Yacht Charter French Polynesia: Private Cruising Through Tahiti, Bora Bora & the Society Islands
Welcome back aboard. If you’ve been dreaming about where to go next, a yacht charter French Polynesia experience is where five-star comfort meets wild, technicolor South Pacific beauty. Think jade-green peaks rising from the sea, lagoons in every shade of blue, coral gardens brimming with life, and anchorages so still you can hear the trade winds whisper across the palms. With Boatcrowd as your discreet concierge and advocate, you’ll enjoy a luxury yacht charter that moves effortlessly between Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a, and Bora Bora – each day revealing a new horizon, a new reef, and a new reason to stay on the water just a little longer.
Start planning with Boatcrowd.
Why Choose a Yacht Charter in French Polynesia
French Polynesia is a sailor’s playground of 118 islands and atolls spread over a swath of Pacific nearly the size of Western Europe. On a yacht charter French Polynesia itinerary, you’ll trade static resort views for moving panoramas and the freedom to follow the best weather, the calmest lagoon, the clearest water.
Top reasons our seasoned guests return here:
- Unrivaled island-hopping: Wake to Bora Bora’s Mount Otemanu one morning, then share sunset cocktails off Taha’a’s vanilla-scented motus the next. A yacht rental puts multiple islands within a single week – no unpacking, no airport hassles.
- Privacy at a premium: Anchor off a sandbar that’s yours alone. Swim under moonlight. Dine at a fully set table on an empty beach. Your crew handles every detail while you savor the quiet.
- Five-star floating villa: Expect panoramic staterooms, on-deck jacuzzis, sun lounges, and a private chef turning local bounty and Tahitian vanilla into meals you’ll remember.
- Insider access: From hidden drift-snorkel passes to private dance performances, a crewed luxury yacht charter unlocks experiences mass tourism can’t touch.
- Custom pace, custom play: Add a morning manta snorkel, drop the e-foil at lunch, swap a hike for a shore massage – your schedule flexes as fast as your mood. Inquire now.
Who This Destination Delivers For
For multigenerational families:
Shallow, protected lagoons invite all ages. Little ones kayak in teacup-calm water while teens race Seabobs across the reef. Grandparents watch whales breach from the top deck (July–October), then everyone gathers for a sunset feast on a private motu.
For experienced charterers:
If you know the joy of waking in a new anchorage each day, a yacht charter in French Polynesia raises the bar. The inter-island hops are short and scenic, water clarity is superb, and the mix of coral, culture, and cuisine keeps every day fresh.
For couples and friends:
Trade overwater bungalows for your own floating sanctuary. A curated yacht rental means private sundecks, bespoke wine pairings, and evenings under a billion stars – without neighbors.
Start planning with Boatcrowd.
Where You’ll Cruise: The Society Islands
Tahiti (Papeete) – The Gateway
- International arrivals, chic markets, and a lively waterfront.
- Embark or disembark close to provisioning, galleries, and pastry-perfect breakfasts.
- A smart spot for a first night aboard before your island arc begins.
Moorea – Volcanic Drama, Lagoon Calm
- Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay: sheer peaks and mirror-smooth anchorages.
- Drift with friendly rays and reef sharks during guided lagoon encounters.
- Hike Magic Mountain or Belvedere Lookout for cinematic views over your yacht.
Huahine – The Garden Island
- Quiet villages, sacred blue-eyed eels, and ancient marae tucked in the jungle.
- Gentle lagoons ideal for paddleboards and kayaks at sunrise.
- Farm-to-table flavors and some of the archipelago’s most authentic island life.
Raiatea – Sacred Heart of Polynesia
- Home to UNESCO-listed Taputapuatea, once the spiritual hub of Pacific navigation.
- The Faaroa River is Polynesia’s only navigable river – perfect for a canopy-shaded tender or kayak excursion.
- Excellent provisioning, crafts, and a central hub to slip into Taha’a’s shared lagoon.
Taha’a – Vanilla & Coral Gardens
- Drift-snorkel is a natural, current-fed “aquarium” where coral heads and colorful fish flash by like confetti.
- Visit family-run vanilla plantations and black pearl farms.
- Sandbar picnics with linen, stemware, and cold rosé – crafted by your crew.
Bora Bora – The Icon
- Mount Otemanu’s emerald spire presides over an electric-blue lagoon.
- Snorkel manta “cleaning stations,” jetski the island’s rim, and toast twilight from a private deck.
- Matira Beach for a shore day, Vaitape for artisan pearls and local woodwork.
Insider note: Each of these islands is wonderful on its own; string them together on a yacht charter French Polynesia itinerary and the contrast day-to-day is the magic.
Best Time to Book a Yacht Charter in French Polynesia
- Dry/trade-wind season (May–October): Breezy, lower humidity, classic trade-wind sailing, prime for a luxury yacht charter and longer passages.
