Be ferried by pirogue to a palm-fringed motu where frigatebirds, boobies, and terns nest undisturbed in their thousands. A gourmet Polynesian picnic on bone-white sand completes one of the Pacific's most exclusive private island moments.
What to expect
A short pirogue crossing delivers you to a motu so remote it appears on almost no tourist map. Great frigatebirds with inflated crimson throat pouches cruise overhead as red-footed boobies nest at eye level in the low pandanus. Your guide leads a gentle walking tour through the colony explaining Tuamotu ecological traditions, then sets a lavish spread of fresh poisson cru, grilled fish, tropical fruit, and cold Hinano on a sarong-draped table steps from the waterline. The afternoon is entirely unscheduled — swim, shell-collect, or simply lie in a coconut palm's shade.
Good to know
Seabird colonies are most active and impressive May through October. Wear soft-soled shoes and stay on designated paths to protect nests. The Polynesian family presence is seasonal — confirm availability when booking. Factor in a 20-minute tender ride from ship to motu launch point.
More to do in Tahanea
- Private Lagoon Snorkel: Tahanea's Cathedral Bommie & Passes
- Freediving the Blue: Tahanea Pass with a Certified Local Instructor
- Sunrise Kayak Expedition: Tahanea's Inner Lagoon Rim
- Tuamotu Pearl Farm Immersion: From Living Oyster to Finished Gem
- Private Picnic on a Tahanea Sandbar: Champagne at the Edge of the World