Uturoa, Raietea Island

Uturoa, Raietea Island

French Polynesia

Explore the sacred marae temple ruins nestled in lush valleys while paddling through crystalline lagoons teeming with tropical fish.

Currency CFP Franc (XPF)
Language French, Tahitian
Time Zone SST (UTC-10)
Best Time to Visit Sep–Mar
Typical Duration 58-73 nights
Price Range $2,309–$91,949 per person
Port Type Port of Call
Tender Port Yes

Gateway to the stunning Society Islands and pristine Polynesian culture, offering world-class diving, lagoon exploration, and authentic island experiences.

Cruises that visit Uturoa, Raietea Island

Build Your Day in Uturoa, Raietea Island

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 5:00 PM
Usually about 9 hours ashore
Getting around:
Marae Taputapuatea Important site, sacred in local culture Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 1k Open · Closes 5 PM
Hôtel Raiatea Lodge We visited the Raiatea Lodge for dinner and had a fantastic meal. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Opoa Beach Hotel Outdoor seating·Great cocktails·Vegetarian options Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
ARE Tours Raiatea We participated in the Authentic Polynesian Experience full day tour. Sightseeing tour agency · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Raiatea Botanical Garden Very nice walk, with a brief history of Polynesia bonus tidy clean toilets Botanical garden · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open · Closes 7 PM
Fish & Blue Outdoor seating·Great cocktails·Wi-Fi Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 4:30 PM
Snack Tonoi Outdoor seating·Kids' menu Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Raiatea Tropical isle & Polynesian cultural hub Island · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Restaurant Fare Vainui Probably the best food in Raiatea. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Patisserie Bon Apetahi A little pricey, but high quality food and you won't regret it. Cafe · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open · Closes 4 PM
Restaurant Villa Ixora Outdoor seating·Private dining room·Great cocktails Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 11:15 AM
Raiatea Pearl Such a unique and cool thing to do if you are in Raiatea!!! Aquaculture farm · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Sunset Beach Raiatea A lovely spot. Motel · ★ 4.9 · 0k
RAIATEA BLUE LAGOON Highly recommend this tour for anyone visiting Raiatea! Boat tour agency · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM
Roulotte Tevahine Cash-only·Outdoor seating Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu
Te Mara Nui We did a private snorkeling tour around Motu Ofetaro. Dive club · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open · Closes 5:30 PM
La Raie'Gate Outdoor seating·Vegetarian options·High chairs Restaurant · ★ 4.1 · 0k Opens soon · 8 AM
Roulotte Kaikai The food was one of the most delicious meals we had in French Polynesia. Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Mystery House Raiatea It was an unforgettable time at Mystery House of Raiatea! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Arii Moana Tours Boat tour agency · ★ 5 · 0k Open 24 hours
Napoli Restaurant RAIATEA Dine-in Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Catamaran apetahi. Boat tours Cruise agency · ★ 5 · 0k
Snack Mac Délice food To top it off we ordered the profiteroles for dessert. Wok restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 6 PM
Randonnée des Gabbros Nice place to stop and check the peculiar geological formations in the area. Hiking area · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Villa Ixora The food was amazing… Especially the smoked fish! Bed & breakfast · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Restaurant La Voile d'Or à Raiatea - 'Āpo'oiti Outdoor seating·Great cocktails Bar · ★ 3.9 · 0k Permanently closed
L’Atelier Saveurs Pizza · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed
Motu Ofetaro Picnics·Dogs allowed Park · ★ 4.5 · 0k
POKE POKE Fresh and very tasty. Fast food restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Ron's Roulotte Outdoor seating·On-site parking Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 10:30 AM
Brasserie Mara’amu (Chez Monpas) Outdoor seating Asian restaurant · ★ 3.5 · 0k Open · Closes 3 PM
Atipikaa Great cocktails Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 4 PM
Roulotte Koko Crêpes & Grills Snack bar · ★ 4.2 · 0k Closed
Raiatea Quad These 4,000ft sheer walls are just stunning to see. Tour agency · ★ 5 · 0k Opens soon · 8 AM
Roulotte Chez Mahin’s Fast Food · ★ 5 · 0k Closed
OIKOS All ingredients were fresh and lots of the sauces were made by hand. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k Permanently closed
snack nat Fast Food · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed
Piscine uturoa It is a Free outdoors swimming area. Outdoor swimming pool · ★ 4.3 · 0k
Iriatai Excursions Highly recommend—this is a must-do in Raiatea. Tourist attraction · ★ 5 · 0k Opens soon · 8 AM
🌴𝙆𝙊𝙆𝙊𝙁𝘼𝙍𝙀🌴 de TIHOTI TARUA Food manufacturer · ★ 5 · 0k Opens soon · 8 AM
Un Délice En Bouche Snack bar · ★ 5 · 0k Closed
Motu IRIRU Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Roulotte Chez Rau Restaurant · ★ 5 · 0k Closed
Blue dream Xperience One of the best experiences we had in Polynesia. Boat tour agency · ★ 5 · 0k Opens soon · 8 AM
Raiatea Escape Tourist attraction · ★ 5 · 0k
Motu Aito Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Plage To’a Huri Nihi Picnics Park · ★ 4 · 0k
Ninamu Lagon Takeout Fast food restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM
Lyn'k Best sandwich in town! Restaurant · ★ 5 · 0k Open · Closes 1 PM

