7 Day Tahiti Bareboat Itinerary

Base to Apu Bay

Today, you’ll set sail from our base at Apooiti Marina. After a thorough briefing from our team, enjoy a relaxed sail through the calm, protected waters of the lagoon shared by Raiatea and its sister island, Tahaa. Your destination is the picturesque Apu Bay, where you’ll be surrounded by lush vegetation and stunning scenery.

The day’s sailing

• 40 mins Sailing time
• 2.5 Nautical miles

Mooring

Mooring ball (owned by Champon Pearl Farm, 24hrs stay max)

Things to do

Snorkelling, Fishing, Paddleboarding, kayaking, Shopping, exploring

Facilities

Ficus restaurant (upon booking, a day in advance)

Discover

Champon Black Pearl Farm:
Take an informative tour of the Pearl Farm and discover the intricate process behind creating the world-renowned black pearls. Explore their stunning collection of pearls and find a unique keepsake to take home from French Polynesia.

Fare Vanira:
Visit the Vanilla Plantation and learn how raw beans are carefully processed before being sold. The delightful aroma of fresh vanilla fills the air, making it a truly sensory experience.

Ficus Restaurant:
A relaxed, family-friendly spot offering a local buffet (available by reservation). You can also arrange a traditional dance performance for a memorable cultural experience.”

Motu Mahaea, Tahaa

Set sail from Apu Bay to the east coast of Tahaa, navigating carefully through the lagoon to reach the crystal-clear, shallow waters on the north side of Motu Mahaea. This pristine environment is home to an abundance of marine life, including blacktip reef sharks, stingrays, and eagle rays, making it a perfect spot for exploration.

The day’s sailing

• 1 Hr Sailing time
• 5 Nautical miles

Mooring

Free anchoring

Things to do

Snorkelling, Fishing, Diving, Exploring, Paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming

Facilities

Limited Shore Services: While there are no full-scale facilities on the motu itself, you can explore the area via dinghy or shore excursions.Relax and swim with sharks while enjoying stunning views of Huahine, opposite the dramatic landscape of Tahaa Island. Take the dinghy out to snorkel closer to the barrier reef, where vibrant marine life awaits. In the evening, enjoy a BBQ dinner with underwater lights, offering a spectacular nighttime show of rays and sharks in the illuminated waters.

Discover

Relax and swim with sharks while enjoying stunning views of Huahine, opposite the dramatic landscape of Tahaa Island. Take the dinghy out to snorkel closer to the barrier reef, where vibrant marine life awaits. In the evening, enjoy a BBQ dinner with underwater lights, offering a spectacular nighttime show of rays and sharks in the illuminated waters.

Circum navigate Tahaa, Apu Bay

Sail away from beautiful East side lagoon of Tahaa, skirting the pristine beaches and isolated motus along the North of the island, up the West coast. Make a stop at Tapuamu Bay on a mooring ball to visit a rhum distillery with outstanding view over Bora Bora. If it is a calm day, you can approach Motu Tautau, keep one of your crew members standbying on the boat while you’re exploring coral garden snorkelling between Motu Tautau and Maharare – please note anchoring in this area is strictly prohibited. Later in the afternoon (no later than 3.30pm) return to Apu Bay to spend the night.

The day’s sailing

• 2 Hr mins Sailing time
• 11 Nautical miles

Mooring

Free anchoring

Things to do

Grocery store and gas station in Tapuamu Bay

Facilities

A quiet and peaceful environment, ideal for those seeking solitude and a connection with nature.

Suggested Lunch Spots:

The pristine, shallow waters around the reef are filled with colourful coral gardens. Drop anchor and enjoy a picnic lunch on board your yacht, then snorkel amidst the spectacular array of marine species.
Admire spectacular sunset over Bora Bora

Bora Bora Yacht Club

Set sail from the beautiful coral reefs surrounding Taha’a, venturing into the open waters of the South Pacific. Try your hand at fishing along the way—perhaps you’ll catch a marlin or tuna! Enjoy an exciting day of blue water sailing as you head northwest toward the stunning pass of Bora Bora. Navigate the dramatic coral reef, entering the lagoon with a view of Bora Bora’s iconic mountain. Once inside the bay, secure a mooring buoy in front of the Bora Bora Yacht Club, nestled beneath the mountain. Take the dinghy to Vaitape village for a stroll, and then return to the Yacht Club for a sunset view and a delicious dinner.

The day’s sailing

• 4 mins Sailing time
• 20 Nautical miles

Mooring

Mooring buoy (4000xpf/night to pay to BBMS)

Things to do

Shopping, land excursion, hire a car

Facilities

Ice and refuel available at Total gas station (dinghy from Yacht Club), Shops and ATM in town, Supermarket, Souvenirs, water refill possible at Vaitape’s dock with BBMS during business hours

Bora Bora Yacht Club

Vaitape (Main Town of Bora Bora)
Starting point for any land tour of your choice: discover Bora Bora’s history and WWII-era cannons.

Bora Bora
The very name Bora Bora evokes images of a remote South Pacific paradise. Long a favorite destination for sailors, it remains a top choice. A single barrier reef encircles the two islands that make up Bora Bora. The towering black basalt rock face of Mt. Otemanu rises 2,362 feet above the azure sea, with the impressive Mt. Pahia standing nearby. These mountains dominate the landscape and provide breathtaking views from the lagoon’s anchorages. Bora Bora’s lagoon is a key attraction, known for its exceptional snorkeling and swimming. The smaller island of Toopua is the last remnant of the ancient Bora Bora volcano. Visitors can enjoy secure moorings, white-sand beaches, restaurants, shops, art galleries, luxury resorts, and a variety of island tours during their stay.

