Tahiti Yacht Charters
A Tahiti yacht charter vacation offers one of the world’s most idyllic settings amongst a vast scattering of paradise islands lapped by warm turquoise waters. One of the largest islands in breathtaking French Polynesia cruising grounds, Tahiti is as rich in culture, landscapes and welcoming locals as it is in pristine beaches and underwater life, making renting a yacht here simply bliss.
Comprising five spectacular archipelagos, French Polynesia covers more than two million square miles of the South Pacific Ocean and includes islands such as Bora Bora, Mo'orea, Huahine, Taha'a, Raiatea, Manihi, Tikehau, Rangiroa and Fakarava. Tahiti makes up one of the Society Islands and is not only considered the main island in French Polynesia but is also the most cosmopolitan, with rich cultural links to its French motherland. It is the perfectly hedonistic retreat in which to relax and enjoy the local cuisine, natural lagoons, coral reefs and the bustling city of Pampeete.
- Scenic beaches and lagoons
Tahiti is awash with a wealth of beautiful secluded beaches of sands ranging from volcanic black to platinum white, overhung with palms and kissed by clear turquoise waters teeming with life. - Swim with humpbacks
Don’t miss the chance of a lifetime to get up-close-and-personal with nature’s majestic megafauna. Tahiti plays host to these beautiful creatures from August to October when they come to give birth to their young in the island's tranquil waters. - Hikes and waterfalls
Boasting a range of high peaks and dense jungle, the hiking trails amongst Tahiti’s verdant landscape are not for the faint-hearted, but the views and beautiful cascading waterfalls found within its tropical jungle interior make it all well worth the effort. - World-class surf breaks
For adrenaline-fuelled shredding, Tahiti boasts some of the world’s most famous surf breaks, with surf competitions taking place annually at the end of August. - Effortless island-hopping
For those keen on exploration, Tahiti is within a champagne cork’s pop from an array of tropical islands such as Mo'orea, Bora bora and Rangiroa, all offering a utopian paradise of snorkeling, swimming and hiking.
Guests on a Tahiti yacht charter vacation are spoiled for choice, whether you’re keen on exploration, want to scuba dive among colorful marine fauna or prefer something a little more tranquil and laid back, this breathtaking tropical isle has you covered, complete with a French kiss.
One of the island’s most popular activities is swimming with the humpback whales that congregate in Tahiti’s warm calm waters to give birth every year and giving you a bold mark on that bucket list for a truly memorable experience. The island also plays host to a number of kaleidoscopic reefs brimming with marine life, perfect for snorkelers of all ages or scuba diving off the back of the boat.
To experience Tahiti in all its majesty, head inland, home to beautiful cascading waterfalls, striking mountain peaks and lush tropical jungle. Access can be tricky and some of the hikes may not be suitable for everyone in your yacht charter party, so 4 x 4 jeeps are a great alternative, enabling everyone to experience Tahiti’s verdant interior from the comfort of a vehicle.
For those looking for something more tranquil, the island boasts vast stretches of tropical beaches; pockets of paradise that have graced the pages of glossy travel magazines for decades. Some of the most Instagram-worthy beaches include Toaroto Beach – an elongated curve of white sands with protected waters for snorkeling and swimming, Venus Point beach – one of the best beaches for capturing the sunset in all its multicolored glory and Maui Beach – surrounded by lush rainforest, this picture-perfect enclave is the stuff of dreams.
A perennial favorite for honeymooners, the slow-paced Bora Bora to the north of Tahiti offers up a paradisiacal tableau like nowhere else on earth. Encircled by beautiful tropical reefs, Bora Bora's pellucid waters are a haven for myriad colorful fish and other marine fauna. The island itself is steeped in verdurous emerald forest and soaring peaks, akin to Tahiti, with a raft of resorts capitalizing on the island's rich abundance of natural beauty and sun-drenched beaches.
A little closer to home, the neighboring island of Mo'orea offers another fine example of French Polynesia's unparalleled beauty. Only 20 kilometers away from Tahiti, this island gem is the perfect retreat for total relaxation and pure bliss on a luxury yacht charter. From its tropical gardens to its coral-built protestant temple, the island urges you to stop and smell the lotus flower. Mo'orea is also renowned for its world-class diving, where you'll experience inquisitive dolphins who enjoy approaching divers for a friendly nuzzle, schools of rays and other tropical species.
