Visit Raiatea, French Polynesia

Much less visited than its neighbouring Bora Bora, Raiatea is the second largest of the Society Islands and is at the heart of the indigenous culture.

It is thought this was the main stop for the earliest Melanesian settlers, with a fascinating wealth of history and legend.

Exploring Raiatea

Raiatea is most often visited as the gateway to its smaller sister island, Taha'a, which shares the same lagoon.

However, it also enjoys some beautiful landscapes, with mountainous peaks and some good beaches, as well as the only navigable river in Polynesia which passes over numerous stunning waterfalls.

It also features some great surf spots, as well as excellent diving and sailing, and is home to several luxury yacht charters.