Tahiti: Explore French Polynesia

Tahiti and Bora Bora: French Polynesia

Destination Overview

Sail through the heart of French Polynesia, where emerald lagoons, rugged mountains, and rich Polynesian culture converge. This voyage begins in Raiatea, the “Sacred Island,” continues to the aromatic paradise of Taha’a, and concludes in Bora Bora, known worldwide as the “Pearl of the Pacific.” Each island offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and unforgettable experiences tailored for families and friends ready for adventure, luxury, and relaxation.

French Polynesia Overview

We take off from Raiatea, a prime starting point in the Society Islands. Our weekly itineraries run from Saturday afternoon to the following Saturday morning. We sail around islands like Taha’a, Bora Bora, Raiatea, and Huahine, where you’ll explore coral reefs, turquoise lagoons, and lush mountain landscapes.Expect a warm, tropical climate year-round, with pleasant trade winds ideal for sailing from May through October, which are the best months for calm seas and sunny weather.

Location

Raiatea, French Polynesia

Season

April - November

Duration

7 Days, Saturday to Saturday

Packing

We'll send our packing list

Weather

Air: 82ºF / 28ºC Water: 80ºF / 27ºC

Trip Highlights

5 Star Itinerary
Most days, we sail in the calm waters of the lagoons, just enough to catch the wind and explore the islands.
Explore “Motu” Islands
Sail to secluded “motus”, small islets that offer quiet beauty ideal for exploration, swimming, and kayaking.
Sail the Trade Winds
Most trips, we do one full day passage to Bora-Bora, where we sail the trade winds and spend the night in one of the world's most famous lagoons.
Snorkeling & Kayaking
We'll stop by one of our favorite snorkeling spots in the world and drop the kayaks in the water daily.
Anchor in the Lagoons
Some of our favorite anchorages are in the lagoons in French Polynesia, where you get trade winds and soft sands.
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Bora-Bora
Spend a day on land seeing one of the world's most iconic islands.
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What's Included?

Explore French Polynesia on your private sailboat with all of the details taken care of so you can kick back and enjoy. *Indicates items that can be arranged for a fee.

Private Yacht Charter

Professional Captain

Guided, Custom Itinerary

National Park & Anchor Fees

Paddleboard and/or Kayaks

Detailed Support

Provision Shopping & Delivery

Private Island Tours*

Dingy and All Fuel Costs

Frequently Asked Questions

French Polynesia offers warm, tropical sailing conditions year-round. The best season is typically late April to early November when trade winds are steady, providing smoother sailing. The high season from July to August is busier, while April-May and September-October offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds.

Our routes vary, but a 7 day charter often includes destinations like Raiatea, Taha’a, Bora Bora, and Huahine. Each location offers unique lagoons, coral reefs, and island culture. Customization options are available to suit interests, such as snorkeling, hiking, or fishing.

No experience is needed for our crewed charters, as each trip includes a professional captain.

Our charters cover your yacht, captain, customized itinerary, national park and anchor fees, snorkel gear, and other essentials. Additional activities, such as diving or guided island tours, can be arranged for an extra cost.

Pack light, breathable clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, and swimwear. We recommend a dry bag for excursions and water shoes for coral areas. We’ll send a full packing list with helpful tips after booking.

The waters of French Polynesia are generally calm, especially in the lagoons, with light trade winds. While the rainy season (December-February) brings occasional showers, it rarely affects sailing routes significantly. As part of our route, there may have 1 day (3-4 hours) offshore that feels rough, or exciting, depending on the group.

Wi-Fi is available on most yachts for an additional fee. Connectivity varies by location, especially in remote areas, so we encourage unplugging to fully enjoy the experience.

 

Activities include snorkeling, paddleboarding, beachcombing, and hiking. We also arrange optional excursions, such as visiting pearl farms or traditional Polynesian cultural sites.

 

Absolutely! Our charters are family-friendly, and the calm lagoons and shallow reefs make French Polynesia an excellent destination for kids.

Most nationalities, including U.S. and EU citizens, can stay up to 90 days visa-free. We’ll help advice your documentation needs, but ultimately, it’s up to you to make sure you arrive to the islands with what you need to pass through passport control. 

Catering options range from self-catering to fully catered. Fresh local ingredients are featured, with menus that include Polynesian cuisine, fresh seafood, and tropical fruits.

Yes, we offer bespoke experiences like sunset dinners, private motu tours, and cultural ceremonies. Let us know, and we’ll make your trip unforgettable.

"I had no idea you could sail around French Polynesia, sleeping each night in a new beautiful location, kayak, snorkel, and explore on shore at this price. You're only regret will be not learning you could do this sooner."
Ali M.
Group of 8 friends
"My favorite trip, of any kind, ever, and I travel a lot. Our friend group includes 3 couples and 2 friends (8 total). Our captain (Michael) took us to spots we'll never forget to enjoy the sunset, grill under the stars, snorkel our heats out, and catch the wind. Highly recommend sailing here with Bora Vida.
David P.
Friends & Couples
Want to go to French Polynesia?

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