TAHITI yacht charter
… and to Tahiti Nui and Tahiti It, the quintessential heartland of French Polynesia. Acclimatise to the local lifestyle on the beach at Pointe Vénus where shaded palms guard the distinctive black sands and historic visitors include Captains Cook and Bligh. Tread in their footsteps with a walk to view the peninsula’s famed lighthouse – the only one to be found on the island. Catch the action on Plage de Taharuu, a top surfing destination and popular weekend hangout for locals thanks to a long, crescent beach and great waves. Swap sea water for the jaw droppingly gorgeous sight of Faarumai Waterfalls. This cascading trio are a short forest walk away from civilisation and a not-to-be-missed experience.
Tahiti’s remoteness is no barrier to sophistication and the see-to-be-seen destination on everyone’s itinerary is Marina Taina. An on-trend locale patronised by the chic yacht crowd and populated by a profusion of local bars and restaurants, this is the ideal stop-off point to meet fellow charter guests and exchange travel stories. The food also merits a mention with a choice of local and international dining hotspots including Pink Coconut and Restaurant le Quai, both of which are renowned for their authentic Tahitian repertoire. Be sure to sample a freshly pressed noni juice, renowned for its antioxidant benefits and used for centuries as a natural remedy.
Add a spot of cultural exploration and make a point to visit Marae Mahaiatea, widely considered the finest example of a communal meeting place used by Polynesians for religious and social gatherings. The Mara’a Grotto is also a must-see with its vivid gardens, deep freshwater pools and fern-ringed hollow leaving inspiring the likes of French Post-Impressionist artist Paul Gauguin.
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Frequently Asked Questions
PLANNING YOUR TAHITI YACHT CHARTER
What is the best time of year for a luxury yacht charter in Tahiti?
The prime season for a Tahiti yacht charter is between May and October, when the weather is dry, sunny, and calm. This period, known as the austral winter, offers warm days, lower humidity, and gentle trade winds, ideal for smooth passages and time spent at anchor. November to April is the off-season, with hotter temperatures, higher humidity, and occasional tropical showers. During the prime season, sailing conditions are ideal, with predictable winds and calm seas, making it perfect for both experienced sailors and first-time charter guests.
What is the weather like in Tahiti during the prime charter season?
During the high season, Tahiti enjoys a consistently pleasant climate. Expect daytime temperatures between 24°C and 30°C, with sea temperatures around 27°C — perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and diving in calm waters that are inviting for all kinds of aquatic activities. The south-easterly trade winds keep conditions stable and the seas calm, making this one of the most reliable cruising regions in the South Pacific. The turquoise waters surrounding Tahiti create a visually stunning and serene environment for charter guests.
Which airports provide the most convenient access to Tahiti's premier yacht charter destinations?
The main international gateway is Faa’a International Airport (PPT) in Papeete, on the island of Tahiti. It offers direct flights from major hubs including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Paris, Tokyo, and Auckland. From Papeete, private helicopters and inter-island flights can quickly transfer guests to embarkation points in Bora Bora, Raiatea, Taha’a, Huahine, or Moorea, ensuring discreet and seamless arrivals.
VAT & Charter Costs
What is the applicable VAT rate for a luxury yacht charter in Tahiti?
Charter yachts operating in French Polynesia are subject to a value-added tax (VAT) of 5% on the charter fee, one of the lowest rates in the world for luxury charters. Additional local taxes or administrative fees may apply depending on your itinerary, which your charter broker will handle.
What is the Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) and what does it cover?
The Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) is a sum paid in advance to cover charter expenses that are not included in the charter fee. These may include fuel for the yacht, tenders and water sports equipment, food and beverages, berthing dues and harbour charges, local taxes, divers’ fees, customs formalities, waste disposal, water and electricity taken from shore, ships’ agents’ fees (where applicable), personal laundry, communications and internet use, and any special equipment requested by the Charterer. The Captain will provide detailed accounts of expenditure, and any balance will be settled at the end of your Tahiti yacht charter.
What is the standard percentage for gratuities in yachting?
Gratuities are not included in the charter fee. It is customary, though always at the Charterer’s discretion, to leave a gratuity in recognition of excellent service. As a guideline, a gratuity in the region of 10 to 15 per cent of the contracted gross Charter Fee is considered appropriate.
Destinations & Experiences in Tahiti
What are the most exclusive yacht charter destinations in Tahiti?
Tahiti is the largest and most island in the French Polynesian islands, serving as a key starting point for exploring the region. Beyond the main island of Tahiti, the Society Islands offer extraordinary cruising grounds. Bora Bora is renowned for its pristine beaches, breathtaking lagoons, overwater villas, coral gardens, and iconic volcanic silhouette. Taha’a, known as the vanilla island, is famed for its vanilla plantations and tranquil turquoise lagoon. The neighbouring Raiatea, often called the sacred island, holds sacred Polynesian marae temples and is considered the spiritual heart of French Polynesia’s cultural heritage. Huahine charms with its unspoiled natural beauty and traditional Polynesian culture, while Moorea, Tahiti’s sister island, offers dramatic mountains, volcanic island origins, deep bays, lush tropical vegetation, waterfalls, and protected anchorages just minutes from Papeete.
The Leeward Islands group includes Bora Bora, Raiatea, Taha’a, and Huahine, and is renowned for its natural beauty, tropical gardens, and secluded motu.
A Tahiti yacht charter allows guests to explore Tahiti and other islands, experience breathtaking scenery, and enjoy a romantic getaway in a true tropical paradise, making it a must for anyone planning to visit French Polynesia.
Which iconic attractions should I explore during my Tahiti yacht charter?
Highlights include snorkelling the coral gardens of Bora Bora, as well as world class diving and scuba diving at renowned dive sites teeming with marine life and vibrant coral reefs. Explore the drift passes of Raiatea and Taha’a, and visit the sacred Marae Taputapuatea temple on Raiatea, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Guests may also enjoy hiking Moorea’s Belvedere Lookout, swimming with manta rays and reef sharks in Bora Bora’s lagoon, experiencing shark feeding, and having the opportunity to spot humpback whales during the right season. Visit local pearl farms, including those producing the famous Tahitian black pearls. Discover blue lagoons, white sand beaches, and crystal clear lagoons accessible by private yacht or by taking a tender ashore to secluded spots.
What bespoke experiences and activities can I enjoy while cruising in Tahiti?
Charter guests can enjoy private Polynesian dance performances on secluded motus, sunrise yoga sessions on deck, or curated cultural excursions led by local guides. Water-based activities include diving vibrant reefs, kiteboarding, big-game fishing, and kayaking in luminous lagoons. Helicopter tours over Bora Bora’s dramatic peaks, private beach picnics arranged by the crew, and spa treatments on board are also popular for those seeking highly personalised moments.
Where are the best restaurants and culinary experiences along Tahiti?
On Bora Bora, La Villa Mahana is widely regarded as the pinnacle of fine dining in the region. An intimate seven-table restaurant helmed by French chef Damien Rinaldi-Dovio, it offers exquisitely composed French-Polynesian tasting menus paired with rare vintages from its curated wine cellar, with each course tailored personally to guests. Also on Bora Bora, The Lagoon by Jean-Georges at The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort blends world-class technique with ingredients sourced from the surrounding islands. Dishes like line-caught reef fish with Tahitian vanilla or black truffle risotto are served above a glass-floored dining room overlooking Mount Otemanu, creating a sense of theatre alongside exceptional gastronomy.