Catamaran Charter Tahiti: Your Luxury Yacht Adventure in Paradise
There’s no better way to experience Tahiti and her idyllic islands than on a private catamaran charter. Picture yourself gliding between turquoise lagoons and emerald peaks on a floating five-star resort, tended by a professional crew who anticipate your every need. This is the magic of a luxury catamaran charter – Tahiti becomes your paradise, with each day bringing a new island discovery and personalized adventure. Welcome aboard, and start planning with Boatcrowd to turn this dream into reality.
Best Months to Charter a Catamaran in Tahiti
Tahiti enjoys a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, but the dry season from May through October is widely considered the ideal window for a catamaran charter. During these months (the Austral winter), you’ll find balmy days around 78–80°F, steady easterly trade winds, and minimal rainfall – perfect conditions for sailing, snorkeling and beach-hopping. July and August are the peak months for tourism (when Tahiti’s festivals and family vacations fill flights and resorts), so plan ahead if visiting then. The reward is an energetic atmosphere and events like the Tahiti Pearl Regatta in May, which add vibrancy to the yachting scene.
Outside of the core dry season, shoulder months offer a sweet spot. Late April, May, September and early October bring excellent weather with fewer crowds. Chartering during these shoulder periods often means more availability and a slightly more relaxed pace – you might feel like you have a secret slice of Polynesia all to yourself. The wet season (November through April) sees warmer, humid days and tropical showers, but Tahiti lies outside the main cyclone belt, so it doesn’t experience a true hurricane season as the Caribbean does. This makes Tahiti a viable year-round charter destination for those willing to dodge some rain. In fact, visiting in the quieter summer months (December–March) can be appealing if you prefer solitude and lush green island landscapes refreshed by the rain.
For nature lovers, timing can elevate your experience. Humpback whales visit Tahiti’s waters between July and October, migrating from Antarctica to breed and give birth. If you charter in this period, you might witness these gentle giants around Moorea – even snorkeling alongside them during a guided encounter. It’s an awe-inspiring bonus to an already enchanting trip. Whenever you choose to sail, Tahiti’s warm welcome and Boatcrowd’s expertise will ensure you’re in the right place at the right time – inquire now for guidance on the best dates for your catamaran charter Tahitigetaway.
Luxury Catamaran Options (Sailing vs. Power)
All charters in Tahiti are fully crewed, meaning a professional captain and often a private chef/hostess are on board to handle navigation, cooking, and daily service – so you can relax completely. When it comes to choosing your yacht, Boatcrowd offers a range of modern catamarans, and you’ll generally decide between a sailing catamaran or a power catamaran for your adventure:
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Sailing Catamarans: These elegant dual-hull yachts let you experience the romance of true sailing. With wide decks and stable handling, a sailing cat glides with the wind in near silence, giving purist charterers an authentic connection to the sea. You’ll relish the feel of the sails billowing as you island-hop under nature’s power. Today’s luxury sailing cats are spacious and well-appointed, featuring plush en-suite cabins, indoor-outdoor lounging areas, and often amenities like watermakers and entertainment systems. If you love the idea of peacefully cruising Tahiti’s lagoons at 8 knots with only the sound of the breeze – and perhaps want to try your hand at the helm under your skipper’s guidance – a sailing catamaran is the perfect choice.
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Power Catamarans: For those who value speed and modern comfort, a power catamaran is ideal. These twin-hulled motor yachts forego sails in favor of powerful engines, allowing you to cover more distance in less time and pack more islands into your itinerary. With cruising speeds often double that of a sailboat, you can zip from Raiatea to Bora Bora swiftly, maximizing your vacation time spent exploring and relaxing. Power cats tend to offer expansive interiors – think panoramic saloons, full AC, and larger staterooms – plus high-tech toys and tenders on board. They provide a “floating luxury hotel” vibe, complete with state-of-the-art amenities that delight multi-generational groups (grandparents can stay cool in the lounge while the kids zoom around on jet-skis). If your priority is seeing as much of Tahiti’s archipelago as possible in grand comfort (or you simply prefer not to rely on the wind), a power cat delivers an effortless, indulgent cruise.
Whichever style you choose, you’ll enjoy the signature advantages of catamarans: a wide, stable platform (great for anyone prone to seasickness), shallow draft to anchor close to beaches, and ample space for sunning, dining, and even yoga at sunrise on the deck. Every luxury catamaran charter Tahiti offers will come with expert crew who act as your guides, personal chefs, and safety professionals all in one – ensuring you experience the islands with both adventure and peace of mind. Feel free to start planning with Boatcrowd to select the perfect catamaran and crew tailored to your tastes.
