The islands Tahaa and Raiatea are surrounded by a common lagoon and are at a distance of 5 km from each other. They are far from as popular as Tahiti, Moorea or Bora Bora, but this is precisely their advantage: these islands are real French Polynesia, not yet "crowded" by crowds of tourists.
Raiatea, the center of ancient civilization, has a rich cultural heritage: unique archaeological sites, of which there are a great many on the island. On the plantations of the island of Tahaa grow vanilla, there are also several farms for growing black pearls and "Turtle Reserve", where you can admire the rare types of "tortillas". Both islands have good conditions for water sports
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How to get to
You can get to Raiatea Island by regular Air Tahiti flights with the islands of Tahiti and Moorea (~ 40 minutes) or on a high-speed catamaran from Papeete. There are also flights from the islands of Hua Hin and Bora Bora (about 15 minutes)
Tahaa Island can be reached from the island of Raiatea by a "water taxi" - a boat that circles around Tahaa and makes stops at all significant marinas. By the way, a trip on such a boat is an excellent opportunity to explore both islands from the ocean and the lagoon.
Beaches
There are very few beaches in comparison with the islands of Bora Bora, Tahiti or Moorea on the islands of Raiatea and Tahaa. The main feature of the island of Raiatea is that it is dominated by rocky shores. On the picturesque shores of the island of Tahaa there are several beaches, most of them are deserted
Shopping and shops Tahaa and Raiatea
On the market of the largest city of Raiatea Island, Uturoa, you can buy fresh fish, exotic fruits, Polynesian sweets and products local masters
Entertainment, excursions and attractions
Recent archaeological excavations on Raiatea have uncovered many previously unknown "marae" (sanctuaries), as well as fragments of terraces, tools, objects of worship, weapons and petroglyphs. Especially many finds in the valleys of Haapapar and Avera.
On Mount Temehamani (772 m) - and nowhere else in the world - there is a unique plant "tiara-apetachi", a beautiful white flower with four petals, which dissolves only at dawn, this quiet crackle. However, this small miracle can be seen without climbing the mountains - there is a beautiful botanical garden in Faaroa.
Photo of Tahaa and Raiatea (15)