When you
first arrive to Raiatea or Tahaa islands,
you'll be faced with the tough choice of figuring out what you want to see
and do. Both islands have a number of great sightseeing opportunities.
A
good percentage of visitors to these islands try to experience at least one or two of the following interesting things in the relatively short period of time they are here.
TST makes sightseeing and island exploring options easy! If you want MORE choices, simply check out
our other "To SEE" pages: ATTRACTIONS & UNIQUE ACTIVITIES and ARTISTS, CRAFTSMEN & OTHER SPECIALISTS.
Wan't more? Be sure and explore our "WHAT
TO DO" section for even more activities, adventures, relaxation, shopping ideas and other things to do and see!
PEARL FARMS
  Take
an interesting and educational tour of one of the many Black Pearl farms on Tahaa. In French Polynesia, the black pearl has always been synonymous of
purity and wizardry. Nowadays, in fact, the Tahiti-Polynesian islands are the
leading exporter of fine black pearls in the world.
There are many pearl farms scattered throughout
the lagoons of both Raiatea and Tahaa.
It's now possible to enter the world of
outstanding and enigmatic beauty of black pearls by taking tours of these various
farms and observing the chronology and evolution and grafting of their oysters,
and finally, the beauty of their crop.
Several options to choose from include:
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ON
TAHAA
Tahaa island has 3 black pearl farms open for public touring. They are:
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VAIPOE PEARL FARM AND TOURS
B.P. 104, Haamene- TAHAA, Telephone and Fax- (689) 65.60.83,
Contact: Mrs. Patricia AMARU
Pearl Farm and Family Run Pension and Restaurant featuring daily pearl shows, lagoon pearl and vanilla tours, motu picnics, and snorkel tours. Also, wholesale black pearls and pearl handicrafts can be purchased in our giftshop.
Accept Mastercard, Visa, and Eurocard |
POERANI
FARM
Hameene Bay
Contact: Mr. Rooveta EBBS
PO Box 100-98734- Haamene- TAHAA
Telephone/ Fax- (689) 65.60.25
Tahaa black pearl farm. |
MOTU PEARL FARM
Faa'aha -Teuri
Contact:
Mr. Raiono LAUGHLIN
PO Box 246, 98734 Haamene- TAHAA
Tel. (689) 65.66.67, Fax (689) 65.69.18 Tahaa black pearl farm. |
...and several professional
pearl farm tours and guided options. (often combing a pearl farm visit with
several other attractions and sights on either island.)
TAHITI SUN
TRAVEL RECOMMENDS:
L'
EXCURSION BLEUE
Office: BP.123, 98 735 RAIATEA, E-MAIL
& Reservations
Telephone/ Vm/ Fax :(689) 66.10. 90, Contact: Mr. Bruno FABRE
L' EXCURSION BLEUE is the ultimate Taha'a day tour!
We'll take a small group in our spacious motorized dugout canoe- roomy, covered,
and comfortable and experience Taha'a- the vanilla island.The beam of the
dugout is astonishingly stabile, splitting each wave and slipping over them
without the shocks and rolling other boats have.
A fireworks of emotions and experiences await you! On l' excursion bleue you
will: discover a vanilla plantation, experience a pearl-farm, meet with marine
tortoises and observe frightening stonefish in a water park, and have a delicious
picnic with locally prepared fresh fish on a small private island. We will
also take you to the islands best snorkeling spots and discover the fantastic
universe of the coral gardens. (underwater photo portraits included) On the
return along the west coast of the island, we'll cross an area where we often
see dolphins. All this while sipping fresh fruit drinks (with and without
alcohol) and a full delicious Polynesian meal included...
This is a day to remember- a guaranteed highlight of your French Polynesian
vacation!
COME VISIT OUR
WEBSITE FOR ALL THE DETAILS NOW!
AND THE REST OF THE LISTINGS:
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WEST COAST CHARTERS
BP. 1109 Uturoa- 98735 RAIATEA,
Marie and Tony, Tel./ Fax- (689) 66.45.39, Cell- (689) 79.28.78
Tour Tahaa's vanilla plantations and pearl farms. Also, snorkeling, visiting turtles, and circle island tour of Raiatea including Faaroa river tour, Taputapuatea marae, and visiting botanical gardens.
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LOLITA TOURS
Mrs. Tearere ARIITU-MOROU,
P.O. Box 184 Haamene- TAHAA
Tel. (689) 65.61.06,
Fax (689) 65.65.65
Circle island touring, pearl and vanilla farm explorations, 4x4 expeditions, and more.
