, etc, and the barge can get equipment and supplies anywhere of your choosing.
LA COMPAGNIE DES TAXI-BOAT |
HOW TO GET AROUND ONCE YOU ARRIVE
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Le' Truck- Always classic |
Once you've arrived on Raiatea
or Tahaa Islands, you'll be faced with the question of how to get around. The BEST WAY TO GET AROUND THE ISLANDS (that provides you the most freedom),
is to rent a car, scooter, bicycle, or walk.
Hitchhiking isn't really a good option. (see note below for details).
Another option is "Le Truck", Tahiti's classic public
transportation. (See notes below for more truck details.)
Some places that provide rentals are listed below, however ALL hotels,
and most pensions will be able to do the arranging for you. (Depending
on your chosen accomodations, some will charge a nominal fee for this
service).
For most, this is the easiest and fastest way to get your
rental going. For those penny pinchers and self arrangers, you may save
a buck or two, but you'll definately have to work for it.
LE' TRUCK
Raiatea: The trucks generally run the coastal
road nearby Uturoa more frequently
than the rest of the island, but
if you can get a local and updated
schedule from your hotel or pension,
you may be able to take Le Truck
all the way around the island!
This is the absolute best economical
choice of travel you have with
the exception of walking. Ask your hotel or pension for the
current schedules once you've arrived.
Tahaa: Similiar to Raiatea, get your schedules from the local pensions and hotels your staying with...
RENTAL CARS, SCOOTERS, & BICYCLES
The modes of transportation that give you the most freedom on Raiatea and Tahaa is the car or scooter rental.
Bicycles are also a great way
to get around for pleasureable riding, but are obviously more work, a little slower, and can't keep you from getting wet in case
of a sudden downpour.
On Raiatea:
Not to be outdone on Raiatea, as with most other Polynesian islands, the ever present EUROPCAR is here and is our featured choice.
EUROPCAR RAIATEA (Raiatea Locations)
PK 1, (PO BOX 549)- 98735 Uturoa- RAIATEA
Telephone:(689) 66.34.06, Fax:(689) 66.16.06
Contact: Patrick Bardou
E-MAIL
& Reservations
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"With Europcar, You Rent a Lot More than a Car"...
and its true on Raiatea the same as it is with the rest of French Polynesia. Let us take care of your rental car, scooter, and bicycle needs.
We offer quality products, experience, and a large selection of cars.
We also are the only one on the island renting small motorboats.
Also, ASK US ABOUT OUR SPECIAL Rental Car/ Pension package deal! It's a deal that can't be beat on Raiatea.
COME VISIT OUR DIRECT LINKING WEBSITE FOR ALL THE DETAILS!
The rental cars on Raiatea are all fairly competitive with each other in pricing, so often times it's a matter of where you end up locationwise or who has available cars on the day you need them as to which one you will choose:
Here's the rest of the listings:
ODILE LOCATIONS |
AVIS RAIATEA |
GARAGE MOTU TAPU |
HERTZ RENT A CAR |
VAEA RENT-A-BIKE |
MONIQUE LOCATIONS |
TAHAA MULTI SERVICES (EUROPCAR TAHAA) |
A general pricing guide is the same on Raiatea and Tahaa as with the other islands: Fiat "Pandas",
or other low grade cars without air conditioning begin around US $ 65-75.00/day,
and go on up to around US $ 100.00 - 150.00/day for the more lavish cars
w /air. Hondas, Peugots, and Toyotas are among the local favorites.
TST Comment: Rental Cars |
RENTAL BOATS
There is one place on Raiatea to rent small powerboats and cruise the lagoon by
yourself. These boats are a great way to explore the peace and beauty
of the lagoon on a nice relaxing afternoon.
No special licenses are required
(for the smaller horsepower ones), however a basic knowledge of engines and
seamanship is recommended...
RAIATEA LOCATIONS (Europcar Raiatea)
Tahina, Uturoa, (PK 1), PO
BOX 549- 98735- RAIATEA
Telephone:(689) 66.34.06, Fax:(689)
66.16.06
Contact: Patrick Bardou
E-MAIL
& Reservations
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2- 16 foot fiberglass boats, with maximum of 10 passengers
each.
No boat license permit is required
for boat w/ 6 horsepower engine,
boating license IS required for
boat w/ 15 horse power engine.
On request for 1 or 2 hours, but
normally 1/2 or full day rentals.
Also, ASK US ABOUT OUR SPECIAL
Rental Car/ Pension package deal!
It's a deal that can't be beat
on Raiatea.
COME VISIT OUR DIRECT LINKING WEBSITE FOR ALL THE
DETAILS!
WALKING
Walking around Raiatea and Tahaa is a
great way to see and enjoy these
wonderful islands! Exploring
the area you are staying in by
foot is the best way to meet the
locals and really see and appreciate
the relaxed lifestyle of the islanders. It's also the best way to appreciate
the beauty of Raiatea and Tahaa.
You will be able to enjoy and
photograph your surroundings in
peace as nobody will be hurrying
or distracting you either. Bring
a daypack and make a full or 1/2
day out of just walking around
and enjoying the atmosphere- starting
from any place on the islands.
If you pack a towel and a snorkel,
you can also "dip when necessary"
along the way!
HITCHHIKING
Every traveler knows how, or has had
an experience with hitchhiking. For fairly small, enclosed islands
such as Raiatea and Tahaa, the danger factor, (every hitchhikers
most important concern) is rather low. Unfortunately, this form
of travel on the islands isn't really a good option.
Why?
The problem lies in the fact that you will RARELY, if ever, be picked
up! Perhaps if you are a ravishingly beautiful girl traveling alone
you may be able to entice the locals to pull over by displaying
a little leg or other body part... but all others forget it! The
drivers will simply ignore you. Whether this is a French thing,
or possibly a Tahitian phenomenon, is unknown.
Consider yourself warned...
On these islands, if you plan on making this form of travel
your # 1 mode of transportation, you may end up walking some healthy
distances before realizing the truth: Hitchhiking the islands
of Polynesia is unfortunately and inheritantly difficult.
TAXIS / MINIBUSES
Service
taxis and minibuses can be found
on the Uturoa wharf and at the
airport. They are a handy
form of transportation but can
cost a bit... (Sometimes, it's
convenient and justified to just
pay the ridiculous fee for these
guys to get you where you're staying
or the rental car office where
you can then make better transportation
plans.)
Here's the contact:
TAXI INFORMATION |
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for the Main Islands of Tahiti Polynesia.
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