Taniti is a small, tropical island in the Pacific. While the island has an area of less than 500 square miles, the terrain is varied and includes both sandy and rocky beaches, a small but safe harbor, lush tropical rainforests, and a mountainous interior that includes a small, active volcano. Taniti has an indigenous population of about 20,000. Until a recent increase in tourism, most the Tanitian economy was dominated by fishing or agriculture.
Most people visit Taniti to enjoy the beaches, explore the rainforest, and to visit the volcano. However, there are other things to do, including visiting a local history museum, going on chartered fishing tours, snorkeling, zip-lining in the rainforest, visiting several pubs, including a microbrewery, dancing at a new dance club, seeing a movie, taking helicopter rides, playing at an arcade, visiting art galleries, and bowling. Also, a nine-hole golf course should be operational by next year. Many of these activities are located in Merriton Landing, which is a rapidly developing area on the north side of Yellow Leaf Bay.
Travel Guide
Hotels and Rooms
Find the perfect place to stay
Looking for a luxurious getaway? Taniti has a wide variety of lodging that ranges from an inexpensive hostel to one large, four-star resort. There are many small, family-owned hotels and a growing number of bed and breakfasts. All types of lodging are strictly regulated and regularly inspected by the Tanitian government. Find the most affordable and comfortable accommodations on the island listed below.
Merriton Landing Hotel
$160/night
Yellow Leaf Inn
$110/night
Cozy Island B&B
$90/night
Transportation
Convenient Traveling Options
Almost all visitors arrive to Taniti by air, though some arrive on a small cruise ship that docks in Yellow Leaf Bay for one night per week. Taniti is served by a small airport that can accommodate small jets and propeller planes. Taniti is in the process of expanding the airport so larger jets will be able to land on the island within the next few years.
Boat Tours
Cruise ships dock once a week in Yellow Leaf Bay. Boat tours are also available from there several days a week (please check availability seasonally by calling ahead).
Bikes and Walking
Bikes and helmets are available to rent from several vendors (helmets are required by law). Taniti City is fairly flat and very walkable. Many tourists stay in the area surrounding Merriton Landing: this area is easy to explore on foot.
Bus or Taxi
Public buses serve Taniti City and run from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day. Private buses serve the rest of the island. Taxis are available in Taniti City, and rental cars can be rented from a local rental agency near the airport.
Vacation Packages
Vacation Packages
Families, groups, and couples
Looking to find a great deal, wrapped into a convenient package? Say no more -- we've done the planning for you and bundled all the costs into the convenient packages below.
Honeymoon Package
$1620
2 people
round-trip tickets
bus tour and shuttle
4 nights' stay*
priority reservations for local restaurants**
Family Package $2020
4 people
round-trip tickets
bus tour and shuttle
2 nights' stay*
discount tickets to family attractions**
Large Group Package $6020
6 people
round-trip tickets
bus tour and shuttle
2 nights' stay*
discount tickets to family attractions**
priority reservations at local restaurants**
* Please note that while the hotel stay provides breakfast daily, the packages do not include other meals.
** Discounts and reservations subject to change, depending on season and availability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What kinds of restaurants and dining options are available?
Taniti currently has 10 restaurants: five serve mostly local fish and rice, three serve American-style meals, and two serve Pan-Asian cuisine.
Can we find grocery stores on the island?
Taniti has two supermarkets, two smaller grocery stores, and one convenience store that is open 24 hours a day.
What kind of lodging is available?
Taniti has a wide variety of lodging available. Please see the "Hotels and Rooms" section for more information.
What can we do on Taniti for entertainment?
Most people visit Taniti to enjoy the beaches, explore the rainforest, and to visit the volcano. However, there are other things to do, including visiting a local history museum, going on chartered fishing tours, snorkeling, zip-lining in the rainforest, visiting several pubs, including a microbrewery, dancing at a new dance club, seeing a movie, taking helicopter rides, playing at an arcade, visiting art galleries, and bowling. Also, a nine-hole golf course should be operational by next year. Many of these activities are located in Merriton Landing, which is a rapidly developing area on the north side of Yellow Leaf Bay.
How do visitors get to the island?
Most visitors arrive by air or ship docking in Yellow Leaf Bay. Please see the "Transportation" section for more information.
Will I need a power adapter to charge my phone?
No, you will not need any special adapters to use the power outlets on the island of Taniti. All power outlets are standard 120 volts (the same as in the United States).
Can we drink alcohol during our stay?
Guests over the age of 18 may partake in alcoholic beverages as desired. (The drinking age on Taniti is 18.) However, alcohol is not allowed to be served or sold between the hours of midnight and 9:00 a.m.
Do I need to learn another language to visit Taniti?
Many younger Tanitians speak fluent English. Very little English is spoken in rural areas, especially by the older residents.
Are hospitals and medical assistance available, if we need it?
There is one hospital and several clinics. The hospital has many multilingual employees.
Is it safe to travel to Taniti?
Violent crime is very rare on Taniti, but as tourism increases, there are more reports of pickpocketing and other petty crimes.
Will the attractions on Taniti be open on holidays?
Taniti enjoys a large number of national holidays, and many tourist attractions and restaurants will be closed on holidays, so visitors should plan accordingly.
Can I use U.S. dollars in Taniti?
Taniti uses the U.S. dollar as its currency, but many businesses will also accept euros and yen. Several banks facilitate currency exchange, and many businesses accept major credit cards.