- Lush season (November–April): Warmer, greener, with a greater chance of tropical showers; lagoons stay warm and inviting.
- Wildlife windows: Humpbacks (July–October), manta rays (year-round hot spots such as in Anau), dolphins daily if you watch the bow.
Pro tip: Peak months and prime yachts book well in advance. Start planning with Boatcrowd to secure your preferred yacht rental and dates.
The Fleet: Superyachts, Power & Sail Catamarans, and Premium Crewed Options
Whether your style is an aft-deck jacuzzi and a champagne bell or a silent sunrise sail across glassy water, Boatcrowd has the right vessel for your yacht charter in French Polynesia.
Superyachts (120–200+ ft)
- Why choose: Ultimate space, multiple decks, beach clubs, full gyms and spas, cinema rooms, and expansive toy garages.
- Cabins: Suites with panoramic windows; perfect for multigenerational privacy.
- Toys: Tenders, jet skis, e-foils, Seabobs, inflatables, dive gear (where permitted).
- Service: A hospitality team to match top boutique hotels.
Power Catamarans (60–100 ft)
- Why choose: Enormous volume, shallow draft for skinny-water anchorages, quick hops between islands.
- Lifestyle: Sun pads everywhere, easy water access, low roll in lagoons.
- Efficiency: Plenty of range for ambitious loops without sacrificing comfort.
Sailing Catamarans (50–80+ ft)
- Why choose: Silent passages across trade-wind seas, unrivaled deck space-to-length ratio, superb value in the luxury yacht charter category.
- Feel: Connection to wind and water, ideal for guests who love the romance of sail with the stability of two hulls.
Crewed vs. Bareboat
- Crewed: For most guests – especially multigenerational families – a fully crewed yacht rental delivers the ease, safety, and local access you want.
- Skippered add-ons: If you’re highly experienced, Boatcrowd can tailor skipper/chef teams to match your preferred level of involvement.
Inquire now for a curated yachts list that fits your group size, style, and preferences.
Onboard Experience: What Luxury Feels Like Here
- Cuisine with a South Pacific accent: Poisson cru with lime and coconut, lobster grilled over coals for a beach dinner, French patisserie at breakfast, and Tahitian-vanilla desserts that perfume the night air.
- Wellness everywhere: Sunrise yoga on the bow, deck massages, and swims so calm they feel like floating in silk.
- Family-first details: Child-friendly menus, shaded play zones, nanny-ready layouts, and safety briefings that never dampen the fun.
- Seamless connectivity: Starlink and 5G where available – dialed up or down to suit your detox goals.
- Crew expertise: Dive guides, kite instructors, certified therapists, sommeliers – Boatcrowd matches crew to your preferences on a luxury yacht charter in French Polynesia.
Signature Experiences You’ll Love
Snorkeling & Underwater Wonders
- Drift through coral gardens where parrotfish flash, clowns hide in anemones, and eagle rays fly by like kites.
- Manta interaction zones and reefs around Taha’a and Moorea define bucket-list days.
- Certified divers can add two-tank mornings or plan advanced passes with local experts.
High‑Tech Water Toys: Jet Skis, E‑Foils & Seabobs
- Circle the lagoon by jetski with a guide who times the glassiest water.
- Try e-foiling – part flight, part surf – for an addictive, low-impact thrill.
- Dive like a dolphin with Seabobs, weaving among coral heads (always with eco-briefings first).
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
- Early light, no wind, turtle tracks underfoot: the perfect hour for a peaceful glide.
- Great for all ages; tandem kayaks keep even the littlest explorers close.
Waterskiing, Wakeboarding & Inflatables
- Protected lagoons create silky ski lanes.
- Big-floating sofas and tow-toys make giggles the soundtrack of the afternoon.
Beach Picnics & Private Motu Parties
- Think linen tablecloths on sand, shade umbrellas, chilled wines, and a grill quietly working in the background.
- For milestone celebrations, your crew can arrange a private Polynesian performance – drums, fire, and dance under the stars.
Hiking & Nature Walks
- Moorea’s Magic Mountain and Belvedere Lookout for sweeping bay views.
- Raiatea’s Mount Temehani for endemic flora; Huahine’s jungle trails hide ancient marae and WWII relics dot Bora Bora’s overlooks.
Cultural Immersion
- Sunday services swell with choral harmonies; village feasts welcome curious guests.
- Visit Taputapuatea and stand where navigators once launched blue-water voyages.
- Learn pareo-tying, try palm-weaving, and taste coconut fresh from the husk.
Gourmet Dining & Authentic Flavors
- From chic ashore venues to private sandbar dinners, your yacht charter French Polynesia is a movable feast.
