Taha’a shares a lagoon with Raiatea and grows much of the famously fragrant Tahitian vanilla. It is a quiet island of small villages, ideal for seeing Polynesian life beyond the resorts.
What you will do
- Cruise the lagoon from Raiatea by boat or motorised canoe.
- Visit a vanilla plantation: hand pollination, drying and curing of the pods.
- Visit a black pearl farm, with an explanation of oyster grafting and pearl farming.
- Polynesian lunch on a motu, with Tahitian-style raw fish and local fruit.
- Drift snorkel in the Taha’a coral garden, between two motus.
Who it is for
Everyone: families, couples and lovers of food and culture.
What to bring
Swimwear, towel, water shoes, reef-safe sunscreen, a cap, and cash or card to buy vanilla or pearls.
Best time
All year; May to October is the dry season. Vanilla is mainly harvested in the southern winter, but plantations can be visited year-round.
Good to know: the coral garden drift snorkel works by letting the gentle current carry you between two motus, then the boat picks you up at the end. Wear water shoes, as the entry point has coral rubble.
Included
- Boat with local guide
- Vanilla plantation visit
- Pearl farm visit
- Polynesian motu lunch
- Snorkel gear
FAQs
Where does it leave from?
From Raiatea, usually Uturoa or the marina; pick-ups on Taha’a are also possible.
Can I buy pearls?
Yes, at the farm, with no obligation to buy.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, snorkelling is in shallow water and life jackets are available.
