Page 134 - French Polynesia
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eparated from each other by a 3 km long thin narrow water- a very surreal and dreamlike impression. Its inhabitants live mainly
out of pearl farming and fishing, besides producing 80% of Polyne-
S way, Raiatea and Tahaa share the same lagoon. Raiatea oc- sia’s total vanilla outcome.
cupies a very important place in both the past and the present F antastic coral gardens abound in the lagoon off of Raiatea and
of French Polynesia. Traditionally, believed by Tahitians to be the its sister island of Tahaa. Black coral, sponges and marine life
birth place of Oro, the god of war and fertility, legend has it that have made their home on the wreck of a merchant ship. Strong
this island is also the place from where Polynesian voyagers left currents are present on the Teavapiti Inlet, and with several dive
the region to discover places like Hawaii and New Zealand. Also sites to choose from, divers won’t be disappointed with the inhab-
known as ‘sacred Raiatea’, Raiatea is home to the most important iting creatures like manta rays, sharks, barracudas, angelfish, and
marae or temple in French Polynesia, the Marae Taputapuatea. napolean wrasse.
T he island is a key economic center for the Leeward area. The T he underwater landscape wealth is illuminated with the ‘’Nor-
town of Uturoa, which is the main town on the island, is also a dby’’, a magnificent three-master which sank in 1990. These
significant transportation hub in French Polynesia, with the water- islands offer a wide range of diving experiences form drift dives
front here having a large cruise ship terminal. And while there are through the eleven passes to drop offs, pinnacles, caves and coral
no beaches on the island itself, Raiatea is surrounded by motus, canyons. The Nordby is a three-masted ship that sunk in 1900 and
or very tiny isles that have excellent beaches and splendid views. is a good wreck dive. If you visit in July-November there is the op-
Also found on Raiatea is the only inter-island airport. Two miles portune to see Humpback Whales during their annual migration.
north of Uturoa is the tiny island of Tahaa, which is only accessi- Manta Rays are present from July to September.
ble by boat. Nicknamed the ‘Vanilla Island’ due to its many vanilla
plantations, the air here has a subtle vanilla perfume that gives it
