The Essental Yacht Charter Guide
The Essental Yacht Charter Guide: What to Know Before You Go

Yacht Charter FAQs

Can we Visit all Four Main Society Islands on a One-Week Charter?

While it's possible to visit all four main Society Islands - Raiatea, Bora Bora, Huahine and Taha'a - in a week's sailing, we don't recommend trying to do so much in that timeframe.

A one-week charter often focuses on Raiatea, nearby Taha’a and possibly Bora Bora.  Trying to include Huahine in one week can turn your holiday into a series of delivery legs with deadlines rather than a relaxed cruise.

As a guide:

* A 10 day charter allows you to sail all four islands comfortably
* A two-week charter opens the possibility of adding the less visited Maupiti, weather permitting.

The key to a succesful csailing charter is not distance covered, it's time made available to enjoy the places you stop by at. The magic of Tahiti is within the lagoons, not the open-passage miles logged.

Related FAQs

Can I anchor anywhere in Tahiti's Society Islands?

Anchoring is widely permitted within the lagoons of the Society Islands, but it must be done with care, responsibly and awareness of bottom conditions.

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What do moorings cost around the Society islands, and are they readily available?

One of the advantages of chartering in the Society Islands is the freedom to anchor wherever you go. .

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Can I sail one way within the Society Islands?

Yes, and often charterers find that a one-way itinerary is preferable.

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What Type of Charter Is Best in Tahiti's Society Islands?

Most yachts operating in charte raround Raiatea, Bora Bora, Taha’a and Huahine are modern catamarans, for good reason.

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Do I Need Sailing Qualifications in Tahiti and the Society Islands?

In French Polynesia there is no formal ICC requirement as you’ll find in parts of the Mediterranean. However:

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What Is the Best Time to Charter in the Society Islands?

The most popular months for sailing in the Society Islandfs are May to October, whcih is the dry season.

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Is Provisioning Easy in Raiatea?

Yes. Raiatea has well-stocked supermarkets with fresh fish, fruit and baked goods, French wines and produce are also widely available.

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Can We Combine the Society Islands with Other Areas?

Yes, though usually as separate travel segments rather than a single charter. Some popular combinations include resort stay in Bora Bora before or after charter, extended time in Tahiti/Moorea, and a more advanced expedition to the Tuamotu Archipelago for experienced sailors.

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Why Book Through Sail Connections for a French Polynesian Charter?

Sail Connections has more than 30 years arranging yacht charters worldwide, and French Polynesia was the first destiantion we developed extensively.

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Can We Go Ashore on Any of the Society Islands?

There are restrictions on visiting some small islands and areas of the main Society Islands, but there are plenty of options for going ashore.

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