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HAINANUI
TOURS
Vaipiti Bay, Mr. Philippe PAOAAFAITI
P.O. Box 155 Haamene- TAHAA,
Tel. (689) 65.61.90
Circle island touring, pearl and vanilla farm explorations, 4x4 expeditions, and more.
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TETUANUI TRANSPORT SERVICES
Uturoa quay- RAIATEA,
Telephone- (689) 65.62.42/ or cell (689) 72.09.60
Circle island touring, pearl and vanilla farm explorations, 4x4 expeditions, and more.
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ATINIU
TRANSPORT
Mr. Marcelino ATINIU, PO. Box 250- 98 734 Haamene-
TAHAA, Telephone (689) 65.62.42/ 72.09.60,
Fax- (689) 41.04.40
Half and full day 4x4 or outrigger canoe excursions of Tahaa island. Botanical
and cultural knowledge shared, pearl farm, vanilla growing, motu picnics,
etc. |
ON
RAIATEA
Although Raiatea does have a few pearl farms of its own, none of them are open for public touring so the following listed companies visit the Tahaa island farms (listed above) on combined island tours of both islands.
WEST COAST CHARTERS
BP. 1109 Uturoa- 98735 RAIATEA,
Marie and Tony, Tel./ Fax- (689) 66.45.39, Cell- (689) 79.28.78
Tour Tahaa's vanilla plantations and pearl farms. Also, snorkeling, visiting turtles, and circle island tour of Raiatea including Faaroa river tour, Taputapuatea marae, and visiting botanical gardens.
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VANILLA
PLANTATIONS
Discover the aromatic
pleasures of Tahiti- Polynesia's "Black Gold"- Vanilla. Polynesian Vanilla has
the worldwide reputation as being the best that can be found. Raiatea, Tahaa,
and nearby Huahine grow almost all of French Polynesia's vanilla crop. The plantations
are interspersed throughout the lush green valleys, along with Pineapple and
Coconut orchards.
Known locally as "Vanira", the vanilla plant
is a member of the Orchid family and, although it is not native to Polynesia,
the Raiateans and Tahaans have made it quite plentiful and one of the most important
exports in all of Tahiti- Polynesia. It is used as a delicious flavoring to
numerous products and to add a special aroma to coffee, sugar, rum, and some
fruit juices.
There are several guided tours of different vanilla plantations
on both Islands, or you can discover them by yourself as you travel throughout the Islands.
As you enjoy the fresh vanilla perfumed breezes, you will learn all about the
growing, cultivation, and traditional cultural uses
of this wonderful crop.
ON
TAHAA
The Island of
Tahaa grows 80% of all the Vanilla in Tahiti-Polynesia, and is known as the
"Vanilla Island". Not surprisingly, therefore, almost all the tours that
visit the Vanilla plantations center around and highlight Tahaa.
Here's a few
companies combining vanilla farm visits with various other tours and activities
on the island of Tahaa:
TAHITI SUN TRAVEL
RECOMMENDS:
KAOHA
NUI EXCURSIONS
PK 6, Avera, P.O. Box 568- 98735, Uturoa-RAIATEA
Telephone
and Fax: (689) 66 25 46
E-MAIL
& Reservations
Contact: Mr. and Mrs.Patrick and Sylviane MARINTHE
Most credit cards accepted
Kaoha Nui offers both Circle island tours of Tahaa and Faaroa River exploration
tours on Raiatea. Both are great fun for all ages. 1/2 and full day options
include:
1) Tahaa Circle island: Together, we'll explore the "Vanilla Island",
pointing out its highlights and stopping along the way at the most interesting
places. You'll see vanilla plantations, pearl farms, visit a motu and picnic,
see a fish park, and lots more.
2) Faaroa River Tour- Raiatea: We cruise up the legendary river and learn
all about the plants and wildlife as only naturalist Patrick can explain with
over 20 years of experience and a great sense of humour.
Still want to explore? We can arrange lots of other activities on Raiatea
or Tahaa for you if desired!
BOOK HERE OR VISIT
OUR DIRECT LINKING WEBPAGE FOR MORE DETAILS
NOW!
