The Ultimate 14-Day Yacht Charter Exploring French Polynesia
French Polynesia is the definition of paradise. A collection of 118 atolls and islands scattered across the South Pacific Ocean, this archipelago is the ultimate destination for a luxury yacht charter. Untouched by overdevelopment, the islands boast pristine natural beauty, from crystal-clear lagoons to powder-white sand beaches bordered by vibrant coral reefs full of marine life. Complementing the scenery is the warmth of Polynesian hospitality and the depth of culture that offers visitors a unique experience.
Whether you are seeking an action-packed itinerary full of under-the-hull adventures and on-land excursions or simply want to unwind on the deck or one of the endless beaches, a yacht is the perfect platform to do so. Alongside the exotic backdrops, protected anchorages and reliable trade winds provide ideal conditions for cruising between the atolls.
You can choose between two distinct itineraries - each ideal for a one-week escape or seamlessly combined into a two-week adventure. Cruise effortlessly through the Society Islands, from Tahiti to Bora Bora, or venture to the remote, low-lying atolls of the Tuamotus, from Fakarava to Rangiroa.
Here is an example of where you can expect to cruise and things to discover on a French Polynesia yacht charter itinerary:
Day 1: Tahiti
A yacht charter in French Polynesia begins in Tahiti, where the scent of the exotic Tiara flowers welcomes you to paradise. As a central hub, international accessibility and connections are easy in this prime yachting destination.
There are plenty of ways to spend a day exploring this island, from hiking its peaks, horse-riding the beaches, and helicopter rides to visiting the bustling capital of Papeete. Enjoy a gourmet dinner ashore at one of the island's finest, L'O a la Bouche, and indulge in authentic French cuisine paired with an excellent wine list, setting the tone for the rest of the itinerary.
Day 2: Moorea
Just a stone's throw and a short cruise from Tahiti is Moorea; enjoy the scenic journey to this beautiful island, with impressive views of Tahiti behind you. Spend the day hiking through rainforests and pineapple plantations to the Belvedere lookout, jump on an ATV excursion, or get under the water in the many diving and snorkeling spots.
Between July and November, you may be lucky enough to witness the humpback whales that grace these waters.
Day 3: Huahine
Following the trade winds onto Huahine, tranquillity will await. Split into two, Huahine Nui and Huahin Iti, you can spend your day embracing the peaceful natural beauty and the traditional way of life. Enjoy a picnic arranged by the crew on a private beach, and back onboard, watch the vibrant sunset from your anchorage.
The 180' (54.86m) LADY BETH is currently available for charter in French Polynesia, and whether you enjoy the views on the deck, in the Jacuzzi, or from the panoramic sky lounge, the yacht is the perfect base to discover this idyllic destination.
Day 4: Raiatea
Considered to be the birthplace of Polynesia, Raiatea is a must-visit on a French Polynesia itinerary. Explore the sacred and UNESCO-protected Marae Taputapuatea temple, the heart of the Maohi (indigenous Polynesian) culture.
The island is also a great spot to enjoy the lush hiking trails, where you will find the rare Tiare Apetahi flower. Ashore, there is also an opportunity to visit one of French Polynesia's most famous pearl farms to learn about the secrets of the Tahitian pearl culture, from the production to the classification of pearls.
Day 5: Taha'a
From sacred flowers to plantations, the wild island of Taha'a is just a short cruise from Raiatea, full of fragrant scents and adventures. Explore the coral gardens, with plenty of chances for snorkeling and diving expeditions.
LADY BETH has a range of scuba diving equipment onboard for guests, and the crew arranges trips with local dive centers that guide you to the best spots. To end the day, you can indulge in desserts made with the island's fresh vanilla.
Days 6 & 7: Bora Bora
A yacht charter itinerary in French Polynesia wouldn't be complete without a trip to Bora Bora; its postcard-perfect beauty, crystal-clear lagoons, and iconic overwater bungalows exceed expectations. Whether you swim with the manta rays at the cleaning stations, witness a private Polynesian dance performance, or enjoy luxurious spa treatments at the Four Seasons, there is plenty to do here.
On a 14-day charter, there is an opportunity to stay in one of the overwater bungalows while the yacht relocates to the Tuamotus, and a short flight allows you to rejoin in Fakarava to begin your next leg of the adventure.
Days 8 & 9: Fakarava
After rejoining your charter yacht from the Society Islands, or If you choose to charter a different yacht, the next part of the adventure begins in the idyllic Tuamotus Islands at Fakarava.
Home to one of the world's best scuba diving sites, whether you snorkel or dive here, you can experience the iconic drift dives through the passes. Both the south and north passes are thriving with vibrant marine life, full of sharks, manta rays, tropical fish, and dramatic drop-offs.
Days 10 & 11: Toau
With more opportunities to dive a pass here, Toau is home to some of the most pristine coral reefs. Hailed as being the island chain's best-kept secret, enjoy a relaxing day here soaking up the island life, visiting the white sandy beaches and an authentic Polynesian fishing village, and embracing the rhythm and nature of island life.
Day 12: Apataki
The Apataki atoll offers yet another chance for more drift dives, with its incoming current luring in reef sharks and other incredible marine species.
If you want to stretch your legs and stay above water, go for a hike ashore or simply unwind onboard before your last few days in Rangiroa.
Day 13 & 14: Rangiroa
You will likely have been welcomed into the Tuamotus largest atoll, Rangiroa, with the impressive and playful bottled-nose spinner dolphins that play in the northeast pass. One activity not to miss here is visiting the famous Blue Lagoon; the mini lagoon has the clearest waters and is perfect for your castaway moments with a picnic or beach barbecue that the crew arranges.
In your final days here, enjoy last-minute watersports from the yacht, whether more scuba diving, kayaking the calm lagoons, or surfing the iconic Avatoru pass with LADY BETH's onboard qualified surf instructors.
From bucket-list adventures and ultimate relaxation in paradise to an immersion into a vibrant and friendly culture, French Polynesia is the ultimate destination to explore via yacht charter.
Contact our expert consultants to explore the yachts available, including LADY BETH, in French Polynesia and the wider South Pacific region.