Spreading across a swathe of the South Pacific, French Polynesia offers sheltered lagoons, steady trade winds and a network of well-spaced islands that lend themselves naturally to point-to-point cruising. The principal charter base is Raiatea in the Society Islands, 45 minutes by air from Tahiti’s international airport, but itineraries can extend to the Leeward group, the Tuamotu atolls and—weather permitting—the Austral Islands further south.

Why Sail Here?

Geography and Sailing Appeal

• Society & Leeward Islands (Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatea, Taha’a, Bora Bora, Huahine) combine short inter-island hops with lagoon anchorages ringed by vibrant coral reefs.

• Tuamotu Archipelago (Rangiroa, Fakarava, Tikehau) is remote, low-lying and famous for world-class diving inside its passes.

• Seasonal humpback whales migrate from July to November, with updated 2025 regulations limiting boats and swimmers to reduce stress on the animals.

Climate and Best Time to Sail

• Dry season (May–Oct): south-easterly trade winds 10-20 kn, lower humidity and minimal rain—favoured for a bareboat charter.

• Wet season (Nov–Apr): warmer, more humid, cyclone risk peaks Dec–Mar; operators may charge off-season rates but passages can be lively.

Main Charter Regions

Society Islands (Leewards)

Bora Bora’s lagoon, Huahine’s archaeological sites and Taha’a’s coral gardens are linked by day sails of 15–35 NM, making them suitable for crews with limited offshore experience yet keen on island-hopping. Moorings or anchorages are available in Ha’amene Bay, Fa’aroa and Anau.

Tuamotu Atolls

Experienced sailors looking for extended blue-water passages sail 200-300 NM north-east to Rangiroa or Fakarava. Pass entrances demand careful timing on slack water because tidal streams can exceed 6 kn; inside, tranquil lagoons provide secluded motu anchorages and access to exceptional diving.

Austral Islands and Beyond

The Australs (Rurutu, Raivavae) lie south of the Tropic of Capricorn. They are cooler, less visited and known for whale activity, but seasonal mara’amu winds (June–Aug) may reach 30 kn, so good weather windows and a very experienced crew are recommended.

Charter Options and Typical Costs

Bareboat, Skippered and Crewed

• Bareboat charter: monohulls and catamarans 38–50 ft are available to sailors holding an ICC or equivalent and demonstrable tidal experience.

• Skippered or Crewed: ideal for families or first-timers; a licensed local skipper navigates passes, while a hostess can prepare Polynesian cuisine such as poisson cru or foods baked in a traditional Polynesian oven.

Sailing Conditions and Regulations

Wind, Swell and Navigation

Prevailing easterly trades shift south-east in winter; reef passes are invariably buoyed, but night navigation inside lagoons is discouraged. Strong mara’amu events between June and August can produce 25–35 kn winds and 2–3 m swell in open channels.

Permits and Formalities

Visiting yachts must clear in with the Direction Polynésienne des Affaires Maritimes (DPAM). Charter companies normally arrange arrival documentation and may supply the compulsory cruising guide and yellow-flag handbook.

Environmental Measures

Anchoring on coral is prohibited in many bays; public moorings are provided instead. New 2025 whale-watch regulations restrict boat numbers and in-water group size to protect migrating cetaceans.

Culture, Cuisine and Responsible Cruising

Polynesian Heritage

Village visits often include demonstrations of traditional singing, outrigger canoe racing and preparation of food in an umu earth oven. A respectful dress code (shoulders and knees covered) is appreciated ashore.

Marine Conservation

Avoid touching coral, use reef-safe sunscreen and keep at least 30 m from manta rays or resting turtles. Collect all waste; glass and aluminium recycling facilities exist at Raiatea and Bora Bora only.

Booking Your French Polynesia Yacht Charter

Availability is limited during the July-August European holiday window and during local events such as the Tahiti Pearl Regatta (May). Early booking secures a wider choice of hulls, better airfare connections and often more favourable cancellation terms.

Boataround aggregates offers from multiple charter companies, allowing you to compare yacht specifications, live pricing and verified reviews on one platform. If French Polynesia fits your sailing plans, consider reserving your yacht through Boataround for transparent rates, local support and an easy-to-use booking interface.

Motorboat rental in French Polynesia

Rent a Motorboat and explore French Polynesia! Prices start from 385 € per day. Experience the thrill of water sports in French Polynesia with a Motor Boat, also known as a Speed Boat. These nimble crafts, perfect for activities like water skiing and wakeboarding, typically range from 5 to 11 m (16.4 to 36.1 feet), with one or two powerful engines from 115 to 250 hp. As they are primarily used for water sports, fishing or transfer from motor yachts to land, they usually do not provide overnight accommodation or toilets.

Our fleet of motor boats in French Polynesia includes models from renowned yards such as Jeanneau, Custom Built and Te Aito.

These are some of the best places to rent a motor boat in French Polynesia:

• Motorboat rental Bora-Bora
• Motorboat rental Moorea