AND THE REST OF
THE LISTINGS:
VANILLA
TOURS
Mr. and Mrs. Alain and Christina PLANTIER
P.O. Box 124 Haamene- TAHAA,
Telephone- (689) 65.62.46, Fax- (689) 65.68.97
Climb the hills of Tahaa to fantastic viewpoints aboard a comfortable 4x4 vehicle as we learn about the local flora and agriculture. We'll take a special interest in Tahaa's fantastic vanilla plantations. |
HAINANUI TOURS
Mr. Philippe PAOAAFAITE, Telephone- (689) 65.61.90/ 78.22.09
PO. Box 155- 98 734 Haamene- TAHAA
Half and full day 4x4 excursions of Tahaa island. Botanical and
cultural knowledge shared, pearl farm, vanilla growing, etc. |
TAHAA
PEARL TOUR - (Option- see link above)
Apu Bay, next to Marina Iti Hotel, Mr. Bruno FABRE
P.O. Box 142 Haamene- TAHAA, Tel/ Fax (689) 65.67.80
Outrigger canoe lagoon excursions with stops at pearl farms,
vanilla plantations, etc. |
POERANI
TOURS
Mr. Teva EBB, PO. Box 100- 98 734, Haamene- TAHAA
Telephone/ Fax- (689)
65.60.25
Full day 4 wheel drive excursions of Tahaa island. Botanical and cultural knowledge
shared, pearl farm, vanilla growing, picnic on a motu, swim, etc. |
VAIPOE
TOURS
B.P. 104, Haamene- TAHAA, Telephone and Fax- (689) 65.60.83
Contact: Mrs. Patricia AMARU
Tahaa Lagoonside Pearl Farm and Family Run Pension and
Restaurant 4 wheel drive tours of Tahaa including vanilla plantations. |
REMUNA
TOURS
Mrs. Remuna TERIIPAIA, PO. Box 82- 98734 Haamene- TAHAA Telephone/ Fax- (689)
65.63.28 or try 72.93.28
Half and full day 4x4 excursions of Tahaa island. Botanical and
cultural knowledge shared, pearl farm, vanilla growing, etc. |
ATINIU TRANSPORT
Mr. Marcelino ATINIU,
PO. Box 250- 98 734 Haamene- TAHAA,
Telephone (689) 65.62.42/ 72.09.60, Fax- (689) 41.04.40
Half and full day 4x4 or outrigger canoe excursions of Tahaa island. Botanical and
cultural knowledge shared, pearl farm, vanilla growing, motu picnics, etc. |
Although there are quite a few Vanilla plantations on Tahaa, not all are open to the public. If you're so inclined, (and you're not with one of the listed tour companies above), here's an excellent choice for self touring:
LA MAISON DE LA VANILLE
PO. Box 140- 98734, Haamene, TAHAA,
Contact: Mr. Gustave MATIMO & Mr. Philippe BRILLANT, Tel.- (689) 78.70.02/ 65.67.27, Fax- (689) 45.12.02
Large vanilla plantation (1000 vines) between Haamene and Hapu bays. Learn about vanilla tahitensis and its pollination, cultivation, and pod drying process. Open Monday thru Saturday morning. Admission is free. |
ON
RAIATEA
Raiatea has less vanilla growing than Tahaa, but since it has a larger population in general, there are still quite a few touring companies that can show you the vanilla. (Most of these ALSO go to Tahaa) Here's a few companies combining vanilla farm visits on Raiatea with various tours on both islands:
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HINERANI
TOURS
PO. Box 809-98 735 Uturoa- RAIATEA
Contact: Mr. & Mrs. Lysis and Heiariki TEROOATEA
Telephone/ Fax- (689) 66.25.75/ 72.49.66
Half day 4x4 excursions on Raiatea island, including an educational stop at a vanilla plantation. |
JEEP
SAFARI RAIATEA
Mr. Petero MOU KAM TSE,
P.O. Box 51- 98 735, Uturoa- RAIATEA
Tel. (689) 66.15.73/ 78.23.73,
Fax (689) 66.19.79
Half or full day 4x4 excursions of
Raiatea with picnic on a motu, and other sightseeing highlights, including vanilla farms. |
RAUVINE
SAFARI TOURS
Mr. Josia BORDES
P.O. Box 1175- 98 735 Avera- RAIATEA,
Telephone/ Fax. (689) 66.25.50
Half or full
day 4x4 tours of Raiatea, cultural sightseeing,
and picnics, vanilla farm, etc. |
RAIATEA 4x4
Mr. Gerard DUVOS, Mrs. Maria COWAN
P.O. Box 705- 98 735 Uturoa- RAIATEA, Tel./ Fax (689) 66.24.16
Half day 4x4 excursions of the island of Raiatea, including Taputapuatea
Marae , vanilla plantations, and other sightseeing highlights of the island. |
TYRINA (WEST COAST CHARTERS)
PK 16, Tevaitoa, BP. 1109 Uturoa- 98735 RAIATEA,
Contact:Marie and Tony TUCKER, Tel/ fax. (689) 66.45.39/ 79.28.78,
Locally built 27 ft. unsinkable fiberglass motor boat, minimum 6, maximum 12 passengers.
