French Polynesia Yacht Charter — Tahiti, Bora Bora & Beyond

The Pearl of the Pacific

A dormant volcano surrounded by a perfectly sheltered lagoon enclosed by a barrier reef. Snorkelling with manta rays in the lagoon, coral garden dives, shark feeding at Muri Beach, and anchoring off Matira Point — the most beautiful beach in French Polynesia. Yacht anchorage inside the lagoon is protected, calm, and strikingly beautiful.

Passage: 2 hours from Raiatea by sail

Dolphins · Whale watching · Mountains

15km west of Tahiti — a dramatic shark-tooth volcanic peak surrounded by Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay. Spinner dolphin encounters (boat-based, non-invasive) are reliable year-round. Humpback whales from July–November. Excellent snorkelling at Temae lagoon. The best base for a first night arriving from Papeete.

Passage: 45 minutes from Papeete by sail

Unspoiled · Ancient temples

The most authentic and least touristed of the accessible Society Islands. Vanilla and melon cultivation, traditional fishing villages, ancient Polynesian marae (ceremonial platforms). Sacred blue-eyed eels at Fare Pond. The provisioning stop between Moorea/Raiatea and Bora Bora.

Passage: 4 hours from Moorea by sail

World-class diving · Shark wall

A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The South Pass (Tumakohua) is the world's most dramatic shark diving site: hundreds of grey reef sharks aggregating in a narrow coral pass, creating a living 'shark wall'. Drift diving through the passes at slack water is a life-changing experience. Fakarava is 300nm from Papeete — a 2-day open ocean passage.

Passage: 2–3 days open ocean from Papeete

World's 2nd largest atoll · Drift diving

Rangiroa's lagoon is so large that the island Tahiti could fit inside it. Two passes — Avatoru and Tiputa — offer exceptional drift dives past dolphins, sharks, Napoleon wrasse, and (occasionally) hammerheads. The Blue Lagoon (a lagoon within the lagoon) is accessible by tender.

Passage: 1.5 days from Papeete (200nm)

How much does a yacht charter in French Polynesia cost?

French Polynesia yacht charter rates range from €18,000 (~$19,000) per week for a crewed sailing catamaran to €120,000+ (~$130,000+) per week for a 45m+ motor yacht. The most popular charter size is the 18–26m luxury sailing catamaran at €18,000–€45,000/week — ideal for navigating Bora Bora's lagoon. French Polynesia is a French overseas collectivity, so 20% TVA (VAT) applies to all charter fees. APA runs 25–30% for sailing vessels, 30–35% for motor yachts.

What is the best time to charter a yacht in French Polynesia?

Best season: May–October (dry season). This period offers SE trade winds 15–20 knots, lower humidity, clear skies, and water temperatures of 26–28°C. July–August can be breezy but excellent for sailing. November–April is the wet season — higher temperatures (30–32°C), more rain, higher humidity, and the risk of cyclones (January–March is peak cyclone season — charters not recommended). The dry season also coincides with humpback whale season (July–November): whales pass through the Society Islands on their migration.

Which islands are best for a French Polynesia yacht charter?

Society Islands are the charter core: Bora Bora (the 'Pearl of the Pacific' — a perfectly sheltered lagoon, coral gardens, manta rays), Moorea (dramatic mountain peaks, dolphins, whale watching), Huahine (the most unspoiled large island — ancient marae temples, vanilla plantations), Raiatea and Tahaa (the sacred island and vanilla island — connected lagoon). Tuamotu Archipelago: Fakarava (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve — world-class shark diving), Rangiroa (the world's second-largest atoll — incredible drift diving through the passes).

Do I need to fly to French Polynesia to start a yacht charter?

Yes — French Polynesia is remote. The primary entry point is Tahiti (Faaa International Airport) in Papeete, served by Air Tahiti Nui from Paris, Los Angeles, and Auckland. Most charter yachts base out of Papeete or Raiatea (the sailing capital, with the island's largest charter fleet). The remoteness is part of the appeal — but it means long-haul flights (10–12 hours from Los Angeles, 22 hours from Europe with connection) and significant airfare costs. Factor flights into the total charter budget.

Is French Polynesia good for sailing?

Yes — French Polynesia is the original catamaran charter territory. The SE trade winds are reliable (15–20 knots) from May–October, making passages between the Society Islands straightforward. The Tuamotu Archipelago atolls require careful timing through the passes (slack water only). Moorea to Bora Bora is approximately 220nm — typically sailed over 2–3 days with stops at Huahine and Raiatea. The Tuamotus are 300nm northeast of Papeete — a 2–3 day open ocean passage requiring an experienced crew.

What does TVA (French Polynesian VAT) mean for charter costs?

French Polynesia applies 16% TVA (taxe sur la valeur ajoutée) on charter fees — slightly below metropolitan France's 20%. Unlike some French territories, French Polynesia has its own tax system (it is a collectivity, not a department). TVA is charged on the base charter rate and APA. On a €40,000/week charter, TVA adds €6,400. This is collected by the central agent and remitted to the French Polynesian tax authority. Non-EU charterers cannot reclaim French Polynesian TVA.