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.
Restaurants: Taniti currently has 10
restaurants: five serve mostly local fish and rice, three serve
American-style meals, and two serve Pan-Asian cuisine.
Grocery Stores: Taniti has two
supermarkets, two smaller grocery stores, and one convenience store
that is open 24 hours a day.
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.
Sightseeing: Most tourists spend
most of their time in Taniti City, which boasts native architecture
and nearby white, sandy beaches that encircle Yellow Leaf Bay. Other
popular activities include boat or bus tours of the island, hikes in
the rainforest, or visits to Taniti’s active volcano.
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.
Ground Transportation: 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. 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.
