French Polynesia
French Polynesia Yacht Charter Guide
As soon as you step off the plane and are met with Tiare flower wreaths you will be instantly immersed in the special ambience of the stunning islands of French Polynesia. A perfect blend of classic and exotic, French, Italian, and Chinese influences have produced a region with unique cuisine and colourful culture, where the life that is lived with a French flair follows the gentle rhythm of the South Pacific. The atolls and caves of the archipelago offer endless options for exploring by boat, making a yacht charter the ideal way to visit the region. Natural beauty is complemented by the discreet luxury of the developments in French Polynesia, creating an idyllic environment to relax and recharge. Cruise from island to island discovering the distinct charms of each – explore tree-top walks in the shady park of Papeete, stay in floating huts over the tranquil lagoon of Bora Bora, then experience complete isolation on the Gambier islands – the islands at the end of the Earth. Take home memories of perfect white beaches backed by volcanic landscapes, with the scents of wild jasmine and ylang-ylang floating past on tropical breezes – a true paradise.
Best Time To Visit: May to October is the high season with some wind, making good sailing conditions.
Key Cruising Areas: The open water passages through the islands of French Polynesia are fantastic sailing courses, picking your way between deserted anchorages. Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea highlights.
Don’t Miss: Make sure you dive in the waters of French Polynesia, some of the most vibrant and alive on earth, following in the footsteps of Jacques Cousteau.
Best Spots for Wining and Dining: French influences and fresh local produce mean that you will never have to travel far to find exquisite food on the islands. Some of the best can be found in Papeete – book a table at O á la Bouche to dine in style. Try the local mahi-mahi or scallops, then wander back to your yacht along the recently renovated marina – a stunning sight lit up at night.
Best Local Dish: For a memorable lunch, sail to the beautiful Cook’s Bay. Try the Poisson cru at Snack Rotui – the national dish is a South Pacific take on ceviche, raw tuna marinated in lime juice and coconut milk. The views of the mountains rising from the bay will make an unforgettable stop.
Local Culture: Beautiful traditional costumes of colorful fabrics and black pearls can be seen in numerous museums, or come to life during festivals. The Heiva I Tahiti festival is worth timing your visit for, where locals take part in traditional events including coconut climbing, fruit carrying races, and canoe races.
Best Beach:Â As well as the famous spots of Bora Bora and Moorea, French Polynesia hides a wealth of surprises for sailors. The pink sands of Tikehau turn the glittering water an incredible colour, making this atoll one of the most beautiful places in the South Pacific. Shoals of tiny fish swirl through the shallow waters which are perfect for some peaceful snorkeling.
IYC recommends: For the ultimate island experience once your charter comes to an end, stay in a floating hut in La Ora resort, Moorea. Wake up to the sights and sounds of the ocean gently lapping beneath you, look through the glass floor of your hut to see colorful fish glittering in the morning sun. Fragrant breaths of Tiare will greet you as your breakfast is delivered by canoe, to eat with your toes in the sparkling water. The unmatched luxury in an incredible setting are a once in a lifetime experience.
More To Explore
The beaches of French Polynesia are really a cut above the rest. Think: white sand dissolving into impossibly clear lagoons, tiny motus fringed with palms, and volcanic mountains rising theatrically in the distance.Across five archipelagos and some 120 islands, the landscape shifts from the famous beauty of Bora Bora and Moorea to the quieter, wilder atolls of the Tuamotus. And for those traveling by yacht, that variety is part of the allure. Roads or hotel check-ins do not dictate your itinerary here; instead, the day can unfold according to the color of the water, the weather, or whichever deserted beach catches your eye. Here are some of the best beaches in French Polynesia to visit on a yacht charter:
French Polynesia often conjures up images of what you can see from the surface - the volcanic peaks rising out of crystal-clear lagoons, white-sand motus and coral reefs for miles. But underneath the surface, it is home to some of the Pacific's most extraordinary marine life. For yacht charter guests, scuba diving offers the ultimate way to explore the world under the hull.From drifting through shark-filled passes in the Tuamotus to searching for manta rays around the Marquesas, the diving here is as varied as the islands themselves. And with a yacht as your base, there is no need to choose between diving and the rest of the destination. Days can include underwater adventures, secluded beaches, watersports and long lunches on deck, with the freedom to move on whenever you want. Here is a scuba diving guide for those next chartering in French Polynesia:
French Polynesia is known for its turquoise lagoons, white-sand beaches and dramatic volcanic landscapes, but there is another side to the islands that is just as rewarding to discover: the food.From freshly caught tuna and creamy coconut to fragrant Tahitian vanilla and tropical fruit, French Polynesian cuisine is shaped by the goods of the surrounding ocean and fertile islands. Traditional dishes are often simple, fresh and designed to be shared, with many recipes passed down through generations.For yacht charter guests, food is a great way to experience the South Pacific destination beyond its beaches. Your chef can introduce local ingredients and flavors on board, while ashore you can discover traditional cooking at its most authentic. Here are the top 10 French Polynesian foods worth trying during your next yacht charter: