Overview
French Polynesia is not a casual charter destination. The islands are spread across 2,000 miles of South Pacific, passages between archipelagos require blue-water experience and a capable vessel, and the reef navigation in the Tuamotus demands absolute attention. But for sailors who make the commitment, it delivers experiences unavailable anywhere else on earth: swimming with sharks in crystal-clear lagoon passes, anchoring in motus (coral islets) where you're the only boat for miles, and the overwhelming beauty of Bora Bora seen from the water at dawn.
Society Islands
The Society Islands — Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Tahaa, and Bora Bora — are the accessible heart of French Polynesia. Raiatea is the charter hub (most charter companies are based here). Bora Bora's lagoon, enclosed by a barrier reef and dominated by the volcanic peak of Mount Otemanu, is as spectacular as the photographs suggest. Moorea, just 20km from Tahiti, has Cook's Bay and Opunohu Bay — two deeply indented valleys with excellent anchorages. Huahine is the least-visited and most traditionally Polynesian of the group.
The Tuamotus
The Tuamotu Archipelago — 77 atolls spread across 1,000 miles of ocean — is for experienced sailors only. The passes through the reef into the lagoons require careful timing (tidal currents can reach 8 knots) and the reef navigation demands good visibility and a watch on the bow. But the rewards are extraordinary: Fakarava (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, famous shark diving) and Rangiroa (the world's second-largest atoll, dolphins in the pass) are among the Pacific's greatest sailing experiences. The Tuamotus are 2–3 day passages from Raiatea.
The Marquesas
The Marquesas — dramatic volcanic islands 800 miles northeast of Tahiti — are the destination of ocean-crossing sailors completing the Pacific crossing. Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa offer spectacular anchorages, ancient tikis and archaeological sites, and landscapes as dramatic as anything in Polynesia. The passages are long (800nm+ from Raiatea), placing this firmly in the blue-water category.
Best time to go
May through October is the dry season and the best sailing period — SE trade winds of 15–25 knots, low humidity (24–28°C), and calm seas. November through April is the wet season (cyclone risk; most charter insurance restricts travel south of 15°S during this period). July and August are peak season.
Getting there
Fly into Tahiti (Faa'a International Airport) — Air France, United, and Air Tahiti Nui operate direct flights from Paris, Los Angeles, and Auckland. Most charters start from Raiatea (45-minute inter-island flight from Tahiti) where the main charter bases are located. One-way charters ending in Bora Bora are popular.