Tahiti, Bora Bora or French Polynesia? What's the Difference?

Before planning a sailing holiday in French Polynesia, it's worth understanding one thing that can confuse: the various geographical names used in the region. 

Many travellers talk about taking a "Tahiti yacht charter" or sailing in "Tahiti", when in reality they are often thinking about Bora Bora, Raiatea, Huahine, or even islands hundreds of kilometres away.

The good news is that you're not alone. The terms Tahiti, Bora Bora, Society Islands in particular, and even the Tuamotus and Marquesas, are frequently used interchangeably, even though they refer to quite different places.

So let's untangle the geography and explain where the real charter sailing holidays take place.

French Polynesia: the Big Picture

French Polynesia is a vast collection of more than 100 islands spread across the South Pacific Ocean.

Although the islands are grouped under one political territory, they are scattered across an area almost as large as Europe. The distances between island groups can be considerable, and each offers a distinctly different travel and sailing experience.

The principal island groups are:

• The Society Islands
• The Tuamotu Archipelago
• The Marquesas Islands
• The Austral Islands
• The Gambier Islands

For yacht charterers, the first three are the most relevant.

Why Everyone Calls It "Tahiti"

Tahiti is the largest island in French Polynesia and home to Papeete, location of the international airport where almost all visitors arrive.

As a result, Tahiti has become the best-known name internationally. Much as people often say "Hawaii" when referring to several different islands, travellers frequently use "Tahiti" to describe the whole of French Polynesia.

From a tourism perspective that's understandable. From a sailing perspective, however, it can be misleading.

Tahiti is the gateway to French Polynesia, but it is not the main charter sailing destination.

The Society Islands: Where Most Yacht Charters Take Place

When people dream of sailing between turquoise lagoons, dramatic volcanic peaks and palm-fringed motus, they are usually thinking of the Society Islands. This island group contains many of French Polynesia's most famous destinations, including Bora Bora and Moorea. But note: Bora Bora and Moorea are in different parts of the Society Islands and there are 200 km between them.

The Society Islands are divided into two smaller groups.

The Windward Islands, which include:

• Tahiti
• Moorea
• Tetiaroa
• Maiao

Tahiti and Moorea are close together and are connected by regular ferry services and short sailing passages. The scenery is spectacular, particularly around Moorea, whose jagged mountain peaks rise dramatically from the lagoon.

While some yachts cruise between Tahiti and Moorea, it's rare for a charter itinerary to focus solely on these islands.

The Leeward Islands, where most charter holidays take place. This group includes:

• Raiatea
• Taha'a
• Bora Bora
• Huahine
• Maupiti

Charter fleets for sailing this group, easily the most popular sailing holiday destination in French Polynesia, are based at Raiatea, reached by a short domestic flight from Tahiti.

The reason sailing vacation tourism favours this area is simple. The islands are close together, the lagoons are extensive and protected, the scenery is world-class, and the sailing distances are ideal for a one- or two-week holiday.

For most visitors, a "Tahiti yacht charter" is in fact a charter in the Society Island's Leeward Island group.

Bora Bora: the Celebrity

If one island has become the global icon of French Polynesia, it is Bora Bora. Its emerald volcanic peak surrounded by a brilliant turquoise lagoon is instantly recognisable and appears in countless travel brochures and honeymoon advertisements.

Most charter itineraries include Bora Bora, but it is only one part of a much larger cruising region that also includes the islands of Huahine, Tahaa and Raiatea. Many experienced sailors would argue that these less famous islands are every bit as rewarding.

The Tuamotu Archipelago: a Different World

Several hundred kilometres northeast of the Society Islands lies the Tuamotu Archipelago. 

Unlike the volcanic islands of Bora Bora and Moorea, the Tuamotus are low-lying coral atolls. Here the attraction is not dramatic mountains but extraordinary marine life, crystal-clear water, world-class diving and a sense of remoteness rarely found elsewhere.

The sailing is more adventurous. Distances are greater, facilities are fewer, and navigating the tidal passes that connect lagoons to the open ocean requires experience and careful planning.

For sailors seeking a true South Pacific expedition, the Tuamotus are unforgettable.

The Marquesas Islands: the Remote Frontier

Even farther northeast lie the Marquesas Islands. These are among the most isolated inhabited islands in the world and offer an experience unlike anywhere else in French Polynesia.

There are no large barrier reefs or extensive lagoons here. Instead, dramatic volcanic cliffs plunge directly into deep anchorages, creating some of the most spectacular scenery in the Pacific.

The Marquesas have a rich Polynesian culture, fascinating history and a rugged beauty that appeals to adventurous travellers.  Because of the longer passages involved, they are generally visited by experienced cruisers, expedition charters and longer-term voyagers.

So Where Should You Charter?

For first-time visitors to French Polynesia, the Society Islands' Leeward Group remains the ideal choice. The combination of sheltered lagoons, reliable trade winds, short sailing distances and iconic destinations such as Bora Bora creates one of the world's most enjoyable yacht charter experiences.

For those seeking something more remote and adventurous, the Tuamotus and Marquesas offer entirely different experiences while remaining part of the same remarkable territory.

The Simple Rule

If you're talking about the country, call it French Polynesia. It's actually an overseas collectivity of France. Residents carry French passports and use the Euro. 

If you're referring to the main charter cruising grounds, call them the Society Island - that's what we think of this destination as - or more specifically the Leeward Islands.  

And if you're talking about where your international flight lands, that's Tahiti.

The names are not a major issue when talking to us, we'll clarify everything for you. Understanding the difference howver can make pre-planning easier and puts each part of this massive territory in perspective.

At Sail Connections, we know the Society Islands particularly well, having sailed there many times ourselves, and we've been helping sailors explore French Polynesia for more than 30 years. Whether you're looking for a relaxed crewed sailing holiday that includes Bora Bora, a bareboat charter through the Leeward Islands, or a more adventurous voyage to the Tuamotus or Marquesas, we can help you find the right boat and the right itinerary.

Photos by Roméo A. on Unsplash