Taha'a

The Vanilla Island

Taha'a is a true botanical beauty. Her fertile valleys and sloping hillsides are covered with banana, watermelon and coconut groves. Suitably shaped like a flower, the island is also an immense natural greenhouse for the highly prized Tahitian vanilla orchid. Thanks to this abundance, the intoxicating scent of vanilla pervades the air in Taha'a, meaning this island is just as sweet as it sounds.

The Allure

Taha'a grows nearly 80% of all vanilla produced in French Polynesia. This sumptuous spice is therefore used in everything from the local cuisine to relaxing aromatherapy. We recommend visiting one of the many plantations and purchasing vanilla beans or extract to take a taste of Taha'a home with you.

The Locale

Beyond the fragrant fruits, Taha'a will draw you in with her ivory beaches, intricate coral gardens and secluded tranquility. Adding to this appeal is the fact that Taha'a is only accessible by boat from sister island Raiatea. These two islands are surrounded by a single continuous coral reef and share the same translucent lagoon. Once you arrive at the small airport on the coast of Raiatea, a 45-minute flight from Tahiti, Taha'a is just a few short minutes away by boat.

Final Impression

Sweet and seductive, the island of Taha'a will engage and heighten each of your senses. One of our favorite picks for a romantic honeymoon escape, this is a wonderful island to pair with Bora Bora—or even visit instead of Bora Bora. Stay on the northwest coast and you can admire Bora Bora from afar, watching the sun set behind her iconic silhouette on the nearby horizon as you breathe in the irresistible scent of vanilla.

TAHITI.COM DISTINCTION

Learn why our travel experts are the ultimate source on all things Tahiti. We’re here to help.

DISCOVER VACATIONS

Browse our exclusive packages and request more information from our travel specialists.

Accommodations

The mainland of Taha'a is surrounded by tiny islets, or motu, which lay scattered across the lagoon. Each is an idyllic locale with flawless beaches covered in white sand and swaying palms. Many are isolated and provide the ultimate setting for a picnic lunch during your stay. The others feature some of Tahiti's most secluded hotels. Le Taha'a Island Resort & Spa is an elegant resort that is part of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux Group. Another option is the charming Vahine Private Island Resort, which features a limited selection of intimate overwater bungalows and beachfront suites.

See All

Taha'a Accommodations

← →

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Designed specifically for Polynesia, the Paul Gauguin is a deluxe vessel offering all-inclusive small-ship luxury to just 332 guests. Flawless, friendly service from a European-trained staff emulates the delightfully unhurried and unregimented Polynesian way of life. Spacious ocean-view staterooms, most with balconies or verandas, open to sweet-scented tropical breezes and lush island vistas. Fine international and French cuisine is served on an open-seating basis in three restaurants. Polynesia's translucent, shimmering aqua lagoons are begging to be explored and there is no better place to do so than from the Paul Gauguin's retractable watersports marina.

Our Rating

Tahiti Yacht Charter

Experience the luxury of private yacht cruising in Tahiti with custom cruise itineraries through Bora Bora, Raiatea, Taha’a and Huahine aboard your own private catamaran. Enjoy secluded white sand beaches, stop at a remote motu and swim in translucent lagoons – the beauty of Tahiti Yacht Charter is you can do as much or as little as you want. The crew will tailor your sailing experience to your desires, taking into account the type of catamaran, the season and the duration of your cruise. The fleet of 30 modern and luxurious catamarans can accommodate anywhere from two to twelve people. Each is equipped with two kayaks, two floating hammocks, dinghy, snorkeling and fishing gear.

Our Rating

Le Taha'a by Pearl Resorts

Le Taha'a is an elegant resort and a member of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux Collection. Located thirty minutes by boat from the island of Raiatea, this luxury hotel is situated on a small, private islet with spectacular views of Taha'a and Bora Bora and easy access to an extraordinary coral garden. Each overwater bungalow features a large deck with privacy enclosure, while the beach villas feature their own secluded courtyard with plunge pools hidden behind rock walls.

Our Rating

Vahine Island Resort & Spa

Vahine Island is located on a small private islet along the northeastern coral reef surrounding Taha'a. Only thirty minutes away by boat from Raiatea, this prime placement delivers scenic views of Taha'a, Raiatea, Huahine and Bora Bora. Tucked inside a pristine coconut grove, this intimate boutique hotel provides the ultimate privacy and blends seamlessly with the island's natural environment.

Our Rating

La Pirogue Api

La Pirogue Api is located on a small private motu off the eastern coast of Taha'a. Just twenty minutes away by boat from Raiatea's airport, this boutique hotel commands beautiful views of Taha'a and Bora Bora in the distance. Nestled amidst a lush coconut grove, this intimate retreat provides blissful seclusion and an authentic French Polynesian atmosphere.

Our Rating

Recreation

Since the scenery here is especially remarkable, Taha'a is ideal for hiking. You can explore these ascending slopes and deep valleys while discovering the diverse flora and fauna along the way. We also recommend a Jeep Safari tour of the island. Most guided excursions include a visit to the vanilla plantation and a local pearl farm, which really encompasses the primary attractions on the mainland.

