Tahaa Island Travel
Tahaa Overview
Tahaa is an island among the Society Islands, in French Polynesia, an overseas territory of France in Pacific Ocean. Together with Raiatea, they are enclosed in a coral reef and may once have been a single island. The climate on the Tahaa is considered tropical and can be divided into two basic seasons: the wet season and the dry season. The best time for a holiday in Tahaa is during May to October.
Tahaa Main Attractions
Tahaa produces 70-80% of all French Polynesia's vanilla. Because of the pervasive aroma of vanilla, Tahaa is known as the "Vanilla Island". The scent can permeate the air on certain days as the Vanilla plant is actually an orchid that grows under the humid shade of the island’s forest, and it produces a bean pod that is harvested and used to cook or make extracts we all use today. The Island’s amazing agricultural and pristine nature is only a small part of this island’s wonders and attractions but it surely worth a visit to a Vanilla Plantation.
Tahaa and its sister island Raiatea share the same lagoon although are entirely separate islands. The lagoon is rich in marine life for the existence of motus and reefs. The clear water of the island has lots of fish and good visibility for snorkeling. Tahaa, apart for being the Vanilla Island, is also famous for its pristine and exceptional quality black pearls, another gift of the rich underwater world.
Tahaa Activities
Tahaa, slightly smaller and less populated than Raiatea, shares a wonderful lagoon rich in water sports activities such as scuba diving, windsurfing, and outrigger canoeing. The surrounding waters of both Islands are also known the world over for their legendary sailing, yachting, and sport fishing opportunities. Tahaa's nickname is the "Vanilla Island"- because of its constant rich aroma of vanilla. For that the Island has premiered tours to the Vanilla Plantation.
Tahaa Accommodation & Dining
The public areas are built in the trees, providing an exquisite view of the lagoon and the island of Taha'a. The service on the lodgings is superb and practices lots of hospitality and warmth. The resorts have restaurants that accommodate the individual suites for fine dining, buffets and entertainment. Dining choices are limited on this island, but a few properties do cater to their own quests with a good selection of local produce and fresh caught fish.
Tahaa Shopping & Nightlife
Night entertainment is diverse and often in the hotels and bars in the Tahaa. They have shows of their regular Polynesian dances. The nights always goes loud, insane and exciting. There is no way you’re not enjoying this thing they call nightlife. Experience a shop till you drop in bustling little “city” of Uturoa in Tahaa. The city is full of stores, boutiques and business. There are also some handicraft shops and local craft centers in the other parts of the island, where you can buy fine arts, handicrafts and t-shirts.
Getting To & Around Tahaa
From Raiatea, it's quite easy and cheap to get to Tahaa. Since there is no airport on Tahaa, you must take an inter-island shuttle. These boats run daily from the main dock in Uturoa, and advanced booking isn't necessary on most days. Between the boats, there are at least 2 runs per day, 6 or 7 days a week, and usually more.
