Tahaa & Raiatea: Lagoon Tour, Coral Garden, Pearl Farm & Motu Lunch

Summary

Snorkel Tahaa’s coral gardens taste vanilla valley lunch on private motu

You’ll swim through Tahaa’s coral gardens with a local guide, watch pearls being harvested by hand at a family farm, eat grilled fish on a private motu with your feet in the lagoon, and wander Vanilla Valley breathing in sweet island air. Each stop feels personal—expect laughter, real stories, and sensory moments you’ll carry home long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

Is it weird to say I still smell the sea air from that morning in Tahaa? We’d just stepped off the boat from Raiatea — Utuora port is busy but not in a rush — and our guide Manu was already waving us over with this huge grin. He handed me a mask and snorkel before I’d even finished my coffee. “Coral garden first,” he said, like it was obvious. The water was so clear I could see tiny blue fish darting between the coral, and honestly, I got distracted counting them instead of listening to Manu’s story about how locals used to map the lagoon by memory. My partner tried to keep up but kept laughing through her snorkel — not graceful at all but that’s half the fun.

After we dried off (sort of), we cruised over to a pearl farm tucked behind some palms. The owner showed us how they seed oysters — his hands moved so gently, almost like he was tucking in a child. He let me hold one of the pearls; it was cool and heavier than I expected. There’s something about seeing how much patience goes into each one that makes you rethink every necklace you’ve ever seen. And then came lunch on this tiny private motu — just us, some shade from coconut trees, toes in warm water. The grilled fish tasted smoky-sweet and someone cracked open a coconut for us right there. They did this coconut “show” thing where they husked it with a stick — looked easy until I tried (nope). Manu laughed and tried to teach me again but gave up after my third failed attempt.

Last stop was Vanilla Valley. The whole place smelled like baking cookies mixed with earth after rain — if that makes sense? Our guide explained how vanilla grows here, winding around these skinny trees, and I kept thinking about all those bottles back home that suddenly seemed less magical. By then the sun had shifted and everything felt slower. We headed back toward Raiatea as clouds started building up behind the mountains, kind of sleepy from too much sun and food. Still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tahaa lagoon tour with multiple stops

• Depart 8:30 a.m. from Uturoa pier
• Visit coral garden
• Visit pearl farm
• Lunch on private motu
• Enjoy lunch feet in water
• Watch coconut show
• Visit Vanilla Valley
• Return to Uturoa pier

Top questions

Is pickup included for cruise passengers arriving at Raiatea?

Yes, pickup is included from Utuora port for cruise passengers arriving at Raiatea.

How many stops are there on this Tahaa lagoon tour?

The tour has five stops including the coral garden, pearl farm, private motu for lunch, coconut show, and Vanilla Valley.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included during the coral garden visit.

What kind of lunch is served on the private motu?

You’ll enjoy lunch with your feet in the water on a private motu; grilled fish is typically served along with fresh coconut.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or pregnant travelers; moderate fitness is needed.

Does this day trip start from Raiatea or Tahaa?

The day trip starts from Raiatea (Utuora port) with pickup included if you’re coming by ship.

Can infants join this Tahaa lagoon tour?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap during transfers.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Utuora port or anywhere between pk 10 east to pk 10 west of Raiatea island, snorkeling equipment for exploring Tahaa’s coral garden, guided visits to both a working pearl farm and Vanilla Valley, plus lunch served right on a private motu—with your feet in the water—before returning you comfortably at day’s end.