7 Boat Tours in Raiatea for a Week in the Islands

1.1/2 day Tahaa coral garden – departure Raiatea / ideal for cruise passengers

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 149 reviews · from $144Our pick

From Raiatea, take a scenic boat ride to Tahaa’s famous coral garden. With guides such as Gony and Julian, you’ll float through a shallow channel among bright coral, clams, rays, eels, and tropical fish. The tour lasts about three hours, holds up to 10 people, and suits cruise passengers with basic swimming ability. Bring water shoes.

“Meet up was great at the Cruise Terminal and transfer to the speedboat went to plan. Company staff were great dive/snorkel well organised. Site was busier than expected, but a worthwhile trip nonetheless.”

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2.1/2 day “Treasures of Raiatea” by boat – ideal for cruise passengers

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 33 reviews · from $144

Spend three to four hours with Hava’i and Sea exploring Raiatea by boat. Guide Julien or Teiki leads you up the Faaroa River, French Polynesia’s only navigable river, then to a local pearl farm in Opoa. Expect lagoon views, cultural explanations, fresh fruit, drinks, and a small group of up to 12.

“We thoroughly enjoyed after afternoon with our captain/guide Julien. He arrived early at our meeting point with a sign that clearly showed our names. We first went to the pearl farm by boat. Most of the ride was parallel to the reef. So we enjoyed the beautiful colours of the water. The pearl farm was interesting and gave insights to this important cultural industry. The trip up the fresh water river was very serene. Julien served us fresh fruit, juices and water. He was good humoured and pleasant. We encountered some swells o. The return to port but the boat handled them well and Julien was very competent. We thoroughly…”

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3.Taha’a Island or Raiatea Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 24 reviews · from $121Best value

Set out from Uturoa for an eight-hour island day with O Taha'a Excursions. You’ll visit a vanilla grove, taste artisan rum, snorkel at Jardin de Corail, learn about Tahitian pearls at Iaorana Pearl Farm, and eat a traditional lunch on a private motu. Samuel and his daughter Heremana may lead the experience.

“This tour was absolutely amazing. Our guide was the best!!! The Pearl tour was the very best. We learned so so much. I would highly recommend this tour”

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4.Half day excursion Tahaa – departure Raiatea / ideal cruise line

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 23 reviews · from $144

Travel by boat from Raiatea to Tahaa for a vanilla plantation visit and a black pearl farm tour. The experience lasts about four hours, accepts up to 10 people, and may be led by Julian or another local captain. Expect beautiful lagoon scenery, local craft demonstrations, and no snorkeling stop.

“We waited at the pick up location for thirty minutes and no one came to pick us up. Tried calling the contact number provided by aviator and the call failed. Just hope we can get a refund. Ruined what might otherwise have been a lovely day.”

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5.Exploration, Taha’a Lagoon Tour by Private Boat

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews

Join Captain Kenzo of Catch & Cook Adventures for a private 4 to 8 hour boat tour from Raiatea around Taha'a Lagoon. Snorkel among reef fish, rays, sharks, and coral, then visit a rum estate, vanilla farm, and pearl farm. The boat holds up to four people, with drinks, snacks, and snorkeling gear included.

“My partner and I had a great time with Kenzo. He got us snorkeling in 5 spots, all quite different from each other. He's really passionate about the ocean and easy going. It was quite fun to snorkel above the corals while being dragged by the boat. My partner even went above a turtle. Highly recommended!”

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6.Guided sunset cruise on Raiatea Lagoon

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 4 reviews · from $133

Join Hava'i and Sea at 5:00 pm for a two-hour sunset cruise on Raiatea Lagoon. You’ll cruise in a small group of up to 12, enjoy panoramic island views, and watch the sky change over the ocean. A drink and charcuterie board are included, with Bora Bora sometimes visible behind the sunset.

“We had a fabulous sunset tour. It was very personal and intimate as it was just the four of us. The staff provided us with a beautiful charcuterie board and rum punch drinks.”

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7.4 Days and 3 Nights in Catamaran on Raïatea and Tahaa

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · from $5,417

Set sail from Apooiti Marina for four days and three nights around Raiatea and Tahaa aboard a small, private catamaran. Steve, Julia, and Emma are named in a guest account. Expect pearl and vanilla visits, a coral garden, local rum, kayaking, snorkeling, paddle time, sun decks, and meals included on board.

“Superbe expérience avec Steve, Julia et Emma sur le catamaran pendant 2jours.”

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