Tahiti Yacht Charter
The South Pacific island of Tahiti and the neighboring islands of French Polynesia may be the closest you will ever come to paradise on earth.
What’s on this pageHighlights
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Beautiful Bora Bora
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Vibrant undersea life
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Warm Tahitian hospitality
Sailing Tahiti islands
Part of the Society Islands, Tahiti is bursting with exciting marine life, emerald volcanic peaks and vivid exotic flowers, making it the perfect destination for a yacht charter.
This area boasts some of the most spectacular landscapes in the world, all of which you can explore on your Tahiti yacht charter – from green-topped mountains and perfect white sand beaches to calm aquamarine seas and protected turquoise lagoons.
Cooled by the trade winds of the Pacific, Tahiti enjoys a pleasant, sunny climate which, along with volcanic landscape and warm tropical waters, has created a diverse ecosystem of interesting plants and animals.
Begin your Tahiti sailing vacation on the island of Raiatea to explore its archaeological remains and impressive lagoon, then head to Motu To’opua under the familiar peaks of Bora Bora. It’s the perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling.
Take a trip to Huahine while sailing Tahiti’s islands and visit the small village of Fare, where you will find a warm Polynesian welcome. Browse the boutiques and get a bite to eat in the small restaurants.
Whatever itinerary you choose, a Tahiti sailing vacation is unmatched for sheer beauty, sunny skies, wonderful beaches and friendly smiles.
Available charter types
Things to do in Tahiti
Visit the Anapa Pearl Farm
While on Raiatea, head to the Anapa Pearl Farm with its pearl divers, aquatic reserve and coral garden. Make a tour reservation, then take a mooring at the farm and learn all about pearls. Afterwards, explore the lagoon or hike through the rainforest to spot the Tiare Apetahi, a very rare flower.
Anchor at Bora Bora
During your Tahiti yacht charter, anchor at Motu To’opua on Bora Bora and enjoy swimming and snorkeling. Take a mooring at the Bloody Mary’s restaurant at the Bora Bora Yacht Club, enjoy a cocktail and marvel at their huge list of famous guests.
Drift snorkeling at Taha’a
The coral garden at Taurere Bay is the most renowned snorkeling spot on Taha’a. Put on your snorkel and float through channels of moving water while the current carries you over the breathtaking coral. You’ll get to see an amazing variety of coral, sea anemone and fish, even octopus and rays. No wonder it’s one of the most popular things to do in Tahiti.
Navigate the mangrove river
The river Aoppomau that flows into the very end of Fa’aroa Bay can be explored by dinghy (with no motoring) or better, with kayaks or paddle boards. The peace and quiet of this tropical jungle is wonderful, with only bird songs to accompany you. Above the trees, catch glimpses of towering Mount Tefatuaiti.
Visit Huahine Lagoon
One of the top things to do in Tahiti is to sail to Huahine and explore Fare’s shops and restaurants and pick up fresh fruit on a Sunday at the market. Explore Maeva village with its archaeological sites and head to the lagoon for some amazing photographs.
Weather insights
When is the best time to go to Tahiti?
Tahiti has two seasons, with the wet and warm season coming between November and April and the dry, cool season between May and September (averaging 75°F) with the driest months in June and August.
The best time to visit Tahiti is between April/May and September/October.
What are the sailing conditions in Tahiti?
The Leeward Islands’ prevailing winds are easterly and southeasterly between 15 and 20 knots, increasing to 25 knots. With these conditions, the sea can be choppy with a swell of three to five feet.
The maraamu wind can blow June to August from the southeast between 25 and 35 knots. Swells can reach 8-9ft in open waters and last for a few days. Passages from Bora Bora to Taha’a can be uncomfortable, as there’s exposure to a large swell.
The navigation inside the lagoon is very specific and easy with marked channels. Stay in the channels as it is very difficult and dangerous outside of them. Take care anchoring as lagoons are very deep – only anchor in less than 30ft of water on sandy, coral-free ground.
For mooring in Tahiti, restaurants like the Bora Bora Yacht Club, La Pirogue Api, and Hotel Hibiscus have their own moorings you can use. There are some moorings in the Leewards, such as Bay Fa’aroa in Raiatea, but you are responsible for checking if the rope is in good shape.
Sailing Tahiti Islands with Dream Yacht Charter
Tahiti yacht charter
Tahiti sailing vacations mean you can discover the wonders of the Society Islands. Sail Tahiti from the water’s edge with our fleet of catamarans and monohulls.
Skippered yacht charters Tahiti
You can enjoy sailing Tahiti even if you don’t know how to sail. Hire a skipper to sail you and your guests while you relax.
By the cabin Tahiti yacht charters
Relax and enjoy Tahiti without lifting a finger on your vacation. Leave the planning, sailing and cooking to us with our by the cabin charters. Reserve your own private cabin and bathroom and we’ll look after you.
