Taha'a, Society Islands

Ports

Taha'a, Society Islands

POINTS OF INTEREST
 

Motu Mahana

Motu Mahana is Paul Gauguin Cruises’ own private islet, where nearly every activity is already included in your all-inclusive fare. Beach chairs, lunch tables, and umbrellas are all provided, as are full and floating bars and a sumptuous barbecue feast. Among the activities in which you can indulge are:

•    Watersports: Kayaking, Snorkeling, and Swimming
•    Beach Volleyball
•    Pareo Tying and Handicraft Demonstrations
•    Spa: Overwater Massage (by appointment, additional fee, weather permitting)

We ask that you do not walk outside the motu property, swim or take watersports equipment to the adjacent islets or reefs.
 

Taha’a

Motu Mahana is a motu off the coast of Taha’a. If you wish to explore the main island, Paul Gauguin Cruises offers a variety of Taha’a shore excursions, including:

•    Snorkeling
•    SCUBA Diving
•    Catamaran Sail
•    Island Exploration
•    Cultural Tour

 

 

Click to enlarge
Private Beach Motu Mahana Taha'a Island

Population: Motu Mahana: 0 /Taha’a: 5,000

Language: English, Tahitian, French

Currency: XPF

Scheduled Docking Location:  Anchored; tender to motu. The ONLY tender to the island of Taha’a will be for the “Exploration of Taha’a”, “Taha’a Cultural”, “Catamaran” and “Waverunner” tours. (tenders run to and from Motu Mahana on a schedule throughout the day)

Shopping: Local vendors are set up on the motu upon the ship’s arrival.

Banks / ATMs: There are no banks or ATMs on the motu.

By Aquaplane: Taha'a and Bora Bora Flightseeing (30 minutes flight)
Duration:
1 Hour - $270

Indulge yourself with this one of a kind adventure aboard a Cessna 208 Caravan amphibian and discover French Polynesia from above gazing at the mountainous areas in a privileged way. This unique experience will start with a water landing of the plane in the northern part of Taha'a's Lagoon. After boarding your plane and right after a safety briefing, it will be time to discover the breathtaking and unforgettable sights our islands have to offer.

Some marvelous discoveries are waiting for you over the island of Taha'a. Its motu and wild large bays will blow your mind with their luxurious vegetation. Enjoy the chance to fly over Bora Bora and its mythic lagoon with countless shades of blue. During your tour, you will have the opportunity to fly over a mosaic made of splendid overwater bungalows, Matira point, and remains from World War II, or the motu Tapu, among so many others.

Please note: Depending on the weather, the landing site and travel time to the plane might change and the boat ride may be bumpy. Not recommended for guests with limited mobility, pregnant women, or guests with back or neck problems. Takeoff and landing may be bumpy depending on the weather conditions.

Excursion Code:
TAM-2492
By Aquaplane: Taha'a, Bora Bora and Tupai Flightseeing (45 minutes flight)
  • Scenic plane ride above the island of Bora Bora.
Duration:
1.5 Hour - $370

Indulge yourself with this one of a kind adventure aboard a Cessna 208 Caravan amphibian and discover French Polynesia from above gazing at the mountainous areas in a privileged way. This unique experience will start with a water landing of the plane in the northern part of Taha'a's Lagoon. After boarding your plane, and following a safety briefing, it will be time to discover the breathtaking and unforgettable sights our islands have to offer.

Some marvelous discoveries are waiting for you over the islands ofTaha'a, Tupai and Bora Bora. Their motus and wild large bays will blow your mind with their luxurious vegetation. Enjoy the chance to fly over Bora Bora and its mythic lagoon with countless shades of blue. During your tour, you will have the opportunity to fly over a mosaic made of splendid overwater bungalows, Matira point, remains from World War II, or the motu Tapu, among so many others.

Please note: Depending on the weather the landing site and travel time to the plane might change and the boat ride may be bumpy. Not recommended for guests with limited mobility, pregnant women or guests with back or neck problems. Takeoff and landing may be bumpy depending on the weather conditions.

