7 Days of Tahitian Bliss

Your journey begins on the island of Tahiti, the heart of French Polynesia. Upon arrival at Fa’a’ā International Airport in Papeete, a private transfer will escort you to your yacht berthed at Marina Taina. A traditional Polynesian welcome with fresh flower leis and tropical cocktails awaits as you step aboard your private vessel.

Spend your first afternoon exploring the vibrant capital. Papeete is alive with color and energy. Its bustling markets brim with exotic fruits, vanilla beans, handcrafted pareos, and Tahitian black pearls. Art enthusiasts can visit the Paul Gauguin Museum or stroll through the tranquil Paofai Gardens. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner onboard as the sun dips below the horizon. Expect a menu inspired by local flavors, like grilled mahi-mahi, breadfruit gratin, and coconut desserts.

A short cruise of approximately 20 nautical miles brings you to Moorea, an island revered for its dramatic mountain spires and heart-shaped silhouette. Anchor in Opunohu Bay or Cook’s Bay, both natural harbors framed by lush jungle slopes.

Spend the morning snorkeling in the coral gardens just off the yacht, where parrotfish, angelfish, and eagle rays glide through crystal-clear waters. Optional activities include kayaking through mangroves, jet-skiing along the coast, or hiking the Three Coconut Trail to a panoramic viewpoint.

In the afternoon, visit an organic pineapple plantation or take a cultural tour through traditional Polynesian villages. As evening falls, enjoy a beach BBQ on a nearby motu, accompanied by ukulele music and sunset views.

Set off early for an overnight cruise westward to Huahine, covering approximately 80 nautical miles. Arrive at dawn to a tranquil, untamed paradise rich with Polynesian history and local charm. Split into two islands—Huahine Nui and Huahine Iti—this hidden gem remains blissfully untouched by mass tourism.

Anchor in Avea Bay or Maroe Bay and start the day with a tender ride to explore Maeva Village, home to the largest concentration of ancient marae (sacred temples) in Polynesia. For a taste of island life, visit a local vanilla farm or enjoy a private outrigger canoe ride across the lagoon.

Huahine is also home to the world’s only sacred blue-eyed eels. Locals will guide you to these mystical creatures living in freshwater streams. Cap off your day with sunset cocktails and a Tahitian-style dinner onboard.

Your journey continues with a short 25-nautical-mile cruise to Raiatea, known as the spiritual heart of Polynesia. Steeped in cultural heritage, Raiatea is home to Marae Taputapuatea, a revered open-air temple complex and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was from these shores that Polynesian navigators are believed to have launched voyages to Hawai‘i and New Zealand.

Upon arrival, explore the island’s winding rivers by kayak or paddleboard, drifting through lush mangroves and past fragrant hibiscus flowers. The Faaroa River is the only navigable river in French Polynesia and offers a tranquil contrast to open-sea cruising. On land, you can browse artisan markets offering wood carvings, monoi oils, and delicate black pearl jewelry.

For those seeking a deeper connection to nature, take a guided hike up Mount Temehani, where the rare Tiare Apetahi flower blooms—found only on Raiatea’s slopes. Return to the yacht in the late afternoon and unwind on the deck with a chilled apéritif as the setting sun washes the island in gold.

Just across the lagoon lies Taha’a, Raiatea’s secluded sister island. The scent of vanilla drifts through the air, carried from hillside plantations that produce 80% of French Polynesia’s vanilla. Taha’a remains one of the most authentic islands in the archipelago, with a slow pace and strong agricultural traditions.

Start the day with a tour of a family-run vanilla plantation, where you’ll learn about the delicate process of hand-pollinating and curing each bean. Many producers offer tastings of vanilla-infused products, from rum to pastries.

Later, snorkel through Coral Gardens, a renowned drift-snorkeling site located between two motus (islets). The current gently carries you past vibrant coral formations teeming with butterflyfish, clownfish, and sea anemones. For lunch, enjoy a barefoot beach picnic prepared by your chef on a secluded motu surrounded by impossibly clear water.

The rest of the afternoon is yours, relax with a book in the shade, paddleboard along the shore, or enjoy a massage on deck as you take in the tranquility of this unspoiled paradise.

No trip to French Polynesia would be complete without visiting Bora Bora, often dubbed “the Pearl of the Pacific.” Just 20 nautical miles from Taha’a, this legendary island welcomes you with its unmistakable silhouette: the towering Mount Otemanu rising above a lagoon of iridescent blues and greens.

As you approach by yacht, the scene is cinematic. Lagoon waters shimmer over coral beds, with overwater bungalows perched along the reef’s edge. Spend your morning snorkeling with rays and reef sharks in protected parts of the lagoon, where experienced local guides lead you into warm, shallow waters ideal for underwater photography.

In the afternoon, cruise around the island’s coral-ringed motus or step ashore at Matira Beach, one of Bora Bora’s most stunning stretches of sand. For thrill-seekers, optional experiences include jet-skiing, parasailing, or even a scenic helicopter tour over the island’s peaks and reefs.

Your final evening is best celebrated with a sunset cocktail on the yacht’s aft deck or with a refined dinner ashore at one of the island’s fine dining establishments, where French culinary influence meets fresh Polynesian ingredients. Whether on deck under the stars or in a beachfront restaurant, the ambiance is unforgettable.

Your final morning begins with a leisurely breakfast on deck as you soak in the beauty of Bora Bora one last time. Depending on your flight or onward travel plans, you may wish to enjoy a morning swim, a walk along the beach, or some final souvenir shopping in Vaitape, the island’s small village center.

Disembarkation is flexible, your captain and crew will coordinate with your resort or airport transfer to ensure a smooth departure. For guests extending their journey, Bora Bora offers exceptional land-based accommodations at world-renowned resorts. Alternatively, return to Tahiti via a domestic flight for international connections or additional time exploring the capital.

Though the voyage ends here, the memories of crystalline lagoons, warm Polynesian hospitality, and the freedom of exploring by private yacht will linger long after you return home.