French Polynesia’s Society Islands archipelago includes the tiny island of Taha’a. Taha’a, also referred to as the “Vanilla Island,” is well-known for its vanilla plantations, coral reefs, and stunning lagoons. It is the ideal holiday spot for those seeking tranquility and quiet away from the bustle of the city. Here are the top ten things to do in Taha’a if you’re thinking about going there.
1. Visit the Vanilla Plantations
The nickname “Vanilla Island” for Taha’a has a good explanation. Vanilla is a key component of the island’s economy and culture, and the island is covered in vanilla farms. Tahitian vanilla is a common ingredient in local dishes and is regarded as among of the best in the world. The rich, sweet perfume and flavor of the vanilla grown in Taha’a are renowned, which is why it is so highly valued.
A visit to a vanilla plantation is essential if you want to learn more about the cultivation and production of vanilla. You can have a guided tour of the plantations where you can get a close-up look at the vanilla vines and pods and discover the background of vanilla farming in Taha’a. Also, you may discover how vanilla is grown and processed, from manually pollinating the blooms to curing the beans.
You can buy vanilla goods including vanilla beans, vanilla extract, and vanilla powder when you visit a vanilla plantation. These goods are a delicious memento of your trip to Taha’a and make wonderful gifts or souvenirs.
2. Explore the Coral Gardens
A coral reef that encircles Taha’a is home to a wide variety of marine species. The coral gardens of Taha’a, with their vivid hues and intricate formations, are among the most stunning in French Polynesia. One of the most well-liked activities for tourists to the island is snorkeling and diving in the coral gardens.
You can choose from a number of guided tours that will take you to Taha’a’s top snorkeling locations. These trips are supervised by knowledgeable operators who will make sure you have a safe and pleasurable experience while assisting you in identifying the various fish and coral species.
There are a number of snorkeling locations that are reachable from the shore if you would rather explore the coral gardens on your own. The coral gardens off Motu Mahaea, the coral garden off the Sofitel hotel, and the coral garden off the coast of Hurepiti are a few of the more well-known locations.
3. Relax on the Beaches
Taha’a is home to some of French Polynesia’s most exquisite beaches, with its mixture of white and black sand and crystal-clear waters. The beaches of Taha’a are the ideal location to unwind while soaking up the sun and taking in the surroundings.
One of Taha’a’s busiest beaches is Hurepiti Beach. On the western side of the island, there is a white sand beach that provides breathtaking views of the lagoon. The beach is a wonderful place to unwind and relax because it is generally quiet and serene.
On Taha’a, Ohotu Beach is another stunning beach. On the eastern side of the island, there is a black-sand beach that is bordered by a beautiful forest. The beach is a nice area to spend some peace and quiet because it is quite isolated.
Visiting Ha’amene Bay is also recommended. This bay is well-known for its gorgeous turquoise seas and coral reefs, which make it a sought-after location for diving and snorkeling. The beach itself is a nice spot to unwind and take in the landscape because it is quite peaceful and remote.
4. Take a Boat Tour of the Lagoon
With its azure seas and magnificent coral formations, the lagoon that encircles Taha’a is a beautiful sight. One of the greatest ways to appreciate the beauty of the island and its surrounds is to take a boat trip around the lagoon.
You can take a number of boat cruises that will take you through the lagoon and to some of the neighboring smaller islands. These trips are supervised by knowledgeable guides who will educate you about the region’s history, culture, and ecology. Stops to the coral gardens, where you can snorkel or dive and explore the underwater world, are a part of some of the tours.
The “Moto Tour,” which takes you to a number of little islands, or motus, near Taha’a, is one well-liked boat cruise. The journey includes visits to some of the region’s most stunning beaches, a pearl farm, and a vanilla plantation.
A further well-liked boat cruise is the “Sunset Cruise,” which circles the lagoon as dusk falls. Cocktails, small bites, and traditional Polynesian entertainment including music and dancing are all included in the tour.
5. Visit the Marae
In Polynesian culture, the marae is a sacred location that is worth visiting. Taha’a is home to multiple marae. The marae served as the focal point of Polynesian social, political, and religious life and was where significant rituals and ceremonies were performed.
The Taputapuatea marae, which is situated on the neighbouring island of Raiatea, is one of Taha’a’s most significant marae. This marae, which was revered as the most significant in all of Polynesia, served as the setting for numerous significant rituals and events. The Taputapuatea marae is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and anybody who want to learn more about Polynesian history and culture are welcome to visit.
