Exotic, far-flung paradise

Explore untouched visions of paradise on a bareboat charter vacation in Tahiti. Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Ocean, French Polynesia’s exotic islands offer a majestic destination of unrivalled tropical beauty.

Balmy trade winds carry you between exquisite coral reefs, shimmering lagoons and deserted white sand atolls, while spells of open-water sailing take you to lush Polynesian islands. From the vanilla-scented shores of Taha’a to romantic Bora Bora, this far-flung sailing paradise is destined to put you under its enchanting spell.

Tahiti itinerary

7
Days

Highlights

  • Black pearl farms
  • Diving coral reefs
  • Enchanting Bora Bora
  • Consistent trade winds
  • Ancient Polynesian temples
  • Tiny islets, tropical beaches
Day 1

Apooiti Marina to Motu Taoru, Raiatea

The day's sailing

1 hr
Sailing time

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Suggested activities

  • Snorkelling Snorkelling
  • Fishing
  • Diving icon Diving
  • Exploring Exploring

Today you’ll launch from our base at Apooiti Marina, skirting the scenic coast of Raiatea for Motu Taoru. Enclosed within a barrier reef and backed by lush, looming mountains, Raiatea is known as the ‘sacred isle’ as it used to be the religious center of Polynesia. Sail past ancient temples and glimpse petroglyphs carved in basaltic stones along the coast. The rich lagoon of Motu Taoru is filled with iridescent tropical fish, so don your flippers and enjoy excellent snorkeling and diving.

Discover Motu Taoru

Desert island paradise

Head to nearby Ofetaro Motu for a picnic on a desert island paradise.

Day 2

Motu Taoru to Ha’amene Bay

The day's sailing

0.5 hr
Sailing time

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Suggested activities

  • Snorkelling Snorkelling
  • Fishing
  • Diving icon Diving
  • Exploring Exploring

Cruise the short distance between Raiatea and its little sister island, Taha’a. Navigate carefully between the coral reef and Taha’a into Ha’amene Bay, where you can take a mooring or anchor for the night. Visit one of the black pearl farms or hike into the mountains to enjoy breathtaking views across the South Pacific.

Discover Ha'amene Bay

The Vanilla House

Visit the Vanilla House, where the raw beans are processed before being exported. The smell is incredible.

Suggested lunch spots

Drop anchor at lovely Motu Mahea and enjoy swimming and snorkeling in the turquoise waters on your lunch break.

Day 3

Ha’amene Bay to Motu Tautau

The day's sailing

2 hr
Sailing time

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Suggested activities

  • Snorkelling Snorkelling
  • Fishing
  • Diving icon Diving
  • Exploring Exploring
Motu Tautau, Tahiti

Sail away from long, finger-like Ha’amene Bay, skirting the pristine beaches and isolated bays along the southern coast of Taha’a towards Motu Tautau. Tucked inside the secluded Taha’a lagoon, Motu Tautau faces the lush island of Taha’a on one side and lovely Bora Bora on the other.

Discover Motu Tautau

Suggested lunch spots

The pristine, shallow waters around Motu Tautau are filled with colorful coral gardens. Drop anchor and enjoy a picnic lunch on board your yacht, then snorkel amidst the spectacular array of marine species.

Day 4

Motu Tautau to Motu To’opua

The day's sailing

4.5 hr
Sailing time

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Suggested activities

  • Snorkelling Snorkelling
  • Fishing
  • Diving icon Diving
  • Exploring Exploring
Motu Toopua, Tahiti

Wind past the beautiful coral that surrounds Taha’a, then edge out into the open waters of the South Pacific. You’ll enjoy blue water sailing today, heading northwest toward Motu To’opua, a tiny islet floating majestically between Bora Bora’s mainland coast and the dramatic coral reef. Drop anchor and face west to enjoy watching the sun sink over the horizon in an unforgettable display of colour.

Discover Motu To'opua

Swim with eagle rays

Dive beneath the shimmering turquoise waters of the ‘valley of eagle rays’ and swim with these majestic creatures.

Suggested lunch spots

Dive the life-rich coral reef that fringes Motu To’opua’s tropical shores, then enjoy a picnic lunch on deck under the golden sun.

Day 5

Motu To’opua to Bora Bora

The day's sailing

0.5 hr
Sailing time

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Suggested activities

  • Snorkelling Snorkelling
  • Fishing
  • Diving icon Diving
  • Exploring Exploring
Bora Bora, Tahiti

The dreamy island of Bora Bora is just a quick hop from Motu To’opua. Strewn with lush tropical slopes and perfect white sand beaches and encircled by a necklace-like coral reef, famous Bora Bora is your perfect get-away-from-it-all daydream come true. Tiny islets with tropical beaches lapped by turquoise waters are scattered along the reef, while ancient Polynesian temples are hidden in the lush jungles. Dive the magnificent reef or arrange a shark feeding dive to see lemon, reef or hammerhead sharks in action.

Discover Bora Bora

Armaments and artefacts

Bora Bora was used as a US military base during World War II, and a number of armaments and artefacts can still be seen on the island today.

Suggested lunch spots

Head on shore and explore Bora Bora’s only town, Vaitape. You’ll find a number of cafés, handicraft shops and boutiques, as well as jewellery shops where you can purchase magnificent black pearl jewellery.

Day 6

Bora Bora to Apu Bay

The day's sailing

5 hr
Sailing time

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Suggested activities

  • Snorkelling Snorkelling
  • Fishing
  • Diving icon Diving
  • Exploring Exploring

Leave Bora Bora’s lush shores and return to the vanilla-scented isle of Taha’a. Head for Apu Bay, one of the beautiful bays along Taha’a’s flower petal-shaped southern coast. Visit the nearby black pearl farm and learn how these beautiful stones are grown inside oyster shells.

Discover Apu Bay

Coastal stroll

Take your dinghy to the end of the bay for a stroll along the forested shoreline.

Suggested lunch spots

Ideally located to receive nutrient rich lagoon waters and clean ocean currents, Apu Bay is known for producing the magnificent black pearl. Spend your lunch break exploring a black pearl farm and watch the latest pearl harvest.

Day 7

Apu Bay to Apooiti Marina

The day's sailing

1 hr
Sailing time

To be used as a guide only. Based on suggested sailing lanes and average wind speed for area.

Suggested activities

  • Snorkelling Snorkelling
  • Fishing
  • Diving icon Diving
  • Exploring Exploring

Use the final day of your Tahiti bareboat vacation to make the glorious journey from Apu Bay to Apooiti Marina. Sail north, minding the coral dotted between Taha’a and Raiatea before mooring at our Raiatea base. Set off early and enjoy more time on beautiful Raiatea, or take it easy and explore the lovely corals and reefs along the way.