Written. by: Lisa DI SALVIA

Dive into a lagoon, choose an oyster, and discover the hidden treasure inside…

Dreaming of leaving French Polynesia with a truly meaningful souvenir? Three pearl farms - in Tahiti, Fakarava, and Bora Bora - invite you to experience something unforgettable: choose your own oyster, open it… and discover your pearl. A unique treasure, born from the lagoon, that you can turn into a piece of jewelry or keep just as it is - a precious keepsake infused with the soul of the lagoons.

At these farms, it’s not about browsing glass displays filled with jewels. You’re offered full immersion. Dive into the lagoon, see the oysters hanging from their ropes, watch a live grafting demonstration, and experience the magical moment of the reveal… It’s a bit like a game of chance: is the pearl there? What color, what shape? The suspense is real.

Some farms even let you try again if your first oyster is empty. And when you finally find your pearl, a little thrill runs through you. You just know it was waiting for you there, deep in the lagoon.

Ready to give it a try? Here are three places where you can dive into the fascinating world of pearl farming and leave with your very own pearl.

1. Fakarava - Pearls of Havaiki: In the shoes of a pearl fisherman

@Havaiki Lodge

@Havaiki Lodge

On the atoll of Fakarava, discover the oldest pearl farm still in operation. With Hugo, a passionate and charismatic guide, you’ll enjoy an experience that’s both fun and authentic.

Dive into the oyster lines, pull up your strand, pick an oyster and… suspense! If it’s empty? Try again! A grafting demonstration reveals the precision of the grafter’s art, followed by a local tasting: the famous korori - the oyster’s muscle - served with fresh lemon juice.

What you’ll experience:

• Visit of the pearl farm and lagoon oyster lines
• Grafting demo and korori tasting
• On-site jewelry creation available

Practical info:

Location: Pearl Havaiki Lodge - Fakarava Duration: 1 to 2 hours 40 93 40 15 - info@havaiki.com

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@Tahiti Iti Pearl Farm

@Tahiti Iti Pearl Farm

Welcome to Tahiti Iti Pearl Farm, the only pearl farm in Tahiti! Here, you will step onto a floating fare, right in the middle of the lagoon, to see the whole pearl-farming process.

Want to feel the big thrill? Put on a mask and snorkel, dive in, and pick an oyster in its natural home. Then find your pearl. Before or after your dive, relax for a while in the water. Then enjoy a tasty meal with Polynesian flavors.

What the experience includes:

• Guided tour about the pearl and its environment
• Free dive with your choice of oyster
• Local meal, with drinks included (non-alcoholic)
• Equipment provided: paddleboard, mask, snorkel...

Practical info:

Rates:

3. The Farm - Bora Bora Pearl Company: perle & panorama de rêve

@Bora Bora Pearl Company

@Bora Bora Pearl Company

A picture-perfect setting with breathtaking views of majestic Mount Otemanu. Here, the experience begins with a full introduction to pearl farming, followed by a guided snorkel in a stunning coral garden. You’ll get to choose your oyster - and take home the pearl hidden inside.

Several packages are available, from shared tours to private outings with champagne. Every participant is guaranteed to receive a pearl!

What’s included:

• Snorkeling in the lagoon (equipment included)
• Choose your oyster - pearl included
• Fresh fruit tasting
• Round-trip transfers included

Practical info:

Location: Vairupe Faanui - Bora Bora

Rates:

Take home*your*pearl from Polynesia - the most meaningful souvenir

Chosen by you. Fished by you. A gift from the ocean. The Polynesian black pearl isn’t just jewelry - it’s a story. Your story.

So, are you ready to dive into the magic of the lagoons and find your pearl? You’ll never look at a necklace the same way again.