Uturoa, Raiatea is situated in the South Pacific Ocean and is part of the Society Islands, which is an archipelago within French Polynesia. It is the second largest island in French Polynesia (after Tahiti) and is often referred to as the "Sacred Island" due to its historical and cultural significance. Known for its rich Polynesian culture and history. It was the centre of religious and cultural life in ancient Polynesia. The island is accessible by boat or domestic flights from Tahiti and other nearby islands. The official languages are French and Tahitian, but Tahitian is more commonly spoken by the local population. The population here is approximately 12,000. It has the same climate as Papeete, with the wet season from November to April. The economy is primarily based on agriculture, fishing and tourism. The port was small with some local shops and it’s a bit more relaxed here. Again we sourced out a local business to do a tour over to the island of Tahnee.The guide and his local family were nice and very happy to tell us about his new speed boat, similar to what we had at Bora Bora. After a 20 minute boat ride we were met on the island by a safari car (a ute and 7 of us on seats in the open air out the back). They stopped for some beautiful scenery shots and then we arrived at a Vanilla Farm. Tahitian vanilla is some of the best quality in the world, and I know now why vanilla is so expensive. They plant the vanilla orchids, provide suitable environment with shade and support for the vines, hand pollinate the flowers (they only open for one day) and carefully curing the vanilla beans after harvesting (hand dried in the sun for 3 months). Our guide explained the cost of living here has well has risen. Next stop was a rum distillery, where they explained their local processes and a quick shot to taste (I thing we were suppose to sip it?) Then off to the local pearl farm. Before covid there was 60 pearl farms, now there is only 5 left. This may explain why the cost of black pearls is now so expensive. They explained the way they implant the artificial nucleus (shell bead) and added the DNA to form the colour. We also looked over the operators shoulder to see first hand his technique and his precise skill. They had over 2 million shells on the farm cultivating black pearls and the process takes a minimum 18 months. We then enjoyed a boat ride to the coral garden for a swim/snorkel. It was on a attol and the water was very clear with some colourful coral, clams and fish. In the distance you could see Bora Bora, what an amazing view. It was very close the islands only overwater bungalow resort. Then back to the ship. Our guides explained that only smaller ships can come to Raiatea, so we are glad we were able to experience these beautiful islands.
Utoroa
Thursday, November 09, 2023
Uturoa, Leeward Islands, French Polynesia
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Comments

2025-02-11
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jan
2023-11-13
it looks magical, what a peacefull life.