French Polynesia is an overseas collectivity of France made up of 118 islands and atolls, 67 of which are inhabited. The region is divided into five groups of islands: The Society Islands archipelago, compromising the Windward and Leeward Islands; The Tuamotu Archipelago, The Gambier Islands, The Marquesas Islands, The Austral Islands. Tahiti, which is part of the Society Islands, is the most populous island and is home to nearly 69% of the population of French Polynesia. However, French Polynesia is unique because each of the island groups has its own unique cultural and geographic features ranging from volcanic peaks to coral reefs and stunning turquoise blue lagoons.
One of the best ways to explore the region is chartering a yacht. Most charters focus on the Society Islands, including Huahine, Raiatea, Tahaa, and Bora Bora. These islands consist of high mountains surrounded by coral barrier reefs which offer safe anchorages.
Are you ready to begin your yacht experience in Tahiti? Let’s go.
SAMPLE ITINERARY*
Day 1: Our adventure will begin on the island of Huahine, specifically Fare, the village dock. Once aboard the boat, you will be briefed before allowing to settle in and enjoy your welcome cocktail on board as we set sail for Avea Bay, where you will find some of the island’s best beaches. Now it’s up to you. Choose to go swimming, snorkeling, or exploring in the dinghy with the skipper. We can visit Relais Mahan beach or stop off at the little village of Haapu. For dinner, you can choose to either have dinner at the Mahana Yacht club or head back to the boat to enjoy a delicious meal on board before heading in for the night.
Day 2: Wake up to the gentle rocking of the boat as we sail to Faaroa Bay on the island of Raiatea. The sailing time is around 3 or 4 hours. However, there is also the option to stop along to way to enjoy some fishing.
Once we arrive, guests will have the option to kayak through the only navigable river in French Polynesia. The Kaaroa Bay narrows into a serene channel shaded by a tropical jungle canopy— a genuinely unique experience. While kayaking, you can observe the yellow flowers of purau end their short life with a graceful immersion in the river. If you want, you can also take a quick dip in the river.
Dinner will be served on board.
Day 3: Enjoy a continental breakfast on board before we set sail to Opoa Bay. We will visit Marae Taputapuatea, an open-air template in Raiatea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Dedicated to Oro, the god of war and fertility, this holy site is known as a place where the worlds of the living and the ancestor's coverage
In the afternoon, we will navigate towards Motu NaoNao, a private island located in the lagoon of Raiatea. We will have lunch abroad before heading to the island to enjoy the island's many water activities. Choose to go diving, fishing, snorkeling, kayaking, or even jet skiing—the possibilities are endless. Keep your eyes peeled as you might spot a Tahitian ray.
For dinner, you can choose to either have dinner on the island or head back to the boat to enjoy a delicious meal on board before heading in for the night.
Day 4: After breakfast on board, it’s time to head to Apu Bay, located on the island of Taha’a. Also known as the vanilla island, we will spend the day exploring different plantations. After visiting a pearl farm, where guests can buy directly from the producer, you’ll also have the option to explore a vanilla plantation or even a rum distillery. The island is known for rhum agricole. Pearls, vanilla, and rum—what a day, but it’s not over yet.
We will have lunch on board before sailing to Motu Mahaea, where guests can explore the underwater world. You can jump headfirst into the water off the boat, explore the underwater world by snorkeling or opt to stay above the water with a kayak or stand-up paddle.
Dinner will be served on board.
Day 5: Today, we head over to the famous Bora Bora, excited yet? First things first, let’s spend some time exploring the underwater world. Grab your snorkeling gear and spend some time swimming with the fish before having lunch on board.
A quick tip: Taha’a has pristine scenes of marine life and colorful coral that can sometimes be harder to spot on other Polynesian islands.
After lunch, we head to Motu Tautau, an islet situated nearby Jadin de Corail. If you are all snorkeled out, then take the time to enjoy the islets, white sand beach, and calm waters. Then it’s off to Povai Bay in Bora Bora, where we will moor for the night.
For dinner, guests are encouraged to head to shore and enjoy everything that the island offers. Experience an evening at the famous Blood Mary’s restaurants known for their fresh food, signature cocktails, and great ambiance. Another dinner option is Maikai Yacht Club.
Day 6: Good morning; today is all about experiencing everything Bora Bora has to offer. After enjoying another delicious breakfast on board, we sail and explore the many motus (islands) around Bora Bora.
If you want to experience something a little different, we can go to the Lagoonarium of Bora Bora. Like an aquarium but without the glass, this Lagoonarium is home to various marine creators swimming in their tropical habitat.
After lunch, we will head over to the main island of Bora Bora to explore. What we do next is up to you. Some of the activities we can do on the island include: shopping for pears, hiking up Mount Pahai, trying the local beer, visiting a turtle sanctuary, or petting some stingrays.
As the sun sets, the option of what to do is up to you; you can stay on the island and party the night away or head back on the boat to enjoy a lovely calm evening on board before heading to sleep.
Day 7: Another beautiful day in Bora Bora. Today is all about sailing the lagoon and exploring more of the motus. Lunch will be served on board.
In the afternoon, guests can opt to get a Tahitian Massage at the Intercontinental Thalasso and Spa. Opt for the Polynesian Taurumi Massage.
A quick tip: Polynesians believe that the life force that flows through all things is called mana. When someone gives you a Taurumi massage, they transfer their mana to you. This particular massage is a very Polynesian experience.
The afternoon and evening are free, so make the most out of your last night on your charter trip.
Day 8: Good morning! Take your time to get up, drink a nice warm cup of coffee on the deck and make sure to soak in all the magic of Bora Bora one last time. As this is the last day of your charter, you will disembark at the dockside of the village or the hotel if accessible by boat or dinghy. Until next time!
*Remember that we are here to help you plan your dream vacation, so the itinerary outlined above can be changed. All you need to do is discuss your needs with our crew, and we will do our best to make it happen. Do you want to stay one day longer for a particular bay or move on to a new experience? No problem, we are here to make your visit to Tahiti unforgettable.
