French Polynesia
Whether it’s the area’s remoteness or the high cost of airfares, few people who dream of French Polynesia’s turquoise lagoons, ivory beaches, and straw roof huts make it out here. You and your guests won’t have to share the islands’ gin-clear waters, friendly locals, and postcard views with hordes of tourists.
Day One: Tahiti to Moorea
Start your yacht charter in Tahiti, the largest of the 118 islands and atolls that make up French Polynesia. Spend the morning chasing waterfalls in Papenoo Valley — the deep emerald ferns and mosses will astound you! — before heading to Moorea, Tahiti's gorgeous sister island.
There’s plenty to do on Moorea. You can ogle bronzed locals surf spectacular reef breaks, learn to kitesurf, or barrel along creeks and pineapple fields on an ATV.
At day’s end, head to a rustic waterside restaurant for a dinner of the freshest seafood you’ll likely ever eat.
Day Two and Three: Moorea to Huahine
Jewel-toned and teeming with marine life, it’s impossible not to feel great reverence for Moorea’s water. Whether you spend your day swimming with green sea turtles, spotting majestic humpback whales, or kayaking through secret coves to spot manta rays, you’ll find the experience immersive and unforgettable.
Back on board, chat about the day’s adventures over fruit-infused rum cocktails while admiring the sunset in a raspberry-hued sky. An overnight crossing will take you to Huahine, with its steep mountains and travel-poster bays, arguably one of French Polynesia’s most picturesque islands.
Day Four: Huahine to Raiatea
There are plenty of opportunities for surfing, diving, and exploring archaeological sites here. Other activities that come to mind include horseback riding on white-as-snow beaches, exploring colorful coral gardens, or enjoying outrigger canoe adventures. But life moves slowly under the southern sun. You’ll soon find how easy it is to kick back and do very little.
A short voyage will take you to Raiatea. Here you can visit Marae Taputapuātea, French Polynesia's most sacred temple, spot the world’s rarest flower, the tiare ‘apetahi, or hike up Mount Tapioi to be rewarded with breath-taking sweeping views.
Day Five and Six: Raiatea to Taha’a
Taha’a has even fewer visitors and resorts than most of its neighboring islands. It’s the ultimate get-away-from-it-all escape!
Verdant valleys and sloping hillsides, dotted with banana, watermelon, and coconut groves, define its interior, and the sweet scent of vanilla permeates the air. Taha’a produces 80% of all Tahitian vanilla, so visiting a plantation is a must. After your tour, you can shop for fresh vanilla or vanilla-based products to take back to the boat. Ask the chef to make vanilla bean ice cream for dessert to cap off another perfect day in paradise.
Day Seven: Taha’a to Bora Bora
Ah, Bora Bora, the grand finale of your French Polynesian yacht charter and the kind of island dreams are made of. With its significant swathe of eye-popping blues and soaring rainforest-covered peaks, Bora Bora offers a befitting backdrop to your last day in travel-poster paradise. Spend the afternoon stretched out on a golden beach before clinking glasses on a sand-edged islet with your friends. Alternatively, you can fill the day with action-packed adventures. A wide range of bucket-list experiences is readily available, from diving and snorkeling to hiking and parasailing.