Excursion Code:
TAM-2493
Catamaran Sail (Taha'a)
  • Catamaran tour of Taha'a.
Duration:
3 Hours - $130

Get onboard a luxurious, brand new catamaran and indulge yourself with a breathtaking cruise in the amazing waters of Taha'a Lagoon. Thanks to the shallow draft, Catamaran will take you to shallow areas, over multiple shades of blues and turquoises of the lagoon. While your crew sets up the sails for a magnificent sailing, feel the sea breeze as your eyes discover beauty of the Vanilla Island. During your sail, fresh fruits and juice will be served and your Tahitian hostess will help you better understand the Polynesian culture. Arrive at the coral garden and start your snorkeling adventure. After your snorkel, sail back to the pier. Ship's tender will return you to the ship where you can catch a tender to Motu Mahana and the Beach BBQ.

Please note: The snorkeling stop may be relocated depending on weather conditions. Please bring a swimsuit, hat and sunglasses and bring snorkeling equipment and a towel from the ship. The catamaran is fully protected and equipped with two restrooms, shaded area, a sound system, cushions, outside and inside fresh water showers, and ladders to get in and out of the water. Kindly note that the use of sails is weather dependent.

Excursion Code:
TAM-2487
Coral Garden Drift Snorkeling
  • Snorkel tour of Beqa Lagoon in Suva, Fiji.
Duration:
3 Hours - $119

Depart the ship by covered motorized boat for a 15-minute ride along the west coast of Taha'a. Upon arrival, you will disembark the boat for a guided walk across an uninhabited islet, or motu, located just off the coast. After reaching the other side of the motu, you will commence your snorkeling session. Your guide will lead you as the current carries you through the shallow lagoon on the way back to the boat. The drift can be moderate to strenuous depending on the strength of the current. The drift is done in a single line with one snorkeling guide leading the 12 snorkelers spaced 10 feet apart and one snorkeling guide closing up on the group This area abounds with a spectacular variety of tropical fish and amazing coral. Upon returning to the boat, refreshments and additional snorkeling time will be made available before you are transferred back to Motu Mahana.

Please note: This tour is only recommended for experienced snorkelers that are extremely comfortable in the water. Novice/beginner snorkelers are strongly encouraged to snorkel on the Motu. Please wear a swimsuit under a cover-up with reef shoes, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses and bring snorkeling equipment and a towel from the ship.

Excursion Code:
TAM-6883
Exploration of Taha'a
  • Fresh grown Taha'a vanilla beans.
Duration:
3.5 Hours - $82

Explore Taha'a's exquisite topography, ancient culture, and local economy during this scenic and memorable off-road tour.

Depart the pier in an off-road vehicle for the ride across one of Taha'a's highest mountains. Along the way, your guide will point out sights of interest, and a stop will be made at a scenic viewpoint to learn about the traditional uses of local plants and trees.

The island of Taha'a is often called Vanilla Island, and you will learn about this fragrant spice while visiting a small family plantation. Afterward, you will visit a small black pearl farm to learn how these treasures are cultivated and harvested. These small cottage industries represent a large part of this small island's economic structure.

During the return drive along the east coast of the island, your guide will entertain you with tales of island life and lore. Upon returning to the ship, a tender service to the Paul Gauguin's private island, Motu Mahana will be available throughout the day.

Please note: This tour involves travel over very rough roads, with steep ascents and descents. This tour is not recommended for guests with back and/or neck problems, guests who suffer from motion sickness or vertigo, or guests with limited mobility. The itinerary may be modified depending on weather conditions. Guests must remain seated in the vehicle, as standing can be dangerous.

Excursion Code:
TAM-2486
SCUBA 2 Tanks dives with outside operator
Duration:
5 Hours - $215

Depart the marina platform aboard a local dive boat where you will receive your safety briefing during the 30 minutes ride to the pass of Tiva between Tahaa and Raiatea.

Once on the site you will be helped to gear up and when the whole group will be ready you will entry in the water and dive along the side of the pass where you will be looking into the blue for pelagic fish, rays and possibly sharks. The maximum depth of this dive will be around 70 feet (20 meters).

Between the two dives you will stay on the boat for approximately one hour surface interval while moving to the second dive site called Miri-Miri. The second dive will take place on the outer reef of the lagoon of Raiatea. During this dive you will glide along the reef surrounded by friendly black-tip reef sharks and may have the chance to spot a big Napoleon wrasse among the reef fish. The maximum depth of this second dive will be maximum 70 feet (20 meters).