On Taha’a itself, there are a number of marae as well, including the Mahutea marae and the Vaiotaha marae. Although these marae are smaller than the Taputapuatea marae, they are nonetheless significant cultural sites that shed light on Polynesian history and culture.
6. Try Tahitian Cuisine
Tahitian food is renowned for its fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and aromatic spices. It is a blend of French, Polynesian, and Asian influences. Taha’a is home to several wonderful restaurants that serve up traditional Tahitian delicacies, as well as international food.
Poisson cru, a meal created from raw fish marinated in lime juice and coconut milk, is among the most well-known dishes in Tahitian cuisine. Banana pudding, coconut bread, and grilled fish are some additional popular foods.
Taha’a is home to a number of eateries with a focus on Tahitian food, such as Le Vanille Restaurant at the La Pirogue Api resort. This eatery is well-known for its stunning views of the lagoon and provides a variety of traditional meals as well as cuisine from across the world.
7. Visit a Local Market
An excellent approach to get a taste of Taha’a’s native culture and cuisine is to visit a local market. Fresh cuisine, seafood, and handcrafted products from regional craftsmen can all be found in Taha’a’s marketplaces.
The Uturoa Market, which is situated on the neighboring island of Raiatea, is one of Taha’a’s most well-known marketplaces. This market is open every day and provides a large selection of fruits, vegetables, and seafood in addition to handcrafted goods and trinkets from regional artisans.
On Taha’a itself, there are a number of smaller marketplaces, including the Tiva Market and the Ha’amene Market. These markets provide a more personal and genuine experience where you may meet locals and get to know their culture and food.
8. Attend a Lei-Making Workshop
A significant component of Polynesian culture, lei are frequently presented as gifts or worn as jewelry on special occasions. Many lei-making workshops can be found in Taha’a, where you may learn how to create your own utilizing traditional supplies including flowers, shells, and leaves.
The sessions are typically given at the resorts and feature both hands-on practice and a demonstration of how to make a lei. The final lei might serve as a one-of-a-kind memento of your journey to Taha’a.
9. Learn about Vanilla Production
Taha’a is referred to as the “Vanilla Island ” because it produces premium vanilla. Taha’a’s main export is vanilla, and the island is home to numerous plantations that let visitors take tours and sample the product.
The Vallee de la Vanille, a well-known vanilla plantation, is situated near Taha’a. In addition to tasting some of the delectable goods prepared with the locally grown vanilla, the plantation offers guided tours where visitors may learn about the development of vanilla and its history.
10. Relax on the Beach
Not to mention, a visit to Taha’a wouldn’t be complete without some downtime on the beach. Some of French Polynesia’s most exquisite beaches may be found on Taha’a; they include smooth white sand, clean waters, and breathtaking views of the neighboring islands.
The Motu Mahana beach, which is situated on a small island just off Taha’a’s shore, is one of the island’s busiest beaches. Only reachable by boat, the beach is worth the journey for its calm beauty and pristine waters.
The Plage de la Piscine Naturelle, which is situated on the southern shore of the island of Taha’a, is another well-liked beach. The beach is well-known for its quiet seas, great snorkeling, and stunning views of the nearby mountains.
In conclusion, Taha’a is a stunning and distinctive location that provides travelers with a variety of experiences. There is something for everyone to enjoy on this lovely island, from visiting the coral gardens and vanilla plantations to unwinding on the beach and learning about Polynesian culture. Taha’a should therefore be at the top of your list if you’re seeking for a tropical vacation that mixes adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion.
Our Top FAQ's
The best time to visit Taha’a is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this time, the weather is warm and dry, and the waters are calm and clear, making it ideal for outdoor activities like snorkeling and swimming.
Some traditional Polynesian dishes to try while in Taha’a include poisson cru, which is a raw fish salad with coconut milk, lime juice, and vegetables, and fafaru, which is a dish made with raw fish and coconut milk.
Yes, you can swim with sharks and rays in Taha’a. There are several tour operators on the island that offer guided snorkeling and diving excursions to swim with these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat.
To make a traditional Polynesian lei, you will need fresh flowers or leaves, a needle and thread, and a pair of scissors. Start by stringing the flowers or leaves onto the thread, using the needle to poke holes through the center of each flower or leaf. Once all of the flowers or leaves are strung together, tie the ends of the thread together to form a circular lei. You can then wear the lei around your neck or use it to decorate your surroundings.