Your Questions Answered
The Society Islands are one of the most accessible and rewarding cruising regions in the South Pacific. With reliable trade winds, sheltered lagoons and well-marked passes, the islands around Raiatea, Bora Bora, Tahaa and Huahine offer superb conditions for both bareboat and crewed yacht charters.
Below is a list of the most common questions we are asked when planning a charter in this region, with our answers.
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.
Are there Significant Tides in the Society Islands?
The tidal range in the Society Islands is typically around half a metre, so modest compared to many others globally. What matters more than height is the amount of water movement.
In the Society Islands, Are Underwater Hazards Marked?
The Society Islands are well charted and buoyed. Major reef structures are marked, lagoon channels are clearly indicated and passes are navigable in good light. Unlike some other Pacific regions, this area does not generally have scattered, uncharted coral heads inside the main lagoons. That said, this is still coral country. Good visibility, careful pilotage and conservative navigation are always recommended.
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.
Can I Catch a Ferry from Tahiti Island to the Society Islands?
Yes, there are ferry services between the islands, including routes from Tahiti that include stops at nearby islands before/after crossing to the Society Islands. However ...
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.
Browse our yachts for charter in French Polynesia: The Society Islands
For a personal proposal structured to meet your needs, with advice on all aspects of your sailing charter ...
Related Blog Posts
-
A Sailing Charter vs a Resort Stay: Comparing the Costs
Mixing vacation nights between resort stay and yacht charter is a frequent discussion point among our travellers. So we decided to do an exercise on the cost implications of both options. To us at Sail Connections, the benefits of a sailing charter speak for themselves.
-
Making the Most of a Remarkable Sailing Destination: The Society Islands
What truly defines a great sailing holiday experience is how well the charter is planned and structured around what you want from your time on the water.Nowhere is this more evident than in the Society Islands of French Polynesia, a sailing holiday destination we at Sail Connections know so well.
-
Sailing in the Marquesas Islands: the Ultimate Escape
The Marquesas Islands group is the sort of place dreams of a tropical island escape are made for. Dreams are one thing, but getting there and experiencing these remote and unspoiled volcanic islands is another. The Marquesas lie some three hours’ flying north from Tahiti.
-
Huahine: Something Special in Tahiti's Society Islands
A sailing holiday charter in Tahiti offers up the idyllic Society Islands, where most charters are sailed from Raiatea return. Other options include a one-way charter from Huahine to maximise downwind sailing. Add a short land-based Huahine stay and get the very best out of your Society Islands charter.
-
Tahiti: Sailing the Society Islands
A three-week sailing charter in Tahiti was a replenishing break for Sail Connections' Robert Cross, whose report gives an illustration of what's in store on a South Pacific charter in the Society Islands' Leeward group.
The Sail Connections Guarantee
One contact - every option - advice you can trust - at no extra cost.
- Matching any competitive offer like for like
- Sourcing boats with discounts available
- Personalising our proposal just for you
- Qualifying the operator as well as the boat
- Advising without bias based on over 30 years' experience
We will match any like-for-like discount website offer on charter boat price, while maintaining our customary high level of service.
Get in Touch