Luxury Yacht Charter and Rental in French Polynesia

Ideal duration

7 - 14 Days

Best season

May - October

Arrive via

Bora Bora

Country

French Polynesia

Day by day

1. Day 1

   — Huahine

   Board at Fare village dock with a relaxed welcome onboard setting the tone. Sail first to Hana Iti for paddle boarding or snorkeling before continuing south to Avea Bay, a calm anchorage of white sand and clear shallows. The afternoon remains unstructured. Explore by dinghy with the skipper, swim from the yacht, or paddle along the shoreline. Optional dinner ashore at Mahana Yacht Club or enjoy the stillness onboard. Overnight at anchor.

2. 4 hours

   Huahine to Raiatea

   A leisurely three to four hour sail, with fishing lines set as breakfast is served onboard. Optional 4 wheel drive safari across Huahine Iti and Huahine Nui, visiting ancient archaeological sites, the sacred blue eyed eels, Mahuti Bay viewpoints and Lake Maeva. Rejoin in Fare for lunch before sailing to Faaroa Bay. Explore the river by dinghy beneath overhanging greenery as yellow Purau flowers drift gently on the water. Dinner onboard. Overnight at anchor.

3. Day 3

   Raiatea

   Sail south to Opoa Bay to visit Marae Taputapuatea, the spiritual heart of Polynesia and UNESCO World Heritage site. Continue to the motu of Nao Nao. Swim, snorkel or kayak in clear, sheltered water where rays are often seen gliding beneath the surface. Optional dinner ashore at Raiatea Lodge or remain onboard in quiet anchorage.

4. Day 4

   Raiatea to Taha'a

   Sail to Apu Bay and visit a local pearl farm to learn about cultivation and purchase directly from the producer. Continue to Motu Mahaea. The afternoon is open for swimming, snorkeling and lagoon exploration by kayak or paddle. As evening settles, the yacht rests at anchor.

5. Day 5

   Taha'a

   Today is dedicated entirely to Taha'a, often called the Vanilla Island. Visit a vanilla plantation to understand how the pods are grown, cured and prepared. The scent alone is worth the visit. Return to the lagoon for a slow afternoon at Motu Tautau. Drift above the coral garden by dinghy with the skipper, exploring vibrant reef and shallow, crystalline water. Later, anchor in a quiet motu setting. A private beach set up can be arranged for sunset drinks and dinner under the palms, the lagoon turning silver as night falls. Overnight at anchor in Taha'a.

6. Day 6

   Taha'a to Bora Bora

   Fish along the way as you make the passage toward Bora Bora. Arrive in Povai Bay. Optional dinner ashore at Bloody Mary's or Maikai Yacht Club, or remain onboard to take in Bora Bora's iconic silhouette at dusk. Overnight at anchor.

7. Day 7

   Bora Bora Lagoon

   A full day exploring Bora Bora's lagoon. Snorkel through the natural aquarium surrounded by shoals of tropical fish and greet the manta rays. Stand up paddleboards, kayaks, floating hammocks and snorkeling equipment are available throughout the afternoon. Optional scuba diving can be arranged with rendezvous at the yacht or local dive centre. Cruise gently along the surrounding motus. Optional visit to the Lagoonarium or a Tahitian massage.

8. Day 8

   Bora Bora Southern Shores

   A final sail along Bora Bora's southern coastline, with time for one last swim in the island's natural aquarium. Disembarkation at the village dock or directly at your hotel.

Why people love it

• Lagoon life. Few cruising grounds allow you to live entirely at water level. Paddle from the yacht at sunrise. Drift above coral gardens with rays gliding beneath you. Anchor in shallow, glassy water where you can see the seabed from deck.
• Culture. From the UNESCO listed Marae Taputapuatea in Raiatea to vanilla farms in Taha'a and pearl cultivation in quiet bays, the islands carry real Polynesian depth. It is living heritage woven into everyday life.

The Best Dates

Getting There