A Guide to Taha'a in French Polynesia

Taha’a is an island of volcanic origin surrounded by a coral barrier reef. The reef breaks the waves from the open ocean, creating a lagoon between the reef and Taha’a that’s perfect for water activities like kayaking and snorkeling. The shallow lagoon combined with white crushed coral sand generate those postcard-perfect turquoise hues. A portion of the reef is overwater, creating small islands called motus. The six main tourist sites on Taha’a are:

• Coral gardens filled with fish that are great for snorkeling.

• A lagoon spot where you can swim with sharks.

• Rum distilleries, offering short tours and tastings.

• Vanilla farms, offering short tours.

• Pearl farms, offering short tours.

• The Belvedere lookout overlooking Haamene Bay.

The first two sites are in the middle of the lagoon, so I recommend going on a full-day group (up to 12 guests) or private boat excursion that includes lunch. Or, you can get to the snorkel sites on a small-group or private jetski tour. If you’re not a swimmer, you can see the sharks from the boat, or standing in waist-deep water.

I suggest seeing the last four sites on a land tour. The most popular option is a 4x4 guided group or private excursion. Or, if you’re energetic like me, you can cycle around the island on an electric-assisted bicycle, with 28 or 45 mile options available, self-guided or with a guide. The electric assistance kicks-in as long as you’re pedaling, even gently, giving you some good speed and helps when riding against the wind or tackling the short climbs. And don’t worry about traffic, you might get one car or truck passing you every 10 minutes. Stop at the general store in Patio or Haamene to buy a baguette, sandwich fillings and even a bottle of wine and enjoy a “Parisian Picnic in Paradise”.

Whether you’re touring the island by land or by sea, there’s always a photo-op with a turquoise lagoon. And there’s usually another Leeward island in the background: Raiatea, Huahine or Bora Bora.

Lastly, plan a day to indulge in the activities and amenities of your hotel, such as:

• Massage and other spa treatments.

• Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding in the lagoon.

• Snorkeling.

• Relaxing by the pool.

• Watching the sunrise or sunset.

Helpful Tips

There are bank machines in Patio and Haamene, but they aren’t much use if you’re staying on a motu. It’s better to withdraw cash on a bigger island before flying here.

Bring water shoes, for two reasons. You don’t want to step on a rockfish, as they sting! And coral rock can be sharp!

Even on bigger French Polynesian islands, sunscreen can be scarce and expensive, so bring more sunscreen than you think you’ll need from home. And a bottle of bug spray too–you probably won’t use it, but it’s easier to bring than to buy onsite.

Plan your luggage carefully. Island hopping airlines (Air Tahiti and Air Moana) strictly restrict the size and weight of both your checked and carry-on bag.

Don’t take a nap under a coconut tree. Falling coconuts hurt!

Most restaurants are found in hotels and pensions. So you can plan to eat at your hotel, or try something different by making a reservation at a different hotel. Many hotels include breakfast and even dinner. And most full-day excursions include lunch.

The biggest resort, Le Taha’a, has three restaurants (Hawaiki Nui, Titiraina and Tipairua), two bars (one of them poolside) and also offers private dining at your bungalow or “Love Island." For a light lunch or an informal dinner, there are several casual restaurants or snack bars called “snacks” on the island, serving paninis, burgers, poisson cru and simple main dishes. My favorite is Restaurant Bar de Plage (Beach Bar Restaurant) — get the grilled fish with vanilla sauce and the tuna sashimi with local honey glaze.

There are two rum distilleries in Taha’a offering short tours and tastings. The first, Rhumerie Mana’o, is across the street from the Tapuamu Bay dock (where the shuttle boat arrives from Le Taha’a resort,) and also sells beer from French Polynesian microbreweries. The second, Domaine Pari Pari, is a 10-minute walk around the bay, and also features coconut and temanu (oil pressed from a local seed) skincare products. Across the street from Pari Pari is Fare Miti, an overwater lounge featuring rum cocktails (Taha’a mule, passion fruit punch) and tapas (smoked fish bites, hummus with local chips and charcuterie board.) A great place for Happy Hour following an afternoon of rum tasting!

Finally, if your hotel offers a Polynesian evening (luau) during your stay, don’t miss it. Usually dinner is served buffet-style, so it’s a nice way to sample many items from their full menu. And the ambiance of Polynesian music, dance and fire is top-notch.