Most Popular Destinations for a Tahiti Catamaran Charter
One of the greatest joys of a Tahiti yacht adventure is the sheer variety of islands you can explore. The Society Islands (the central islands of French Polynesia) are conveniently clustered, each with its own character and highlights. Here are the must-visit destinations typically included on a catamaran charter in Tahiti:
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Tahiti (Main Island) – The largest island and cultural heart of French Polynesia, Tahiti proper is where most journeys begin. Home to the capital city Pape’ete – a bustling hub of markets, shops and gourmet restaurants – Tahiti blends vibrant Polynesian culture with French flair. Stroll Pape’ete’s public market for handicrafts and tropical produce, or catch an evening dance show for a taste of Tahitian tradition. The island itself has dramatic volcanic peaks (often cloaked in mist) and lush valleys; some charter guests take an island tour before boarding to see waterfalls or archaeological sites. While many charters set sail for quieter islands quickly, Tahiti’s lively waterfront and warm, welcoming people provide an exciting send-off or finale for your trip.
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Moorea – Just a short sail (about 2 hours) from Tahiti across the channel, Moorea is a favorite first stop on charter. This island’s silhouette of jagged green mountains and its twin bays (Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay) create an iconic South Pacific vista visible from Tahiti’s shores. Moorea enchants with a laid-back rural feel – pineapple plantations, vanilla farms, and small villages dotting the coast. In the clear lagoon, you can snorkel coral gardens teeming with tropical fish or even swim with friendly stingrays and black-tip reef sharks during guided feedings. Many yachts spend a night anchored off Moorea’s Opunohu Bay, where sunsets against the peaks are breathtaking. Whether you hike up to Belvedere Lookout for a panoramic view or simply enjoy a beach BBQ prepared by your crew, Moorea delivers that “storybook Polynesia” atmosphere and is very family-friendly for all ages.
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Huahine – Farther northwest and often the next stop after Moorea, Huahine is known as the “Garden Island” for its lush, unspoiled landscapes. This is one of French Polynesia’s least-touristed islands, offering a glimpse of traditional life. Huahine actually consists of two islands (Huahine Nui and Huahine Iti) enclosed by a single reef, with sleepy villages like Fare where you can visit local markets and meet friendly residents. The island’s fertile soil produces vanilla, melons, and bananas, perfuming the air. You can explore ancient Polynesian marae (temples)and legendary sites (like the sacred blue-eyed eels in Faie Bay) that connect to Huahine’s rich myths. In the lagoon, snorkelers will find healthy coral and vibrant fish, often with no one else around. Huahine’s quiet beauty and authentic charm make it a true highlight for those seeking serenity off the beaten path.
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Raiatea – Considered the nautical hub of the Society Islands, Raiatea is home to many charter bases and is often called the “Sacred Island” for its deep cultural significance. It’s revered as the cradle of Polynesian civilization; historians believe voyages of migration to Hawaii and New Zealand began here. Don’t miss a guided visit to Marae Taputapuatea, a UNESCO-listed open-air temple that was the ancient center of Polynesian seafarers’ worship. Raiatea’s landscapes are just as impressive – from jungle-clad mountains to a unique navigable river (the Faaroa) where you can kayak amidst mangroves and tropical birds. The island’s lagoon is actually shared with its sister island Taha’a, providing an expansive, calm sailing area dotted with motus (islets). Raiatea’s main town, Uturoa, offers a touch of civilization (markets, boutiques) if you need to stock up on fresh baguettes or souvenirs. Overall, Raiatea combines culture, convenient provisioning, and natural beauty, earning its place on every Tahiti charter itinerary.
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Taha’a – If you catch a sweet scent on the breeze as you sail, you’ve arrived at Taha’a. Nicknamed the “Vanilla Island”, Taha’a is blanketed with family-run plantations producing the world-renowned Tahitian vanilla bean. Visiting a vanilla farm here – to see how orchids are hand-pollinated and beans cured – is a fascinating and aromatic excursion. Taha’a’s compact, flower-shaped island is encircled by coral reef, and its tranquil lagoon is a snorkeler’s heaven. Don your mask for the famous Coral Garden drift snorkel, where a gentle current carries you through an underwater canyon of vibrant coral formations, sea anemones, clownfish, octopus and rays. Taha’a is quiet and luxurious – aside from vanilla, the island is dotted with coconut groves and a few upscale resorts hidden among the palms. Many charters plan a private motu picnic here: imagine you and your family feasting on fresh poisson cru (Tahitian ceviche) and tropical fruits on a secluded sandbar, completely away from civilization. Boatcrowd’s crew can set up a dreamy beach barbecue while you wade in warm, shallow waters without another person in sight. Taha’a truly captures the romance of the South Pacific.
