Guide to Yacht Charter Costs in Tahiti
Chartering a yacht in Tahiti is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Since it can be difficult to anticipate exact costs in an exotic destination, our cost guide is designed to help you build a picture of what your holiday could look like.
Tahiti is about as far from the everyday as a sailing holiday gets. From the calm lagoons of Raiatea and Tahaa to the silhouette of Bora Bora on the horizon, French Polynesia gives you the kind of sailing that’s hard to replicate anywhere else, and offers access to places that are difficult to experience any other way.
To help make planning your sailing holiday straightforward, we’ve created a Tahiti yacht charter cost guide, covering everything from average charter prices to additional expenses and daily costs:
- Cost of a yacht charter in Tahiti
- Factors affecting the cost of your Tahiti charter
- Additional costs
- Daily expenses on your Tahiti charter
- Expert tips for cutting costs
Key Takeaways
- A 7-night yacht charter in Tahiti during the peak sailing season starts from approximately £9,747.
- A 14-night charter during the peak season starts from approximately £19,574.
- Starting prices for low season charters across November to April vary from around £3,799 to 12,524 for 7 nights.
- There are additional costs to consider, including flights, inter-island transfers, fuel, provisioning, marina fees, and optional extras.
How much does a Tahiti private yacht charter cost?
Starting prices for a Tahiti yacht charter range from £9,747 to £16,649 during the peak sailing season, based on a 7-night charter.
Charter costs in French Polynesia are influenced by factors such as the time of year you travel, the length of your charter, and the yacht you choose.
As a guide, peak season charters can start from £9,747 for 7 nights and £19,574 for 14 nights, while low season charters can start from £3,799 for 7 nights and £7,499 for 14 nights.
How much does a bareboat sailing charter in Tahiti cost?
For a 7-night bareboat charter during the peak sailing season, starting prices range from £9,747 to £16,649.
Tahiti is one of our more remote bareboat destinations, and that’s exactly the appeal. On a bareboat charter, you’re sailing between islands that most travellers never reach – Raiatea, Tahaa, Huahine, Bora Bora – with the freedom to anchor in a lagoon for the afternoon or move on when you’re ready. With no fixed itinerary, you can shape the experience around your party, sailing ability, and interests.
How much does it cost to add a skipper in Tahiti?
You can add a skipper to your charter for £185 per night. A skipper can handle navigation, route planning, and local recommendations – useful in a destination where conditions and local knowledge can make a real difference to your trip.
When budgeting for a skipper, remember that they will require their own cabin and should also be included in your provisioning plans.
What can impact the cost of a Tahiti yacht charter?
Each of the following factors can affect the overall cost of your Tahiti yacht charter:
- Duration
- Number of passengers
- Time of year
- Type of yacht
Duration
The length of your charter is one of the biggest factors affecting the overall cost of your sailing holiday in Tahiti.
Seven nights give you enough time to sail between the main islands – Raiatea, Tahaa, Huahine, and Bora Bora – at a pace that doesn’t feel rushed. Fourteen nights let you slow down, spend longer at anchor, and reach quieter spots further from the charter base.
| Charter Base | Starting Price (based on high-season rates) | |
| 7 Days | 14 Days | |
| Raiatea | £9,747 | £19,574 |
*Cost is based on bareboat charter starting prices for two people during the high season, as of June 2026.
Number of passengers
The size of your party can also impact the overall cost of your Tahiti yacht charter, as the more people there are, the more cabins you’ll need. However, some of our award-winning catamarans can host up to 10 people. These are purpose-built charter yachts, designed for life on the water, with generous deck space, well-equipped galleys, and stable, comfortable sailing across open stretches between islands. The spacious layout means groups can spread out and still enjoy privacy throughout the trip, without the cost increasing.
Time of year
The time of year you travel can significantly affect the cost of your Tahiti yacht charter.
Tahiti’s peak sailing season runs from June to August, when conditions are generally drier, temperatures are comfortable, sailing conditions are at their steadiest, and demand for charters is at its highest. This is typically when you will find the highest charter prices.
For those looking to reduce costs, shoulder season (May, September, and October) can offer excellent value, please, build a quote to exact prices for this time period.
Type of yacht
The type of yacht you choose is also an important factor. At Sunsail, we offer both sailing monohulls and sailing catamarans, which are designed for comfortable onboard living, with practical layouts, shaded outdoor space, and setups that work well for longer days on the water.
What additional Tahiti yacht charter costs do you need to factor in?
As you prepare for your sailing holiday in French Polynesia, it is important to budget for more than just the charter itself. Flights, transfers, provisioning, and day-to-day spending can all have a noticeable impact on your overall budget.
Many sailors allow an additional 25-50% on top of the initial charter price to cover these expenses, although the exact amount will depend on your itinerary, group size, and travel style.
