Taha’a & Raiatea – 4×4 Island Tours
Please note tours are sold only in conjunction with a full vacation package of 3 nights or longer.
Taha’a 4X4 Island Tour
Taha’a is also known as the Vanilla Island and Raiatea’s sister island as the two islands share a lagoon. Take a trip in a 4×4 and breathe in the heady scent of vanilla, gaze upon the wondrous black pearl and local plants and flowers. Enjoy a 4×4 excursion to discover the wonders of black pearl and the beauty of the vanilla. The tour begins with a visit of a black pearl farm. This very informative stop will help you understand the value of those precious jewels. The next stop is a Vanilla Plantation, where you will have the chance to learn all about this fragrant spice, often known as the “black gold” of Tahaa. Being a major resource, it indeed has an important impact on the economy of the island. After experiencing the inner island road, the tour will also stop at the Vaitoetoe view point where you will enjoy a fruit tasting and learn more from your guide about life on this island, its legends and customs.
Duration: Half Day Tour
*tour only sold in conjunction with a land or cruise package
Taha’a & Raiatea – SUP & Boating
Please note tours are sold only in conjunction with a full vacation package of 3 nights or longer.
Stand Up Paddle Board on Faaroa River
The unique opportunity to discover the only navigable river in Polynesia on paddle board! This is the only navigable river in French Polynesia. This calm and peaceful place is ideal for a sport outing. The river is surrounded by lush vegetation and local vegetable plantations protecting it from the wind, only a small current will push your paddle board or make your progress slightly sportier! You will only hear the sound of your paddle slicing through the clear water and the birds chirping. Also enjoy a little swim in the fresh water. After the river tour, head towards the motu by boat before putting the boards in the water for a lagoon discovery around the motu.
Duration: 3 Hours
*tour only sold in conjunction with a land or cruise package
Lagoon Tour of Taha’a
This boat tour is a great way to explore the wonders of the island and lagoon where you will visit vanilla plantations and learn about how they are grown. You can also watch colourful fish swim alongside you in the beautiful lagoon and admire the iridescent perfection of the island’s pearls. Picnic lunch on a motu included.
Vanilla plantation: Discover the vanilla of Taha’a, appreciated for its taste and smell.
The pearl farm: Learn about the famous Black Pearl’s culture.
Motu: Enjoy some snorkelling moments around a motu facing the bay of Haamene for an unforgettable encounter with the lagoon rays. Then enjoy a picnic lunch which includes barbecue lunch including grilled fish, raw fish, local vegetables & local fruits.
Coral Gardens: You will then progress towards the north, to the coral garden, where you will be able to snorkel and discover the beautiful lagoon of Taha’a. The tour will terminate in an area where dolphins can often be seen. You may be lucky enough to meet them.
Duration: Full Day Tour
*tour only sold in conjunction with a land or cruise package
Raiatea Lagoon Tour
Discover the treasures of Raiatea along the east coast of the island aboard the most comfortable boats! Scheduled for this day: visit of a pearl farm, of the site of extensive marae Taputapuatea which earned Raiatea the name of “sacred island”, swimming and savour a delicious picnic lunch on a public motu. Culture, discovery and farniente will combine perfectly for a memorable day.
Pearl Farm: you will learn about the several steps of the mother-of-pearl culture before being able to collect the precious black pearls. You will see on spot the artcraft and jewels done with the mother-of-pearl and black pearls.
Marae Taputapuatea: the most extensive marae of French Polynesia, which was the seat of religious and political power in our islands in former times. Your guide will tell you about the history of this vast and impressive site located lagoonside in the South of Raiatea.
Picnic lunch: anchoring near the large “Motu Iriru” where the lunch wil be served. Have a swim on the shallow water before settling down at your table to savour lunch. Afternoon at leisure on the motu, siesta, walk around motu or go on a snorkelling exploration in the lagoon before heading back to your hotel.
Duration: Full Day Tour
*tour only sold in conjunction with a land or cruise package
Faaroa River Cruise
Hop on board a motorised pirogue and explore the island’s east coast while sailing along Faaroa River, French Polynesia’s only navigable river. Throughout the trip you will be dazzled by the forests’ tropical vegetation on the river banks such as purau (wild hibiscus), bamboo and mape (Pacific chestnut). The pirogue will drop you off on the motu Iriru where you can swim, snorkel and explore your surroundings.
All tours listed are shared tours in small groups. Most tours are also available on a private basis as well if you prefer something more intimate and personal.
Duration: Half Day Tour
*tour only sold in conjunction with a land or cruise package
Taha’a & Raiatea – Bus Tours
Please note tours are sold only in conjunction with a full vacation package of 3 nights or longer.
Raiatea Bus Tour
Spend half a day exploring the Sacred Isle with an experienced guide who will show you around the island’s beautiful attractions. You will learn everything there is to know about this island from its majestic flora to its archaeology and history
Visited sites and stops: The Botanical Garden: Learn about the local trees and plants ( Banyan trees, Breadfruit trees also called “Uru”, the Polynesian Chestnut trees called “Mape”, the “Pandanus” used to build the roofs of the ancient houses).
A Vanilla plantation: Stop at a vanilla plantation, where you will have the chance to stroll among the rows of these orchids and get a good explanation on the process of pollination and growing.
The Marae Taputapuatea: Visit the largest “marae” (ancient temple) of French Polynesia : TAPUTAPUATEA , very famous place where councils of war, human sacrifice, and coronation of kings and queens were among the rituals in times of antiquity.
A Pearl Farm: Learn all about the pearl farming world: the choice of the oysters, the preparation for grafting, the time for harvesting.
Visit of the Uturoa Village: its center, its market, its harbor, its shops.
Duration: Half Day Tour
*tour only sold in conjunction with a land or cruise package
Taha’a & Raiatea – Nature & Culture
Please note tours are sold only in conjunction with a full vacation package of 3 nights or longer.
Hiking at 3 Cascades
Moderately difficult hiking trail. Visit the three waterfalls on Raiatea’s island coast. Your hike begins in a forest bursting with “mape” (Polynesian chestnut trees) and bamboo and continues along the river which you will have to cross from time to time. Relax your weary legs in the cool pool at the bottom of the third waterfall. Please bring hiking gear: walking shoes, swimming costume, water (1 litre), waterproofs etc. Nothing beats a day of physical activity and natural beauty!
Duration: Half Day
*tour only sold in conjunction with a land or cruise package
Hiking Mount Temehani Rahi
If you are a hiker looking for a good day’s outing this is for you – a challenging hiking trail up the rocky Temehani Rahi plateau at the centre of the island. You will walk through a pine forest which opens onto a peak with endless views of the lagoon and neighbouring islands. You can swim in crystal clear waters and enjoy the incredible views. Please bring hiking gear: walking shoes, swimming costume, water (2 to 3 litres). (Lunch included).
Duration: Full Day Tour
*tour only sold in conjunction with a land or cruise package