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Bora Bora – Arguably the crown jewel of Tahiti’s islands, Bora Bora is often the grand finale of a catamaran charter. As you approach, you’ll understand why this island is celebrated as one of the most beautiful in the world. An impressive basalt mountain, Mt. Otemanu rises from the sea, surrounded by a brilliant lagoon in nearly neon shades of blue and turquoise. Cruising into Bora Bora’s calm lagoon feels like entering a real-life postcard. You can anchor near picture-perfect motus (small sandy islets) with vistas of Bora’s peaks, and spend days swimming or paddleboarding in crystal-clear shallows. The snorkeling and diving are outstanding – manta rays glide elegantly at sites like Anau, and coral gardens bustle with clownfish, parrotfish and harmless reef sharks. Adventurous souls can take the yacht’s tender or a guided jet-ski tour around the island, zipping past iconic overwater bungalow resorts. On land, the main village of Vaitape welcomes yacht visitors for boutique shopping (perhaps a chance to buy a famous black pearl) or an island 4x4 tour to World War II cannon lookout points. In the evenings, enjoy gourmet dining onboard under the stars, or ask your crew to arrange a private Polynesian dance performance on deck – dancing under the moonlight with fire dancers on a Bora Bora backdrop is something your family will recount for years. Whether you’re honeymooners seeking romance or an extended family on a once-in-a-lifetime trip, Bora Bora delivers that wow factor that epitomizes a Tahiti charter. (Insider tip: For ultimate luxury, consider spending a final night at a Bora Bora resort after your charter – Boatcrowd can coordinate seamless transfers.)
Unrivaled island-hopping is what sets a Tahiti yacht charter apart from any resort stay. In one week you can wake up to a new panorama each day – from Moorea’s lush peaks to Bora Bora’s lagoon – all while enjoying the consistency of your own private yacht and crew. The combination of these destinations creates a rich tapestry of experiences, ensuring every guest, from kids to grandparents, finds their personal paradise.
1-Week Itinerary: Catamaran Charter Tahiti
Every Tahiti charter is tailored to your interests (and you can inquire now with Boatcrowd to customize your own route), but here’s a sample 7-day itinerary that hits the highlights of the Society Islands. This is an adventure-filled week designed for a luxury catamaran charter in Tahiti’s best locales:
Day 1 – Tahiti to Moorea
Welcome aboard in Pape’ete! After a warm greeting by your crew and a safety briefing, you set sail for Moorea, just 12 nautical miles across the Sea of Moon. In under 2 hours, your catamaran slips into Moorea’s magnificent Opunohu Bay, where green volcanic mountains tower around you. Spend the afternoon snorkeling in Moorea’s clear lagoon or swimming with curious rays that glide over the coral. Come evening, enjoy cocktails and a gourmet dinner on deck as the sunset paints Moorea’s peaks in gold.
Day 2 – Moorea to Huahine
At first light, the crew lifts anchor for an overnight voyage (or an early morning departure, weather depending) heading northwest to Huahine. By midday you arrive in Huahine’s tranquil lagoon, greeted by a vista of lush hills and a few thatched roofs ashore. After lunch, take the tender to explore Fare, Huahine’s main village – a sleepy seaside settlement where you can chat with locals and sample fresh island fruits. In the afternoon, perhaps visit the sacred blue-eyed eels in a nearby stream or tour vanilla gardens. Back on board, your chef prepares a beach barbecue dinner under the stars, complete with Polynesian music in the background. Huahine’s untouched charm and clear skies make for a peaceful night at anchor.
Day 3 – Huahine to Raiatea
Enjoy breakfast with a view of Huahine’s emerald coastline, then set sail for Raiatea, a short half-day passage away. By late morning, you’re cruising through Raiatea’s reef pass into an expansive lagoon shared with Taha’a. Here you’ll discover Raiatea’s storied past – your crew can arrange a guided visit to Marae Taputapuatea, the most significant ancient temple in Polynesia, where you’ll walk in the footsteps of Polynesian chiefs and navigators. In the afternoon, venture up the Faaroa River by dinghy or kayak, floating under a canopy of jungle foliage and singing birds – a serene adventure unique to Raiatea. Come evening, the yacht anchors in a calm bay, and you indulge in French-Tahitian fusion cuisine on board (perhaps poisson cru marinated in coconut milk, paired with a French chardonnay). The gentle sounds of water lapping the hull lull you to sleep.