Touring Tahaa's vanilla plantations and pearl farms, snorkeling, visiting turtles, motus, and circle island tours of Raiatea including Faaroa river tour, Taputapuatea marae & visiting botanical gardens. |
TUMATAHI
Based out of the gare maritime, RAIATEA,
Telephone/ Fax- (689) 66.25.17, Cell- (689) 79.62.41, Contact: Mr. Jean Luc Tetuanui,
Half & full day powerboat tours of Tahaa and Raiatea. Visiting vanilla and pearl farms, coral garden snorkeling, botanical and
cultural knowledge shared, Faaroa river tours, Taputapuatea, etc. |
To visit yourself: (if you're not with one of the tour companies listed above.) One excellent, fragrant, and tourism friendly Vanilla farm on Raiatea is:
LA VANILLERE
Otopu Valley, Faarao, (very close to Marae Taputapuatea), PO. Box 892- 98735, Uturoa, RAIATEA,
Contact: Mr. Alain ABEL & Mr. Michel PISSOL, Tel./ Fax- (689) 66.15.51
A unique vanilla plantation under shade. Guided tour on Vanilla tahitensis, cultivation techniques, growth cycle, flower pollination, pod drying. Small admission fee charged. |
ENCHANTING
HARBOR
Stroll the
Uturoa Harbor (Fisherman’s Wharf) and it's outdoor cafes. Here you will
find a variety of businesses catering to both traditional and modern needs.
The waterfront feeling is inspiring and enchanting. Sip ice coffees, relax,
and enjoy the view of the lovely harbor as you breathe in the fresh South
seas air. Businesses on the wharf include a travel agency, many curio shops,
an electronics store, and a terrific French owned grocery store. Businesses
open daily.
COLORFUL
MARKET
Visit the colorful market of Uturoa,
Raiatea's largest city. See the fresh fish catches of the day, sample
polynesian foods, discover local treasures and enjoy the atmosphere. This
classic daily bustling market will excite your taste buds with unusualfruits
and delicious pastries, among many other goodies. There's also many non food
items like assorted arts and crafts from the local artisans to be amazed by.
An exciting yet relaxing way to start off your day!
The market
starts at sunrise daily, and is located on the main drag in Uturoa near the
harbor. Wednesdays and Fridays are the busiest, as those are the days when
the Tahaa vendors come in to sell their wares.
Get there early on all days for the best and freshest choices of products. (On
sundays, the whole thing is over by 7:00 A.M.!)
"CIRCLE
ISLAND" TOURING
There are a few different types of "Circle
island" tours of Raiatea and Tahaa, although that generalized description
can be quite confusing... The most popular of these are land or boat tours
of the island of Tahaa.
Because many visitors only visit Tahaa
for a short while, they usually want to see as much as possible in a single
effort. Typical tours include lagoon cruising and picture taking, visiting
pearl farms and vanilla plantations, having picnics on lovely white sand beach
motus, and stopping at giftshops to buy pearl jewelry. Also, on Tahaa, there
is a turtle sanctuary many will stop and
visit for a while. Catamaran sailboats, comfortable cruisers, and pirogues
take you via the lagoon whereas 4x4's, passenger vans, and tour buses take
you by land...
Because the touring phrase "circle
island" is rather generic, (but very popular and often used), we refer
you to these separate pages for details and differences on "circle island
touring":
LAGOON CRUISES BY CRUISER, CATAMARAN, OR PIROGUE: See the ISLAND FUN page.
LAND TOURS BY 4X4, BUS, OR MINI VAN: See the RELAXATION page.
SIGHTSEEING ON THE OTHER ISLANDS
Check out the SIGHTSEEING
features on the other islands of
An Internetwork of Travel
and Tourism Guides for the Main Islands of Tahiti Polynesia.
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