Tahaa - The Vanilla Island

Tahaa shares her lagoon with Raiatea from which, according to the legend, she was detached by a sacred eel possessed by the spirit of a princess. This enchanting paradise, endowed with a magnificent, turquoise lagoon surrounded by “motus”, islets of superb, white, sand beaches, is an ancient volcano dominated by Mount Ohiri (598 meters - 1962 ft.) with its exceptional panorama. Notched by deep valleys which give her jagged form, this savage island is equally renowned for the picturesque quality of her archaeological sites hidden by the coconut trees, ferns and grasses which flourish up the peaks. Renowned for its quiet bays protected from trade winds , its archaeological sites and its fishy lagoon, highly coloured and appreciated by sailors, Tahaa hosts a few pearl farms. “The Vanilla Island”, nicknamed so because of the precious orchids that prosper on numerous plantations, remains virtually saturated with the strong aroma of the beans which perfumes the coastlines and the little hibiscus-bordered villages nestled in the hills. The inhabitants still live a peaceful and traditional life, fishing, farming and selling their produces on either Uturoa or Papeete’s markets.

A giant natural aquarium: Tahaa lagoon is the place for magical dives, where you can observe eels, sharks, napoleons, shoal of barracuda and enchanting coral gardens.

Circle island tour
From Vaitoare, Tahaa’s main port, the road leads to the quiet village of Poutoru of legendary moray eel fame, and the wild Apu Bay chosen as a marine base by some of boat companies. To the east, the road winds between Mt Fareura and the indented coastline leading to Haamene, one of the main villages at the head of the bay with a pearl farm and a small turtle reserve. The other side, the equally torturous coastline follows the uneven relief of the sheltered Faaha Bay, birthplace of the legendary Hiro, overshadowed by three 500-meter high peaks. Another pearl farm that also can be visited is based on the crystal clear waters of this place. The coastal strip at first with basaltic rocks reminiscent of a rooster’s comb and a turtle opens out when you reach Patio, the administrative center of Tahaa. This tranquil village, haunted by the spirits of the legendary twins turned into coral, is on the north coast opposite a rosary of motu which are the delight of boaties who choose to picnic there, to go diving or simply to loll about. Patio is opening up to tourism and provides along with traditional fishing and coprah activities an amazing annual stone fishing contest accompanied by a festive spirit of song and dance in which all the local residents take part. The coast road continues through the coconut plantation towards the inter-island wharf at Tapuamu across from two very beautiful “motu”. The last village of Tiva continues on to the land of vanilla grown around Hurepiti Bay, whose strongly scented pods delight gourmet palates around the world.

Black pearls farms
Discover the pearl in its authentically naturally preserved environment. Learn about the pearl farming world, from the mother-of pearl shell to the pearl: the history, preparation for grafting, varieties of mother-of pearl and their characteristics, preparation
for harvesting. Presentation at a family pearl farm on mother-of pearl grafting and the pearl in its pouch.