November 24, 2025
If you’re dreaming of remote islands, turquoise lagoons, and a charter experience defined by true privacy and luxury, this French Polynesia yacht charter itinerary is the perfect place to begin.
Designed with the insight of the Captain and crew of the luxury catamaran Diana, who know these islands incredibly well, this ten-day route showcases the very best of the Society Islands, from Papeete to Bora Bora with the ideal balance of relaxation, culture, and adventure.
A luxury yacht charter in French Polynesia allows you to explore the region exactly as it should be experienced: unhurried, bespoke, and entirely on your terms. While it’s possible to complete a similar route in seven days, ten days gives you the time and space to discover hidden bays, ancient Polynesian history, world-class lagoons, and the warm hospitality that defines these islands.
Below, you’ll find a curated French Polynesia 10 day itinerary designed for travellers seeking a fully crewed, private yacht charter or superyacht experience in one of the most beautiful cruising grounds on earth.
Your journey begins in Papeete, the gateway to French Polynesia. Upon arrival, your Captain will greet you with a garland of fragrant frangipani flowers—a traditional Maeva welcome. A short, scenic transfer brings you to your yacht, berthed in Marina Taina, where your crew will settle you in with chilled welcome drinks.
Spend the afternoon exploring the vibrant capital. Wander the waterfront, visit the Paofai Botanical Gardens, and browse local boutiques in downtown Papeete. Watch the boats come and go down at the waterfront and enjoy a traditionally late afternoon lunch at one of the many restaurants. A stop at the Robert Wan Pearl Museum offers fascinating insight into the cultivation of Tahiti’s world-famous black pearls.
Return to the yacht at sunset for cocktails on deck and a relaxed dinner overlooking the silhouette of Moorea—your first taste of what makes a private yacht charter in French Polynesia unlike any other type of travel.
With fresh coffee and warm croissants served on deck, your yacht will cruise through the calm reef passage to Papeete Pass. Enjoy the breeze and gentle motion as your yacht sails the short 19-mile route to Moorea—one of the jewels of this French Polynesia sailing itinerary.
Arrive into the iconic anchorage of Cook’s Bay, a sheltered lagoon framed by dramatic volcanic peaks. Spend the day swimming, snorkelling, paddleboarding, or simply relaxing onboard. Return to the yacht for cocktails and dinner on board or for those wanting a taste of local culture, the Tiki Village offers an evening of Tahitian performances and fire dancing.
Finish the night with a quiet walk along the shoreline before returning to the yacht for a peaceful night on the water.
Ease into island time with a morning swim off the aft deck before enjoying a leisurely breakfast overlooking Cook’s Bay. Today is dedicated to exploring Moorea’s most spectacular natural highlights.
Take the tender to the Lagoonarium to swim with blacktip sharks and rays in crystal-clear water, or venture deeper into the heart of Opunohu Bay—a dramatic, fjord-like inlet surrounded by rainforest-covered peaks.
Those seeking a land-based adventure can hike to the famous Belvedere Lookout, where sweeping views stretch across both Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay.
As the sun begins to set, your yacht will lift anchor and depart through the pass for an overnight sail to Huahine. This relaxed open-water passage (approximately 12 hours) is the perfect chance to unwind on deck beneath a star-studded sky, a moment that defines the magic of a French Polynesia superyacht charter.
Arrive early in Huahine, one of French Polynesia’s most unspoiled islands. Navigate through the lagoon to the serene, remote anchorage of Avea Bay, where turquoise water meets powder-white sand.
This is the ideal day to enjoy your yacht’s toys:
Your crew can set up a picnic lunch on the beach, complete with chilled wine or cocktails and panoramic views. Spend the afternoon swimming, reading, and adjusting fully to the unhurried pace of island life. Dinner onboard rounds out a quintessential day in paradise.
Exploring the inland areas of Huahine is highly recommended, and a rental car can be arranged to take you from the main township of Fare for a half-day island tour with some panoramic views down into the lagoon. You can visit the market in Fare itself and on your route you can visit historical marae (temples) and see ancient fish traps. Of course, no visit to Huahine would be complete without stopping to feed the sacred blue-eyed eels.
After exploring, head back on board for lunch before departing through the Northern Pass for the 25 miles run across to Raiatea. This should be a pleasant late afternoon sail, with the opportunity to test out the fishing gear and hopefully catch a fresh Mahi-Mahi for dinner.
Anchor for the night in Raiatea, the spiritual capital of the ancient Polynesian World. Relax on deck and take in the wonders of the night sky. The Polynesian voyagers of centuries ago used these very same stars to navigate huge distances with astonishing accuracy!
This morning you will have the opportunity to visit Polynesia’s most sacred site, the ruins of the temple complex at Marae Taputapuatea. A visit here adds depth and meaning to your French Polynesia 10 day itinerary, offering a glimpse into the islands’ rich voyaging history.
Afterwards, enjoy lunch underway as your yacht cruises inside the lagoon toward Haamene Bay on Tahaa. Late afternoon brings the opportunity to visit the Turtle Conservation Centre, where you can learn about rehabilitation efforts of turtles that have been caught in nets. If you’re lucky, you might get the opportunity to witness a turtle release.