If you are a keen diver, the vast array of coral-ringed atolls of the Tuamotus are the perfect choice. Spanning an immense stretch of indigo-blue ocean, this archipelago yields an unusual bounty of blue lagoons, pristine reefs and World War II wrecks teeming with life.
A Tahiti luxury yacht charter vacation offers a mesmerizing selection of things to see and do. Here is our top picks of some of the most outstanding:
- Pointe Venus – the northern peninsula of Tahiti offers prime seats to some of the most spectacular sunsets in the world. Anchor here for sundowners and witness the sky become a breathtaking riot of orange, pink and purple hues.
- Papeete Town – for something a little more cosmopolitan, head to the island’s capital and immerse yourself in its rich French cultural heritage, peppered with local markets, glorious cafes, boutiques and fine dining.
- Faarumai Waterfall – a trek into lush tropical jungle on the island’s north eastern flank will bring you out into a dappled clearing, home to a beautiful cascading waterfall culminating in a tranquil lagoon at its base.
- Teahupoʻo – located on Tahiti’s southwest coast, this bay is renowned for its world-beating surf breaks, and the site of the annual Billabong Pro Tahiti surf competition, part of the World Championship Tour. With waves reaching heights of up to 7 meters, this is the perfect hangout for thrill-seekers.
- 'Ārahurahu Marae – set at the foot of a cliff surrounded by jungle, this sacred three-story marae structure of black stone was built as an ancient temple or meeting place for rituals, which has since been restored and is still in use today.
- Mount Aorai – volcanic peak covered in lush green forest with sublime views across the South pacific.
- Tahiti Lagoon Paradise – beautiful turquoise lagoon where you’ll encounter whales, turtles, tropical fish and World War underwater relics.
Tahiti has long attracted the SuperyachtSet on their quest for a private paradise to explore. Thanks to its pristine beaches, luxury resorts and magical landscapes there is plenty the entire charter party will enjoy.
Tahiti and the surrounding Society Islands are also ideal for diving enthusiasts, with impossibly clear and calm waters, as well as a unique abundance of wildlife, you will be wowed by the array of spectacular underwater creatures you are likely to see here.
Standing out thanks to its idyllic charm, it is no surprise Tahiti is also a top destination when it comes to weddings and honeymoons. Likened to a paradise on earth, Tahiti provides the perfect backdrop to any romantic event.
Tahiti has a hugely rich historical background and its vibrant culture can be seen and felt as soon as you step foot on this wondrous island. The first people to witness Tahiti migrated from Southeast Asia roughly 4,000 years ago. Today, the islands of Tahiti have enthralling cultural stories to tell through marae tours, museums, craft markets and dance performances, among others.
The art of dance is hugely important to Tahitians. Traditional dances were developed to attract a lover, challenge an enemy, welcome friends or worship a god. Every dance has an important purpose and meaning.
As well as remarkable anchorages and beautiful swathes of beaches, Tahiti is also renowned for its artistry which includes weaving, woodcarving and tattooing. Each sacred tradition tells a colorful story about Tahitian life, love and their enduring relationship with nature.
Unsure about what type of vessel is best for you and your charter party? Let's take a look at some options which may help you make up your mind.
Motor yacht charters are the perfect way to explore everything Tahiti has to offer. Enjoy your vacation in private luxury and savor the thrill of being able to cruise towards tranquil secluded spots that are only accessible by boat. A crewed motor yacht offers the best of both worlds, providing you with opulent amenities, five-star service and unparalleled freedom.
Whether you are a seasoned yachtsman or a first-time charterer, a luxury sailing yacht can offer an unforgettable vacation with family and friends. This option is ideal for those who enjoy an adrenalin-fuelled sailing adventure coupled with top-class luxury and pristine service.
Catamarans are also a prime choice in Tahiti, offering excellent stability, huge amounts of space and they are perfect for navigating the shallow waters and providing easy access to the beautiful lagoons that are found here.
