Catamaran Charter in Raïatea

What to do in Raiatea

Visit Uturoa

A lively and energetic town, this is where a host of markets, bars, and taverns in Raiatea call home. As you wander through the streets, the aromas from food venders will be intoxicating, and the friendly atmosphere will be most welcoming. This is usually the first port of call for many people who charter a catamaran in this island, and it displays glimpses of some of the natural beauty of Raiatea with exquisite parks and wonderful mountainous terrain.

Journey to the Three Waterfalls

This requires an excursion deep into the rainforest, away from the comfort of your chartered catamaran – but it is worth it. Surrounded by fertile lands where the flora and fauna of Raiatea flourish, you can see the raw natural beauty in all its glory. The hike can be intense in places, but the result is a glorious cascade of water in a magical setting. When you return to your catamaran in the evening, you will want to enjoy a glass of beer or wine watching the sunset over the lagoon of Raiatea.

Discover the Lagoon

Raiatea shares a lagoon with nearby Tahaa, where the iconic turquoise waters are on their best display. Although there are not the same number of white sandy beaches as other French Polynesian islands, once you have found the perfect beach here it will truly feel like paradise. Sail your catamaran rental to the picturesque coastlines and take a few hours to enjoy a picnic on the beach while you soak up the sun. The mix of lush greenery with the heavenly beaches makes Raiatea a wonderful sailing destination.

Mount Tapioi

This is the place to hike to garner the most impressive views of Raiatea, and indeed other islands of French Polynesia. The relatively short hike can be done in the morning to avoid the crowds, and the views are simply extraordinary. You can even see your catamaran in the distance, floating in the blue lagoon just passed the dense, rich forestry. A remarkable hike with remarkable views renders this a highlight of any sailing holiday in Raiatea.

When Should I Visit Raiatea?

The island of Raiatea is part of French Polynesia, which sees the rainy season occur between October and March, with the middle of winter welcoming the most storms. This means that the optimal time to charter a catamaran here is between May and September, when it is drier, and the conditions are more suitable. Drier months render the hikes more pleasant as the humidity is not a hindrance. Winds are moderate, averaging between 15 and 20 knots, with currents being relatively calm also. Water temperatures in the late summer in Raiatea are more pleasant, but you do not have to worry about it being too cold at any stage if you want to take a dip or go scuba diving.

How to Get to Raiatea

Air travel through Tahiti, Bora Bora, or other French Polynesian islands is the most practical method of reaching your chartered catamaran. Alternatively, there are ferry services in operation (although these are subject to change based on weather and ocean conditions). There is minimal public transport system on the island, with buses stopping operating on the weekends. Many of the most intriguing places are within walking or cycling distance, with people choosing car shares to reach these destinations. The most convenient way to reach some stunning locations in Raiatea is through sailing on your rented catamaran.