Today is dedicated to exploring the cultural and natural treasures of Tahaa and Raiatea. Highlights include a guided tour of a Vanilla Farm, showcasing Tahaa’s most famous export, visiting a Pearl Farm to learn how the region’s black pearls are cultured and exploring the town of Uturoa, known for local markets and panoramic viewpoints. You can hike up Mount Tapioi for great views of the lagoon
There is also fantastic hiking on Raiatea on the Mount Temehani peninsula - the only place in the world where you can see the Tiare Apetahi – (Tahiti’s National Flower) growing.
There is easily enough to fill an additional day here, and many guests choose to extend their private yacht charter in French Polynesia to circumnavigate Tahaa’s northern anchorages. The anchorages here are absolutely stunning and very remote.
Enjoy breakfast at anchor and a morning swim in the lagoon before heading across to the most famous and romantic of the islands in French Polynesia - Bora Bora. This is a 30-mile sail that typically takes 3–4 hours. By midday, you’ll be anchored inside one of the most photographed lagoons on Earth.
Visit the beautiful white sand beach at Matira in the afternoon and snorkel in one of the passes or enjoy calm anchorage time with paddleboards and water toys. If you are lucky, you will see moray eels, turtles, many fish, and even reef sharks that you can enjoy feeding.
A visit to Bloody Mary’s Restaurant and Bar for cocktails and dinner is a must-do. They have a massive list of celebrity visitors on their wall and some fascinating décor. No shoes are required at this barefoot-in-the-sand dining location. It perfectly captures the spirit of island life.
Begin your morning in the township of Vaitape with a coffee and pain au chocolat, followed by browsing local boutiques and black-pearl shops.
In the afternoon, your yacht will navigate through narrow lagoons and shallow passages to the eastern side of Bora Bora—home to the most dramatic views of Mount Otemanu. This is a wonderful area for snorkelling.
For adventurous guests, a guided hike to the summit of Mount Otemanu can be arranged. The views from the top are nothing short of extraordinary, and it’s one of the most memorable experiences available during a luxury yacht charter in French Polynesia.
Enjoy your final dinner onboard and take in the spectacular sunset.
On your last morning, your Captain will transfer you to the Motu airstrip for your short 50-minute flight back to Papeete. Enjoying the aerial views over Bora Bora, Tahaa, Raiatea, and the surrounding lagoon is the perfect way to end your trip. It’s a fitting farewell to a trip of a lifetime as the flight will retrace the cruise path that has taken you through the Society Islands.
The Polynesian tradition presents a departing guest with a necklace made from tiny seashells. These represent the memories you and your family take with you and signify that you will hopefully return to these unique islands one day.
Planning a luxury yacht charter in French Polynesia is simple when you work with an experienced team who understands the region, the yachts, and the nuances of designing the perfect itinerary. Whether you’re dreaming of a romantic escape, a family adventure, or a fully private island-hopping experience, here’s how the process works:
Share your ideal travel dates, group size, preferred destinations, and any must-have experiences. If you’re unsure where to begin, we’ll guide you through every option.
From elegant sailing catamarans to full-service superyachts, we’ll match you with the vessels best suited to your style of travel and budget. Each yacht comes with a professional crew, private chef, and personalised service.
Once you’ve chosen your yacht, a standard charter contract is issued along with payment terms. You’ll secure your booking with a deposit.
Every detail is tailored to you, from island routes and activities to dining preferences and daily pace. If you’d like to adjust this French Polynesia 10 day itinerary, we can personalise it as much or as little as you like and even shorten the timeframe if you’re after a quicker trip.
Your captain and crew prepare the yacht, stock up on your favourite food and drink for a truly personalised charter experience. All that’s left is to step on board and enjoy a private yacht charter in French Polynesia crafted just for you.
Ready to start planning?
Get in touch and we’ll design your ideal French Polynesia yacht charter itinerary.
Most travellers choose 7–10 days to explore the Society Islands comfortably. A 10-day French Polynesia yacht charter itinerary allows more time for Huahine, Raiatea, and Tahaa without rushing.
Pricing varies based on yacht size, season, and inclusions. Superyacht charters generally start around USD $45,000 per week, with larger or more luxurious vessels reaching USD $200,000+ per week, plus APA and taxes. Your broker will provide clear costings for each option based on your budget.
A fully crewed private yacht charter in French Polynesia includes the yacht, professional crew, onboard chef, water toys and personalised itinerary planning. Additional costs (APA) cover food, beverages, fuel, marina fees, and special requests.
Yes — all itineraries are 100% flexible and bespoke. Weather, local conditions, and your personal preferences will help guide the journey. Your captain will recommend the best anchorages and experiences each day and may make adjustments depending on the weather.
French Polynesia experiences warm weather all year round. The ideal season is May to October, when conditions are dry, sunny, consistent and perfect for sailing. This is peak time for manta ray and shark sitings however snorkelling and diving activities are great all year round.
For peak season (June–August), booking 6–12 months ahead is recommended, especially for top yachts and popular dates.
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