Tahaa - Documents

Where is Tahaa?

Tahaa lies in the same barrier reef as Raiatea to the south. Tahaa is often called the Vanilla island due to those numerous plantations that flourish in the fertile valleys bordered by deepwater bays. You can navigate the channel encircling the island.

Cruisers report that Tahaa is investing heavily in making its bays more attractive to the cruiser. There are now mooring balls installed and book swaps etc.

Entrance Notes and Cautions for Tahaa:

To describe Tahaa (from outward to inward) - think of a ring with various layers - outer barrier reef with a number of small coral passes that water is continually flowing through, a large sand shelf, with few bommies and depths to 10ft, a coral/bommie zone that has coral coming quite close to the surface at times, deep water and at the center the island of Tahaa.

The sand shelf is fantastic for anchoring and gives great access to snorkelling the barrier reef coral channels or the interior coral ring. The trick is that there are some spots that are super easy to cross the coral barrier and others that are tough, requiring attention, a bow watch and good weather.

Cruiser Highlights for Tahaa:

Anchoring and snorkelling opportunities abound as is the ability to "get away from the crowds".

Position - pass for Haamene bay:

16° 39.05'S, 151° 25.34'W