With three groups of islands offering different cruising opportunities, French Polynesia is extraordinary. A total of 118 islands make up the groups, which are the Society Islands, the Tuamotus, and the Marquesas. Tahiti belongs to the Society Islands, the most famous and relatively close-together islands. Visiting pearl farms ashore and diving amid massive sea life are just the beginning of the memory-making activities. June, July, and August are the best months to visit. For more insight into why a superyacht charter in Tahiti and neighboring islands is a must, we interviewed Capt. Mike Hein and stewardess Estelle Knezevich of the yacht Mischief. They and the rest of the crew of the 177-footer (54-meter), part of the Ahoy Club fleet, enjoy it as much as their guests.
1. New Experiences Every Island, Everyday
Capt. Mike Hein: Both private and commercial airlines can fly into the capital city of Papeete, and we can plan trips fully from here. However, if you’re flying on your own jet, I suggest a one-way charter, meaning starting from the east and ending in the Society Islands. Most of the travel is therefore downwind and allows visiting different islands each day or night.
Estelle Knezevich: Tahiti is honestly just incredible. The pearl farm tours are amazing, and there are beautiful hikes and things to do at every island. Tahiti is one of my favorite destinations for beach island setups for dinners. Native Tahitian dancers on the beaches at some of the resorts are really special, too.
2. Outstanding Diving & Snorkeling
Capt. Mike Hein: Just to the east of Opohohu Bay on Moorea is an inside reef passage where stingrays gather. It affords an intimate snorkelling opportunity for the guests and crew. Imagine an entire littler of stingray puppies swimming with you! Importantly, we hire local dive guides for excursions. Note as well that the tide plays a big role in how we can access dive sites and overall safety. Regardless, the guides further provide a movie-making service to record a video for sharing memories for a lifetime.
Estelle Knezevich: The Tikehau atoll shorter pass has the best spearfishing, while the Rangiroa longer pass let us see dolphins everyday! Fakarava is famous for diving, plus has great facilities on the island. For snorkeling, we go to feeding stations with rays and sharks in Bora and Moorea. Though, the Tuamotus are definitely the best for fish life and reefs.
3. Super Seclusion
Capt. Mike Hein: One of my favorite anchorages is Ōpūnohu (top), because it affords more privacy (and better internet coverage). It’s also closer for the mothership to remain at anchor and for us to take guests by tender to snorkelling spots and more.
Estelle Knezevich: Tikehau is a more remote destination for anyone on a superyacht charter in Tahiti and the nearby islands who likes going a little off the beaten track. Conveniently, it has some of the best diving and surfing as well. For stunning private hikes, I recommend Moorea. The island also is the perfect place to go snorkeling, kiteboarding, and using all our watertoys.
4. Amazing On-Land Experiences
Capt. Mike Hein: My favorite on-land activity is to visit a pearl farm and select your own black pearl. While there are many throughout the islands, my personal favorite is in Fakaraya in the Tuamotus. We’ve also taken the black pearl dealers to the yacht for a presentation onboard for guests, instead of going ashore to the farm.
Estelle Knezevich: Bora Bora and Papeete have the most bars, nightlife, and fabulous restaurants. Other land activity like hiking is best in Moorea. The views are amazing! You can additionally enjoy visiting pineapple farms and taking ATV tours.
5. Truly Unique Experiences
Capt. Mike Hein: The most unique experience we host on a superyacht charter in Tahiti is a Polynesian show onboard. The dancers arrive by dugout canoe after sunset, with fire batons twirling. They have their own instruments and perform for the guests while we’re at anchor.
Estelle Knezevich: The Tahitian cultural dances, exceptional sea-life interaction, and incredible surfing all mean there’s something for everyone in Tahiti.
6. Superyacht Charter in Tahiti: Bottom Line
Capt. Mike Hein: Many resorts are ashore, along with the pearl farms. Besides diving and snorkeling, the in-water opportunities include lunch on a sandbar. The diving provides encounters with whales, sharks, stingrays, eels, as well as migratory fish like tuna and barracuda.
Estelle Knezevich: Beautiful anchorages and great weather, and many activities and places to see. You can see the “must-sees” in a short amount of time, as all the islands are short cruises from each other. There’s such a broad variety of activities for all interests and ages, too.
Ahoy Club ahoyclub.com
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