Tahiti crewed charters
Personalize your Tahiti sailing vacation and hire your own private luxury yacht. Let our captain and chef look after you and your guests while you choose the itinerary and menu for an ultimate all-inclusive experience.
Tahiti Easy Crewed charters
Sail aboard a private yacht with your friends and family with our easy to book and affordable Easy Crewed packages – skipper and water toys included! Choose your own itinerary, with the flexibility to add on a hostess/cook for meals if you’d like.
Tahiti sailing itinerary
Take a look at our Tahiti sailing vacation suggestions
4-day itinerary Tahiti
8-day itinerary Tahiti
10-day itinerary Tahiti
11-day itinerary Tahiti
14-day itinerary Tahiti
Useful information for Tahiti yacht charters
Where is Tahiti located?
Tahiti is located in the south of the Pacific Ocean, approximately 6,000km east of Australia and 7,000km west of Chile.
How do I get to Tahiti from the US?
To get to our base ahead of your Tahiti sailing vacation, fly into Raiatea Airport (RFP) via daily flights from Fa’a’ā International Airport on nearby Papeete.
We can arrange airport transfers on request, which take about 15 minutes via taxi.
Excess baggage charges can be very expensive, especially on the small planes between Papeete and Raiatea or the other islands.
What language is spoken in Tahiti?
The official language spoken in Tahiti is Tahitian, although French is also used. English is often spoken in tourist and resort areas.
What is the currency for Tahiti?
The currency in Tahiti is the Pacific Franc (CFP).
What documents do I need for sailing Tahiti’s Island?
To sail Tahiti you’ll need a valid US passport. No visas are required for US citizens for stays of less than three months.
Talk to us to make sure you have the correct documents before you travel.
How do I get around Tahiti?
Getting around Tahiti needs a little planning and you’ll need a car or scooter, or arrange transport. There are a few rental firms on the island but do compare prices. We can help you arrange a transfer for the short distance between the airport and our base.
What is the Wi-Fi like in Tahiti?
The internet is slow and expensive in the region. You can access Wi-Fi at our marina, at Uturoa market and in some restaurants during your Tahiti yacht charter. You can find internet cafes in Uturoa, Bora Bora and Papeete town.
We recommend you buy a local sim card for your mobile (if not blocked on your provider), or rent a mobile at the base for a permanent 3G connection.
What regulations are there in Tahiti?
Sailing in the lagoons of French Polynesia is restricted to daylight hours and you must remain at anchor between sunset and sunrise.
The authorized sailing area extends around the islands of Raiatea, Taha’a, Bora Bora, Huahine and Maupiti for the Leewards, as well as Tahiti and Moorea in case of a one-way Papeete charter. No shelter or stopover is possible in Tupai. Mopelia has no cell phone network coverage at all, and is very limited in the Tuamotu. If you intend to sail these islands, please notify our base in advance.
Polynesia is an exceptional place but also fragile. The waters around the island are clear and pollution is minimal. Many of the local inhabitants use the ocean as their main source of food. It is therefore very important that all visitors cruising the Tahitian Islands do as much as possible to protect the undersea environment, so the future of Tahiti remains healthy. Don’t anchor where you risk damaging coral and do not collect any live shells or coral. Take care of your garbage and do not disturb nature. Stay 100ft away from dolphins and 160ft away from a whale (330ft if it has a calf).
Catching and eating reef fish is not recommended. There are areas in the lagoon that are infected with ciguatera, which is a toxin caused by microscopic algae and it renders fish inedible. Fish sold in markets are good for eating.
Women should not wear bathing suits in the villages, so keep a t-shirt and shorts handy when in the villages or near locals.
Where can I find weather forecasts in Tahiti?
You can find Tahiti weather forecasts on the Windguru website or on VHF Channel 13 (in French).
What provisioning is there in Tahiti?
There are plenty of choices for provisioning in Tahiti. Please refer to the base guide.
You can buy your seafood directly from local fishermen, just wave at them if you want to buy their catch.
What baggage can I take on my Tahiti sailing vacation?
Please only take soft bags and not suitcases as they are too cumbersome on board.
What is the electrical current in Tahiti?
The land electrical current in Tahiti is 220V.
What is the dialing code for Tahiti?
The dialing code for Tahiti is +689.