Understandably, Tahiti is a desirable option for luxury yacht charters, however, it's important to highlight the limited availability for crewed yachts around this remote region. Ideally, you should speak to a yacht charter broker well in advance of your trip, who will be able to advise you of any charter yachts venturing to Tahiti and French polynesia in the up-coming months prior to your intended dates.
Although there is generally not a wide selection of yachts readily available to charter in Tahiti, for convenience we have listed the estimated average costs for motor yacht and sailing yacht charters around this tropical region;
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For motor yacht rentals in Tahiti, prices can go from $45,000 to $826,483 per week, plus expenses
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To hire a luxury sailing yacht in Tahiti, prices range between $56,000 to $254,136 weekly, plus expenses
Taxes and service fees are set at 5% of the gross charter rate, to be collected before each charter.
A destination that boasts a balmy year-round climate, Tahiti averages temperatures of around 28-31 degrees. Although the most popular times to embark on a private superyacht vacation are usually during the peak summer months, there are many different elements to take into consideration before you go.
Tahiti has two distinct seasons; a wet and a dry season. The months between May and September offer the most favorable conditions for yacht charters as they are generally drier and the winds tend to be more predictable – this period is also known as the Austral winter in the southern hemisphere.
The months ranging from November through April mark the wet season, with an average high temperature of 35 degrees and average low of 29 degrees.
Most yacht charters begin in Papeete, a port city on Tahiti where guests can embark on their superyacht at one of the island's main Pacific hubs, Marina Taina or Papeete Port. This is a great starting point for those wanting to explore the island in greater detail.
One of the largest urban centers in the South Pacific, Papatee itself is a gracious and elegant tropical city with tall palm trees and an abundance of flowers hugging the city. Bustling with life, this is a truly remarkable place to start your venture around the French Polynesian hotspot and what's more, you will find that you are within walking distance of excellent dining and shopping facilities.
Itineraries
Tahiti is French Polynesia's main yachting hub and boasts three well-equipped marinas:
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Marina Taina – located on Tahiti's north-western coast, this is an attractive full-service marina that offers limited stern to dockage to superyachts with controlling depths of 4-15 meters.
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Marina de Papeete – a highly recommended marina located in the heart of the city that can home yachts of less than 20 meters LOA
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Port de Papeete – a beautiful port that boasts excellent security and is recommended for larger superyachts with multiple crew members.
For nights not spent in a marina, there are a few idyllic anchorages to be found in secluded coves and sheltered bays around this spectacular island. Technically there are two main anchorages in Tahiti;
- Airport Anchorage: A scenic and calm anchorage boasting blue inviting waters and picture-perfect scenery that invites you into a sense of peaceful serenity
- Marina Taina Anchorage: A beautiful anchorage that offers remarkable views of the island of Moorea in the far distance. Waters are crystalline and provide a pretty and quiet place to anchor down.
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Avoid daytrippers around popular hotspots by arriving either first thing in the morning or late afternoon when they all head back to their resorts.
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French Polynesia is an overseas territory of France, and French is the official language. However, Tahitian is widely spoken, particularly in the outer islands, as well as in other dialects. Not many people speak English outside of tourist establishments.
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Tipping is not expected or standard practice in the country. That said, you can certainly tip for good service and in those situations, 10% is the unspoken benchmark.
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ATMs are easy to find on Tahiti but if you were to explore any other islands around this region it does become more difficult so we do advise you to plan your cash well.
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From June to August, the south-easterly mara’amu winds blow across the islands. This varies in strength and duration depending on which island group you are visiting and occasionally it can be quite strong, lasting for a few days.
If you are keen to explore Tahiti on a private yacht charter, we strongly advise booking with your yacht charter broker at least three to six months in advance. By doing so, you will increase the likelihood of securing your preferred dates and you will have a greater selection of yachts on offer to choose from. This also ensures your broker has enough time to craft a personalized itinerary and secure a berth at a popular marina.
If left too late, the selection of yachts at your disposal will be reduced. It is also useful to book early in order to secure a date when everyone in your charter party is available as the longer you leave it, the more challenging this will be.
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