Tahaa, Adventures on the Vanilla Island of Polynesia

Taha’a Island

If you smell the frangrance of vanilla, you’re probably on the island of Taha’a, where 80% of French Polynesia’s vanilla is produced. 

Some believe Taha’a was once connected to its neighbor island Raiatea, given its proximity, as well as the fact the two islands are encircled by the same reef.

This charming flower-shaped island is surrounded by several motus with sandy beaches and coral gardens, making this island a snorkeling wonderland.  Less frequented by tourist, this island is where many locals visit and those who want a more tranquil holiday.

We anchored off the coast of Taha’a with Windstar Cruises, and enjoyed a fantastic all day excursion with L’Excursion Bleue.  Here are the highlights from our day with Owner/Guide Bruno Fabre.

Excursion to Taha’a with L’Excursion Bleue: 

Owner Bruno met us in the Uturoa marina at Raiatea, and took us for an incredible tour of the neighbor island Taha’a where we snorkeled in some of the most magnificent coral gardens in East Taha’a and Northeastern Taha’a! 

It was easy to get between and around the islands in his motorized outrigger canoe, and stopped in areas that are difficult to access.  We even found a shallow area of the lagoon where we snorkeled with stingrays and black-tip sharks. 

Bruno arranges a private lunch on a magnificent motu  prepared by a Polynesian family, on the beach of the 2nd coral garden ( West Taha’a ).

Before returning to Raiatea, we visited a pearl farm and Bruno gave us a tour of how oysters are grown and harvested. 

Another highlight was visiting an authentic vanilla farm in South Taha’a , off the beaten track, and learn about how vanilla is grown and produced.

Make a Reservation

Contact:  Bruno Fabre, Owner of L’Excursion Bleue

Email:  exb@mail.pf

Where to Stay?

If you aren’t on a cruise, consider staying at Le Taha’a Resort & Spa

We snorkeled the coral gardens near this resort and hope to return and stay at this luxury resort!  It’s beautiful….

ARTICLES AND VIDEOS OF FRENCH POLYNESIA

On this trip, we cruised with Windstar Cruises, and visited 8 islands including coral atolls Fakarava and Rangiroa in the Tuamotus archipelago, as well as Taha’a, Raiatea, Huahine, Bora Bora, Moorea and Tahiti in the Society Islands.  Sharing highlights from each of these islands – what to do, where to go, dine, stay…

TUAMOTU ISLANDS

·    Fakarava, Island of Dreams 

***Click here to see drone footage  Fakarava Blue Lagoon Tour

·    Rangiroa’s Endless Lagoon

SOCIETY ISLANDS

·    A Perfect Day in Tahiti

·    Bora Bora, Island of Romance

·    Moorea, the Heart Shaped Island of Polynesia

·    Huahine, Polynesia’s Garden of Eden

·    Raiatea Island, the Cradle of French Polynesia

·    Taha’a, South Pacific’s Vanilla Island

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Global Adventuress thanks Windstar Cruises for partially hosting our cruise through French Polynesia!  We also want to thank L’Excursion Bleue for hosting our excursion to Taha’a.