Le Tahaa Island: One Luxurious Resort and 8 Things To Do!

Welcome to Le Tahaa Island, part of the Society Islands in FRENCH POLYNESIA.

 

There are two reasons why people come here: for a day trip from Bora Bora or to visit the luxurious Tahaa Island Resort & Spa. 

 

Which one are you? 

 

Discover below all the information you need to discover this island! 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• ✅ Perfect for a day trip from Bora Bora and Raiatea: Tahaa Island is just 12 miles (20 km) from Bora Bora and 3 miles (5 km) from Raiatea.

 

• 🌿 The Vanilla Island: Taha’a is known as one of the best Vanilla Islands in the world, producing over 80% of French Polynesia’s vanilla.

 

• 🏄 Outdoor activities: Le Tahaa Island offers many activities, including snorkeling, hiking, paddleboarding, and sunset cruises.

 

 

Tahaa Island: An introduction

Le Taha’a Island is one of the 14 French Polynesia Society Islands.

 

It is famous for its turquoise lagoon, PRISTINE BEACHES, and natural landscapes (PERFECT for Instagram!).

 

The island is actually named after the local Tahaa vanilla, one of the best in the world (see more below).

 

👉 DID YOU KNOW: Le Tahaa is known for producing some of the world’s finest vanilla, contributing to around 80% of French Polynesia’s total vanilla output.

 

Both Vogue and Lonely Planet highly recommend visiting Le Taha’a Island for its charm and beauty.

 

Location

Le Taha’a Island is just 12 miles (20 kilometers) northwest of Bora Bora, making it one of the favorite day trips from the island.

 

Since there’s no airport on Tahaa island, boat transfers from Bora Bora are the most popular option.

 

The island is also close to Raiatea, just 3 miles (5 kilometers) to the west. The two islands even share their lagoon, which you have on the left side of Tahaa Island and on the right side of Raiatea Island.

 

👉 DID YOU KNOW: Tahaa covers an area of 35 square miles (90 square kilometers), making it three times larger than Bora Bora.

 

 

Le Tahaa Island Resort & Spa

Tahaa Island is not only famous for its vanilla. But also for its luxury.

 

The luxurious Le Taha’a Island Resort is located on the Instagram-worthy pristine Motu Tautau, a private islet surrounded by crystal-clear lagoons.

 

The Tahaa Island resort has 58 OVERWATER SUITES AND VILLAS that show absolute luxury.

Overwater bungalows: luxury above the lagoon

Staying in one of Le Taha’a’s overwater bungalows is like floating in a postcard.

 

Each suite is designed with Polynesian craftsmanship and offers views of the lagoon and Bora Bora.

 

Bora Bora Overwater Suite

• US$ 1,939 (€1,790) per night (inclusive of taxes)
• 1 King bed
• 969 sq. ft. (90 sqm)
• Private deck with a shaded sitting area
• Views of Bora Bora and Mount Otemanu
• Direct lagoon access for swimming or snorkeling

 

Taha’a Overwater Suite

• From US$ 1,378 (€1,273) per night (inclusive of taxes)
• 1 King bed
• 969 sq. ft. (90 sqm)
• Private deck with shaded sitting area
• Views of Vanilla Island’s landscape
• Direct lagoon access and outdoor shower for a refreshing dip after snorkeling

Beach villas: tropical elegance with private pools

If you prefer staying on land without sacrificing luxury, the Le Taha’a Island Resort also has beach villas in a tropical setting just steps from the lagoon.

 

Premium Pool Beach Villa

• From US$ 1,378 (€1,273) per night (inclusive of taxes)
• 1 King bed and 1 Single bed
• 1,937 sq. ft. (180 sqm)
• Spacious separate lounge area
• Private plunge pool surrounded by tropical gardens
• Traditional thatched-roof cabana
• Direct beach access with clear views of Taha’a’s lagoon
• Outdoor bathtub and shower for a truly tropical experience

 

👉 INSIDER TIP: The Le Tahaa Island Resort has some of the best diving spots on the island. Especially between Motu Maharare and Motu Tautau you’ll see many tropical fish and colorful corals in crystal-clear waters!

 

Why stay at Le Taha’a Island Resort?

Staying at Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts is one of the most luxurious ways to experience the island and one of the best ways to get to know it.

 

The intimate resort offers luxury with authentic Polynesian charm.

 

Whether you’re relaxing in an overwater bungalow with views of Mount Otemanu or unwinding in your private beach villa with direct access to the white sand beach, this resort offers the perfect mix of comfort and nature.

 

Now, let’s take a look at the BEST things to do on the island!

