Snorkeling in Taha'a: Vanilla Farm & Coral Garden

Snorkel a living reef while your guide explains what swims past you

A half-day snorkeling boat tour in Taha'a for up to six guests combines a stop at a traditional vanilla farm with swimming and snorkeling at the Coral Garden, a natural reef teeming with tropical fish. A local captain leads the tour in English or French, provides snorkeling equipment (mask and snorkel), and serves fresh fruit after your swim. The tour runs 4 hours and suits cruise passengers and travelers seeking a small-group lagoon experience away from larger tour operations.

Step-by-step itinerary

Taha’a boat tour with vanilla and snorkeling

• Visit traditional vanilla farm
• Learn vanilla cultivation and processing
• Stop at Coral Garden for snorkeling
• Swim among tropical fish
• Enjoy fresh local fruit tasting

The experience

The boat departs with a maximum of six guests and heads first to Fare Vanira, a traditional vanilla farm where you learn how Taha'a's world-famous vanilla is cultivated, harvested and processed using methods local farmers have used for generations. You get an insider's look at the island's vanilla heritage and the chance to bring home an authentic souvenir before the boat moves on to the main event.

The Coral Garden sits in a Ho'a, a small pass between motus, and is where you actually enter the water. Your guide explains the reef ecosystem as you swim among colorful tropical fish hiding in coral crevices. Snorkeling equipment (mask and snorkel) is provided. You bring your own reef shoes or flip-flops for walking on the coral. After your swim, the crew prepares fresh local fruit for you to eat while you're still surrounded by the reef inhabitants: a moment the itinerary calls a perfect Polynesian lagoon experience.

Bottled water and snacks come with the tour. The guide speaks English and French, and children from age 4 are welcome. Because the group stays small, the pace and the explanations stay personal, which is the whole point of choosing this over a larger operation.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment (mask and snorkel).
• bottled water and snacks.
• fresh local fruit tasting after your swim.
• guide service in English or French.
• all fees and taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30 and 12:30

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (12 to 90 years) · Infant (4 to 11 years) · Under 4: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Catch & Cook Adventure Raiatea

Is this one for you?You swim and snorkel yourself rather than watching from the boat, so choose this if you want to be in the water among the fish. The small group of up to six means the guide can adjust the pace and spend time explaining what you're seeing, which suits travelers who want more than just a swimming stop. They want to understand the reef.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

21 verified traveler reviews

5 ★21

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★0

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Infant (4 to 11 years). Under 4: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly is the Coral Garden and what will I see when I snorkel there?

The Coral Garden is a vibrant reef ecosystem in a pass between motus where tropical fish live among coral crevices. You'll swim among the fish and your guide will explain the marine environment as you explore it.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear or is it provided?

Snorkeling equipment is provided: a mask and snorkel. You do need to bring your own reef shoes or flip-flops for walking on the coral and in shallow water.

How long is this tour and when does it fit into a cruise ship schedule?

The tour runs 4 hours, which makes it suitable for cruise passengers with a port day in Raiatea. The operator markets it specifically for that audience.

What's included in the tour price?

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, bottled water, snacks, and fresh local fruit served after your swim at the Coral Garden. All fees and taxes are included.

How many people will be on the boat with me?

The maximum group size is six guests, so the tour stays small and personalized rather than operating as a larger commercial boat tour.