Snorkeling is also a popular pastime in Taha'a. There is a shallow coral garden between Motu Maharare and Motu Tautau where you can drift snorkel amidst scores of intensely hued tropical fish. The current carries you effortlessly through the reef, allowing you to simply float across the surface and gaze at this underwater maze. You can also enjoy Jet Skiing, fishing, sailing and diving. Across the lagoon, the island of Raiatea is the nautical center of Tahiti, meaning you can easily reserve a catamaran for the day. Raiatea is also home to the UNESCO designated historic site, Taputapuatea, one of Polynesia's oldest and largest ancient temples called a 'marae'. The waters between these two islands are home to a number of caverns and shipwrecks, creating a nirvana for avid scuba divers.

See All

Taha'a Activities

← →

Tahitian Dance Lesson

A sensual swaying of the hips to the sounds of the drums Toere and the Ukulele, unlocking the secrets of the coded language of the pelvic and arms movements that are the grace of the Oritahiti (a rapid and rhythmic dance) and of the Aparima (slow dance). Your dance instructor will show you the different ways of wearing the pareo, teach you the basics of this traditional art which is passed down from generation to generation and invite you to share her passion for traditional Polynesian dance forms. Price is per person based on two people sharing the dance lesson.

Available only to guests of Le Taha'a Resort and Spa.

FROM

$88

Overland 4x4 Safari of Taha'a

Explore the beautiful interior of Taha`a by 4x4 and discover its luxurious tropical vegetation with a friendly guide. You`ll taste the local fruit and admire breathtaking views of the magnificent turquoise bay of Haamene. This excursion also includes a visit to the pearl farm, a rum distillery and a traditional vanilla plantation. Available for guests staying at Le Taha`a Island Resort and Spa.

FROM

$107

First Dive

Discover the colorful coral gardens and sealife of Taha`a. Introductory dives take place in a secure area inside the lagoon, at a maximum depth of 20-feet. Enjoy the new sensation of diving with your qualified instructor. This is a lagoon dive for beginners.

Available only to guests of Le Taha'a Resort and Spa.

FROM

$140

Lagoon Safari

In the middle of the Taha’a island lagoon, you will be able to live a unique experience with fish, rays and sharks! Visit the most beautiful coral gardens, to the sound of our guide`s ukulele. This half-day excursion requires a minimum of four people to operate.

Available only to guests of Le Taha'a Resort and Spa.

FROM

$146

4x4 Safari & ATV Adventure with Lunch

Discover Taha'a by 4x4 and visit a pearl farm and a traditional vanilla plantation with your local guide. After a freshly prepared lunch, hop aboard your ATV for a thrilling afternoon adventure exploring the verdant jungle of Taha'a. Price is per person, based on two people sharing one ATV.

FROM

$188

Mahana Moe Moea Tour with Lunch

Discover the secrets of the sea and the Fenua of Taha`a. Visit a working pearl farm, a traditional vanilla plantation and the Rum Distillery with our local guide. Then cruise to several of the islands best snorkeling spots, including the coral gardens. You will have a chance to meet the sharks and rays. Includes a freshly prepared local lunch on a motu with your guide. Four adults or more passengers are required to operate tour.

Available only to guests of Le Taha'a Resort and Spa.

FROM

$204

Taha'a Between Land and Sea

Discover the beautiful island of Taha`a by both land and sea. You`ll begin your adventure by 4x4 jeep exploring the island`s inner rainforest along with a vanilla plantation, pearl farm and rum distillery. On the second half of the excursion, you`ll explore the magnificent lagoon by Jet Ski.

Available only to guests of Le Taha'a Resort and Spa.

FROM

$235

Salty Discovery by Jet Ski, Tandem

Explore the lagoon of Taha'a by Jet Ski. You`ll be accompanied by a local guide including a stop at the Oromahana coral garden to snorkel with the stingrays and reef sharks. Includes refreshments. Price is per person for 2 people sharing a jet ski.

Available only to guests of Le Taha'a Resort and Spa.

FROM

$236

Private Sunset Cruise

Enjoy a romantic sunset cruise with Polynesian melodies played by a local guide and his ukelele. Your captain will take you to the side of Bora Bora to end the day in style in our little paradise. Appreciate the moment when the sun disappears behind the ocean line bordering the majestic Bora Bora Island. In addition, take full advantage of your captain`s attention to ask questions and learn more about the island and the lagoon`s unique marine ecosystem. Price listed is per person based on 2 persons cruising together.

FROM

$260

Take a Look Around

- Polynesian Church on the Shores of Taha'a
- Aerial View of Vahine Island Resort on Taha'a
- Taha'a Lagoon Views
- Coconut Tree Groves on Vahine Island
- The Shores of Le Taha'a Island Resort
- Le Taha'a Island Resort Overwater Bungalows at Sunset
- Drift Snorkeling at Le Taha'a Island Resort
- Traditional Pearl Farms on Taha'a
- Black Pearl Cultivation on Taha'a
- Black Pearl Cultivation on Taha'a
- Black Pearls From Taha'a
- Polynesian Fire Dancers at Le Taha'a Island Resort
- Le Taha'a Island Resort Overwater Bungalows with Bora Bora's Mt Otemanu in the Distance
- Aerial View of Le Taha'a Island Resort
- Snorkeling in the Crystal Clear Waters of Taha'a
- Aerial View of Vahine Island Resort on Taha'a
- Fresh Vanilla Beans from Taha'a's Vanilla Plantations
- Taha'a Sunsets with Bora Bora in the Distance