Insider guide to French Polynesia

From Bora Bora, cruise through the Te Ava Nui Pass and Pai Pai Pass into the lagoon that surrounds the islands of Taha’a and Raiatea. Both islands boast rugged interiors equally as impressive as their surrounding beaches. After a few days exploring, venture through the Iriru pass and on to Huahine – the final island in the Society Island archipelago. Huahine is actually formed of two islands – Huahine Nui and Huahine Iti, separated by a narrow isthmus. The slopes of both islands are smothered with hibiscus, while the lower, fertile lands are cultivated for watermelon and cantaloupe. 

Further afield, the far-flung Tuamotu Islands are French Polynesia’s central archipelago. Comprising more than 70 low-lying islands and coral atolls, these UNESCO islands are a world-renowned scuba diving destination. Getting to the Tuamotus from the Society Islands can sometimes be difficult due to the prevailing wind and waves being dead-set against you, so it is generally better to begin your charter in the Tuamotus and then sail or cruise downwind towards Tahiti (cruising from the Tuamotus to the Society Islands is a 24-hour crossing). You can fly from Tahiti to Fakarava to discover rich ecosystems home to rare birds, plants and underwater life, with dive sites that are almost undiscovered.

Toau in the Tuamotu Islands is a UNESCO-classified biosphere reserve. The charming coral atoll with a wide lagoon is perfect for peaceful anchorages, snorkeling and diving. For those looking for one of the world’s great dive destinations, the atoll of Rangiroa is right up there with the best. The braver among the charter guests should head to Apataki where the waters host the largest grey reef shark population in the Tuamotus, or around the Avatoru Pass where you will find silver tip sharks.

For guests feeling waterlogged, your crew can transform a deserted, white-sand beach into an al fresco dining room while your chef prepares a feast worthy of gods. Think Camargue fish fresh from the lagoon, accompanied by breadfruit and taro root baked slowly in an ahimoa – a traditional Polynesian cooking put dug into the ground. And then there is also the wealth of natural and cultural sites ashore. Raiatea plays host to the Society Island’s most sacred temple dedicated to Oro, the god of war, and once the site of human sacrifices. Looming over the temple, the Tapioi mountain makes for an energetic hike with rewarding views for those who reach the top. Guests can also take a kayak up the Faaroa river into the island’s tropical interior.

French Polynesia is home to numerous pearl farms on which the islands’ economy is predominantly based. Step ashore to watch the cultivation process as the pearl masters remove the pearls from oysters and replace the seed for the next harvest. Select your own pearls for a unique piece of jewelry created on the spot or to take home for your own jeweller to set.