Situated midway in the Pacific Ocean between South America and Australia, French Polynesia is comprised of 118 islands in the Austral, Gambier, Marquesas, Tuamotu, and Society archipelagos spread out in an area roughly the size of Europe.
A Tahiti yachting itinerary typically includes easy passages within the protected waters behind the beautiful coral reefs that encircle the islands, allowing for relaxed sailing in one of the most exotic cruising grounds in the world. Snorkeling and scuba diving on the reefs, swimming and sunbathing on white-sand beaches, enjoying the delights of luxury resorts, shopping, and fine restaurants, and spending quiet evenings aboard your crewed luxury yacht in picturesque anchorages are all part of what makes sailing in Tahitian waters so appealing. Relatively short passages between the islands (see Tahiti sailing maps) integrate open-ocean sailing, all under the expert care and attention of your captain and private gourmet chef. The longest passage to windward is about 18 nautical miles. The open-water passages downwind from Huahine to Tahaa and from Tahaa to Bora-Bora are simply spectacular, South Pacific sailing at its very best.
Meals at any restaurant mentioned in this itinerary are not included in the charter price.
Uturoa to Apu Bay – 3 nm. It’s just a short hop north inside the barrier reef to the exotic island of Tahaa and Apu Bay. As you draw near, the unmistakable sweet scent of vanilla carries to you on the balmy wind. Tahaa is nicknamed the Vanilla Island because of its vanilla plantations. Your captain will obtain a secure mooring at the Taravana Yacht Club, a French restaurant and hotel with a convivial bar. The food is excellent at the restaurant. Moorings are free of charge for diners.
Apu Bay to Bora-Bora Yacht Club – 23 nm. Your mooring off the Taravana Yacht Club puts you in an excellent position to begin a splendid off the wind sail from Tahaa to fabled Bora-Bora. In an easterly, the wind will be off the starboard quarter, ideal for fast sailing the way it’s supposed to be. Try your hand at the helm. Your captain will gladly assist you. Off the starboard bow, the heights of Mt. Otemanu soar 2,362 feet above an azure sea, with impressive Mt. Pahia nearby. It’s about 18 nautical miles on the open water, then you head through the reef pass into the calm waters of Bora-Bora’s lagoon. The Bora-Bora Yacht Club is about one nautical mile to the east, a famous gathering place for world cruisers. Enjoy cocktails in the casual and colorful island bar.
Bora-Bora Yacht Club to Taurere – 8 nm. The next leg of your Tahiti yachting itinerary takes you on a beautiful passage through Bora-Bora’s magnificent lagoon, the ever changing color of the calm waters captivating to the eye as you pass miles of barrier reef to port. Between Motu Piti Aau and Taurere are good overnight anchorages near an exquisite coral formation popular for snorkeling. On the way there you can stop to experience the wonders of the Lagoonarium, where you can swim with all kinds of intriguing sea creatures, including sharks! Enjoy a delicious midday meal prepared by your private gourmet chef.
Taurere to Pt. Raititi – 10 nm. The living is easy with crewed Tahiti yachting. Your captain is there to sail the boat for you, and to provide the best possible South Pacific sailing experience. A great way to start the day at Taurere is to linger over a sumptuous breakfast, or lighter fare with refreshing fruit juices and perfect coffee. It’s all up to you. As you look around the anchorage, you see beautiful tropical birds on the nearby motus. When it’s time to get under way, you sail back around the top of Bora-Bora within the calm waters of the lagoon. It’s off the wind all the way. Pt. Raititi, your next destination, is near the Bora-Bora Hotel, shops, and art galleries. Fine swimming and snorkeling abounds at the nearby beaches.
Pt. Raititi to Faaroa Bay – 37 nm. Set sail early for your 18-nautical-mile open-water passage from Bora-Bora to Tahaa. Once you’re through the pass at Tahaa, it’s 12 nautical miles or so to beautiful Faaroa Bay on the east side of Raiatea. Faaroa Bay is highly recommended for two reasons: There’s much to see on the east side of Raiatea inside the reef, and you’ll be ideally positioned for your upcoming sail to Huahine. You can pick up a mooring in Faaroa Bay or may anchor.
Faaroa Bay to Opoa Bay – 5 nm. After you explore the Aopomau River at the head of Faaroa Bay in the dinghy, a definite must when visiting Raiatea, a short sail southward takes you to the village and bay of Opoa. This is an excellent day stop. Ashore are a little village and the magnificent archaeological site of Taputapuatea Marae, the most important in all of French Polynesia. Return to Faaroa Bay for a good night’s rest and a savory meal.
Faaroa Bay to Fare Village – 21 nm. The passage to Huahine is usually a lively sail. The island is plainly visible as you head out of Passe Irihu ou Maire, its mountain heights covered in green, its peaks sometimes cloaked in puffy white clouds. Once you are through the pass at the northwest end of Huahine, Fare Village is directly ahead. This is the island’s main town, with a variety of restaurants, some small hotels, and general stores. Of particular interest to sailors is the Huahine Shack, a casual tropical bar catering to world cruisers.
Fare Village to Bay d’Avea – 9 nm. The next leg of your Tahiti yachting itinerary takes you along the west coast of Huahine inside the barrier reef past a number of beautiful anchorages, with tall mountains off the port beam, the blues, greens, oranges, and browns of the reef to starboard. The rich scent of tropical flowers carries on the breeze. One of the more scenic places to spend the night is at Bay d’Avea, at the southern end of the island’s western shore. The snorkeling in the area is excellent. There are also restaurants and other attractions.
Bay d’Avea to Haamene Bay – 35 nm. Get an early start for your open-water passage to Tahaa. You’ll be off the wind the entire way, sailing fast and loving every minute. This is another excellent chance to try your hand at open-ocean sailing as you guide your graceful yacht through the sea, your professional captain there to assist if needed. The soaring heights of Raiatea and Tahaa rise ahead and cottony puffs of white cloud are stark against a brilliant blue sky. This is South Pacific sailing at its best. Once you’re through the pass at Tahaa, the fjord-like expanse of Haamene Bay is just a couple of miles away, scenic and secure. If you’re yearning to dine ashore, the Hibiscus Restaurant is a nice place to eat dinner.
Haamene Bay to Apu Bay – 20 nm. The last full day of your Tahiti yachting itinerary takes you all the way around the top of Tahaa inside the calm waters of the barrier reef. There are beautiful beaches perfect for snorkeling and swimming. After a leisurely lunch at anchor or at one of the restaurants on the motus, push on to Apu Bay and pick up a mooring for the night.
Final Morning
Apu Bay to Uturoa – 3 nm. Although you won’t want to sail back to reality (you can always come visit the Tahitian Leewards again!), the final leg of your crewed luxury yacht charter will be an easy passage south back to the Moorings base. You will arrive by 10:00 A.M.
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