Raiatea & Tahaa
The ultimate guide to activities, culture and travel tips
By a child of Fenua
Cultural immersion and history of the Sacred Island - Raiatea
Raiatea is not just an island with blue lagoons, it is the spiritual heart of Polynesia, the mythical starting point of the great migrations to Hawaii, New Zealand and many other places.
Nicknamed the Sacred Island (Hawaii by its former name), it is imbued with mana, an invisible spiritual force.
Our heritage is here, engraved in our hearts and visible on the stones of the Marae Taputapuatea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and place of pilgrimage that continues to connect Polynesians from around the world.
How to visit the Taputapuatea Marae
Journey into the past
The Taputapuatea Marae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located on the south-east coast of Raiatea, near Opoa Bay. To appreciate this sacred site and learn about its history, we offer a boat trip with a local guide who will be your guide.
The legend of the Tiare Apetahi flower:
A story of eternal love
Mount Temehani, in the centre of Raiatea, is the only place in the world where the extremely rare Tiare Apetahi grows, a flower whose five petals open in a semicircle, resembling the shape of a hand.
Its legend is one of the most poignant in the archipelago.
It tells the story of the beautiful Tiaitau, who was madly in love with the warrior Tane. When Tane set sail on the seas with no hope of return, Tiaitau's grief was so great that she climbed to the top of Mount Temehani.
She cut off her hand, planted it in the ground and let herself die there, thus offering an eternal sign of her lost love.
The Tiare Apetahi was born from this open hand, blossoming each morning with a soft crackling sound, like a final sigh of love.
Mana
A philosophy of life, the spiritual strength of Polynesia
Mana is a fundamental concept in Polynesian culture. More than just a word, it is a true philosophy of life. It is defined as a spiritual force, a vital energy that permeates and connects all things: human beings, sacred places (such as the Marae), objects and nature.
Possessing Mana means having authority, luck and power.
But Mana is above all an emanation that is transmitted through respect, harmony and good deeds.
In Polynesia, you will feel it through the kindness of its inhabitants, the timeless beauty of its landscapes and the unique atmosphere that invites you to reconnect with yourself and with the world.
It is this invisible force that creates the magic and soul of our islands.
Nautical exploration and adventures in the shared lagoon
Snorkelling at Tahaa's Coral Garden
Snorkelling at Tahaa's Coral Garden
Tips and best times
From endless turquoise waters to breathtaking coral gardens, this lagoon is our daily playground.
What is the best way to travel up the Faaroa River?
But the real wonder is the Faaroa River, the only navigable waterway in all of Polynesia.
Whether by boat or jet ski, we will take you sailing on these sacred waters, where the history of the great Polynesian navigators blends with the lush ecosystem of the mangrove swamp.
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Can you swim with blacktip reef sharks in the lagoon at Tahaa?
The lagoon shared by Raiatea and Tahaa is famous for its abundant marine life, including harmless blacktip reef sharks (requins à pointes noires (mā'o mauri). The answer is yes, you can swim near them, but here we always favour respectful observation over forced swimming. These magnificent animals are first and foremost the guardians of our lagoon, and we encourage you to admire them from the surface while snorkelling or from aboard a boat. It is crucial to remember that humans are definitely not the "favourite food" of blacktip reef sharks. They are curious but fearful, and the vast majority of interactions take place in the calm and serenity of the reef. We ensure that their environment remains wild and that you have an unforgettable encounter, with no obligation to enter the water if you prefer to stay on board to observe them.
The Treasures of Vanilla Island Tahaa
Flavours and Craftsmanship
Just a stone's throw from Raiatea, Tahaa exudes an intoxicating fragrance.
Nicknamed the "Vanilla Island", it produces one of the best varieties in the world: the famous Vanilla Tahitensis. More fleshy and fruity than its cousins, Tahaa vanilla is a real local treasure. When visiting the island, you will discover the meticulous work of the vanilla growers, as well as that of the artisans who cultivate Tahitian black pearls and distil local rum from our sugar cane.
Tahaa is an island of authenticity and flavours, a gourmet and sensory stopover that is essential to any trip to the Leeward Islands.
The best pearl farms to visit in Tahaa
Visiting a pearl farm is an essential step in understanding the delicate art of grafting and cultivation. We are proud to recommend the "Ia Ora Na Pearl Farm", with whom we have a partnership. This local farm offers you a complete immersion in the pearl creation process: from oyster farming (Pinctada margaritifera) to the final selection. You will enjoy a detailed presentation of the grafting process. This guarantees an authentic, educational experience and a high-quality purchase directly from the producer.
Where can you buy top-quality Tahaa vanilla?
Vanilla Tahitensis from Tahaa is renowned worldwide for its powerful fragrance, fleshy pods and fruity, aniseed aromas. To ensure you purchase high-quality, environmentally friendly vanilla, we recommend choosing producers committed to organic farming practices.
Vanilla Prod is one of the farms that has obtained the certified organic label, ensuring that the vanilla is grown and prepared without chemicals, in accordance with the natural cycles of the earth. Visiting these vanilla plantations not only allows you to witness the artisanal preparation process (from the "marriage" of the flower to the drying of the pods), but also to purchase a product with perfect traceability and incomparable freshness, directly from those who work the land with passion.
Tahaa's must-see attractions: Full day or half day?
The island of Tahaa is compact enough to be explored in a day, but rich enough to warrant some focused exploration. To cover all the must-see attractions — a visit to the vanilla plantation, a stop at the pearl farm and, of course, snorkelling at the famous Coral Garden — a full-day excursion (6-7 hour tour) is our preferred option. This tour includes an exceptional moment: a typical local buffet on Motu Tuahi, where you will discover a variety of dishes prepared with fresh, local produce, a true culinary journey.
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If you have less time available, our half-day tours (approximately 3-4 hours) are available. They focus either on the lagoon experience (Coral Garden and stingrays) or on exploring the land (Vanilla and Pearls). Please note that the buffet lunch at Motu Tuahi is only available as an option with the half-day lagoon tour. Whether you choose the full immersion or a condensed discovery, the heart of Tahaa will reveal itself to you.
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Ready to experience the authentic Raiatea and Tahaa?
As children of the Fenua, we are in the best position to help you discover the secrets of these islands. Book your semi-private excursion today and immerse yourself in our culture.