 

Top things to do on Tahaa Island

1) Watersports

While Le Taha’a Island is famous for its snorkeling and diving spots, a whole other world of watersports is also waiting for you.

 

The island has calm, clear waters and steady trade winds, perfect for SUPPING, kayaking, jet skiing, windsurfing, and sailing.

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)

One of the most fun ways to explore Taha’a’s lagoon is by stand-up paddleboarding.

 

The currents around Motu Tautau ensure you can see stingrays and sharks underneath your sup!

Jet skiing

If you’re looking for a more adrenaline-pumping activity, you can also go jet skiing around Le Taha’a Island.

 

Guided jet ski tours include stops at remote beaches and viewpoints with views of Bora Bora.

 

Cost: Expect to pay around 30,000 XPF per jet ski (2 people max), which equals US$ 230 (€216) for a 2.5-hour guided jet ski tour. Highlights include the Coral Garden, the Rum distillery, the vanilla plantation, or a pearl farm

 

Windsurfing and kitesurfing

The steady trade winds around Taha’a make it an ideal spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

 

A 2-hour Tahaa tour with Raiatea Windsurfing School costs around US$ 44 (€51)

Sunset sailing and catamaran tours

Experience the beauty of Taha’a from a different perspective by booking a sunset sailing or catamaran tour.

 

Starting from Tapuamu Port, a 2-hour sunset catamaran tour on Taha’a Lagoon offers a luxurious experience with cocktail aperitifs, ukulele music, and storytelling about the Maori heritage of Raiatea and Taha’a.

 

As the sun sets over the crystal-clear lagoon, you can enjoy views of Bora Bora’s silhouette on the horizon (12 miles / 20 kilometers further).

 

A 2-hour Tahaa tour with Manawa costs around US$ 122 (€117)

2) Spa treatments

During your stay at Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts, a must-do is to experience a traditional Polynesian spa treatment.

 

These therapies use the island’s natural resources, including coconut, tiare flowers, vanilla, and noni fruit, all famous for their therapeutic benefits.

 

Tāvai Spa at Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts

The Tāvai Spa at Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts offers luxurious, private spa treatments.

Signature treatments at Tāvai Spa

• Le Taha’a Ritual: The 90-minute treatment begins with a private jacuzzi session and a scalp massage enriched with vanilla-infused balm for deep hydration. You’ll end with a full-body application of vanilla-scented monoi oil, leaving your skin soft, nourished, and infused with Taha’a’s signature vanilla.

 

• Taurumi Massage: A traditional Polynesian treatment to restore body and mind harmony. Using fluid, rhythmic movements, and precise pressure, this massage releases deep-seated tension, enhances circulation, and promotes relaxation and balance.

 

• ‘Ōfai Massage (Hot Stone Therapy) is a soothing 80-minute treatment incorporating heated volcanic stones from Taha’a. The stones’ warmth is used to massage key areas of the body, helping to ease muscle tension, improve circulation, and relieve stress, creating a profoundly relaxing experience.

 

• Taurumi Puai Massage: A more intense and invigorating Polynesian massage using deep pressure techniques to relieve muscle fatigue and stimulate circulation. Perfect if you need muscle recovery and revitalization.

 

Operating Hours:

Open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

 

For reservations or inquiries, contact Tāvai Spa at  tavaispa@letahaa.com or call (+689) 40 608 416 (UTC -10).

 

💰 Cost: Massages cost between $160 – $270 USD (€150 – €250).

 

 

3) Tahitian cuisine

Taha’a Island has a rich Tahitian cuisine that reflects its landscapes and culture.

 

There are some luxurious as well as budget-friendly restaurants in town.

 

Luxurious restaurants on Le Tahaa Island

Tipairua Restaurant

Located within Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts, Tipairua is the resort’s gourmet dining option. The chef crafts creative French-Polynesian fusion cuisine with local ingredients. The atmosphere is intimate and romantic, perfect for a special evening.

 

Hawaiki Nui Restaurant

Also situated in Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts, Hawaiki Nui is the main restaurant, serving breakfast and dinner. The dinner menu features a selection of local and international specialties, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available.

 

Mid-Range Dining

Tahaa Matai

Located in Haamene, Tahaa Matai offers a mix of French and Polynesian cuisines. Dishes like the Vanilla Poisson (Wahoo) show the island’s famous vanilla, providing a twist on traditional flavors. The restaurant is a favorite among both locals and visitors.

 

Le Ficus

In Poutoru, Baie de Apu, Le Ficus specializes in Polynesian cuisine. It offers good food accompanied by live performances.