- Taste Moorea pineapples, pamplemousse, and the unmistakable perfume of Taha’a vanilla in the hands of your chef.
Wildlife Encounters
- Dolphins ride your bow wave; turtles glide through coral gardens; reef sharks and rays share the shallows.
- Humpbacks visit July–October – watch from the deck or join a licensed guide for in-water encounters when conditions allow.
7‑Day Itinerary: Society Islands Sprint
Short, punchy, and endlessly rich, this one‑week loop is perfect for first‑timers or as a repeat yacht rental when your calendar’s tight. Every day is adjustable in real time to chase the clearest water, calmest anchorage, or most vivid sunset.
Day 1 – Tahiti ➝ Moorea (Opunohu Bay)
- Embark Papeete, welcome lunch, two‑hour cruise.
- Lagoon swim and intro snorkel; sunset canapés under the peaks.
Day 2 – Moorea (Cook’s Bay & Stingray Lagoon)
- Guided ray and reef‑shark encounter in shallow sand flats.
- Afternoon hike to Belvedere or e‑foil session; starlit dinner on deck.
Day 3 – Moorea ➝ Huahine
- Dawn passage or short hop after breakfast.
- Walk Fare village, tender up the river to meet the sacred blue‑eyed eels; optional bonfire beach night.
Day 4 – Huahine ➝ Raiatea/Taha’a (Shared Lagoon)
- Morning sail into Raiatea; Taputapuatea cultural tour.
- Kayak the Faaroa River; anchor by Taha’a for a quiet lagoon evening.
Day 5 – Taha’a (Coral Garden & Vanilla)
- Drift‑snorkel the Coral Garden; visit a vanilla plantation and pearl farm.
- Private motu lunch with toes‑in‑sand service.
Day 6 – Taha’a ➝ Bora Bora
- Midday arrival into Otemanu’s blue amphitheater.
- Jetski circuit option; Vaitape shopping for pearls; sunset dinner.
Day 7 – Bora Bora (Manta Morning) & Farewell
- Snorkel Anau’s manta cleaning station; last swim at Matira Beach.
- Disembark via tender or scenic flight back to Tahiti.
Inquire now for a custom version of this yacht charter French Polynesia itinerary.
10‑Day Itinerary: Society Islands + Tuamotu Adventure
With three extra days, expand your luxury yacht charter to include a taste of the Tuamotus – legendary atolls famed for gin‑clear water and world‑class diving. All itineraries are weather dependent.
Day 1 – Tahiti ➝ Moorea
- Embark, short crossing, lagoon swim, chef’s welcome dinner.
Day 2 – Moorea (Peaks & Passes)
- Morning ray/shark encounter; afternoon hike or mountain‑view 4×4.
Day 3 – Moorea ➝ Huahine
- Dawn sail; village markets, marae, and river tender safari.
Day 4 – Huahine ➝ Raiatea/Taha’a
- Taputapuatea visit and Faaroa River paddle; anchor near Taha’a.
Day 5 – Taha’a (Vanilla & Coral Garden)
- Drift‑snorkel and pearl farm; sunset motu cocktails.
Day 6 – Taha’a ➝ Bora Bora
- Lagoon arrival, jetski perimeter, Otemanu under the stars.
Day 7 – Bora Bora (Mantas & Matira)
- Manta snorkel; beach afternoon; private dance show on board.
Day 8 – Fly or Cruise to Rangiroa (Tuamotus)
- Scenic hop to the atoll (option to reposition the yacht earlier to meet you).
- Tiputa Pass dolphin shows at dusk; optional two‑tank dive for certified guests.
Day 9 – Rangiroa (Blue Desert)
- Reef drifts with clouds of fish; pink‑sand motu picnic; e‑foil over glassy flats.
Day 10 – Return to Tahiti
- Morning lagoon swim; farewell lunch; afternoon flight or harbor return.
Prefer Fakarava’s South direction? Swap Rangiroa days for Fakarava and expect sublime drift dives and empty‑island bliss. Start planning with Boatcrowd.
A Day in the Life On Board
- 6:30 AM: Coffee on the foredeck, sea like liquid glass.
- 8:00 AM: Manta snorkel while the chef bakes croissants.
- 12:30 PM: Lunch of line‑caught mahi on the aft deck.
- 3:00 PM: Seabob safari and stand-up paddle to a sandbar.
- 6:30 PM: Sunset canapés; Otemanu turns purple.
- 8:00 PM: Beach barbecue with tiki torches and ukulele lullabies.
That’s a yacht charter French Polynesia vibe – effortless, indulgent, yours.
Travel Logistics: Smooth & Simple
- Getting there: Most French Polynesia guests fly LAX ➝ PPT (Papeete). Helicopter and domestic flights connect Tahiti with Bora Bora, Raiatea, Huahine, and Moorea.
