A 7-day private yacht charter through French Polynesia's Society Islands is the embodiment of tropical sailing perfection. This 66-nautical-mile route links four islands famous for crystalline lagoons, overwater bungalows, and some of the Pacific's most dramatic island scenery. The passages are extremely short, allowing multiple days at anchor in each location — ideal for snorkelling, diving, and immersing in Polynesian culture.
Your VoyageHuahine to Taha'a
Depart Fare Marina on Huahine, the starting point for many South Pacific yacht charters. Huahine itself is rich in Polynesian heritage — ancient marae temples, archaeological sites, and a relaxed, untouristy atmosphere. The 25-nm passage north-northwest to Taha'a is a short, comfortable morning sail through warm tropical waters. Upon arrival at Taha'a, anchor in one of the lagoon's protected bays — the water is gin-clear, the temperature is 28°C, and the coral gardens are visible directly beneath your boat. Taha'a is famous for vanilla cultivation; the vines climb on posts across plantations visible from the anchorage. The main settlement, Patio, is small and quiet. Ashore, you can visit a vanilla farm, explore a traditional pearl farm, or simply relax on white-sand beaches.
Taha'a to Taha'a (explore)
Spend a full day anchored in Taha'a's lagoon. This island receives far fewer tourists than Bora Bora, making it feel like a genuine discovery. The lagoon has multiple good anchorages: Haamene Bay on the northwest offers excellent snorkelling over coral. The water is so clear that snorkelling directly off the yacht deck is rewarding — tropical fish (parrotfish, triggerfish, butterflies) graze the coral, and sea turtles are common. A morning dinghy excursion to a local beach or snorkelling spot is typical. In the afternoon, a visit to a pearl farm demonstrates traditional Polynesian aquaculture. Local guides can be arranged for reef walks or cultural tours. The pace here is genuinely slow — no crowds, no rush, no commercialism.
Taha'a to Raiatea
An 8-nm passage south to Raiatea, the second-largest island in the Society Islands and home to the most important marae temples in Polynesia. Raiatea was the ancient religious and political centre of the island group; the sacred marae sites (particularly Taputapuatea marae) still command reverence. Anchor in the main lagoon near Uturoa, the main town, or in quieter bays on the island's eastern shore. The lagoon is equally beautiful to Taha'a — turquoise water, excellent snorkelling, and minimal development beyond Uturoa itself. The town has provisioning, restaurants, and a cultural museum. A visit to Taputapuatea marae (accessible by dinghy or guided tour) is worthwhile for understanding Polynesian sacred history.
Raiatea to Raiatea (explore)
Dedicate a full day to Raiatea's lagoon and cultural sites. The reef system is expansive; multiple snorkelling spots offer encounters with manta rays (seasonal, especially April–May and September–October), reef sharks, and dense coral gardens. A dinghy expedition to a coral motu (small island) on the outer reef is typical — the experience of anchoring a small boat over coral in 2 metres of crystalline water is quintessential South Pacific sailing. Ashore, the village of Opoa near Taputapuatea is worth visiting; local families welcome visitors for meals and cultural exchange. The island is less commercialised than Bora Bora, making it feel more authentically Polynesian. Underwater photography is exceptional — bring a waterproof camera.
Raiatea to Bora Bora
A 25-nm passage southeast brings you to Bora Bora, the most famous island in Polynesia. As you approach, Mount Otemanu — a 727-metre volcanic peak shrouded in cloud — emerges from the sea, backed by a ring of emerald hills and surrounded by a lagoon of impossible turquoise. The anchorage in Bora Bora lagoon is one of the world's most photographed yacht destinations. Anchor in the main lagoon (confirm your spot with the harbourmaster), and the overwater bungalows of luxury resorts become visible across the water. The island's beauty is undeniable, but it is also the most developed and tourist-heavy of the four islands. The town of Vaitape is a small port with provisioning and restaurants. The lagoon itself remains pristine and remains excellent for snorkelling.
Bora Bora to Bora Bora (explore)
Spend a full day experiencing Bora Bora's legendary lagoon. The water is 28–30°C and visibility is 30+ metres. Snorkelling hotspots include the coral gardens near the anchorage and the Coral Gardens dive site (accessible by dinghy if you're an experienced snorkeller). The lagoon is home to a resident population of reef sharks — harmless to snorkellers and part of the ecosystem. A popular excursion is a pirogue (traditional outrigger canoe) tour of the lagoon, often arranged by the resort or boat-tour companies. An evening meal ashore in Vaitape offers excellent poisson cru (raw fish in coconut milk) and tropical fruits. For the ultimate experience, arrange a sunset visit to an overwater bungalow resort's beach or restaurant — the view of Mount Otemanu at sunset is iconic.
Bora Bora to — (depart)
Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy a final morning in the lagoon before heading to Anau Marina for checkout and disembarkation. A final swim or snorkel in the lagoon is a fitting goodbye. The clear water, the coconut palms, and the iconic peak of Otemanu create memories that last forever.
Season
April through November is the best time for this itinerary. The dry season is June–August, with cooler temperatures (24–26°C) and lower humidity. May and September–October offer warm water (28°C+) with less rain. December–March is cyclone season (low probability but higher risk); winds are stronger, the sea is less calm, and many facilities close.
Embarkation
Huahine's Fare Marina is the charter base for this itinerary. The marina has fuel, water, provisioning facilities, and crew briefing areas. International flights arrive in Papeete, Tahiti (approximately 2.5 hours by inter-island flight from Huahine). Budget extra time for flights and inter-island logistics.
Provisioning
Provisioning in French Polynesia is significantly more expensive than other cruising grounds — imported foods are costly, and fresh produce is seasonal. Stock staples (pasta, rice, canned goods, flour) from Papeete before heading to the outer islands. Huahine and Raiatea have supermarkets; Taha'a and Bora Bora have limited options. Fresh fish, tropical fruits (papaya, mango, coconut), and local baguettes are excellent and available daily. Budget extra for provisions.
Customs & Visas
French Polynesia is French territory. Entry requirements depend on nationality; EU citizens can stay 90 days visa-free. Non-EU citizens should verify visa requirements well in advance. Yacht cruising permits must be obtained on arrival.
Navigation & Anchoring
The lagoons are well-charted, but coral heads require careful piloting at slow speed. Most anchorages are in 5–15 metres of sand and coral. Holding is good. Cruising permits and anchoring rules vary slightly between islands; consult your charter company's documentation. Detailed pilot books and electronic charts are essential.
Cost
French Polynesia is expensive. Fuel, provisioning, and services cost 2–3× more than the Caribbean or Mediterranean. Budget accordingly. The dramatic scenery and crystalline waters justify the cost for most charterers.
This itinerary is a suggestion.
Your captain will tailor stops based on weather and your interests. Extensions to Moorea or the Tuamotu Atolls are possible with more time. The short distances between islands mean you have exceptional flexibility — arrive in a location and decide to stay an extra day if conditions or inclination warrant it. The pace of sailing here is leisurely; the goal is immersion rather than distance covered.
| Day | From | To | NM | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Huahine | → | Taha'a | 25 |
| 2 | Taha'a | → | Taha'a (explore) | — |
| 3 | Taha'a | → | Raiatea | 8 |
| 4 | Raiatea | → | Raiatea (explore) | — |
| 5 | Raiatea | → | Bora Bora | 25 |
| 6 | Bora Bora | → | Bora Bora (explore) | — |
| 7 | Bora Bora | → | — (depart) | — |
| Total | 66 | |||
