Raiatea and Tahaa

The twin islands of Tahaa and Raiatea are rich tropical islands with gentle valleys and deep bays with marinas making it an exceptional sailing destination.
Scuba diving around the large fringing reef is its other major draw. Enclosed within the same barrier reef as Raiatea is the small island of Tahaa, located across the lagoon and only two miles north of Uturoa. Tahaa has no airport and is only accessible by boat. It is a round island with fjord-like inlets. Tahaa is often called the Vanilla Island for its numerous plantations of this black gold. The rich and puissant aroma of vanilla perfumes the breeze as you drive around the 42 mile coastal road, through small villages and up into the hills for panoramic views of the deeply indented bays all around the island. Tahaa produces about 80% of all vanilla in French Polynesia. While fishing and farming are its main livelihoods, what seduces visitors are its pretty beaches, coral gardens, and the sandy motus which pepper the lagoon it shares with Raiatea. Tahaa is slowly awakening to tourism, yet still maintains an authentic flavor of Polynesia. The beautiful deep bays and small deserted motus make Tahaa an ideal island to escape the 20th century. Stay in a small bungalow-style hotel or make Tahaa an unforgettable day