- Embarkation hubs: Papeete (Tahiti) or Bora Bora. One‑way yacht rental routes are common – ask Boatcrowd to align flights and tenders.
- Paperwork & permits: Your captain manages clearances, marine park moorings, and motu permissions.
- Packing smart: Reef‑safe sunscreen, sun shirts, light layers, and soft luggage. We’ll handle fins, masks, and toys.
- Connectivity & medical: Strong onboard comms; local clinics on major islands; evacuation plans briefed and filed.
Pricing, What’s Included & How to Budget
Every luxury yacht charter is bespoke. The right budget depends on yacht size, season, and the experiences you want to fold in. As a planning guide (not a quote):
- Crewed sailing/power catamarans (50–80 ft): Charter fee typically covers the yacht, crew, and standard equipment; expect provisions, fuel, and activities via an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA).
- Superyachts (100–200+ ft): Charter fee plus APA (usually 25–35% of the base), taxes/VAT where applicable, and relocation if you’re designing a non‑standard route.
- What the APA covers: Fuel, food and beverage, dockage, local pilots, special permits, premium wines/spirits, on‑island tours. Any unspent funds return to you.
- Gratuities: At your discretion, often 10–15% of the base for exemplary service.
- Add‑ons: Dive guides, kitesurf coaches, photographers, cultural hosts, and live musicians can be included. Boatcrowd organizes everything seamlessly.
Talk to us for a tailored plan and a short list of yachts that match your party size and wish list. Inquire now.
Sustainability & Stewardship
- Reef‑safe practices: We brief every guest on fins‑off coral etiquette and wildlife distances.
- Suppliers we trust: Family‑run vanilla farms, pearl producers with traceable practices, and village cooperatives benefit when you visit.
- Waste & water: Modern yachts reduce single‑use plastics, make freshwater onboard, and recycle where facilities exist.
A yacht charter French Polynesia is the best way to experience these islands gently, privately, and with purpose.
How Boatcrowd Elevates Your Charter
- Curated fleet access: We maintain relationships with the region’s top superyachts and best‑in‑class cats – vetted hardware, proven crews.
- Local intelligence: Up‑to‑the‑minute guidance on manta sightings, humpback corridors, and which motu is empty at noon – and why.
- Concierge execution: Private aviation, VIP ground handling, same‑day changes when weather suggests a better plan.
- Guest‑centric matching: We place you with crews who share your energy – adventure‑forward, wellness‑first, kid‑savvy, or foodie‑obsessed.
- Transparent terms: Clear charter agreements, APA management, and post‑charter reconciliations you’ll appreciate.
Start planning with Boatcrowd.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is seven days enough for a yacht charter French Polynesia itinerary?
Yes – seven days delivers a superb Society Islands loop. If you can stretch to ten, you can add Rangiroa or Fakarava for Tuamotu magic.
What’s the difference between a luxury yacht charter and a yacht rental?
Functionally the same outcome – your private yacht, crew, and itinerary. “Luxury yacht charter” emphasizes the full‑service experience; “yacht rental” is often how guests describe the booking. Boatcrowd handles both.
When do humpback whales visit French Polynesia?
July through October is peak. Sightings are from the deck or with licensed guides when conditions allow.
Are lagoons safe for kids?
Yes. Most anchorages are sheltered and shallow near shore. Crews tailor safety briefings and gear to every age.
Can we dive?
Absolutely. Certified divers can add guided dives; Tuamotu passes are world‑class. We’ll arrange instructors and gear.
What about Wi‑Fi?
Most yachts offer robust connectivity. Tell us your bandwidth needs, and we’ll match you to the right solution.
How far are the island hops?
Usually 2–5 hours between anchorages in the Societies. Passages to the Tuamotus are longer and planned around calm windows.
Will we need cash ashore?
Cards are widely accepted, but small bills are handy for markets and village stops.
Is tipping required?
Never required; often appreciated for exceptional service. Many guests tip 10–15% of the base charter fee.
How early should we book a French Polynesia sailing holiday?
For peak months and top yachts, 9–12 months ahead is ideal. Boatcrowd often secures preferred holds earlier – Inquire now.
Your Next Charter Starts Here
You already know how good life is at anchor. In French Polynesia, it’s better. A yacht charter French Polynesia lets you collect perfect, simple moments: the hush before sunrise in a turquoise lagoon, the rush of a manta gliding past, the laugh of your family when the tow‑toy sends a splash skyward. With Boatcrowd’s guidance, every day is precisely the day you want.
- Tell us your dates and guest list.
- Choose from a curated set of yachts we trust.
- Personalize the toys, the menu, and the tempo.
- Step aboard – everything else is handled.
Inquire now to secure your preferred luxury yacht charter in French Polynesia and beyond. Start planning with Boatcrowd and come home with stories you’ll tell for years.