Dufour 520 Grand Large (2018)
Raïatea (French Polynesia)
5 Cabins • 10+2 Berths • 50 ft
From 2 745 €
Polynesia is a large group of islands and 5 archipelagos found in the east and south of the Pacific Ocean. A holiday in this renowned destination will certainly be an unforgettable experience but it will also be one which allows you to spend your days in peace and freedom. While you could settle on one island for the entirety of your sailboat charter in Polynesia, the proximity of the islands and archipelagos also means that you can easily combine multiple visits, killing many a bird with the one stone. Not that island hopping is a tick-box exercise…
Raïatea (French Polynesia)
5 Cabins • 10+2 Berths • 50 ft
From 2 745 €
Raïatea (French Polynesia)
3 Cabins • 6+2 Berths • 44 ft
From 1 861 €
Raïatea (French Polynesia)
4 Cabins • 44 ft
From 1 903 €
Raïatea (French Polynesia)
4 Cabins • 44 ft
From 1 903 €
Papeete (French Polynesia)
4 Cabins • 8 Berths • 52 ft
From 8 200 €
Raïatea (French Polynesia)
4 Cabins • 8+2 Berths • 44 ft
Raïatea (French Polynesia)
5 Cabins • 58 ft
Marquesas Islands (French Polynesia)
3 Cabins • 6 Berths • 70 ft
Huahine (French Polynesia)
3 Cabins • 49 ft
Raïatea (French Polynesia)
3 Cabins • 49 ft
Honolulu (United States)
2 Cabins • 33 ft
Honolulu (United States)
3 Cabins • 5+1 Berths • 44 ft
From 1 861 €
From 6 200 €
From 7 300 €
It’s not every day that you will have views like those you’ll have in Polynesia. Undertaking a charter here is a commitment; specially for those travelling from the UK because it’s literally the other side of the globe. This means that the landscapes and the scenery are totally different from anything you’ll have seen or experienced before. This destination is full of colour with shifting landscapes, from volcanic and mountainous areas to sweeping sandy beaches.
You can’t even skim the surface of the cultural heritage and tradition of Polynesia in a few lines. The history of the islands and archipelagos has clearly left a mark on the contemporary societal culture; even the most ancient of Polynesian practices are still carried out today. The culture is centred around music, dance and art which creates an atmosphere of both vibrancy and dynamism in the various archipelagos.
Polynesia encapsulates 118 islands in 5 archipelagos and every one of these precious islands is special and distinct. From the infamous Bora Bora to luscious Hawaii, to the more rural and lesser-known corners of the archipelagos, each island can bring its own character and imprint to your sailboat charter in Polynesia. While Austral archipelago is known for its mountainous land, Marquesas is known for their raw beauty and Gambier is known for its rich culture and historical sites.
Bora Bora is a name which evokes white sand beaches, azure blue waters and luscious greenery. You may also know the island as ’50 shades of blue’, ‘the pearl of the Pacific’ or because of its constant ranking as top Honeymoon destination year after year. The various light, dark and shifting shades of the blue waters are synonymous with the island. A sailboat charter in Polynesia will enable you to admire the full beauty of the lagoons and the marine life that lies therein; whether you want to spend a day or half a day swimming, sailing or scuba diving, make sure to use your time to get closer to the marine life on the island.
Of course, a visit to Bora Bora is not complete without a swim or dive in the infamous lagoon. This is the big attraction of the island, so we would recommend beginning your day here to make the most of this fabulous marine space. There are various excursions and activities you can book onto if you want to explore the lagoon with the assistance of a guide. Whale watching is a frequent activity among holiday makers and the months of July – November are the best periods throughout the year to see the whales. Tuna, barracuda, manta rays, dolphins… a diving experience in these translucent and calm waters will enable you to see a multitude of fish. There are various water sport centres where you can rent equipment; kayaking is another fun and easy way to explore the waters. Have lunch from your sailboat charter in the middle of this spectacular lagoon.
A diverse flora and fauna are matched out of the water as well as in the water; Mount Otemanu is another one of the major attractions on the island and a hike up this majestic volcanic terrain will provide you with astounding views of the surrounding area. If you want to see the island from another angle, parachuting is a popular tourist activity which will enable you to gain a sense of perspective and allow you to see the magnificent lagoons, mountains and surrounding islands from a bird’s eye view. There are also safari tours available on the island which will enable you to explore more remote areas and isolated villages. The safari will take you to the furthest corners of the island to offer you the best panoramic views.
Religion is also a fundamental part of the cultural heritage of Polynesia and there lots of interesting museums where you can learn more about the progression and history of the ancient religions of the island. Art is also a potent tool and means of expression of the island; be sure to visit museums and open your eyes to different artistic traditions and support the work of both local and more recognised artists. If you are in Bora Bora on a Sunday, why not attend the local Catholic church or Protestant Temple to listen to the hymns and Tahitian chants. Both music and religion play significant roles in the Tahitian culture and traditions so taking time to engage in this aspect of local life will provide you with valuable perspective and open interesting conversations with others.
Finish the day by watching the sunset on Plage Matira because what’s a trip to the South Pacific without a sunset beach pic? Situated on the most western point of the island, this beach will offer you the best possible view; with its fine, white sand and blue waters, it is stunning in itself.
Although Polynesia may seem like the other end of the globe, travelling to this wonderful destination can be smooth and simple. There are numerous airports scattered amongst the islands and archipelagos in Polynesia. The number of flights and size of the airport vary island to island; the main islands e.g. Tahiti or Bora Bora have the largest airports and the most direct and cheaper flights. There are bus and taxi services on most major islands which can easily link you to your charter.