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

Next Departures from Uturoa, Raietea Island

About Uturoa, Raietea Island

Uturoa, the main port of Raiatea Island, serves as a scenic port of call for cruisers exploring French Polynesia's Society Islands. While this intimate port welcomes just one cruise line—Oceania Cruises—it offers a more exclusive and unhurried experience compared to busier Pacific ports. With 11 upcoming cruises and itineraries spanning 40 nights, visitors typically combine Uturoa with longer voyages that venture to Tahiti, Hawaii, and other South Pacific destinations, making it an ideal stop for those seeking deeper exploration of the region.

Stepping ashore in Uturoa, you'll discover the authentic charm of a working Polynesian port town, where local culture thrives beyond the typical cruise ship experience. The island's lush tropical landscape and nearby lagoons provide natural beauty, while the town itself offers genuine opportunities to connect with island life and local traditions. Whether you're seeking cultural immersion or simply a peaceful tropical setting, Uturoa delivers a refreshingly genuine slice of French Polynesia.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Sacred Marae Temple Exploration

Discover Raietea's spiritual heart by visiting the ancient marae temples scattered across the island. These pre-contact Polynesian ceremonial sites offer profound insights into traditional culture and stunning views across the lagoon. Local guides share fascinating stories of ancestral rituals and the island's significance as a sacred center of Polynesian civilization.

2

Fresh Tropical Market Flavors

Wander through Uturoa's vibrant local market bursting with exotic fruits, fresh seafood, and Polynesian delicacies. Sample poisson cru, the iconic raw fish marinated in coconut milk, or taste tropical fruits you've never encountered. The market captures authentic island life and offers the freshest flavors of French Polynesia.

3

Lagoon Snorkeling & Water Adventures

Plunge into Raietea's crystalline lagoon teeming with colorful coral gardens and tropical fish species. The calm, protected waters are perfect for snorkeling directly from the shore or via organized boat excursions. Encounter vibrant marine life in one of the South Pacific's most pristine aquatic environments.

4

Artisan Crafts & Local Boutiques

Browse Uturoa's charming shops featuring handcrafted Polynesian jewelry, tapa cloth, and wood carvings created by local artisans. Each piece tells a story of island traditions and cultural heritage. Support local creators while discovering unique souvenirs unavailable anywhere else in the world.

5

Vanilla Plantation & Agricultural Tours

Visit Raietea's renowned vanilla plantations to learn how the island produces some of the world's finest vanilla. Walk through fragrant gardens, understand the meticulous cultivation process, and purchase premium vanilla products directly from growers. This agricultural heritage defines the island's economy and aromatic identity.

Cruise Lines at Uturoa, Raietea Island

Cruises Departing From Uturoa, Raietea Island

Cruises Visiting Uturoa, Raietea Island

Ship Schedule at Uturoa, Raietea Island

Uturoa, Raietea Island Location

Other Cruise Ports in French Polynesia

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Uturoa, Raietea Island located?

Uturoa is the main town on Raietea Island in French Polynesia, near Bora Bora.

What port type is Uturoa classified as?

It is an official port serving ships and tourists in the Raietea area.

How can I reach Uturoa from Bora Bora?

Travelers typically fly short inter-island flights or take local boat services.

What are notable attractions near Raietea Island?

Lagoons, snorkeling spots, and the markets of Uturoa offer cultural and natural experiences.