Day 4 – Raiatea to Taha’a
A short hop inside the same lagoon brings you to Taha’a, often by mid-morning. Today is dedicated to immersing yourselves in the delights of this fragrant island. First stop: a coral garden snorkel off a motu – don your mask and drift with the current through an aquarium of colorful corals and playful reef fish (an activity suitable for all ages). Back aboard for lunch, you’ll notice the aroma of vanilla in the air; next, tour a vanilla plantation where you’ll learn how Taha’a’s farmers produce some of the world’s finest vanilla beans. In the afternoon, the crew can whisk you to a deserted motu with powdery sand. Here, while you sunbathe or beachcomb, they set up a private picnic – complete with a tiki bar serving fresh coconut drinks. As the sun sets, enjoy a bonfire on the beach or watch it from the yacht’s flybridge jacuzzi. Taha’a’s quiet beauty and romance will make this day unforgettable.
Day 5 – Taha’a to Bora Bora
After breakfast, the captain charts a course for the most famous island of them all – Bora Bora. It’s a 4-hour sail (or a faster cruise on a power cat) across open ocean, and you might troll a fishing line on the way, hoping to catch a mahi-mahi. By midday, you enter Bora Bora’s legendary lagoon. The sight is breathtaking as Mount Otemanu’s green peak comes into view, ringed by water that fades from deep cobalt to luminescent turquoise. The afternoon is yours to revel in paradise: perhaps jet-ski around the island with a guide, feeling the thrill as you skim past luxury resorts and uninhabited beaches. Others may prefer to snorkel the Coral Garden to spot neon parrotfish and graceful manta rays. Anchor on the eastern side of Bora Bora’s lagoon for the best sunset vista. This evening, dine al fresco under a purple-orange sky, with Otemanu silhouetted in the background – a picture-perfect South Pacific moment.
Day 6 – Bora Bora Lagoon Exploration
Wake up to a gentle lagoon breeze and a view that words can’t do justice. Today you have a full day to embrace Bora Bora. Early risers can paddleboard in the calm morning light or go for a guided scuba dive to see lemon sharks at a nearby reef. Later, your crew might arrange an encounter with reef sharks and stingrays in shallow water – a safe, exhilarating experience where you stand in waist-deep lagoon water as these creatures glide around you. Spend the afternoon on Matira Beach, Bora Bora’s most famous stretch of sand, which you’ll practically have to yourselves if you arrive by yacht. Feeling adventurous? Take a 4x4 safari up to a panoramic viewpoint or hike a short trail for a bird’s-eye view of the lagoon’s 50 shades of blue. Being your final night on board, the crew pulls out all the stops: perhaps a surprise Polynesian dance performance just for your group, complete with fire dancers on a nearby motu. By the time you enjoy a farewell dinner of Tahitian grilled lobster and French pastries, you’ll be fully in tune with island time – not wanting your voyage to end.
Day 7 – Bora Bora (Farewell)
Savor your last sunrise from the yacht’s deck with a cup of Tahitian coffee or fresh papaya. This morning, you might squeeze in a final snorkel or kayak paddle, soaking in the tranquility of Bora Bora’s lagoon. If time allows, visit Vaitape for some quick shopping – pick up artisan carvings or that black pearl keepsake to remember your trip. As midday approaches, it’s time to bid adieu to your catamaran and crew. Disembarkation is seamless: you’ll either cruise back to Raiatea or, commonly, take a short tender ride to Bora Bora’s airport on Motu Mute. Hugs and mauruuru (thank yous) are exchanged with the crew, who have become like family. You depart with cameras full of photos – brilliant sunsets, kids laughing on rope swings, grandparents snorkeling for the first time – and hearts full of memories. This is the unparalleled joy of a Tahiti catamaran charter, and as you fly out over the glittering Pacific, you’re already dreaming of returning one day.
Every itinerary is flexible. If you’d prefer a round-trip Tahiti charter (looping back to the start) or have extra days to venture to remote atolls like Rangiroa in the Tuamotus, Boatcrowd’s team can craft the perfect journey. The sample above, however, offers a balanced mix of relaxation, culture, and adventure – a little taste of everything that makes Tahiti extraordinary.
