Day 1 – Pape’ete to Moorea
10nmÂ
Papeete, the vibrant capital of Tahiti, offers a captivating introduction to French Polynesia, where lush volcanic mountains meet the turquoise waters of the South Pacific. Rich in Polynesian culture and island charm, the city is home to colourful markets, colonial architecture and a lively waterfront. Discover the bustling MarchĂ© de Papeete, admire the distinctive Notre-Dame Cathedral and explore the islandâs renowned black pearl heritage at the Pearl Museum. Along the waterfront, Place Vaiete is celebrated for its traditional food stalls, offering an authentic taste of Polynesian cuisine and freshly caught seafood. With its relaxed atmosphere, tropical surroundings and rich cultural heritage, Papeete captures the spirit of French Polynesia.
Day 2 – Moorea
Take a day to enjoy the wonders of Moorea, where the gentle rhythm of island life and breathtaking natural beauty create an idyllic South Pacific escape. Beyond its picturesque coastline, the island reveals lush pineapple plantations, verdant valleys and panoramic viewpoints overlooking the magnificent Cookâs and Opunohu Bays. Charming local villages, artisan boutiques and traditional Polynesian craftsmanship offer an insight into the islandâs rich cultural heritage, while scenic coastal trails wind through tropical landscapes and fragrant gardens. Moorea offers a wonderful balance of cultural discovery and natural beauty, with countless opportunities to explore the islandâs lush interior and spectacular coastal landscapes. As evening falls, set off on an overnight cruise to awaken to the beautiful island of Huahine.
Day 3 – Moorea to Huahine
94nmÂ
Huahine is the quietest of the Society Islands worth stopping for, a lush, twin-lobed island the French once called “Huahine the Wise” and still refer to as the Garden of Eden of French Polynesia. Its lagoon is ringed by reef rather than resorts, and the sacred marae at Maeva, one of the largest assemblies of pre-European temple sites in the Pacific sits beside ancient stone fish traps still used by locals today. The island’s famous blue-eyed eels, considered sacred by Huahine’s people, gather in a stream near Faie for anyone curious enough to look. Vanilla plantations, small pearl farms, and a handful of family-run restaurants round out life ashore.
Day 4 – Huahine to Raiatea
24nm
Raiatea is known as “Raiatea the Sacred” and is the second largest of the Leeward Islands after Tahiti. It was once the cultural and religious capital of eastern Polynesia, with Taputapuatea, a marae or sacred place and UNESCO World heritage Site situated on the south east of the island. It is thought that Raiatea was the starting point for the major migrations to the Hawaiian Islands and New Zealand. Many tours are available on the island including cultural, historical, 4WD vehicle and archaeology. The crystal sea makes the island ideal for water-sports. French and local cuisines and seafood are the main fare available but a variety of European dishes can also be had.
Day 5 – Raiatea to Tahaa
20nm
Taha’a is known as the Vanilla Island, producing roughly 80% of French Polynesia’s vanilla on small plantations that perfume the air as you pass. Shaped like a hibiscus flower and sharing a lagoon with neighboring Raiatea, it’s ringed by motu (tiny reef islets) and some of the most vivid coral gardens in the Society Islands, where drifting with the current is close to snorkeling in an aquarium. There’s no real town to speak of, just a scattering of villages and vanilla plantations connected by a single coastal road.
Day 6 – Tahaa to Maupiti
53nm
In French Polynesia’s western Leeward islands, Maupiti is a beautiful coral atoll with a volcanic island at its center. It is the ultimate getaway destination, void of tourist exploitation and development and still holding onto its sense of sublime wildness. While people often bolt for Bora Bora, those seeking a softer, calmer side of French Polynesia can laze on soft, white sands and explore the perfect turquoise waters and coral gardens by kayak, snorkeling, or diving.
Day 7 – Maupiti to Bora Bora
29nm
Renowned as the jewel of the South Pacific, Bora Bora is a breathtaking island surrounded by a dazzling turquoise lagoons and a necklace of pristine coral islets. Dominated by the dramatic silhouette of Mount Otemanu, the island is celebrated for its extraordinary natural beauty, powder-soft beaches and crystal-clear waters. Beneath the surface, vibrant coral gardens teem with tropical marine life, while secluded stretches of coastline and exclusive overwater retreats create an atmosphere of understated luxury. From its tranquil lagoons to its lush volcanic interior, Bora Bora offers an extraordinary setting for discovering the beauty of French Polynesia.
Day 8 – Bora Bora
Conclude your French Polynesian journey in the spectacular surroundings of Bora Bora, where the islandâs iconic volcanic peaks provide a magnificent backdrop to your final moments in paradise. Enjoy the tranquillity of the lagoon, with its shimmering shades of blue and breathtaking views across the surrounding coral islets. Whether relaxing on board, enjoying a final swim in the warm tropical waters or simply admiring the scenery, Bora Bora offers a memorable conclusion to your South Pacific escape. Disembark with lasting memories of French Polynesiaâs remarkable islands, rich culture and extraordinary natural beauty.
Make Your French Polynesian Charter Dream a Reality With Yomira
Thinking of discovering French Polynesia by superyacht? This route offers a taste of what a week exploring the South Pacific could look like.
A charter through French Polynesia brings together dramatic volcanic landscapes, turquoise lagoons and some of the world’s most beautiful tropical islands. Beginning in Papeete, the journey takes in the lush mountain peaks of Moorea and the unspoilt charm of Huahine before continuing to Raiatea, rich in Polynesian history and culture. Discover Tahaa, renowned for its fragrant vanilla plantations, and the secluded beauty of Maupiti before concluding in Bora Bora, celebrated for its spectacular lagoon and iconic Mount Otemanu. Each island offers its own distinct character, from traditional Polynesian villages to pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs.
With the freedom to linger in secluded lagoons, explore ashore or simply enjoy the tranquillity of the South Pacific, French Polynesia is ideally suited to life on board. Yomira will bring every element together to create a charter that feels considered, personal and completely your own.
Head to our enquiry form or reach out to us directly to start curating your charter.