 

👉 INSIDER TIP: After a day of diving, satisfy your hunger at Titiraina Restaurant. This beachside restaurant, part of Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts, offers lunch with your feet in the sand. Specialties include colorful salads, grilled fish, and the traditional poisson cru—a raw tuna salad marinated with vegetables, lime juice, and freshly squeezed coconut milk. Lunch is served from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

 

4) Visiting a vanilla plantation on Taha’a Island: French Polynesia’s “Black Gold”

A trip to Taha’a Island wouldn’t be complete without visiting one of its world-famous vanilla plantations.

 

Famous for producing some of the highest quality vanilla beans in the world, Taha’a has earned its reputation as “Vanilla Island.”

 

Why is Taha’a Island vanilla special?

The unique climatic conditions of Taha’a—characterized by consistent humidity, volcanic soil richness, and tropical warmth—allow the vanilla beans to develop an exceptionally rich flavor and aroma.

 

Often referred to as “black gold,“ vanilla from Taha’a is prized by top chefs worldwide.

 

The island contributes over 80% of French Polynesia’s total vanilla production.

 

Unlike industrial farming methods, vanilla cultivation on Taha’a involves hand-pollination early in the morning when the flowers are most receptive.

 

Each orchid must be pollinated manually to ensure the production of pods.

What to expect on a vanilla plantation tour

• Hand-pollination demonstration: Learn how to manually pollinate vanilla orchids, a practice unique to regions where natural pollinators are absent.

 

• Harvesting insights: Discover how farmers determine the perfect moment to harvest the pods, which occurs 8 to 9 months after pollination.

 

• Curing process: Witness how the beans are sun-dried, sweated, and cured over several months.

 

• Tasting session: Sample vanilla-infused products, such as vanilla rum, vanilla jam, and vanilla-infused oils, all crafted on the island using locally grown beans.

Arii Moana Tours for visiting vanilla plantations

One of the best ways to experience Taha’a’s vanilla culture is through Arii Moana Tours. This full-day excursion offers much more than a visit to a vanilla plantation.

 

Cost: Around US$ 130-150 (€120-140) per person, including lunch and all activities.

 

 

5) Cultural experiences

Taha’a Island offers rich cultural experiences that immerse you in traditional Polynesian life.

• Traditional Polynesian dance shows: Enjoy performances with ori Tahiti dances, costumes, and live drumming. These shows also take place at Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts.

 

• Craft workshops: Learn to weave pandanus leaves into hats or baskets and discover the art of creating flower crowns (hei).

 

• Pearl farm visits: Explore the meticulous process of cultivating black pearls, a luxury item deeply tied to Polynesian heritage.

 

• Local food markets: Taste authentic dishes like poisson cru (raw fish salad) and shop for fresh tropical fruits, vanilla products, and handmade crafts.

 

• “La pêche au Caillou“ (stone fishing): Witness this fishing tradition, where large stones drive fish into traps.

 

6) Snorkeling and diving spots

Next to Bora Bora’s turquoise lagoon, Taha’a Island is famous for its diving spots.

 

Let’s take a look at our top 5 spots.

1. Vaitoetoe Pass (Cold Water Pass)

The Vaitoetoe Pass, also known as Cold Water Pass, stands out for its cold-water upwellings, which bring nutrients from the deep, attracting much marine life.

 

It’s common to spot large schools of BARRACUDA and the occasional SHARK.

 

2. Coral Garden

This is not your ordinary snorkeling spot.

 

Located between two islets on the Taha’a lagoon, the Coral Garden offers a DRIFT SNORKELING experience where you can float above an underwater kaleidoscope of coral.

 

3. Miripiti

Miripiti is known for its clear waters and marine life.

 

You can expect to see nurse SHARKS, lemon sharks, and colorful REEF FISH.

 

👉 DID YOU KNOW: Miripiti in Tahaa Island has underwater valleys?

 

4. Toahotu Pass

The Toahotu Pass is a famous spot for both divers and snorkelers. The pass is a highway for fish and MANTA RAYS if you’re lucky.

 

5. Motu Tautau Reef

Next to the Le Taha’a Resort, this reef is accessible and offers an exceptional underwater experience.

 

The reef’s HEALTHY CORAL is home to many fish, including clownfish, parrotfish, and sometimes even EAGLE RAYS.

 

7) Sunset cruises

A typical Taha’a sunset cruise lasts about two hours, departing in the late afternoon to give you the best vantage point as the sun sets over the lagoon.

 

• Aperitif cocktails & refreshments: Sip on a tropical cocktail or chilled champagne as you enjoy the serene atmosphere.

 

• Traditional Polynesian music: Some boat tours have live ukulele performances and storytelling about the legends of Raiatea and Taha’a, the ancestral home of the Maori people.

