French Polynesia
The Emerald Gems in the South Pacific
- Best: May - October (Dry Season)
- 24-30°C / 75-86°F
Discover French Polynesia
French Polynesia offers a true getaway, immersing you in a paradisiacal setting where life moves at a slower pace. The islands and atolls here include exotic destinations like Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora, Raiatea, Taha’a, and the Tuamotus. Spend your days exploring craggy volcanic craters and swimming in emerald lagoons. Experience unbelievable diving opportunities, tour black pearl farms, and delight in the local culture. The ultimate yacht charter experience awaits you in French Polynesia.
Bora Bora
Exclusive overwater bungalows, secluded resorts, tranquil lagoons, premier diving, Mount Otemanu adventures
Moorea
Lush mountainsides surrounded by sprawling pineapple plantations, ray and shark feeding experiences, natural beauty, and recreation at Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay
Raiatea & Taha'a
Sacred Polynesian sites, vanilla plantation tours, black pearl farm experiences, and renowned Coral Garden snorkeling
Tuamotus (Rangiroa, Fakarava)
Eighty emerald islands and atolls, stunning pink sand beaches, unspoiled lagoons, thriving marine life
When to charter
- Peak Season
July - August
Summer months sizzle with abundant sunshine and a hot social scene
Advantages
- Drier and warmer weather conditions
- Ideal sailing with trade winds between 10 and 20 knots
- Perfect visibility for snorkeling and diving
- Whale watching season
Considerations
- Higher rates at prime venues
- More tourists at popular areas
- Ideal Season
May - June, September - October
A more relaxed Riviera scene with mild weather and easier access to top spots
Advantages
- Better rates are available outside peak season
- Calmer seas provide smoother sailing
- Fewer crowds make travel more enjoyable
- Milder weather
- Fragrant lavender blooms in June
Considerations
- Some restaurant and venue closures in late September
- Cooler water in May
- Off Season
November - April
The best rates and fewer tourists during the rainy season
Advantages
- Most affordable rates
- Green vistas
- Mango season brings delicious treats
- Fewer travelers
Considerations
- More rain than other seasons
- Higher humidity
- Reduced visibility for diving
- Occasional rain, Higher humidity
Sample itineraries
Society Island Highlights (7 Days)
7 days / 6 nights
The culture and beauty of Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatea, Taha'a, and Bora Bora
Society Island Highlights (7 Days)7 days / 6 nightsThe culture and beauty of Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatea, Taha'a, and Bora Bora
Day 1
- Tahiti (Papeete Marina):
- Embarkation at ACI Marina, Diocletian's Palace visit, Riva promenade
Day 2
- To Moorea (12 NM):
- Cook's Bay, Opunohu Bay, Ray feeding excursion
Day 3
- To Huahine (55 NM):
- Archaeological sites, Vanilla farms, Peaceful lagoon
Day 4
- To Taha'a (25 NM):
- Vanilla plantations, Pearl farms, Coral Gardens snorkeling
Day 5
- To Bora Bora (20 NM):
- Mount Otemanu views, Lagoon anchoring, Resort island luxury
Day 6
- Bora Bora Lagoon:
- Shark and ray feeding, Coral gardens, Matira Beach
Day 7
- Return to Tahiti (150 NM overnight or day sail):
- Disembarkation in Papeete
Extended Paradise (10 Days)
10 days / 9 nights
Aquatic wonderlands and recreation at the Society Islands and Tuamotus
Extended Paradise (10 Days)10 days / 9 nights Aquatic wonderlands and recreation at the Society Islands and Tuamotus
Day 1
- Tahiti:
- Embarkation, Provisioning, Cultural shows
Day 2
- To Moorea (12 NM):
- Belvedere viewpoint, Pineapple tours, Lagoon activities
Day 3
- To Rangiroa (200 NM):
- Overnight passage, Arrive atoll lagoon
Day 4
- Rangiroa:
- Tiputa Pass diving, Dolphin watching, Blue Lagoon
Day 5
- To Fakarava (60 NM):
- UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, World-class diving, Pink sand beach
Day 6
- Fakarava South:
- Pristine lagoon, Garuae Pass diving, Remote beaches
Day 7
- Return to Society Islands (200 NM):
- Overnight passage to Bora Bora
Day 8
- Bora Bora:
- Lagoon exploration, Mount Otemanu, Luxury resort visit
Day 9
- To Taha'a & Raiatea (20 NM):
- Vanilla and pearl farms, Sacred marae sites
Day 10
- Return to Tahiti (110 NM):
- Disembarkation
Please note: All itineraries are flexible and can be customized to your preferences. Weather conditions and local events may require adjustments. Your captain will work with you to create the perfect voyage.
Available yachts
Charter requirements & logistics
Cuisine & Provisioning
Enjoy local fare featuring fresh seafood, tropical fruit, French pastries, and poisson cru. Due to limited availability, purchase provisions in Papeete. Resorts offer alternative dining options.
Culture & Heritage
Experience French colonial influences and current Polynesian traditions through pearl cultivation, dance and musical performances, sacred marae sites, and other cultural activities.
Navigation Conditions
The Adriatic Sea is typically calm, but warm Jugo winds from the southeast and cold Bura winds from the northeast should be monitored. The clear waters and rocky coastlines pose other potential hazards. Short passageways between islands range from 10 to 30 NM.
Regulatory Requirements
The Croatian VAT of 25%, which is the highest in the EU, applies. Travelers must obtain a Vignette cruising certificate at the first port, and skippers must be properly licensed. The APA ranges between 30% and 35%. There are entrance fees to the national parks.
Currency & Payments
The CFP Franc (XPF) is French Polynesia’s official currency. Resorts and larger businesses on the main islands accept credit cards. The main islands have ATMs for cash withdrawals. Cash is necessary for purchases on small islands.
Language
The official languages of French Polynesia are French and Tahitian. English is used in some tourist areas and resorts, but it is not common outside these areas.
Access & Transportation
International flights to French Polynesia are available from Los Angeles, Auckland, Tokyo, and Paris to Faa’a International Airport (PPT) in Tahiti. Air Tahiti offers inter-island flights.
Marinas & Berthing
While French Polynesia has limited marina facilities, opportunities are available at Marina Taina in Tahiti, Bora Bora Yacht Club, Raiatea Marina Apooiti, and in some protected lagoons.
Premier Anchorages
Bora Bora lagoon offers multiple anchorage spots. Other premier spots are Opunohu Bay in Moorea, Taha’a’s coral gardens, Huahine’s protected bays, and the Rangiroa and Fakarava lagoons.
Insider tips
Expert recommendations for French Polynesia
Proper budgeting and planning are essential for a successful French Polynesian experience. Provisioning services are limited and can be expensive outside of Papeete. Hire an experienced local to captain your vessel and avoid the hazards and risks of atolls and lagoons. Because trade winds pose a challenge, catamarans are preferred. While Bora Bora is an iconic destination, Taha’a and Huahine offer more authentic experiences. For a memorable getaway, dive in the Rangiroa or Fakarava lagoons in Tuamotus, buy black pearls from a farm, and try poisson cru. If your budget allows, spend a night in an overwater bungalow. Practice responsible tourism at the UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, and respect sacred marae sites.
Ready to explore French Polynesia?
Let our charter specialists craft your perfect itinerary through these magnificent islands.
