See the full breathtaking geometry of Tahanea's 400 km² atoll from the air — the braided channels, the jade-green motus, the outer reef breaking white against the Pacific deep blue — then land on a deserted islet and snorkel its reef in utter privacy.
What to expect
Your tender transfers you to the helicopter pad positioned near the ship's anchorage. Lifting off, the atoll unfolds beneath you in a palette of aquamarine, jade, and ultramarine as your pilot traces the necklace of motus and zooms to altitude for the full panorama. He descends over the lagoon's heart, pointing out black-tip reef sharks visible from 200 metres up. After landing on a pinprick motu, you spend an hour snorkelling a reef that few humans have ever entered, before the flight returns you in time for all-aboard.
Good to know
Charter the helicopter directly through Air Tahiti Nui's island operations desk — confirm availability as soon as your ship's itinerary is published. Weight limits apply (typically 100 kg per seat); advise at booking. This is an outdoor, open-door flight: a light windbreaker is essential. Photography is spectacular — bring a GoPro mount or chest harness.