After the second dive you will be transferred back to Motu Mahana where you will enjoy the complimentary barbecue served to all Paul Gauguin Cruises' guests. Please note that dives sites may change depending on the weather condition.

Available for onboard booking only, cannot pre-reserve, please visit the Dive Desk once onboard, capacity is limited. For more information about our dive program, visit www.pgcruises.com/scuba.

This dive is not offered on our 7 night Society Islands itinerary.

Excursion Code:
TAM-2610
SCUBA Intro Dive
Duration:
2 Hours - $129

You will meet your onboard dive instructors either at the ship's marina platform for the morning departure or from the private Motu Mahana for the afternoon departure. There you will receive your safety briefing and then board the dive boats to the dive site situated inside of the lagoon of Taha'a. This dive is for guests that have never SCUBA dived before and are wishing to discover underwater beauty with SCUBA equipment in a shallow, protected and a very convenient area. The maximum depth of this dive will be 18 feet (6 meters).

Available for onboard booking only, cannot pre-reserve, please visit the Dive Desk once onboard, capacity is limited. For more information about our dive program, visit www.pgcruises.com/scuba

Excursion Code:
TAM-5840
Snorkel & Black Pearl Farm Adventure
  • Hinerava Pearls at La Boutique
Duration:
3.5 Hours - $105

Explore Tahiti's most unique and sought-after treasures during this canoeing and snorkeling adventure and a visit to the Black Pearl Farm.

Depart the pier aboard a motorized outrigger canoe for the 10-minute ride to Poerani, a black pearl farm. The vanilla industry is the island's most important business, followed closely by the production of black pearls. At the black pearl farm, you will learn all about the most beautiful jewel of French Polynesia: the magnificent black pearl. This informative stop will help you understand the value of these lustrous jewels in these islands - and around the world.

Continue on to a small motu for an opportunity to snorkel in its crystal-clear water. This motu is located close to a pass where experienced snorkelers can observe the drop-off of the reef. Don your snorkeling gear and enter the water, where you will see wonderful underwater fauna and a myriad of tropical fish swimming around you.

Following your snorkeling session, you will embark the canoe for the return ride to the Motu Mahana for Paul Gauguin's Beach BBQ.

Please note: The snorkeling stop may be relocated depending on weather conditions. Some of the canoes may not be covered, and sunscreen is strongly suggested. Please wear a swimsuit under a cover-up, hat, sunglasses and bring snorkeling equipment and a towel from the ship. This tour ends at our private islet, Motu Mahana, where lunch, water activities and snorkeling is available. Guests should be comfortable wearing snorkeling equipment, and able to cope with occasional currents. Morning tour departures will conclude at the beach.

Excursion Code:
TAM-2488
Taha'a Cultural Tour
  • Taha'a Black Pearl Farm.
Duration:
3.5 Hours - $82

After a brief tender boat ride to the pier, you will bemet by your local guide and "Le Truck". You will start exploring this scenic island, known as the Vanilla Island, by first visiting a Vanilla Plantation. You will have a brief tour of the grounds of the plantation and a presentation into farming and cultivation of this precious spice. Afterwards you will continue your guided tour and you will learn about the history, the legends and present-day life of Taha'a. There will be a number of photo stops along the route. Your final stop will be at the 'Motu Pearl Village' where you will find out all about the creation of the Tahitian Black Pearl and enjoy refreshments and local fruits in season. After the visit you will be transferred by boat directly to Motu Mahana.

Please note: The itinerary may be modified depending on weather conditions. Restroom facilities at the Motu Pearl Village. Please have local currency with you for any purchases.

Excursion Code:
TAM-2490
Waverunner & Snorkeling Adventure
Duration:
2 Hours - $259

Start your tour with a short introduction on how to drive your VX Yamaha 250CC Waverunner. Afterwards, your guide will take you for a ride around the north-eastern side of Taha'a's lagoon. Stop for explanations on the way to your snorkeling stop. The Waverunner has a spacious compartment where you can store your snorkeling gear. You will stop at one of the most beautiful coral gardens and have one of the most memorable snorkeling experiences during your cruise.

Please note: Bring your snorkel gear from the ship. Tour Ends at Motu Mahana

Excursion Code:
TAM-2491