French Polynesia

8-Day Crewed Yacht Itinerary – French Polynesia

Day 1 | Huahine Pick-up at midday on the pier of Fare, the main village of Huahine, where small shops and restaurants are available. Set sail to Hana Iti or Avea Bay, in the south of Huahine, offering a peaceful anchorage with a beautiful white-sand beach for the night. Surrounded by wild, lush green mountains and turquoise crystal-clear waters, this anchorage offers an exceptional natural setting. Explore the lagoon by dinghy with the crew and enjoy excellent snorkelling opportunities. Dinner onboard.

Day 2 | Huahine – Taha’a (“The Vanilla Island”) (3 to 4 hours sailing, with optional line fishing en route) After breakfast, set sail for Taha’a, known as the “Vanilla Island” due to its numerous vanilla plantations. Thanks to steady trade winds, this is a comfortable passage with views of Raiatea and Taha’a emerging on the horizon. The two islands share the same lagoon, protected by a surrounding coral reef. Enjoy the beauty of the South Pacific: cobalt sea, pure white clouds, and deep blue skies. Upon entering the lagoon, a stop may be made in Haamene Bay, a spectacular fjord-like anchorage, extremely sheltered and well known among sailors. Alternatively, anchorage is possible in Faaha Bay. Optional visit to a vanilla plantation, where guests may purchase local products. Lunch onboard. Continue to Tau Tau motu. If conditions allow, enjoy a stunning sunset over Bora Bora, creating an unforgettable backdrop. Dinner may be arranged at Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa, a Relais & Châteaux property (optional).

Day 3 | Lagoon of Taha’a After breakfast, enjoy a walk on Tau Tau motu and snorkelling in the coral gardens. Lunch onboard, followed by a stop at Mahaea motu for swimming, snorkelling, and relaxation on white-sand beaches. Sail to Apu Bay in the late afternoon, a quiet and protected anchorage. Optional visit to a pearl farm. Dinner onboard.

Day 4 | Taha’a – Raiatea After breakfast, sail to Raiatea and the beautiful Faaroa Bay on the east coast. Explore the Aopomau River by tender, deep within the lush surroundings of the bay. After lunch, continue to Opoa Bay. Visit the small local village and the impressive Marae Taputapuatea, one of the most significant historical and cultural sites in French Polynesia.

Day 5 | Raiatea Morning cruise to Uturoa, the main town of Raiatea. Enjoy the local market with flower leis, spices, and fresh tropical fruits. Shops, banks, and internet access are available. Lunch onboard, followed by snorkelling over the coral reef. Later, sail to Apoiti Marina for the night.

Day 6 | Raiatea – Bora Bora After breakfast, set sail for the mythical island of Bora Bora and its world-famous lagoon. The dramatic peaks of Mount Otemanu (over 700 metres) and Mount Pahia rise above the deep blue sea. Entering through the reef pass, the water transforms into stunning shades of turquoise. Anchor near the Bora Bora Yacht Club or off one of the nearby motus for lunch and water sports. Enjoy a serene evening in one of the world’s most breathtaking lagoons.

Day 7 | Bora Bora Lagoon Sail to Pofai Bay and visit Vaitape, the main village, with its small shops and banks. Cruise along the motus under sail, with opportunities to stop at the Lagoonarium, a natural marine park where guests can observe sharks, manta rays, tropical fish, and turtles up close. Anchor near Taurere or in a protected bay. Before sunset, snorkel in the famous Coral Garden, where gentle currents create a spectacular underwater drift through colourful coral formations. Dinner onboard.

Day 8 | Bora Bora – Disembarkation Final cruise around the Bora Bora lagoon, passing the Piti Aau motus and the Raititi Cape. Time to enjoy a last swim, snorkel, or shell collecting on the surrounding motus. Disembarkation at Vaitape port, your hotel, or another agreed location. If time allows, a final stop near the Raititi Cape or Bora Bora hotel area may be arranged, with nearby beaches ideal for a last swim.