Destination
Traveling to Taha'a
DISCOVER TAHA'A
Our island home
The island of Taha'a – known as Uporu by its ancient name – is located in the Society Islands, in the same lagoon as the island of Raiatea. Raiatea played a major role in Polynesian migrations throughout the Pacific Ocean and remains an important historical and cultural center.
There is something magical and poetic about Taha'a. It is blessed with lush scenery, including mountains and valleys, turquoise lagoons and virgin motu islets. Its fertile land and year-round temperate climate are the reason Taha'a is known as the Vanilla Island. Here, the most fragrant vanilla on earth – revered by chefs and gourmets the world over – is cultivated.
GETTING HERE
To reach French Polynesia, most guests travel by plane via Faa'a International Airport, which is located on the main island, Tahiti. It's your connection for any onward flights throughout the Tahitian islands.
Air Tahiti and Air Moana are the domestic flight carrier and the fastest way to travel between Faa'a and Taha'a. Taha'a doesn't have an airport, so to reach our resort, you'll take a 45-minute flight from Faa'a to the island of Raiatea, which is in the same lagoon as Taha'a.
At Raiatea Airport, our team will be there to welcome you and escort you to the dock, where our private shuttle boat will take you on a 35-minute crossing to the resort. This final part of the journey is an adventure in itself, allowing you to take in the beautiful coastline of Taha'a with the silhouette of Bora Bora on the horizon.
You can also reach Taha’a directly from Tahiti or Bora Bora by helicopter.
For details on visas and entry requirements, please check with the French Consulate closest to you or visit the tahititourisme.com website or its local offices.
Direct flights
Flight duration
Los Angeles, USA
8 hours
San Francisco, USA
8 hours
Paris, France
22 hours (via LAX or SFO)
Seattle, USA
10 hours
Hawai, USA
5 hours
Auckland, New Zealand
5 hours
Tokyo, Japan
11 hours
Rarotonga, Cooks Islands
2 hours 30 minutes
Noumea, New Caledonia
6 hours 20 min
TIPS BEFORE YOUR DEPARTURE
Currency
XPF or CFP Francs are linked to the Euro. 1 EUR = 119,332 CFP. Major credit cards are accepted in most stores and restaurants. ATMs are available on the island and Le Taha'a also offer currency exchange services.
Tipping
Tipping is not customary in the islands of Tahiti. It is left at your discretion for exemplary service.
Bargaining
Bargaining is not customary.
Seasons
The Islands of Tahiti have a tropical climate with sunny, pleasant days and an average yearly air and water temperature of 27°C/80°F. Summer runs from October through April, when the climate is slightly warmer and more humid. The Tahitian winter is from May through September, when the the climate is slightly cooler and dryer. You can visit all year.
Timezone
Taha'a is 10 hours behind UTC/GMT
Language
French and Tahitian are the official languages but English is widely spoken in the most visited islands. Brushing up on a few French or Tahitian phrases and greetings is greatly appreciated.
Voltage
Voltage is 220V and uses French plugs. It is recommended to bring a converter/adapter for your electronic appliances. You can buy one in any electronics store or in Air Tahiti Nui’s duty-free shopping.
Phones
It is recommended to check coverage with your phone carrier. Local SIM cards can be purchased onboard Air Tahiti Nui or in the most-visited islands.
Healthcare
The Islands of Tahiti are a French Overseas Territory, and no standard immunizations or certifications are required. However, entry from certain parts of the world, as defined by the World Health Organizations, may require certification for particular inoculations, regardless of nationality.
Good sanitary facilities and health services are available. The cities of Papeete, Taravao (Peninsula of Tahiti) and Uturoa (Raiatea) have fully equipped hospitals. Other islands visited by tourists typically have a doctor's office or a clinic.
Tahitian hospitals and clinics provide a high standard of health care. For a tropical location, Tahiti has very few pest or insect problems, and the region is free from malaria.
No snake or poisonous spiders, or dangerous animals inhabit the islands. However, visitors are advised to use footwear on the reefs, as well as in and around the lagoons.
Essentials to pack
Don't forget sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, hats or similar protection, reef shoes, prescription medicine, light clothing and comfortable shoes (flats are preferred as most paths at the resort are sand or wooden decks).
