Raiatea

French Polynesia

Navigate emerald lagoons and discover sacred marae temples hidden among lush tropical valleys in this legendary island.

💱 Currency CFP Franc (XPF)

🗣 Language French, Tahitian

🕐 Time Zone SST (UTC-10)

☀️ Best Time to Visit Sep–Apr

🚢 Typical Duration 7-20 nights

💰 Price Range From $50 pp

⚓ Port Type Port of Call

🚤 Tender Port Yes

Raiatea is a gateway to French Polynesia's stunning lagoons and pristine coral atolls, offering cruisers access to some of the South Pacific's most exclusive and unspoiled island experiences.

Cruises that visit Raiatea

Build Your Day in Raiatea

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM

Usually about 10 hours ashore

My ship arrives around: Getting around:

Marae Taputapuatea There are so many cool and interesting things to see and read. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 1k

Hôtel Raiatea Lodge We visited the Raiatea Lodge for dinner and had a fantastic meal. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k

ARE Tours Raiatea Then they showed how to do the Hucker and how to climb a coconut tree. Sightseeing tour agency · ★ 4.9 · 0k

Fish & Blue The decor is fantastic, the setting sublime, the food excellent. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 4:30 PM

Raiatea Botanical Garden We enjoyed the trails and beautiful gardens a lot. Botanical garden · ★ 4.5 · 0k

Opoa Beach Hotel The restaurant is excellent, with outstanding food of very high quality. Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k

Snack Tonoi Very nice variety on the menu and a nice wine list. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k

Raiatea Lots of activities to do. Island · ★ 4.6 · 0k

Restaurant Villa Ixora The food was amazing - fresh Tuna, excellent filets and abundant portions. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k

Raiatea Pearl It was the most stunning location with so many waterfalls after the rain! Aquaculture farm · ★ 5 · 0k

RAIATEA BLUE LAGOON It's super comfy with enough space to keep privacy between groups. Boat tour agency · ★ 5 · 0k

Roulotte Kaikai Great Tartar and Gyros! Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu

APATOA Beach & Garden Village Before arrival you go through nice scenery, they also built paddle court. Resort hotel · ★ 4.7 · 0k

Roulotte Tevahine We had an amazing tuna steak with vainilla and raw tuna with coconut. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu

La Raie'Gate Good food and friendly people. Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 0k

Snack Aéroport There is indoor and outdoor seating. Restaurant · ★ 3.7 · 0k

Te Mara Nui The equipment used was good. Dive club · ★ 4.6 · 0k

Mystery House Raiatea The illusions and house were incredible, but Gerard was the real magic. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k

Napoli Restaurant RAIATEA Food is delicious, friendly awesome service and good vibe. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k

Randonnée des Gabbros Short one, but quite nice ! Hiking area · ★ 4.6 · 0k

Belvedere Faaroa Well worth the visit. Scenic spot · ★ 4.8 · 0k

Arii Moana Tours Every experience was absolutely mind blowing! Boat tour agency · ★ 4.9 · 0k

Hava'i and Sea It was a great way to discover the island and its gems. Boat tour agency · ★ 5 · 0k

FAAROA CRUISE Easy to work in Boat tour agency · ★ 5 · 0k

Vairua Perles Small store with good prices. Store · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 4 PM

Motu Ofetaro You can walk completely around the island in a half hour. Park · ★ 4.5 · 0k

Tahiti Air Lagon This is an absolute 5 star experience. Airplane · ★ 4.9 · 0k

LS PROXI Uturoa It had everything we needed and ok prices. Supermarket · ★ 4.2 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 7:30 PM

Anapa Pearls Pearls and a coral 🪸 garden! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k

Atipikaa Food, atmosphere and service is top notch. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 4 PM

Havaii Sport Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 5 PM

Gare Maritime - Uturoa Plenty of stores from groceries to hardware. Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 5 PM

Raiatea Jet by Mantaha'a Tours I more than recommend it to everyone!!! Boat tour agency · ★ 5 · 0k

Tico Pearls Raiatea In-store shopping·In-store pickup·Delivery Shopping mall · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 5 PM

Nautisport Raiatea Found mens reef shoes in size 49.5 saved our trip and great prices. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 1 PM

Blue dream Xperience Every moment was incredible. Boat tour agency · ★ 5 · 0k

Magasin AURORE RAIATEA Excellent Store for shopping. Store · ★ 4.2 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 1:30 PM

BottleShop Raiatea They also carried a large number of wines for sale. Liquor store · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 5:30 PM

Raromatai Sweety Boutique I bought my favorite hat ever here! Boutique · ★ 4 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 5 PM

King Shop Polynesia Sportswear store · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Open · Closes 4 PM

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Raiatea

About Raiatea

Raiatea stands as a premier port of call in French Polynesia, welcoming passengers from seven major cruise lines including Silversea, Seabourn, Royal Caribbean International, and Celebrity Cruises. With over 150 upcoming cruises calling here, this island serves as a vital hub for South Pacific itineraries, particularly on popular seven-night voyages that connect the region's most coveted islands. The consistent flow of cruise traffic throughout the year, with peak seasons in February through April and September through October, reflects Raiatea's importance as a must-visit destination for Pacific cruisers.

When your ship arrives, you'll discover an island that perfectly balances natural beauty with authentic Polynesian culture. Passengers can explore lush tropical landscapes, visit sacred archaeological sites, or simply relax on pristine beaches during their time ashore. The island's strategic location makes it an ideal base for experiencing the broader Society Islands, as many cruises from here venture to nearby Tahiti, Bora-Bora, Moorea, and other enchanting destinations that define the ultimate South Pacific cruise experience.

Explore Ancient Polynesian Temples

Discover Raiatea's sacred marae (ancient temples) scattered across the island, including the impressive Taputapuatea marae, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These archaeological wonders offer profound insights into pre-contact Polynesian culture and spirituality. Guided tours reveal the historical significance of these stone structures that once hosted important ceremonies and gatherings.

Savor Fresh Tropical Seafood

Indulge in Raiatea's exceptional poisson cru, a local favorite made with fresh-caught fish marinated in coconut milk and lime juice. Visit waterfront restaurants and local eateries to taste authentic Polynesian cuisine featuring tropical fruits, grilled mahi-mahi, and coconut-based dishes. The island's fishing heritage ensures remarkably fresh seafood prepared with traditional island flavors.

Cruise Scenic Faaroa River

Navigate the lush Faaroa River, the only navigable river in French Polynesia, surrounded by dramatic volcanic peaks and verdant tropical vegetation. This peaceful excursion showcases Raiatea's pristine natural beauty and offers opportunities to spot local birdlife. The river's calm waters and stunning landscape create an unforgettable escape into island paradise.

Shop Local Crafts & Pearls

Browse Raiatea's markets and boutiques for authentic Polynesian handicrafts, including intricate wood carvings, woven baskets, and traditional pareos. The island is renowned for its black pearl jewelry, offering exceptional quality at competitive prices. Local artisans display their work at the port area, providing direct access to genuine souvenirs and cultural treasures.

Swim in Pristine Lagoon Waters

Experience Raiatea's crystalline turquoise lagoon through snorkeling or swimming at accessible beach spots near the port. The warm, calm waters reveal vibrant coral gardens and tropical fish species in their natural habitat. This quintessential Polynesian experience showcases the island's underwater beauty and is perfect for those seeking relaxation and natural wonder.