Travel to Taha'a Island - The Vanilla Island in French Polynesia

Taha’a is one of the "Society Islands" chain of French Polynesia and is located near the island of "Raiatea." A large coral reef surrounds both islands.

From Taha'a, you can clearly see the famous and more touristy island "Bora Bora," which also belongs to the same chain of islands.
The area of Taha'a island, which resembles a flower in shape, is 90 square kilometers and is inhabited by about 5,200 residents. It is nicknamed "The Vanilla Island" thanks to its many vanilla crops (about 80 percent of all vanilla produced in French Polynesia). The island is also known for the high-quality pearls produced there, especially black pearls.
Taha'a and the surrounding motus can be reached by a short motorboat ride from Raiatea. The nearest airport is located in Raiatea, as is the cruise port.

The flight time from Raiatea to Tahiti, the largest and most populated island in French Polynesia, is about 45 minutes. There are also several flights a week from Raiatea to other islands in the area.
Life in Taha'a is calm and peaceful. Most residents are farmers, pearl growers, or fishermen, and only a few earn a living from tourism. The island is green and lush with tropical vegetation, white sand beaches, quiet and clear turquoise waters, and lagoons. It is a paradise for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts thanks to its amazing coral reef, abundant with colorful fish, and the possibility of swimming and diving safely among crowds of sharks and giant stingrays far from the crowds of tourists that flock to the larger and more touristy islands.
Those who come to Taha'a island for a few days usually come to catch some peace and combine water sports and vacation with a day trip among the main attractions on the island.
Those who come for a day trip to Taha'a from the neighboring island, Raiatea, can in one sailing trip (many parts of the island are accessible only by boat and not by land) be impressed by the best the island has to offer.

♦ Recommended Hotels in Taha'a

In Taha'a, accommodation options are quite limited. The island has a small number of hotels alongside a few guest houses and pensions. The most recommended of them are:

LE TAHA'A ISLAND RESORT & SPA

A 5-star resort located on a small island called Motu Tautau, 16 km from the coast (about a 7-minute boat ride from the nearest area in Taha'a). Most rooms and suites are over the water, some are beach villas. All have a balcony with views of the ocean or mountains, and some have a private pool. In addition to a private bathroom, all rooms have an outdoor shower. The resort features a swimming pool, gym, spa, restaurants, and bars. The price includes breakfast and free use of kayaks, snorkeling equipment, and paddleboards. Free internet. The hotel belongs to the most prestigious hotels in the world and is one of the Relais & Châteaux hotels.

Vahine Island Resort & Spa

A 4-star resort located on a private island near Taha'a. The resort features beach and overwater bungalows, as well as one-bedroom villas with a living room on the beach. The resort offers its guests use of water sports facilities, snorkeling equipment, mini-golf, children's play facilities, entertainment evenings, guided tours, and other activities. The hotel has a bar, restaurant, and spa. Free internet.

Pension ANAHATA

A pension with air-conditioned double rooms, located in the south of the island in Vaitoare near the sea. The accommodation price includes a continental breakfast. There is a restaurant, picnic area, and garden on-site. Beach chairs, snorkeling equipment, and bicycles are available for free to guests. Free internet.

Guided Tours in Taha'a

Sailing tours to Taha'a island depart from the port of the town of Uturoa in the north of the adjacent island called Raiatea. Among the tours and services available from tour companies in Raiatea are: a day sailing tour in Raiatea and a day sailing tour in Taha'a, alongside transfers to neighboring islands (such as Bora Bora), fishing tours, and more.

Tours available for booking on Viator:

♦ Scenic flight over Raiatea Island in a light plane:

Private flight, in a light plane over the Polynesian motus from Raiatea

A Day Trip in Taha'a:

Sailing to the "Coral Garden," swimming and snorkeling there. This is a unique place where you float while snorkeling in the water current among wonderful corals and colorful fish. A unique experience where you will feel like you are in a giant natural aquarium. A must-see site for visitors to French Polynesia!

Clear waters in the Coral Garden in Taha'a

Visit to the Motu – Lagonarium island. A small farm near the reef with a sandy beach full of sun loungers surrounded by tropical vegetation where you will eat a typical local meal, with explanations of its ingredients and local tradition, and watch demonstrations of coconut cracking and a local dance.

After the meal and rest, sail to the heart of the lagoon for swimming and snorkeling among sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles.

Visit a small and intimate pearl farm where they will tell you about the history of black pearl cultivation on the island, demonstrate how the pearls are grown, how they are processed, and what jewelry is made from them.

Visit a traditional vanilla farm where they will show you the vanilla plants alongside other typical fruit crops of the area, explain the vanilla extraction process, and show what products they prepare from the precious vanilla.

While sailing leisurely in the magical landscape, you can usually watch many dolphins jumping friendlily and gracefully around the boat.

You can join a tour from the Raiatea Marina, located adjacent to the cruise port in the center of the main city, or from one of the docks in Taha'a. The tour duration is about 6-7 hours and it is also suitable for those arriving on cruise ships.

The cruise port in Raiatea:

Cruise port in Raiatea, French Polynesia

Video about traveling to Taha'a Island:

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