Itemized weekly budget (6 people, bareboat catamaran)
French Polynesia is among the most expensive charter grounds in the world — remote, with everything shipped in. The sample reflects a dry-season week from Raiatea.
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Catamaran charter (44–46ft) | $9,000 | Catamarans dominate here; monohulls from ~$5,000/wk |
| Provisioning & dining | $2,520 | ~$60 pp/day — most goods are imported and costly |
| Moorings & fees | $150 | Mostly anchoring; some paid moorings at motus |
| Fuel | $260 | Moderate between the Society Islands |
| End cleaning & extras | $250 | Standard end-of-charter charge |
| Total | ≈ $12,180 | ≈ $2,030 per person |
Why it runs premium
The cost reflects remoteness. Charter fleets are smaller and further from manufacturers, flights to Tahiti are long and pricey, and nearly all provisions are imported, so grocery prices run well above Europe or the Caribbean. Catamarans dominate the fleet, which also lifts the entry price versus monohull-heavy grounds. That said, once you're aboard, daily running costs are modest — most nights are spent anchored off idyllic motus for free.
Where to save
Provision thoroughly in Papeete or Uturoa before setting off, where selection and prices beat the outer islands. Anchor rather than seek marinas — the lagoons are the whole point and mostly free. For larger groups, the per-person maths on a big catamaran improves considerably. Model it with our cost calculator.