Tahaa, the Vanilla Island

Tahaa is located between Huahine and Bora Bora and it shares its lagoon with its sister island Raiatea. A narrow channel separates Tahaa, the Vanilla Island and Raiatea, the Sacred Island. While these two islands are often thought of together, they are two extremely different islands. Tahaa is known as the Vanilla Island because almost 75% of French Polynesia's vanilla production comes from here. Visit mainland Tahaa during a vanilla harvest and you will find the air filled with the rich, delicious fragrance of these exotic beans.

Tahaa Motus, Beaches and the Lagoon

While Tahaa possesses no beaches to speak of on the main island, its surrounding motus are quite another story. On these small islands you will find beautiful, white sand beaches - uncrowded and unspoiled. Travelers staying on one of Tahaa's beautiful motus, such as Vahine Island's Motu Tu Vahine, will find the lagoon to be one of the most beautiful in French Polynesia. These waters are home to a plethora of plant life and reef fish, providing superb snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities. Attracted to this lagoon are schools of perch, eel, red snapper, triggerfish, silver jacks, red runners, tuna and a variety of friendly sharks.

Fishing in Tahaa

Fishing enthusiasts take advantage of these excellent conditions by chartering a fishing boat for an entire day or a half day. On any given day your catch might include mahi mahi, jackfish, marlin, sailfish or tuna.

Locals will often say the best way to see Tahaa is by sailboat. Cruise around Tahaa and her sister island Raiatea or sail to small paradises such as Motu Nao Nao, Opeha Point or Motu Tehutu. One can also explore the Haamene and Hurepiti Bays -- these two narrow and fjord like passages cut deep into the Tahaa landscape are easily accessible by foot. Both bays offer stunning panoramic vistas. Cyclists will find the almost non-existent island traffic of Tahaa to be the perfect environment for cycling around the island.

Sightseeing in this part of French Polynesia is almost like visiting two separate worlds. Soak up the small town ambiance and rugged terrain of Tahaa, and then take in the sites around relatively cosmopolitan Raiatea. It is this curious contrast that makes sightseeing in Raiatea and Tahaa so memorable.