South of Bora Bora : "Swimming Pool"

Sailing through the waters of Bora Bora is like drifting through a tropical paradise. For centuries, this legendary island has captivated sailors and travelers alike. As you sail around the island, you’ll witness the changing shape of its iconic mountains. Carefully navigate through the shallow lagoon, moving from the west coast to the southeast, until you reach the stunning mooring area known as the “Swimming Pool,” offering the best views of Bora Bora’s striking mountain. Go ashore to the motu, where you’ll meet Arii and his family. Enjoy an authentic walk along the beach, taking in the breathtaking sight of the Pacific Ocean’s waves crashing against the reef, with Tahaa and Raiatea in the distance.

The day’s sailing

• 2 Hrs Sailing time
• 12 Nautical miles

Mooring

Mooring buoy from BBMS (anchoring prohibited)
Dinghy: only go to Arii Motu Grill’s beach, most places on the motu are private properties

Things to do

Snorkelling, Fishing, Diving, Exploring, beachcombing, kayaking, paddleboarding

Facilities

Arii Motu Grill Bar & Restaurant (book lunch or dinner 1 day ahead)

Discover

Enjoy some quality time in this postcard-perfect setting, with excellent swimming and a variety of spectacular snorkelling spots easily accessible by dinghy. Explore vibrant, healthy coral reefs, encounter eagle rays, and spot blacktip reef sharks in the crystal-clear waters.

Toopua

Depart from the “Swimming Pool” and sail back to the west coast, arriving at a tranquil mooring area near Toopua Island. This islet floats gracefully between Bora Bora’s mainland and the dramatic coral reef. Secure a mooring buoy and face west to witness an unforgettable sunset as the colors of the sky transform over the horizon.

The day’s sailing

• 2.5 mins Sailing time
• 14 Nautical miles

Mooring

Mooring buoy

Things to do

Snorkelling, Fishing, Diving, Exploring, kayaking, paddleboarding

Facilities

A peaceful, secluded spot perfect for relaxation, swimming, and enjoying nature.

Discover

Rich underwater wildlife, great swimming

Sail back to Tahaa and Raiatea

Bid farewell to the “Pearl of the Pacific” in the morning and set sail toward Tahaa. This leg of the journey will often be against the eastern trade winds, providing an excellent opportunity to tack and enjoy some good sailing. Enter the lagoon of Raiatea and Tahaa through either Paipai Pass in Tahaa or Miri Miri Pass to the northwest of Raiatea. Once inside, sail through the lagoon and anchor for your final night, either in Apu Bay or at a mooring near the base. If you’re in the mood for a delicious dinner, consider heading to one of Raiatea’s top restaurants.

The day’s sailing

• 5 to 7 hrs
• 18 to 22 Nautical miles

Mooring

Mooring buoy

Things to do

*Explore the peaceful lagoons of Raiatea and Tahaa
*Enjoy a scenic sail against the eastern trade winds
*Visit local villages and explore Tahaa’s vanilla plantations
*End the day with a fantastic dinner at one of Raiatea’s best restaurants
*Experience the island’s rich Polynesian culture through local tours and sights

Facilities

*Marina Apooiti: Well-equipped marina with facilities for yacht charterers
*Restaurants: Enjoy dining options at local restaurants offering a mix of fresh seafood and traditional Polynesian cuisine
*Local Shops: Visit nearby shops for souvenirs and local goods
*Services: Access to fuel, water, and provisioning services available at the marina

Discover

Sail the Deep Blue Waters of the Pacific Ocean: Glide through the vast expanse of the Pacific, surrounded by serene beauty and pristine nature.

Fine Dinner After a Long Sail Day: After a fulfilling day of sailing, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of Raiatea’s finest restaurants, known for their fresh ingredients and traditional island flavors.

Back to base - Apooiti Marina

Once you’re ready to return, our team will guide your yacht back into the marina. We’ll ensure a smooth checkout process and arrange your taxi transfer to your next destination, making the end of your journey as seamless and stress-free as possible.

Ensure you are back at the base by 10am for checkout.

The day’s sailing

• 30 mins Sailing time
• 2.5 Nautical miles

Mooring

Docking

Things to do

*Relax and unwind at the marina after your sailing adventure.
*Enjoy dining options nearby, offering local seafood and Polynesian dishes.
*Visit the nearby villages and shops for souvenirs and local goods.
*Take a leisurely walk around the marina and the surrounding areas, soaking in the tranquil atmosphere.
*If your flight is not too soon, consider taking a guided day trip around Raiatea to explore the island’s cultural highlights.

Facilities

*Apooiti Marina: Fully-equipped marina with secure moorings and docking facilities for yachts.
*Provisioning & Fuel: Convenient access to provisioning services and fuel stations for your yacht.
*Showers & Restrooms: Clean, modern facilities for yacht charterers, including showers and restrooms.
*Restaurants & Bars: On-site dining options for fresh seafood, local dishes, and refreshing drinks.
*Shops: Local shops for souvenirs, snacks, and essential supplies.

Explore Raiatea - "The Sacred Island":

If your flight isn’t too soon, take the opportunity to discover more of Raiatea on land. We can help arrange a day trip to explore the island’s cultural treasures, including its ancient temples, historical sites, and lush landscapes. Raiatea is known as the “”Sacred Island”” and is a hub for Polynesian culture and history, offering an enriching experience beyond the water.”