Tahiti

Paradise Found in the South Pacific

$4,000/week

Overview

French Polynesia is the ultimate sailing destination for those seeking unspoiled beauty at the edge of the world. The Society Islands, stretching from Raiatea to Bora Bora, offer sheltered lagoons ringed by dramatic volcanic peaks and fringed by some of the most vibrant coral reefs on the planet. Warm trade winds, reliable weather windows during the dry season, and short inter-island passages make this a surprisingly accessible cruising ground for both experienced sailors and first-time charter guests. A charter through these islands is a study in contrasts: one morning you might snorkel with manta rays in a crystalline lagoon, and by afternoon you are hiking through a lush vanilla plantation on Tahaa. Bora Bora's iconic double peaks and turquoise waters are the headline act, but quieter anchorages around Huahine and the motu islets of Raiatea reward those willing to explore beyond the postcard views. Provisioning is straightforward at the main marina in Raiatea, and local marche stalls supply fresh poisson cru ingredients, tropical fruits, and French wines that remind you this is still, technically, France. Whether you choose a fully crewed luxury catamaran or an intimate cabin charter, the pace of life here slows to match the gentle lapping of the lagoon against white-sand shores.

Highlights

Sail the turquoise lagoon of Bora Bora beneath the twin peaks of Mount Otemanu
Snorkel with manta rays and blacktip reef sharks in protected marine reserves
Visit vanilla plantations and pearl farms on the garden island of Tahaa
Anchor at secluded motu islets with pristine white-sand beaches
Explore ancient Polynesian marae temples on Raiatea and Huahine
Enjoy French-Polynesian fusion cuisine freshly prepared aboard your charter

Sample Itineraries

Society Islands Discovery

7 days

Raiatea - Embarkation & First Sail

Board your yacht at Uturoa Marina on Raiatea in the morning. After a thorough briefing and provisioning check, motor out of the harbour and raise sails for a short passage south along the reef. Settle into your first anchorage in Faaroa Bay, the only navigable river in French Polynesia, surrounded by lush tropical hillsides.

Faaroa Bay, RaiateaExplore the sacred Taputapuatea Marae, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Tahaa - The Vanilla Island

A short sail across the shared lagoon brings you to Tahaa, known as the Vanilla Island for its fragrant plantations. Anchor off a secluded motu on the western shore and spend the afternoon snorkelling the coral garden. Visit a pearl farm to learn about the cultivation of Tahitian black pearls.

Motu Mahaea, TahaaTour a vanilla plantation and a Tahitian black pearl farm

Tahaa to Bora Bora

Depart Tahaa in the morning for the signature passage to Bora Bora, roughly 20 nautical miles northwest. Enter the lagoon through Teavanui Pass and anchor with the dramatic silhouette of Mount Otemanu dominating the skyline. Spend the afternoon paddle-boarding or kayaking over the translucent shallows.

East side lagoon, Bora BoraFirst views of Mount Otemanu emerging from the sea

Bora Bora Lagoon Day

Dedicate a full day to exploring the Bora Bora lagoon. Swim with manta rays at Anau, snorkel the coral gardens near Motu Tapu, and dinghy ashore at Matira Beach consistently ranked among the world's best. An optional sunset dinner at a lagoon-side restaurant caps the day.

Motu Tapu, Bora BoraSwim alongside manta rays in the shallow lagoon

Bora Bora to Huahine

An early departure gives you a full day of open-water sailing southeast to Huahine, approximately 35 nautical miles. Pass through Avamoa Pass into a lagoon that feels untouched by time. Huahine is quieter than its neighbours, with ancient fish traps still in use and sacred blue-eyed eels in the river at Faie.

Avea Bay, HuahineDiscover one of French Polynesia's least-visited islands

Huahine Exploration

Spend the day circumnavigating Huahine's twin islands by dinghy and on foot. Explore the archaeological sites scattered across the hillside above Maeva village, then cool off with a swim at the reef pass. Provision fresh fish and fruit from the local market for a farewell dinner aboard.

Bourayne Bay, HuahineVisit the ancient Maeva archaeological complex of over 200 stone structures

Return to Raiatea - Disembarkation

A gentle morning sail of roughly 20 nautical miles returns you to Raiatea. Arrive at Uturoa Marina by midday, completing the loop through the heart of the Society Islands. Disembark with time to catch an afternoon flight or extend your stay ashore.

Uturoa Marina, RaiateaFinal sail with panoramic views across the Society Islands

Practical Information

Getting There

Most international visitors fly into Faa'a International Airport (PPT) on Tahiti, then connect via Air Tahiti to Raiatea (RFP), the main charter base. Direct flights from Los Angeles, Auckland, Tokyo, and Paris serve Tahiti. The domestic flight to Raiatea takes approximately 45 minutes.

PPT - Faa'a International Airport, Tahiti

RFP - Raiatea Airport

BOB - Bora Bora Airport

Marinas

Uturoa Marina -- Raiatea
Bora Bora Yacht Club -- Bora Bora

Weather

The dry season (May-October) offers the most reliable sailing conditions with southeast trade winds averaging 10-20 knots. Daytime temperatures hover around 27-30 degrees Celsius with low humidity. The wet season (November-April) brings warmer temperatures, higher humidity, and occasional tropical squalls, though sailing is still possible.

Provisioning

Full provisioning is available at supermarkets and the public market in Uturoa, Raiatea. French wines, cheeses, and baguettes are surprisingly well stocked. Fresh seafood is best purchased from local fishermen at each island. Most charter companies offer pre-provisioning services for an additional fee.