FRENCH POLYNESIA: 5 Day Island-Hopping Escape
South Pacific
French Polynesia
5 Day Island-Hopping Escape
A French Polynesia yacht charter through the Leeward Society Islands brings together volcanic peaks, protected lagoons, Polynesian heritage and relaxed island living within one of the South Pacific’s most established cruising regions. Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a, Bora Bora and Maupiti are all recognised yacht and sailing destinations, offering a natural progression from culturally rich islands to increasingly secluded western waters.
This five-day one-way itinerary begins in Huahine and moves west through Raiatea and Taha’a before reaching Bora Bora and finally Maupiti. Each island has a distinct character, allowing guests to combine archaeological sites, vanilla plantations, coral gardens, watersports, beach time and refined onboard living without repeating the same destination.
- Where | Leeward Society Islands
- When | May–October
- Duration | 5 Days - 4 Nights
- Departs | Huahine
- Concludes | Maupiti
Day 1: Huahine
POLYNESIAN CULTURE | QUIET LAGOONS | WELCOME ABOARD
Board the yacht in Huahine, an island known for its quieter atmosphere, archaeological heritage and strong connection to traditional Polynesian culture. Begin with a relaxed lagoon cruise before exploring by kayak, paddleboard or tender.
Guests can go ashore around Maeva to discover marae and other historic sites or visit local villages before returning aboard for sunset drinks and the first dinner of the charter
Day 2: Raiatea
SACRED ISLAND | TAPUTAPUĀTEA | RIVER EXPLORATION
Cruise west to Raiatea, regarded as one of the cultural heartlands of Polynesia and home to important archaeological treasures. The island is also one of French Polynesia’s principal yacht-charter bases, with Marina Apooiti hosting several established sailing operators.
Spend the afternoon exploring cultural sites, visiting Marae Taputapuātea with a guide, or taking the tender toward the Faaroa River before settling into a peaceful evening aboard.
Day 3: Taha’a
VANILLA ISLAND | CORAL GARDEN | LOCAL FLAVOURS
Cross the shared lagoon toward Taha’a for a day combining land and water. The island is celebrated for its vanilla plantations, pearl farms, rum production and coral gardens, giving guests a wide choice of experiences without needing to travel far.
Visit a family-run vanilla plantation, snorkel through a coral garden or spend the afternoon on a quiet motu before returning to the yacht for a dinner inspired by local produce.
Day 4: Bora Bora
MOUNT OTEMANU | LAGOON CRUISING | MARINE LIFE
Continue toward Bora Bora, where Mount Otemanu rises above one of French Polynesia’s most recognisable lagoon landscapes. Spend the day exploring by tender, swimming, paddleboarding or snorkelling around suitable coral areas.
Bora Bora is one of the core islands included in established Society Islands sailing programmes, with regular marine links connecting it to Taha’a and Raiatea.
Day 5: Maupiti
QUIET ISLAND | MANTA RAYS | FINAL LAGOON
Cruise west to Maupiti for a quieter conclusion to the charter. Smaller and less developed than Bora Bora, the island offers a more intimate final day of lagoon cruising, beaches, canoeing and relaxed exploration ashore.
Enjoy a final swim or tender excursion before disembarkation. After saying farewell to your crew, transfer to Maupiti Airport on Motu Tuanai for your return flight to Huahine, bringing your French Polynesian yacht charter to a close. Advance flight arrangements are recommended, as connections may require a stopover and are subject to airline schedules and availability.
Activities+Optional extras
Get off-board and discover even more
SNORKELLING | CULTURAL DISCOVERY | LAGOON EXPLORATION
he Society Islands are ideal for snorkelling, swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, diving, island walks, pearl-farm visits and Polynesian cultural experiences. Sailing allows guests to move naturally between reef, beach and land-based activities while retaining the privacy of the yacht. Optional premium additions may include a private Polynesian cultural guide, guided Taputapuātea visit, vanilla plantation experience, private dive instructor, underwater photographer, chef-led Polynesian tasting menu or scenic helicopter flight over the islands.
French Polynesia: 5 Day Island-Hopping Escape Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to charter here?
+May through October is generally the driest period, with pleasant temperatures and less rainfall, making it especially suitable for sailing and outdoor activities.
Where do charters depart from?
+This itinerary begins in Huahine and concludes in Maupiti. Raiatea is the region’s principal yacht-charter base, but private one-way arrangements can use other islands with suitable air and marine access.
What can be experienced in this region?
+Guests can experience Polynesian archaeological sites, volcanic landscapes, coral gardens, vanilla plantations, pearl farms, quiet motu, snorkelling, kayaking and some of the Society Islands’ most celebrated lagoons.
Who is this destination suited for?
+This route works particularly well for couples, honeymooners, families and first-time French Polynesia charter guests who want a balance of luxury, culture, beaches and easy island-hopping.
What is a typical itinerary like?
+Days combine moderate inter-island passages with long periods inside lagoons for swimming, snorkelling, excursions ashore and relaxed meals aboard. The route naturally progresses west through five different islands.
What should be considered before booking?
+Open-water crossings separate several islands, and lagoon passes, wind and sea conditions can affect departure times. The captain should retain flexibility over daily routing and overnight positions.
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