[2] The commune lies approximately 120 miles (193.121 km) northwest of Pape'ete, the capital of French Polynesia.

[6] In the 18th century, the famed British explorer Captain James Cook visited Uturoa during his attempt to map the Pacific Ocean.

The forces of Queen Mamea raided Uturoa in 1896, in retaliation for the French annexation of her kingdom, and killed several traders.

Mount Tapioi, 294 meters high, is one of the best vantage points to observe the lagoon and the neighbouring islands.

Uturoa shares the island of Ra'iātea with the communes Taputapuātea to the southeast and Tumara'a to the south.

The nearest other islands are Huahine, located about 31 miles (50  km) east from Ra'iātea, and are home to the large community of Fare and Taha'a, which sits just across the strait to the north.

Humidity levels hover around 80% and remain consistent throughout the year, with the sun shining an average of 200 hours a month.

[12] Ferries from Ra'iātea sail to Taha'a in the north, Vaitape/Bora Bora in the northwest, and Tahiti in the southeast.

Tourists have made watersports extremely popular in the area, with numerous examples such as sailing, jet-skiing, water skiing, kayaking, snorkelling, windsurfing, and fishing.

Tourists are very fond of stingrays (or "fevers," as they are called locally) and baby sharks — both of which can be seen while snorkelling and are a source of joy for divers.