Catamaran Charter Tahiti vs. Catamaran Charter Bora Bora
If you’re debating between a charter that explores the broader Tahiti/Society Islands region versus focusing mainly on Bora Bora, it helps to understand the differences in experience. Both are incredible, but they cater to different wishes:
Tahiti (Society Islands) Charters
Choosing a catamaran charter in Tahiti usually means a multi-island voyage – you won’t just see Tahiti itself, but also Moorea, Raiatea, Taha’a, Huahine and often Bora Bora as part of a one- or two-week itinerary. This option is ideal if you crave variety and exploration. Each island in the chain has a unique ambiance: one day you might be hiking to a waterfall on Tahiti or Moorea, and the next you’re snorkeling a coral garden in Taha’a or visiting a pearl farm on Huahine. A Tahiti charter maximizes your adventure by moving often – it’s about the journey as much as each destination. You’ll experience the full kaleidoscope of French Polynesia, from sacred cultural sites to different lagoon ecologies and village lifestyles. These charters tend to involve more open-water sailing (for example, the overnight passage to Huahine, or hops between the Leeward Islands), which is a thrill for those who enjoy the rush of blue-water cruising. You’ll also get to enjoy a broader range of activities: rainforest hikes, multiple diving spots, varied Polynesian communities and cuisines. Boatcrowd’s brokers often recommend a comprehensive Society Islands route for families or groups who want the ultimate sampler of Tahiti. By the end, you’ll truly feel like you’ve seen French Polynesia, not just one locale. Keep in mind, a Tahiti/Society Islands charter may require a one-way itinerary (e.g. start in Tahiti, end in Bora Bora with a short flight back), but the logistics are all handled smoothly by your charter team. In short, choose a Tahiti multi-island charter if you value diversity, adventure, and a grand tour of the South Pacific’s gems.
Bora Bora Charters
A Bora Bora catamaran charter zeroes in on the most famous jewel of Polynesia – it’s a more focused, single-destination experience, often centered around luxury and leisure. Many charterers who opt for Bora Bora fly directly to Bora Bora’s airport and start their yacht holiday right in the lagoon, rather than sailing there from Tahiti (this saves time and lets you begin in paradise immediately). A Bora Bora-focused charter is ideal if your priority is to unwind in one spectacular location with minimal transit. You’ll typically spend your days exploring the nooks of Bora Bora’s lagoon thoroughly: snorkeling all the top sites, anchoring off different motus for private beach time, and maybe venturing to neighboring isles like Taha’a or Raiatea on a short excursion if you have extra days. The pace is relaxed – without long open-sea crossings, there’s more time for paddleboarding, spa treatments (some 5-star resort spas welcome yacht guests), or simply basking on the trampolines as the boat swings at anchor. Bora Bora charters are very popular with honeymooners or couples celebrating anniversaries, as well as those who have limited vacation time (a 3-5 day charter in Bora Bora can be magical, whereas that wouldn’t allow a multi-island tour). It’s worth noting Bora Bora can be more exclusive and in demand – marina services, gourmet restaurants like Bloody Mary’s, and luxury resort tie-ins are readily available, and the feeling is that of being in the epicenter of tropical glamour. The views of Mount Otemanu never get old, and each sunrise and sunset in the lagoon feels like a painting come to life. If the idea of staying in the same beautiful anchorage for two nights because you just love it appeals to you, or if you want to thoroughly know one island and its surrounding secrets, a Bora Bora charter is the way to go. It’s essentially quality over quantity – deep immersion in one destination’s beauty. And should you ever crave a change of scene, remember that Bora Bora is well-connected; you can easily incorporate a resort stay or a quick hop to another island pre- or post-charter. Boatcrowd can arrange everything seamlessly, ensuring your Bora Bora yacht charter dovetails with any land arrangements.
In summary, you can’t go wrong with either choice. Tahiti (Society Islands) charters offer a grand expedition across multiple islands – perfect for adventurers and first-time visitors to French Polynesia who want to see it all. Bora Bora charters offer an intimate, luxurious retreat in what many consider the world’s most romantic island – perfect for those seeking relaxation or a singular focus. Many of our clients even choose to combine both: for example, a one-week intensive Society Islands cruise followed by a few extra days just around Bora Bora to unwind. The beauty is that Boatcrowd’s experienced charter planners will craft the itinerary that suits your vision of paradise.
No matter which route you choose, expect turquoise waters, warm trade winds, and that special Polynesian hospitality that makes everyone feel like family. Ready to Embark? Boatcrowd’s personal brokers are here to guide you every step of the way – from selecting the ideal yacht and crew to tailoring your itinerary and special experiences. Inquire now to start planning your catamaran charter Tahiti adventure. We look forward to welcoming you aboard and turning your South Pacific yachting dreams into unforgettable memories. Mauruuru! (Thank you!)