Cruises to Raiatea

Shopping and dining are right at your doorstep at the Gare Maritime; after exiting the gangway, head straight toward the building (tour operators set up inside; you can also pick up brochures and ask representatives any questions you might have).The terminal building, has a restaurant and bakeries, tourist office, sporting outlets, jewelry and handicraft shops, and of course you can get a cold Hinano beer.

Except for popular lunch spots, Uturoa pretty much shuts down at noon; banks and most shops close at noon or so and reopen around 2 p.m. Don't be discouraged if you return from a morning excursion to find the town dead -- it will pick back up again.

By Car: Car rental companies include Raiatea Rent Car (40-66-35-35; mobile 87-31-32-62), located at the airport, which is about 1.8 miles west of the cruise port. Another is Raiatea Location (40-66-34-06), which is open seven days a week and located between the airport and the town.

By Taxi: There is a taxi stand in town. Fares should be posted if no meter is present, however, be sure to agree on a fare before getting in -- and while you're at it, arrange for a return pickup.

By Bus or Shuttle: Open-air Le Trucks are the main method of public transportation, but unless your sense of direction and basic French are good, you may want to avoid this option in this particular port of call.

The local currency is the French Pacific Franc. Banque Socredo and Banque de Tahiti have branches in Uturoa and both have ATMs. Hours are 8 a.m. to 3.30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

Tahitian and French are widely spoken, though some English is spoken near the port.