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Sailing French Polynesia | 14 Days from Tahiti to Bora Bora
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A 14-day South Pacific voyage through the Society Islands – Tahiti, Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a, Bora Bora. Trade winds, lagoons, and pure island magic.
Introduction
The South Pacific is the essence of freedom at sea: endless horizons, lagoons in every shade of blue, lush volcanic peaks, and a rhythm of life that follows the tides.
This 14-day voyage takes you from Tahiti to Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a, and Bora Bora – a journey through islands of myth, fragrance, and light.
Here, you sail in harmony with the gentle southeast trades and the Polynesian spirit of Ia Orana – “welcome to paradise.”
At a glance:
- Region: Society Islands, French Polynesia
- Duration: 14 days
- Character: Relaxed island-hopping with two night passages
- Ideal for: Cruisers, ocean lovers, families, and cultural explorers
The Region at a Glance
The Society Islands form the heart of French Polynesia: lush volcanic peaks encircled by coral reefs and turquoise lagoons. The Windward Islands (Tahiti and Moorea) sit closer together, while the Leeward Islands – Huahine, Raiatea, Taha’a, and Bora Bora – stretch about 100 nautical miles to the northwest.
Each island has its own soul: urban and lively Tahiti, tranquil and spiritual Huahine, fragrant Taha’a, and majestic Bora Bora – the pearl of the Pacific.
Geographic & Nautical Facts:
- Distances: Tahiti–Moorea 15 nm; Moorea–Huahine ~80 nm (overnight); short hops among the Leewards
- Anchorage: Sandy or coral-sand bottoms, moorings in lagoons
- Navigation: Reef passes marked; approach only in daylight
- Supplies: Available in Papeete (Tahiti), Uturoa (Raiatea), Bora Bora
- Culture: Sacred sites, vanilla plantations, and black pearl farms
Best Time to Sail
May to October brings the dry season and steady southeast trade winds – calm seas, clear skies, and perfect sailing.
From November to April, conditions are warmer and more humid, with brief tropical showers and glassy lagoons ideal for snorkeling.
Weather & Conditions:
- Wind: SE trades 10–20 knots (3–5 Bft)
- Air temperature: 26–30°C
- Water temperature: 27–29°C
- Visibility: Up to 40 meters underwater
- Sea state: Calm inside lagoons, gentle swell offshore
The Route with Daily Legs
Day 1 – Tahiti (Papeete Marina) → Moorea (Opunohu Bay, 15 nm, 3 hrs)
A short sail across deep blue water. As Moorea’s jagged peaks rise ahead, paradise comes into view. Anchor in Opunohu Bay — turquoise water, still air, and the scent of tropical flowers.
Day 2 – Exploring Moorea
No sailing today. Swim with rays and reef sharks, hike to the Belvédère viewpoint, or simply relax in the lagoon.
Day 3 – Moorea → Huahine (80 nm, overnight)
Set sail in the evening for a gentle night passage under the stars. The steady trades and phosphorescent sea make for a mesmerizing voyage.
Day 4 – Huahine (Fare → Baie d’Avea, 15 nm, 3 hrs)
Arrive at dawn on Huahine — the “wild island.” Visit the village of Fare, then sail within the lagoon to the serene Baie d’Avea.
Day 5 – Huahine → Raiatea (25 nm, 5 hrs)
A peaceful open-water sail. Visit the sacred Taputapuatea Marae, the spiritual heart of Polynesia and a UNESCO site.
Day 6 – Raiatea → Taha’a (10 nm, 2 hrs)
Raiatea and Taha’a share the same lagoon — a sailor’s paradise. Explore a vanilla plantation or black pearl farm, the island’s fragrant treasures.
Day 7 – Taha’a → Motu Tautau (5 nm, 1 hr)
Drift-snorkel through the Coral Garden, a natural aquarium of coral and colorful fish. End the day with a beach barbecue under the palms.
Day 8 – Taha’a → Bora Bora (25 nm, 5 hrs)
An iconic day’s sail. As you enter Bora Bora’s lagoon, Mount Otemanu rises dramatically above a canvas of turquoise and emerald.
Day 9 – Bora Bora – Lagoon & Motus
Circle the lagoon, swim with rays, sip a drink at a motu beach bar, or explore the island’s lush interior.
Day 10 – Bora Bora → Raiatea (25 nm, 5 hrs)
A leisurely return to Raiatea. Anchor near Uturoa and enjoy a final dinner overlooking the lagoon.
Days 11–13 – Raiatea, Taha’a & Huahine – Lagoon Hopping
Sail at your own pace between Taha’a’s motus, Raiatea’s bays, and back to Huahine. Visit local villages, snorkel, or shop for vanilla and pearls at local markets.