Day-to-day living costs include:
- Flights and airport transfers
- Local taxes and mooring fees
- Provisioning
- Gratuity
- Itinerary
- Optional charter extras
Flights and airport transfers
From the UK, flights typically involve travelling via Los Angeles (LAX) before arriving at Tahiti Faa’a International Airport (PPT). From there, most sailors will need to take a domestic flight to Raiatea, which is located close to the Sunsail base.
As a guide, return flights from the UK generally range between £900 and £1,800 per person depending on the season, routing, and how far in advance you book.
Local taxes and mooring fees
You might incur some costs while on your Tahiti sailing charter, such as mooring and docking fees.
Many moorings and anchorages in Tahiti are owned by restaurants or charter companies, and are often free of charge if you dine or use the company’s services. However, it’s worth noting that anchoring is prohibited in Bora Bora, so you will have to pay 4000 XPF per night (around £30).
Provisioning
You should aim to allocate between £ 30 and £ 60 per person per day for provisioning, which will ensure everyone has plenty of meals, snacks, and drinks. If you want to experience Tahiti’s local dining scene every night, you may choose to allocate more.
Supermarkets are located in Uturoa, around 10 minutes by taxi from the Sunsail base, making it straightforward to stock up before you set sail. Provisioning is also available through the base, allowing you to arrange groceries in advance and spend more time enjoying your holiday.
If you choose to add a skipper to your charter, remember that they will need to be included in your provisioning plans. This means budgeting for an additional person’s meals, snacks, and drinks throughout the duration of the trip.
Gratuity
If you’re on a skippered charter, a gratuity is expected and is typically given to the skipper at the end of the charter. The amount is entirely at your discretion.
Itinerary
Your itinerary can have a significant impact on the overall cost of your Tahiti yacht charter.
Many of the highlights of French Polynesia, including swimming, snorkelling, paddleboarding, and relaxing in sheltered lagoons, can be enjoyed at little or no additional cost. However, if you plan to include guided excursions, scuba diving, cultural experiences, or frequent restaurant meals, you should allow additional room in your budget.
Learn more about the best snorkelling spots in Tahiti.
The Tahiti itinerary route you choose can also influence fuel consumption and marina costs. Longer passages between islands may require more fuel, while spending additional nights in marinas rather than at anchor can increase day-to-day expenses.
One of the advantages of a sailing holiday in Tahiti is that you have the flexibility to tailor your itinerary to suit your budget. Whether you prefer quiet anchorages and meals onboard or a trip packed with activities and dining ashore, your route can be adapted to match the type of holiday you are looking for.
Optional charter extras
Sunsail offers a range of optional extras to help you get more from your time on the water. In Tahiti, that might mean adding a paddleboard or kayak for exploring the lagoons, a snorkel kit for the reef anchorages around Bora Bora, or wi-fi to stay connected between islands. You can also arrange early boarding, fuel and travel insurance through us, so everything is sorted before you arrive at the base.
What are the average daily costs in Tahiti?
Here’s a breakdown of some of the average daily living costs you can expect to pay during your yacht charter in French Polynesia.
| Groceries | Cost |
| Loaf of bread | £3.35 |
| 12 eggs | £5.27 |
| Milk (1L) | £1.11 |
| Oranges (1kg) | £4.81 |
| Tomatoes (1kg) | £5.96 |
| Domestic beer (0.5L) | £2.10 |
| Dining Out | Cost |
| Cappuccino | £3.29 |
| Typical dinner at a mid range restaurant | £29.00 per head |
| A lighter lunch | £13.00 per head |
| Good local wine | £22-60 per bottle |
| Excursions | Cost |
| Resort day pass | £50-170 |
| Guided tours | £60-230+ per person |
| Access to tourist attractions | Free to £100 |
| Scuba diving with local companies | £55-80 |
*Costs based on local currency exchange rates to GBP.
Expert tips for keeping to your budget on a Tahitian yacht charter
Tahiti sailing expert, has shared their top pieces of advice for keeping to your budget when planning a sailing holiday in Tahiti:
“Make the most of free anchoring”
Outside of Bora Bora, the Society Islands are well set up for anchoring. Making the most of free anchorages rather than paying for marina berths wherever possible is one of the most effective ways to keep daily costs down; And in Tahiti, the best spots are often the ones you anchor in anyway.
“Know where to shop”
“There is an excellent central market in downtown Uturoa, located between the docking area and the main road going through downtown Uturoa. You’ll find inexpensive produce, wonderful fruit and vegetables.”
Book your Tahiti sailing holiday with Sunsail
Whether you take the helm yourself on a bareboat charter or bring a skipper along for local knowledge and route planning, Tahiti works on your terms. The islands are well spaced for sailing, the anchorages are genuinely remote, and the freedom to change plans as you go is what makes it worth the trip.
Please note: all costs are based on ‘starting from’ prices, are subject to change, and are based on information available at the time of publication. This was last updated in June 2026.
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