Huahine and Raiatea
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Positives
- Year-round swell
- Powerful reef passes
- Postcard scenery
- All types of accommodation
Negatives
- Fierce localism
- Reef pass dangers
- Difficult access
- Very expensive trip
Huahine and Raiatea surf travel guide
Raiatea is considered the traditional centre of French Polynesia's religion and culture, where many voyages of Pacific discovery started. The surf spots are more remote and quality is highly dependent on swell direction and wind exposure. Huahine is smaller, but boasts a number of quality reef passes including the matching pair of Faré Left and Faré Right, the region's most surfed waves. Because of their isolation these islands have a long history of resistance against the official government, a strong feeling of ownership of the spots, namely localism, has developed. The 'Black Shorts' on Huahine and Raiatea will only let outsiders surf with them once they have proved themselves to be their friends and loyal to the surf.
Surf spots in Huahine and Raiatea
Research the 13 surf breaks in Huahine and Raiatea and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 13 breaks in Huahine and Raiatea.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Huahine and Raiatea
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- dec
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 216,300
- Population
- 280,908
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- XPF
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +689
- Dialing out
- 00
- Emergencies
- 112
- Language
- French, Tahitian
Electricity
- Plug Type
- abe
Visas
Most European countries plus USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, japan and some others can visit visa free for stays up to 90 days. All other nationalities should check at the time of travel what the latest visa requirements are.
Getting There
Connection to Raiatea via Papeete, Tahiti by Air Tahiti with frequent 45-minute flights. It is possible to travel by boat from Tahiti to Raiatea, Tahaa and Huahine, but the journey is long, not very comfortable and operated by basic cargo ships Ñ the Hawaiki Nui (three cabins with two single beds) and the Taporo VI (no cabins). There are two services per week, and the trip from Papeete to Huahine takes nine hours; 11 hours to Raiatea, 12 hours to Tahaa and 13 to Bora Bora.
Getting Around
Several daily 20-minute flights connect Raiatea to Huahine and Bora Bora. A rental car is expensive ($50/day) and not much help for remote reef passes. In Farè, rent a boat from JC Eychenne or get a 2-seater kayak ($15/4h) for close spots. Rent a jetski with Safari: $165 daily. Renting a 15Hp boat (4pax) from Europcar in Uturoa costs $72 for 8h plus gas ($42). Raiatea has a public transport system (le Truck) to/from Uturoa.
Accommodation
In Faré, Pension Chez Guynette starts at $20 for a dorm bed and Motel Vanille starts at $100 for a 2 person bungalow. In Uturoa, Hinano Hotel ($90 a/c room for 2) well located if you rent a boat. Expect $10 eating local food in 'Roulottes' or $20 in restaurants.
Activities
Faré comes to life on shipping day, Huahiné's people travel to town by le truck to sell their pigs, copra and melons and buy goods from the incoming supply ships. Tourist attractions include buying pearls, shark feeding, big game fishing or sailing cruises. In Raiatea, visit Taputapuatea, the largest marae (religious monument) in Polynesia or vanilla plantations. Brush up on your French.
Hazards & hassles
Localism is the main issue, face it. Prepare for Polynesian power and take a first-aid kit for reef cuts. Passe rips can be intense, beware if paddling across the lagoon and wear sun-cream. When it rains for days, streams wash out a lot of trash and the channel gets brown with worrying debris. On Motus, mind the pigs!
Handy Hints
Although some beat-up boards are for rent in Faré, take two boards (with a step-up gun for 6ft+ days) and trying to trade one with a local could be a way to negotiate some surfing rights.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.