French Polynesia
Cabin | Bareboat | Skippered | Crewed
The Polynesian archipelago is the perfect setting, from high mountains with lush greenery to azure lagoons, it is the perfect sailing ground. The overseas French collective is made up of more than 100 islands in the South Pacific and stretches 2000 km, divided into the Austral, Gambier, Marquesas, Society and Tuamotu archipelagos. Bora Bora, Tahiti and Raiatea are part of the Society Islands.
The climate is tropical, with an average ambient temperature of 27°C and the waters of the lagoons average 26°C. French Polynesia has something for everyone; for the adventurous, an underwater world is waiting to be discovered, for the nature lovers, this lush paradise calls, and for the beach lovers, they’ve got you covered.
Chartering in the French Polynesia: at a glance
Language
French, and English is widely spokenCurrency
French Pacific Franc (XPF or CFP)Expenses (Diesel, Food etc)
Type of Mooring
AnchorItinerary Structure
Any daySailing Season
Season is May to October. The best time to visit Tahiti is between April/May and September/October.Airports
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Regions
The Cruising Ground
Tahiti
Tahiti is the largest island in French Polynesia and is shaped like a figure-8. Due to its shape, the island is divided into Tahiti Nui (the larger, western section) and Tahiti Iti (the eastern peninsula). Famed for its black-sand beaches, lagoons, waterfalls and 2 extinct volcanoes, from which the two islands gain their names, and mountain ranges and deep valleys. Papeete is the capital and the administrative hub. It is a bustling centre of travel in Tahiti, as well as bustling with markets and food stalls, all full of local produce. For an amazing surf experience, Teahupo’o on Tahiti is where you can catch the world’s heavy-water swells. Catch a wave, or just watch the surfers ride the 2 to 3m waves.
Tahiti
Tahiti is the largest island in French Polynesia and is shaped like a figure-8. Due to its shape, the island is divided into Tahiti Nui (the larger, western section) and Tahiti Iti (the eastern peninsula). Famed for its black-sand beaches, lagoons, waterfalls and 2 extinct volcanoes, from which the two islands gain their names, and mountain ranges and deep valleys. Papeete is the capital and the administrative hub. It is a bustling centre of travel in Tahiti, as well as bustling with markets and food stalls, all full of local produce. For an amazing surf experience, Teahupo’o on Tahiti is where you can catch the world’s heavy-water swells. Catch a wave, or just watch the surfers ride the 2 to 3m waves.
Raiatea
Meaning “faraway heaven” and “sky with soft light,” Raiatea is the sailing capital of French Polynesia, and is considered the homeland of the ancient Polynesians, where it is said their expansion throughout the Pacific began. It is the sailing capital due to the island having a large number of moorings of deep and calm bays in a pristine environment of volcano craters and waterfalls. The sailing conditions are excellent. Divers can anchor near the coral surrounding Raiatea’s motus (reef islets) for spotting dartfish and wrasse species found only in these waters. The heartbeat of the Islands of Tahiti emanates from a special place in Raiatea, the sacred Taputapuatea marae, a place once considered the central temple and religious centre of Eastern Polynesia.
Bora Bora
Probably one of the most famous destinations the world has to offer, Bora Bora is an island group in the Society islands and is characterised by a series of sand-fringed islets. Bora Bora is famously perfect for honeymooners because of its picturesque landscape and resorts boasting bungalows hovering on stilts over the water. Serrated jungle peaks are a surreal backdrop for empty aquamarine lagoons, and the waters are home to rainbow coral gardens teeming with fish – Marquesan parrotfish, damselfish and flame perchlet. At the island’s centre, rises Mt. Otemanu, a 727m dormant volcano resembling an artist’s palette of bright blues and greens.
Bora Bora
Probably one of the most famous destinations the world has to offer, Bora Bora is an island group in the Society islands and is characterised by a series of sand-fringed islets. Bora Bora is famously perfect for honeymooners because of its picturesque landscape and resorts boasting bungalows hovering on stilts over the water. Serrated jungle peaks are a surreal backdrop for empty aquamarine lagoons, and the waters are home to rainbow coral gardens teeming with fish – Marquesan parrotfish, damselfish and flame perchlet. At the island’s centre, rises Mt. Otemanu, a 727m dormant volcano resembling an artist’s palette of bright blues and greens.
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