Raiatea, French Polynesia

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Tour Day 18, Cruise Day 18 – Raiatea Highlights (3.5 hours) - Board an open-air vehicle for a panoramic drive through the main town of Uturoa -- the cultural and administrative center of Raiatea. Shortly after leaving town, you will see Mount Temehani -- endemic home to the Tiare Apetahi. This extremely rare flower grows nowhere else on earth. An amazing fact about this flower is that each morning, when the sun touches the flower, the petals open with a slight crackling sound. From the bus, take in the view of the lagoon that is home to some pearl farms. Your scenic drive will pass the coastline and give you a glimpse of Polynesian daily life. Raiatea is a very green island, and your guide will point out flowers and fruits along the way. Continue on the inland road of Raiatea, joining the east coast road that leads through a giant bamboo forest to the south of the island. Pass through the village of Fetuna, whose primary industry is fishing, then pause for refreshments at the district of Vaiau. You will stop at the marae (open-air temple) of Tainuu before heading back to the pier. Time permitting, you may also stop briefly at a pearl farm along the way.

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Photos

Raiatea Highlights Tour
Ferme (Farm, I Suppose) Perliere (Pearl, I’m Quite Sure)

Raiatea Highlights Tour
Inside the Cone of the Volcano

Raiatea Highlights Tour
The Lore and Legend of the Volcano Is Interesting

Raiatea Highlights Tour
The Comfort Stop Came Complete with a Variety of Fresh Fruit and …

Raiatea Highlights Tour
… Some Sea Shells (by the Seashore)

Raiatea Highlights Tour
The Metal Prevents Critters from Climbing the Coconut Trees

Back Aboard ms Noordam
A Local Doing What Locals Do

Back Aboard ms Noordam
A Panoramic View of Uturoa, the Main Town on Raiatea