Exploring Tahiti by Private Yacht Is Surprisingly Simple

Waves crash against barrier reefs. Palm trees sway in the morning sun. Manta rays drift gracefully along the ocean floor. Rain falls as the sun shines, creating rainbows in every direction. Suddenly, a mother humpback whale and her calf invite you to swim alongside them in the azure sea, rolling and surfacing in harmony with you below the waves.

Traveling through Tahiti by private yacht truly feels like a dream. Remarkably, of all the ways to explore the 118 islands of French Polynesia, yacht charters stand out as some of the most accessible options, offering a blend of immersive experiences, eco-friendly exploration, and attainable luxury.

With islands spanning an area comparable to Europe, French Polynesia is best explored gradually, allowing ample time to enjoy each archipelago. The Society Islands serve as an ideal launchpad for nautical adventures. Hosting Tahiti International Airport, the main gateway, they feature direct flights from Los Angeles and Auckland via Air Tahiti Nui and boast enchanting islands like Bora Bora and Moorea just a quick flight or yacht journey away.

Raiatea island offers shopping, stunning beaches, and the UNESCO World Heritage site Taputapuātea, a spiritual and political meeting place made of basalt and coral, established around 1000 C.E. Its neighbor Taha’a was once part of Raiatea until a volcanic collapse created two smaller islands; Taha’a is known for its vanilla plantations, rum distilleries, and pearl farms. Just a short boat ride away lies Bora Bora, famous for its crystal-clear lagoon, overwater bungalows, and picturesque mountain peaks formed by an extinct volcano, whose lush caldera now rises nearly 2,400 feet above the anchored vessels below.

Exploring Tahiti by Boat

Each island becomes more accessible through charter yachts, allowing guests to board their vessel, unpack just once in their cozy two-person cabin, and sail daily around turquoise-fringed isles from their floating home. Whether the yacht makes a half-hour journey to a hidden cove on the main island or crosses 25 nautical miles to a neighboring isle over several hours, there’s no need for extra onshore logistics. This means guests save time and money on airport transfers and flights, enjoying not only a reduced carbon footprint but also an abundance of leisure time—and nothing to do but relax.

To join the yacht charter trend, aspiring sailors select their primary destination, the size of the boat, and whether they wish to rent the entire yacht with family and friends or book by the cabin. Rentals generally vary from 44 to 82 feet, with popular choices including catamarans like the Fountaine Pajot Ipanema 58 or the Lagoon 620. Onboard kits may include kayaks, paddleboards, snorkels, masks, and fins, providing endless opportunities for exploration limited only by one’s spirit of adventure and the number of (at least semi-) dry swimsuits.

For our adventure in Tahiti, we sailed with Dream Yacht Worldwide, which boasts a fleet of over 900 monohulls and catamarans in more than 50 locations. My group, comprised of by-the-cabin renters including my friend Silver and several former strangers who quickly became friends, journeyed on the Lagoon 620, a 62-foot catamaran with 6 en suite bedrooms, accommodating up to 12 guests. (Depending on your destination and the season, the cost for a cabin charter starts at approximately $1,200 per person for a week-long trip.)

Since none of us had sailing experience, we opted for a fully crewed yacht rather than the bareboat option (where we would sail the vessel ourselves). Bareboat charters are more budget-friendly, allowing experienced sailors to handle all sailing, mooring, cooking, and vessel duties. In contrast, fully crewed options come with a skipper and a hostess; although pricier, they allow guests to fully relax and enjoy the experience.

We relied on our skilled local skipper Wen for everything from safe ocean crossings to discovering the best snorkeling spots, taking scenic photos, and lounging on the shores of deserted islands. Our hostess, a traditional term for a modern crew member, prepared delicious meals (like lamb curry in puff pastry and mahi mahi with Tahitian vanilla sauce), assisted the captain with sailing, and kept the yacht tidy with housekeeping.

Looking back, the idea of sailing through the islands of Tahiti on a private yacht seems almost surreal. With morning dives off the back of our boat, afternoons spent whale-watching from the upper deck, sunset mai tais with new friends, and evenings filled with live entertainment onshore, it all feels like a dream. Yet, my camera roll is filled with evidence that it was all real—and it can be real for you too.

Alternative Charter Options

Also sailing in the South Pacific, Tahiti Yacht Charter offers 30 French-built catamarans exclusively in French Polynesia, receiving glowing reviews on Tripadvisor from everyone ranging from honeymooners to groups of friends. In addition, Myst Yacht Charters features thousands of rentals worldwide, earning similarly high praise for the quality of its boats and exceptional customer service.