Taha’a is the kind of place that slows you down in the best way – a serene island gem in French Polynesia that feels like old Polynesia. Think crystal-clear lagoons that shimmer like glass, colorful coral gardens perfect for snorkeling, vanilla-scented breezes, and a soulful pace of life that invites you to breathe deeper and enjoy every moment. Just about 20 minutes by plane from Bora Bora, Taha’a shares a lagoon with Raiatea and offers a quieter, less touristy alternative to its more famous neighbor.

How to Get There

Getting to Taha’a is surprisingly easy despite its remote, unspoiled feel. You’ll first fly into Raiatea (RFP), which is well connected with daily flights from Tahiti and frequent short flights from Bora Bora. The flight from Bora Bora takes about 20 minutes, making Taha’a an easy and worthwhile add-on to your itinerary. Once you land in Raiatea,  you’ll transfer by boat across the lagoon, which takes roughly 20-30 minutes depending on where you’re staying. Most resorts or pensions arrange this boat transfer for you, turning your arrival into a scenic introduction to the island’s stunning lagoon and laid-back rhythm.

How Many Days to Stay

I would say the ideal stay is 3 to 5 days. In three days, you can comfortably explore the lagoon, visit a pearl farm, wander a vanilla plantation, and snorkel among the coral gardens. Stretching your visit to four or five days lets you truly unwind, enjoy leisurely mornings in your overwater villa, take extra excursions like hiking or a rum distillery tour, and soak in the serene, soulful rhythm of the island.

Where to Stay

We loved staying at the beautiful Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts.  Le Taha’a is a luxury resort set on a private motu (islet) overlooking lush green Taha’a on one side and the silhouette of Bora Bora on the other. It was the first Relais & Châteaux property in French Polynesia and is beloved for combining refined luxury with authentic Polynesian charm.

The resort features elegant overwater villas and beachfront suites, traditional Polynesian design details, and private decks with direct access to the shimmering lagoon.

The lagoons here are incredibly clear, warm, and ideal for snorkeling right from your villa – a peaceful paradise that many travelers describe as intimate, romantic, and restorative.

On-property amenities include:

• Several dining options with French-Polynesian fusion cuisine

• Coral garden snorkeling just steps from shore

• Pool, spa, paddleboards, kayaks, tennis, and concierge tours

• Hourly free shuttle to the main island of Taha’a for exploring inland activities

Read more about our stay at Le Taha’a here.

 

Things to Do in Taha’a

Lagoon Tours

PC : Tahiti Tourism

Taha’a’s lagoon is undoubtedly one of the island’s biggest draws. One of the best ways to experience it is on a private lagoon tour, which lets you customize your day and choose the spots that interest you most. You can snorkel in vibrant coral gardens, swim with blacktip sharks, explore unspoiled motus, and often enjoy a lunch stop on a secluded islet — all at your own pace.

During these tours, guides usually take you to lush coral gardens where you can also drift snorkel, floating gently with the current over dazzling corals and schools of colorful tropical fish in the serene channels between motus. The coral gardens here are truly special, with thriving formations, crystal-clear waters, and abundant marine life that make every moment underwater unforgettable.

PC : Tahiti Tourism

During many lagoon excursions you’ll also have the chance to swim with blacktip sharks and rays in their natural environment. These sharks are generally small and accustomed to humans, and guides make safety a priority. It’s a thrilling yet respectful way to encounter marine wildlife.

Taha’a’s idyllic motus is like stepping into a postcard. These tiny, uninhabited islets dotting the lagoon offer pristine white-sand beaches, swaying coconut palms, and crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming or snorkeling. Whether you arrive by private boat or as part of a lagoon tour, wandering these motus feels like discovering your own secret paradise.

We’ve done two tours ourselves and can’t recommend them enough — Watercolor Taha’a and Manava Tours by Hoani are both fantastic. Hoani also runs tours in Raiatea, which is worth keeping in mind if you want to explore the neighboring island while you’re in the area.

Manava tours by Hoani

Watercolor Taha’a

Pearl Farm Visits

One of the highlights of Taha’a is visiting its pearl farms, and we had an unforgettable experience at the Champon Pearl Farm. This family-run farm sits right on the lagoon and offers a fascinating look at how Tahitian black pearls are cultivated, graded, and turned into jewelry. I couldn’t resist picking up a beautiful pearl necklace as a keepsake – it’s the kind of souvenir that carries a story and a memory of the island with it.

Vanilla Farm Tours

Taha’a is also famous as the “Vanilla Island,” and visiting a vanilla farm is a must. We explored Vallée de la Vanille, a lush farm in the heart of the island where the air is thick with the sweet scent of vanilla vines. Walking through the plantation, we learned how each delicate orchid is hand-pollinated and transformed into the rich beans, pastes, and essences that make Taha’a vanilla so sought-after. Of course, we stocked up on gifts such as vanilla essence, paste, and beans.

Other Activities

Beyond lagoon tours, there’s plenty on land and sea:

• 4×4 island safari tours — Explore the lush interior, plantations, and rural life.

• Rum distillery visits — Sample local spirits and learn about traditional production.

• Jet ski or tandem sea tours — Explore the lagoon with a bit more speed and adventure.

• Hiking and nature walks — Taha’a’s interior forests and coastal trails offer peaceful exploration and scenic vistas.

 

Get Inspired to Visit Taha’a

Conclusion

What I loved most about Taha’a was its rich culture, stunning lagoon, and unhurried pace of life. The island has a soulful, calming energy that makes every moment feel simple and magical from drifting among vibrant coral gardens to wandering vanilla plantations and visiting pearl farms. It’s a perfect escape for honeymooners, couples, or anyone looking to slow down and soak in the beauty of French Polynesia. Taha’a truly feels like a hidden paradise, a place that stays with you long after you leave.

 

 

Thanks for stopping by! xo

Jyo