Day 14 – Huahine → Moorea → Tahiti (Return, ~90 nm)
Overnight back to Moorea, then a final short leg to Papeete. End your journey at the market or over dinner on the waterfront – Polynesian rhythm in every note and smile.
Highlights Along the Way
Each island in French Polynesia tells its own story – a blend of wild beauty, ancient culture, and lagoon magic. From the dramatic silhouette of Moorea rising out of turquoise waters to the legendary serenity of Bora Bora, this route offers a symphony of colors and emotions. Huahine enchants with its unspoiled charm and sacred sites, while Raiatea and Taha’a invite sailors into the fragrant world of vanilla and pearls. Beneath the surface, a vibrant underwater world awaits – manta rays gliding gracefully, turtles drifting through coral gardens, and curious reef sharks patrolling the shallows.
Highlights:
- Moorea: Dramatic peaks and luminous lagoons
- Huahine: Untamed, authentic, and full of history
- Raiatea & Taha’a: Sacred sites, vanilla, and pearl farms
- Bora Bora: Iconic beauty and serene anchorages
- Underwater life: Rays, turtles, reef sharks, and coral gardens
Practical Tips
Sailing through French Polynesia is as rewarding as it is remote – preparation makes all the difference. A comfortable catamaran between 40 and 45 feet is ideal for the region’s shallow lagoons and steady trade winds. Make sure your yacht is equipped with a watermaker and dinghy for independence and easy shore access. Stock up on provisions in Tahiti, Raiatea, or Bora Bora, where supplies are most reliable. When anchoring, choose sand patches or mooring buoys to protect delicate coral ecosystems, and always enter lagoons during daylight for safe navigation through reefs. Keep local cash (XPF) handy, as marine park and mooring fees vary from island to island and are often collected in person.
Tips at a glance:
- Best yacht: Catamaran (40–45 ft) with watermaker and dinghy
- Provisions: Available in Tahiti, Raiatea, and Bora Bora
- Mooring: Use sand or mooring buoys; avoid anchoring on coral
- Navigation: Reef entry only in daylight
- Fees: Marine park and mooring fees vary by island (cash in XPF)
Travel Extension
If you’re not ready to leave paradise, stay longer – French Polynesia is an archipelago of endless horizons and contrasts.
Start with Tahiti, the beating heart of Polynesia. Wander through Papeete’s market, where vanilla, flowers, and tuna fill the air with scent and color. In the evening, eat like a local at the Roulottes – food trucks serving fresh fish, grilled meat, and crepes by the harbor. Venture inland to discover waterfalls, lava tubes, and bamboo forests, a glimpse of Tahiti’s wilder side.
Just across the channel lies Moorea, a haven of tranquility. Spend a few days in a lagoon-front lodge, paddle through Opunohu Bay by kayak, or cycle to pineapple plantations. The island’s mix of rugged peaks and soft beaches makes it ideal for slow mornings and barefoot evenings.
For divers and dreamers, fly to the remote Tuamotu Atolls, such as Rangiroa or Fakarava — vast lagoons, crystalline water, and world-famous drift dives with sharks and dolphins. These atolls are raw, wild, and hypnotically beautiful.
Culture lovers can venture north to the Marquesas Islands, where sheer cliffs, ancient tiki statues, and the grave of Paul Gauguin on Hiva Oa tell stories of Polynesia’s soul.
Or simply stay among the Society Islands in style — from the vanilla-scented serenity of Taha’a to the overwater bungalows of Bora Bora. Boutique resorts and eco-lodges offer a perfect blend of comfort and island authenticity.
Recommended extensions:
- Tahiti: Papeete market, waterfalls, and island interior
- Moorea: Kayaking, hiking, and relaxed beach lodges
- Tuamotu Atolls: Diving in Rangiroa or Fakarava
- Marquesas Islands: Culture, tikis, and Gauguin’s legacy
- Taha’a / Bora Bora: Boutique stays and spa escapes
- Polynesian Culture: Dance shows, ukulele nights, vanilla markets
Conclusion – Who This Route Is Perfect For
This 14-day voyage is Polynesia distilled: gentle trade winds, clear lagoons, and islands that seem untouched by time. Two peaceful night passages frame days of snorkeling, sailing, and slow discovery.
Perfect for sailors who seek not speed, but serenity — where nature and culture meet in a rhythm as old as the ocean itself.
Best for:
- Cruisers & adventurers seeking calm exploration
- Families & couples wanting a safe, tropical escape
- Snorkelers & divers drawn to vivid reefs
- Those longing for beauty, balance, and barefoot freedom
SEO Note
Keywords: Sailing French Polynesia, Tahiti yacht charter, Bora Bora sailing route, Society Islands itinerary, Moorea sailing trip, Raiatea catamaran, South Pacific cruise
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