 

• Stunning panoramic views: As the sky changes from soft pinks and oranges to deep purples and blues, you’ll have a 360-degree view of the surrounding islands, including Bora Bora, Raiatea, and Huahine.

1. Private catamaran sunset cruise 🌅

• Duration: 2 hours
• Highlights: Private charter, panoramic deck, champagne, and gourmet snacks
• Best for: Honeymooners, couples, and small groups seeking exclusivity
• Cost: $350 – $600 USD (€320 – €550) per boat

 

2. Traditional Polynesian outrigger canoe sunset tour 🛶

• Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
• Highlights: Local guides, cultural storytelling, handcrafted wooden canoe
• Best for: Those wanting an authentic Polynesian experience
• Cost: $127 USD (€117) per person

8) Local Market

Visiting a local market on Taha’a Island means discovering a variety of fresh produce, handmade crafts, and island specialties.

 

Here’s what you’ll typically find:

• Tahitian vanilla
• Tropical fruits & vegetables
• Handmade Polynesian crafts
• Freshly caught seafood
• Island-made oils & natural skincare
• Spices & artisanal products

 

Local markets in Taha’a Island

While Taha’a doesn’t have large daily markets like in Papeete, small community markets and roadside stalls pop up throughout the week.

• Haamene Bay Market: Located in Taha’a’s largest bay (2 miles into the center of the island), this small morning market offers fresh fruits, seafood, and handmade crafts from local vendors.
• Patio Village Stalls: The main village of Patio has several roadside vendors selling vanilla, oils, and Polynesian textiles.
• Domaine Pari Pari: A must-visit for artisanal rum, virgin oils, and spices, all produced with a low carbon footprint. They also offer rum tastings and an inside look at the distillation process.

 

 

How do you get to Tahaa Island?

Reaching Taha’a Island is an adventure involving a combination of flights and boat or helicopter transfers.

 

Since Le Taha’a doesn’t have an airport, you must arrive via Raiatea or Bora Bora.

 

Step 1: Fly to French Polynesia

Your journey begins with an international flight to Tahiti (Papeete’s Faa’a International Airport – PPT), the only international gateway to French Polynesia.

 

Air Tahiti Nui, French Bee, and Air France operate direct flights from major cities like Los Angeles, Paris, Tokyo, and Auckland.

 

Step 2: Domestic flight to Raiatea or Bora Bora

From Tahiti, take a domestic flight with Air Tahiti or Air Moana to one of the two nearest airports:

• Raiatea Airport (RFP): The best option for reaching Taha’a, as Raiatea is only 5 miles (8 km) away from Taha’a.
• Bora Bora Airport (BOB): A scenic but longer option, as transfers take over 1 hour by boat.

 

Flights between Tahiti and Raiatea or Bora Bora take about 45–50 minutes and run multiple times daily.

 

You can use our widget below to see the exact prices of the tickets!

Step 3: Transfer to Taha’a

Once in Raiatea or Bora Bora, you have a few options to reach Taha’a:

• Boat Transfer (from Raiatea): Maupiti Express Ferry or a private boat transfer will take you to Taha’a in 30–45 minutes.

 

• Boat Transfer (from Bora Bora): A longer journey, 1 hour 40 minutes, crossing the open lagoon. Available via private speedboat or arranged transport from your resort.

 

• Helicopter Transfer: The fastest and most scenic way to arrive, taking about 15 minutes from Bora Bora or Raiatea. These flights are operated by Tahiti Nui Helicopters.

 

The best time to visit Tahaa Island

The best time to visit Taha’a Island is during the dry season, from May to October, when the weather is most pleasant.

 

These months offer the perfect conditions for outdoor adventures, water activities, and exploring the island’s lush landscapes.

 

• Temperature: Daytime temperatures average 79°F (26°C), with cooler evenings, making it comfortable for beach lounging and nighttime dining. The heat is warm but not overwhelming, ideal for hiking, snorkeling, and exploring vanilla plantations.

 

• Water temperature: The lagoon remains inviting, with water temperatures ranging from 79°F to 84°F (26°C to 29°C)—perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and coral reef diving.

 

• Sunlight: With approximately 11 hours of daylight, the sun rises around 6 AM and sets close to 7 PM, giving you plenty of time for excursions and relaxation.

 

• Rainfall: Rainfall is at its lowest, with occasional light showers that quickly pass, keeping the air fresh without disrupting outdoor activities.

 

 

Conclusion

Taha’a Island is a paradise for adventurers and nature enthusiasts.

 

This ULTIMATE TRAVEL GUIDE will help make your trip to the island an unforgettable experience.

 

Plan your trip accordingly, enjoy the scenic views and luxury accommodations, practice safety precautions, and make memories that will last a lifetime.

 

Let us know in the comments how your trip went!