Raiatea, French Polynesia. Day One- Motu Ofetaro, shopping in town, and the typical afternoon thundershower

A Wandering Doc
17 hours ago
3 min read

This is the third year in a row I have visited this little rustic Motu in the South Pacific. Located just a short water taxi from the town of Uturoa, Raiatea, a relaxing beach day at Motu Ofetaro is the perfect first day in French Polynesia.

This year Holland America threw a little wrench in our plans as use of the dock was claimed so our ship was forced to tender. I think we adjusted well given we grabbed tender tickets at 8:50 and were in the line to buy water taxi tickets by 9:30 and standing on the Motu before 10:00 am. We ended up with about 20 People on the same water taxi so I was able to negotiate a $10’discount for each couple ($20pp as opposed to $25pp).

Quick shout out to those of you who live in a place of gratitude and took the time to seek me out to say “Thank You”- Mahalo- your recognition is much appreciated and reason I organize these little trips.

Look at that beach with TaHaa and Bora Bora as a backdrop!

A full water taxi group!

just a few small fish at the beach side

East side- better for snorkeling but a current

Beach side with Bora Bora and Tahaa in background

Weeeeeee

water is just gorgeous

Beach to the east- don’t bother snorkeling here, it’s a beautiful sand bar

That is the island of Taha’a and Bora Bora in the background

If you are interested in more details about Motu Ofetaro, and photos from 2024 and 2025, please refer to this page -

https://www.awanderingdoc.com/post/motu-ofetaro-march-4th-first-day-in-raiatea

SHOPPING IN TOWN

It’s rare to find a deal anywhere in French Polynesia and Raiatea isn’t an exception. Black pearls are the speciality item here but I recommend to do your homework LONG before getting on island. I have never exchanged USD for xpf as USD has been widely accepted everywhere I have shopped. I also use a CC with no foreign exchange fee for some purchases with no issues.

There is a two story open market that closes at three. The bottom level is fruits and vegetables and the top is locals selling their stuff. I picked up the obligatory T-shirt for $34.

The town of Ulturoa isn’t big and pretty typical of a small island in the middle of the Pacific.

The Harbor

The harbor is where you will pick up all water sport activities. It’s small so if you can’t find your excursion just ask around. The locals seem to have Aloha and are willing to help. The language is French and not everyone speaks English so keep your translator handy.

There are shops right in the port area that appear a bit cleaner than some of the stores off the street.

WHOA- this was the tender line. It took me 45 minutes to get back onboard and it was hot.

AFTERNOON SHOWERS

I got back onboard around 2:00 and was one of the last tenders before the captain temporarily shut down tender operations to let the afternoon squall pass. It has rained in the afternoon the last three years I have visited Raiatea. It’s rainy season in French Polynesia but the showers don’t last all day and are a welcome retreat from the intense heat