Downloads
Polynesia, Raiatea
Air Conditioning Hours Of Operation Cabin
pdf 75.90 KB
Base Guide Bareboat
pdf 535.44 KB
Base Guide Cabin
pdf 554.82 KB
Cancellation And Skipper Responsibilities Bareboat
pdf 137.66 KB
Itinerary Bareboat
docx 589.77 KB
Map Bareboat
pdf 1.90 MB
Provisioning List Bareboat
xls 273.00 KB
Sailing Resume Bareboat
doc 51.00 KB
Special Diets Cabin
docx 77.45 KB
Polynesia, Rangiroa
Base Guide Cabin
pdf 474.41 KB
Provisioning List Bareboat
xls 273.00 KB
Special Diets Cabin
docx 77.45 KB
Polynesia, Tahiti
Air Conditioning Hours Of Operation Cabin
pdf 75.90 KB
Base Guide Bareboat
pdf 535.44 KB
Beverage Order List Bareboat
xls 473.00 KB
Beverages Cabin
pdf 78.79 KB
Cancellation And Skipper Responsibilities Bareboat
pdf 137.66 KB
Card Color Bareboat
pdf 1.35 MB
Excursions Packages Bareboat
doc 443.00 KB
Guide D Y Bareboat
pdf 10.99 MB
I S L V Bareboat
pdf 153.54 KB
I S L V Bareboat
pdf 160.81 KB
Iles Sous Le Vent Map Bareboat
pdf 1.01 MB
Itinerary Bareboat
docx 589.77 KB
Itinerary Bareboat
pdf 175.16 KB
List Of Beverages And Alcohol Supply Bareboat
xls 46.50 KB
Map Bareboat
pdf 936.20 KB
Map Bareboat
pdf 1.33 MB
Menu Cruises Cabin
pdf 202.57 KB
Provisioning List Bareboat
xls 273.00 KB
Sailing Resume Bareboat
doc 51.00 KB
Waiver And Release Bareboat
pdf 244.46 KB
FAQ
See all our FAQsWhy should I book with Dream Yacht?
Dream Yacht Worldwide is now the world’s leading yacht charter company and offers you:
- A diverse fleet of yachts with a wide variety of models and manufacturers to suit every type of sailor.
- We have +60 exciting destinations and we’re a pioneer in finding new sailing grounds.
- You can be assured of our commitment to customer service excellence.
- You’ll receive a warm and friendly welcome from our base teams who will share regional tips, recommendations and advice.
- We’re also a trusted seller of new and used boats and an innovator in charter management options – sailing is our business.
What licenses do I need to hire a yacht and sail myself?
The skipper of a yacht has primary responsibility for the safety of the crew and yacht at all times. Many destinations require just relevant experience demonstrated by a sailing resume.
To charter in the Mediterranean, it is mandatory that you hold a sailing license recognized by the local port authorities for bareboat charters in Italy, Greece, Croatia, Spain, Malta, Montenegro and Turkey. Other destinations that require a license include Madagascar, Seychelles, Thailand, Brazil and Sweden. For Belize, the port authority will issue a certificate of competency and an application is made on arrival.
You must take your proof of competency and original certificate with you on your charter. We advise you to contact our team about your qualifications and destination requirements before booking.
By accepting the yacht contract you are confirming that you and/or members of your crew are capable and competent to sail the yacht in the conditions and cruising area of the charter. We reserve the right not to hand over the yacht if, after inspection, it is the opinion that the charterer is not, or may not be competent to be in charge of the vessel.
What is a skippered yacht charter?
A skippered yacht charter is when you rent one of our boats for you and your guests and a professional skipper sails it for you. No sailing experience is needed.
You will need to choose a yacht with a cabin for your skipper to sleep in as they are responsible for your yacht for the duration of your charter. We will find the skipper for you once you have found your perfect destination and yacht.
You will need to pay for your skipper’s food. You can invite the skipper to dine with you on board or out at a local restaurant.
What is the difference between crewed and by the cabin charters?
Our by the cabin charter charters offer exciting destination tours on a set itinerary crafted by our destination experts. You can book a double cabin and private bathroom and will share the boat with other guests who have booked the other available cabins. You will be looked after by a professional skipper and hostess with itineraries ranging from three to 11 nights. There is a set menu and included meals and drinks vary depending on location.
Can you tell me about your yachts?
Our super premier yachts are less than 12 months old from their first charter date, while premier yachts are less than three years old from their first charter date. Our yachts are well maintained and undergo regular, scheduled technical inspection.
In case of emergency, you can rely on our hotline, at any time, seven days a week. If you experience a technical failure affecting major and important parts of the yacht, we will repair the failure within four hours of receiving your call during working hours (8am to 5pm). If you lose more than four hours (during working hours), we will compensate you for one full day. If the repair takes more than one day, we will provide you with a similar boat or compensate you on a pro-rata basis. If restrictions to this guarantee apply in specific areas, this will be detailed during the charter check-in at the base.
Do I need insurance?
We highly recommend you arrange travel insurance in case you need to cancel for an unexpected reason to cover non-refundable deposits. Please make sure you have personal travel insurance that covers sailing.
We will insure the vessel throughout the charter with first-class insurers against all risks, to provide permission to charter as under contract terms and to cover third-party liability.
The following options are available in limited locations:
- Security Deposit: This varies on the size of the boat and when the boat is returned without damage it is refunded.
- Damage Waiver: The charterer agrees to pay a non-refundable damage waiver at the time of booking, as well as a reduced damage deposit on embarkation that is refundable upon completion of the charter should no damage occur.
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Excellent cruise and wonderful stay on board. Skipper attentive, very pleasant and very professional.
Maxime
Guadeloupe SkipperedWhat’s new?
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