1/2 day "Treasures of Raiatea" by boat - ideal for cruise passengers
Overview
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Hava'i and Sea is the perfect half-day trip to discover two iconic gems of Raiatea, the sacred island of French Polynesia: its unique navigable river and pearl culture.
This boat trip has been designed to offer you an authentic immersion in the heart of Raiatea, combining sailing on the river Faaroa, discovering the landscapes and meeting around local know-how.
Ideal for cruise passengers, this half-day is perfectly adapted to the constraints of time while offering a rich, exotic and memorable experience, without monopolizing all day.
This is the perfect opportunity to marvel at the natural beauty of Raiatea and better understand its heritage, while keeping free time to enjoy the rest of your stopover or stay.
A unique excursion combining nature, discovery and wonder, not to be missed during your visit to Raiatea.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Up the river Faaroa: a journey through lush nature Your adventure begins on the peaceful waters of the Faaroa River, the only navigable river in French Polynesia, the first treasure of the day to be discovered, accompanied by comments from your Guide. As you sail, you glide between shores lined with dense tropical vegetation, where the murmur of water and the song of birds make up a soft and soothing atmosphere. This river lift is a real timeless break, in the heart of the sacred island of Raiatea, offering unspoilt landscapes, a feeling of absolute calm and total immersion in Polynesian nature.
Opoa
Pearl farm: second treasure of this excursion After the tranquility of the Faaroa River, make way for the discovery of an emblematic know-how of Raiatea: Polynesian pearl farming. You visit a local pearl farm and dive behind the scenes of Tahitian pearl culture. Your Guide explains the various stages of this meticulous work, from oysters to pearls, and reveals the secrets of these natural gems known for their unique reflections and deep nuances. A rewarding step that allows you to admire these pearl treasures up close while understanding the importance of this traditional craft in the history and economy of the island.
Options
1/2 day "Treasures of Raiatea" by boat - ideal for cruise passengers
What‘s Included
Guided excursion
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
50 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
From Ocean to Amazon
Blake M,Jun 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00The weather was absolutely perfect for this excursion and we had a great time zipping around the south end of the island to a private pearl farm where we learned how pearls were cultivated and farmed. From there we went towards the longest inland river on the island and it turned into the Amazon and you lose track that you are even on an island. We had some fresh fruits and juices and learned about the fauna on the island before heading back to the ship. While very relaxing and enjoyable, I wish this tour offered a little more history and guide work. A stop at a vanilla farm would of also been a great addition.
Top Tour
Oliver H,Jun 4, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour is highly recommended, and we would do it again immediately. This includes both the activities and the tour guides, who were simply excellent.
Exploring the river
John C,May 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great day but along trip on water but the final destination is breath taking going up the river with all the vegetation . Great pearl farm stop also
Save your back!
Marc R,Apr 30, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Sorry, very nice captain and guide but the Tour just wasn’t worth the time or money. You spend the first hour on a very uncomfortable boats with gunwhales as seating. Very uncomfortable with no back support or padding on seats. VERY HARD ON BACK. VIisit to pearl farm was informative but really not that special. Then back in the boat for another 40 minutes to arrive at the river. Best part of trip. Very interesting and relaxing. Nice fruit served as a refreshment. Then another uncomfortable 30 minute ride back to the dock. I don’t recommend this tour for anyone with back issues. Way too much time spent traveling to and from pearl farm.
Best island experience
Doug A,Apr 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent day on the water with our tuna fisherman guide. He was amazing! He educated us on the culture and history of the islands. Most beautiful scenery, crystal clear water with sea life caught in action. Took us out of the way to see manta rays, stingrays, tortoises, and eagle rays. Genuinely a great guy! Pearl farm experience was very informative.
Great trip Julian the...
Michele D,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Great trip Julian the captain was excellent. The team gave us various fruits from the area. Beautiful day!
Excellent excursion!
Carol C,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a very relaxing, fun, and informative experience . We were on a cruise and this was a perfect excursion for us...the itinerary, the timing and the convenience. Our tour guide, Jeremy and our boat captain were great. The fresh local fruit and juices they offered were an additional treat.
Great experience
Wendy W,Apr 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I would like to let others know that the operators were so helpful from start to finish. Accommodated everyone's needs and were informative.
Excellent personalized...
Russell S,Apr 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent personalized service xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hidden Gems of Raiatea – An Incredible Half Day on the Water with Julien
April P,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This half-day boat tour with Julien was one of the true highlights of our French Polynesia cruise stop and one we would recommend without hesitation to anyone visiting Raiatea. Julien is a skilled and confident captain who took us up the Faaroa River – the only navigable river in all of French Polynesia – a remarkable and unique experience you simply cannot get anywhere else in the region. The scenery along the river was lush and beautiful, and Julien brought great knowledge and enthusiasm to every part of the journey. The pearl farm stop was exceptional. The in-depth explanation and hands-on visual display of the cultivation process gave us a real appreciation for the artistry and patience behind every pearl. It was educational, engaging, and genuinely fascinating. The unexpected highlight of the day was encountering a large pod of dolphins on the water. Julien circled back so we could take our time photographing and filming them – a spontaneous and magical moment that none of us will forget. Throughout the tour he provided a wonderful spread of local fruits and drinks that everyone on board thoroughly enjoyed. It was a warm and generous touch that added to the overall experience. For cruise passengers looking to make the most of their time in Raiatea, this is the tour to book. Julien delivers a 5-star experience from start to finish.
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Operated by Hava'i and Sea