Raiatea Island

Raiatea is the second-largest island in French Polynesia and is considered the cultural and religious centre of the Polynesian triangle. Ships dock at the Gare Maritime terminal in Uturoa, the main town. The UNESCO-listed Marae Taputapuātea, on the island's south coast, is an ancient stone temple complex that was the starting point for Polynesian voyages across the Pacific. It is the most important archaeological site in French Polynesia. The Faaroa River, the only navigable river in the territory, can be explored by kayak through dense tropical vegetation. Lagoon tours typically include snorkelling in coral gardens, a visit to a black pearl farm, and lunch on a motu (small islet). The neighbouring island of Taha'a, reachable by boat across a shared lagoon, has vanilla plantations that you can tour. Uturoa's market is busiest on Wednesdays and Fridays. French is the main language, and the currency is the CFP franc.