Native species of pearl oysters are cultivated deep in the ocean and placed in baskets or nets to protect them from sea predators. In Tahiti, pearl harvesting takes place in May and November. The farmer dives in the water where the pearl grows, makes an incision in the oyster and extracts the pearl. If the pearl is the correct round form and of good quality, it is removed and a new nucleus will be implanted. After two harvests oysters are returned to the wild. Sometimes such oysters live up 30 years.
Typically, Tahitian pearls from a first harvest are better and more beautiful than the next one. After harvesting, all the pearls undergo a process of washing in fresh water, drying, and buffing. You can see pearl production by yourself during a tour of a farm. A few farms even allow tourists to try pearl harvesting.
Practical info
When is the ideal time for pearl harvesting in Tahiti?
Farmers harvest pearls in Tahiti between May and November, twice a year when the water temperature is optimal for oysters to grow. Tourists who are interested in Tahitian pearls should plan their visit during these months. During the harvest, farmers dive, and they remove the pearls from the oysters. The weather conditions during this period are welcoming as well, making it a great time for tourists to visit the island. Show more
Where to witness Tahitian pearl harvesting?
In Tahiti, you can visit many farms that provide pearl harvesting as a tourist activity. On Tahaa Island, tourists can visit numerous farms that offer tours. Additionally, there are farms on the Huahine and Rangiroa Islands. The key is to research the right farm and schedule the tour ahead of time to participate in pearl harvesting during the cultivation process. Show more
How do farmers cultivate pearl oysters on Tahiti?
Farmers in Tahiti cultivate pearl oysters by growing them deep in the ocean, with baskets or nets to shield against predators. They return the oysters to the wild after two years or harvests to ensure that they continue to grow naturally. These oysters are grown in lagoons, a zone isolated from the open ocean by reef arrangements. Pearl oysters being regularly cleaned and fed are kept in excellent conditions to encourage growth. Show more
What is the fate of oysters upon completion of two harvests?
Once two rounds of harvests are over, farmers return the oysters to the wild for them to grow naturally. Farmers often insert a fresh nucleus in the oyster to increase pearl-growing production. Pearl oysters bred in Tahiti can last up to 30 years, with farmers regulating the population's size to maintain healthy oysters. They maintain an adequate environment to ensure that the oysters' density remains reasonable per surface area of the lagoon. Show more
Is it possible for tourists to participate in pearl harvesting on Tahitian pearl farms?
Some Tahitian pearl farms offer tours and allow tourists to participate in pearl harvesting. Tourists will have the opportunity to witness the remarkable process of cultivating these pearls and participate in harvesting. It's essential to research which farms offer these tours and participate during the pearl harvesting season, making sure you book your tour ahead of time. Show more
