Is It Better (and Cheaper) to Stay on a Boat or in a Resort in Tahiti's Society Islands?
It may surprise travellers, but in many cases a yacht charter represents excellent overall value, and a very different level of experience.
From a Cost Perspective: When comparing a luxury resort stay with a crewed catamaran, you need to factor in -
- Resort accommodation rates
- Daily restaurant dining
- Paid excursions and lagoon tours
- Transfers and activity fees
In iconic destinations like Bora Bora, resort prices are famously high, especially for overwater bungalows. Activities such as snorkelling trips, sunset cruises, and lagoon excursions are all charged separately.
A crewed catamaran by contrast often compares very favourably — even when including skipper and hostess.
Your yacht becomes your:
- Accommodation
- Private transport
- Dining venue
- Excursion platform
Rather than paying for lagoon tours, you're already anchored in the lagoon!
From an Experience Perspective: The two options are not equivalent.
A resort keeps you in one location. Even in spectacular settings, your world is limited to that property.
A yacht however, is essentially your own floating overwater bungalow — mobile and private.
Especially in Bora Bora, the vast lagoon is the main attraction. Being able to move freely between motu, snorkel sites, and secluded anchorages gives you a much richer and more immersive experience than remaining fixed in a single resort.
The Bottom Line: If you prefer -
- Freedom of movement
- Privacy
- Variety of scenery
- Better value across accommodation, dining, and activities
…then a yacht charter is often the more rewarding option.
For travellers seeking iconic views with maximum convenience in one place, a resort may suit better. For many people however, when weighing the pros and cons, the combination of flexibility and value makes life afloat the clear winner!
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.
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. .
Can I sail one way within the Society Islands?
Yes, and often charterers find that a one-way itinerary is preferable.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.