Fam Trip Diaries: Exploring French Polynesia With Charter Consultant Abigail Davies
Some destinations instantly capture your imagination, and French Polynesia is one of them. A place where lush green peaks rise from turquoise lagoons and life beneath the surface is vibrant and diverse. I was lucky enough to experience it all firsthand on a familiarization trip aboard the beautiful yacht BIG SKY and it’s safe to say, it exceeded every expectation.
The seven-night itinerary around the Society Islands included Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a, and Bora Bora. I would advise that a seven-night itinerary would be the minimum amount of time to spend in the region, but for a slower-paced cruise, I would recommend 10 nights would be optimum.
Day 1 - Tahiti to Moorea
We boarded BIG SKY early at Papeete Marina, welcomed by a smiling crew and a morning mimosa. After a safety briefing and a little time to settle in, we set off for Moorea, a short cruise away but a world apart from the hustle and bustle of Tahiti.
Moorea, with its Jurassic-like scenery, volcanic peaks, and gentle lagoons, is a spectacular backdrop from the anchorage. Here, we spent the afternoon with a local marine scientist, who guided us on an incredible excursion to watch the humpback whales, with the opportunity to swim alongside them. Between the humpback whales (seen from July to November), we also spotted playful spinner dolphins and sea turtles.
Day 2 - Huahine
Following an overnight cruise, we woke up anchoring at the island of Huahine. With just 7,000 residents and one small supermarket, it’s peaceful, authentic, and full of charm. We headed to the shore for a guided tour around the island, visiting a tiny distillery offering fruit- based spirits, to a small family-run vanilla farm and a Marae, a traditional Polynesian place of worship.
Back on board, we anchored in a lagoon surrounded by green hills and ended the evening with toasties and a showing of the Disney film Moana in the sky lounge. With the animation set in ancient Polynesia, it was perfectly fitting for where we were, bringing some of the cultural stories we heard earlier in the day to life.
Day 3 - Huahine
The next morning was all about water sports. Snorkelling, paddle boarding, jet skiing and taking on BIG SKY’s giant inflatable slide.
Lunch took the form of a beach BBQ afternoon with locals, complete with fresh ceviche, grilled marlin, and lobster cooked over coconut husks, and traditional Polynesian games. An experience I will treasure forever.
Day 4 - Raiatea
Setting off early for Raiatea, the second largest of the Society Islands, we started the day early with another land-based excursion with a local guide, with a lunch stop ashore at Opoa Beach. Located in the south of the island, we enjoyed lunch on the shoreline of the lagoon with our feet in the sand.
We also visited the UNESCO World Heritage site of Taputapuatea, an ancient temple that offers a fascinating look into Polynesian spirituality.
Easing into the evening, a few pre-dinner cocktails were enjoyed ashore watching the sunset at the charming Fish & Blue restaurant, as must do with views over to Bora Bora in the distance.
Day 5 - Taha’s
Just a short cruise from Raiatea, we set off early in the morning with breakfast at anchor near Tautau, followed by an island tour visiting a rum distillery & pearl farm. French Polynesia is famously known for its ‘Black Pearls’, visiting the farm is the perfect opportunity to purchase a piece of jewelry as a keepsake from the islands.
The afternoon was spent snorkelling at the Coral Gardens, spotting sting rays, black tip reef sharks and an array of colorful fish.
Day 6 - Bora Bora
One of the most famous islands in French Polynesia, Bora Bora is known for its unrivalled beauty, turquoise waters, and is widely regarded as one of the most romantic destinations in the world.
From the moment we arrived on the boat, I could feel a sense of magic all around, breakfast was served as we cruised into its iconic lagoon, where we spent the day snorkelling more coral gardens, swimming with black-tip sharks and stingrays, and visiting a tiny island accessible only by boat. We sampled local delicacies like banana bread and tropical fruits, and even made our own shell bracelets, hosted by locals, and giving us an opportunity to learn more about the local culture.
The evening brought one of the most magical moments of the trip: a private island dinner with fire dancers, surrounded by flickering torches and starlight. The island can even be rented privately for half a day or the evening, a perfect setting for an unforgettable celebration.
Day 7 - Bora Bora
Our final full day began with an early morning swim with manta rays, a humbling, peaceful encounter as these incredible creatures glided beneath. After a leisurely brunch onboard, we made the most of the afternoon with water sports and a visit to Pearl Resorts, which offered an art gallery, small boutiques, and relaxed dining options.
That evening, a local musician came on board to play some relaxed island songs, as we shared a final dinner of fish curry, the perfect Polynesian farewell.
Day 8 - Departure Day
A short tender ride took us to Bora Bora Airport, one of the most picturesque and smallest airports in the world. From there, we flew back to Papeete for one last relaxed afternoon before saying farewell to the island of Tahiti, full of memories and a deep appreciation for this incredible country.
French Polynesia is best suited for guests seeking a blend of adventure, authenticity, and tranquillity, families with older children, couples, or anyone who wants to truly slow down and reconnect with nature. With only around 50 to 60 yachts visiting French Polynesia each year, it makes cruising here feel exclusive.
To find out more about this itinerary and the yachts available, please contact Abigail Davies.
