Taha'a, the vanilla island

Publicado: 22/03/2007

TODOELLAS.COM

Taha'a, with the rich aroma of vanilla lingering heavily in the air, offers a glimpse of the traditional, tranquil life of the Tahitians. The flower-shaped island's simple beauty is charmed by soft mountain shapes and surrounded by tiny motu with bright sand beaches. In the fertile valleys cutting within the island, local farmers grow watermelon, vanilla, and copra.

Some of the most popular activities on Taha'a for visitors include:

Vanilla Plantations
The scented air of Taha'a comes from the fragrance of vanilla pods curing in the sun. Over 80% of Tahiti's harvest of this famous spice is grown here. Plantation tours are easily arranged and include strolling among the rows of climbing orchids and a demonstration of the pollination and curing process.

Island Exploration
Both Raiatea and Taha'a are easy and enjoyable islands to explore. By car or bus tour, drive along the quiet circle-island roads and stop at the villages and quiet shores. By boat, cruise within bays dotted with pearl farms or come ashore on a tiny motu. By foot, follow a guide along ancient footpaths including a trek to the Temehani Plateau and to the slopes of Mount Temehani to see the opening of the Tiare Apetahi flowers.

Sail Boat Charter
Many of the largest sail boat charter companies in the world are located on Raiatea. Here, yachts are launched for voyages among the Society and Tuamotu Archipelagos where passengers enjoy the steady trade winds, temperate climate, and the hundreds of dramatic anchorages around.

Faaroa River Trip
Winding through a lush rain forest, the Faaroa River is the only navigable river in Polynesia. These historic waters launched migratory journeys to faraway islands now called Hawaii and New Zealand. Powered outrigger canoes provide a comfortable and unique way to enter the river and explore the coast.

Marae Exploration
The most important and best-preserved historical site in Polynesia is Raiatea's Taputapuatea marae complex. Located on a sandy point along the lagoon, dozens of marae and shrines offer a fascinating glimpse into ancient Polynesia. Considered a national monument, this immense archaeological area is easily reached by car, tour bus, or canoe tour.

Diving
A favorite of all divers, the shared lagoon between the islands is rich with numbers of sites and in variety including landscapes of sea mounts, caverns, drop-offs, and famous wrecks.

Snorkeling
The calm and secluded lagoon is home to a wide variety of reef fish and plant life. Since fish-feeding is practiced, the lagoon attracts large schools of eels, perches, triggerfish, red snappers, silver jacks, tunas, red runners, and reef sharks.

Picnic on Your Own Island
Dozens of tiny motu surround these islands and many are available for half- or full-day use for couples or groups. Most islands can be circled in a few minutes by foot and are the perfect spot to picnic under a coconut tree, snorkel around the island, or relax with a book.