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Why the Leeward Islands Are the Perfect Catamaran Destination
The Leeward Islands — Raiatea, Taha'a, Huahine, Bora Bora, Maupiti — are the most naturally suited sailing destination in French Polynesia. Short distances between islands, protected lagoons, consistent trade winds, and five completely different personalities in a single circuit. You can anchor under the shadow of Otemanu, snorkel above the coral gardens of Taha'a, walk through the vanilla plantations of Raiatea, and reach Maupiti's wild motu all in a single week. No other archipelago in Polynesia offers this combination of variety, accessibility, and beauty.
A week aboard a catamaran in the Leeward Islands — what it actually looks like, from Raiatea to Bora Bora.
A catamaran is the ideal way to explore the Leeward Islands. The distances between islands range from 3 to 8 hours of sailing — short enough to reach a new anchorage every day if you choose, slow enough to stay several days in one lagoon if you don't. There are no offshore passages to worry about, no demanding navigation. It's the most relaxed form of sailing in Polynesia, and the most rewarding.
This guide covers everything you need to know before booking: the five islands worth sailing to, the two cruise formats available (private charter and shared cabin), the operators we know and recommend, crew options, itinerary ideas, and realistic price expectations.
Budget, best season, islands, itineraries — everything before you book.
| Operator | Format | Base | Islands | Duration | Crew | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dream Yacht Charter | Cabin | Raiatea | Bora Bora, Raiatea, Taha'a, Huahine | 8 / 11 nights | Skipper + cook | → See dates & prices |
| Tahiti Yacht Charter | Private | Raiatea | Raiatea, Taha'a, Huahine, Bora Bora, Maupiti | 4 / 7 / 10+ days | Skipper + cook | → Contact the operator here |
| Poé Charter | Private | Tahiti | Raiatea, Taha'a, Huahine, Bora Bora, Tuamotu | 7 days+ | Skipper (± hostess) | → Contact the operator here |
| Tahiti Voile & Lagon | Private | Tahiti | Raiatea, Taha'a, Huahine, Bora Bora, Tetiaroa | 7 / 9 / 15 / 20 days | Skipper + cook (optional) | → Contact the operator here |
| Escapade Charter Tahiti | Private | Tahiti | Raiatea, Taha'a, Huahine, Bora Bora, Makatea, Tetiaroa | Flexible | Skipper | → Contact the operator here |
| Croisière Catamaran Polynésie | Private | Tahiti | Raiatea, Taha'a, Bora Bora + Tuamotu combo | 9 / 21 / 28 days | Skipper + cook (optional) | → Contact the operator here |
| Independent skipper / owner-operated | Private | Raiatea or Tahiti | Tailor-made — all Leeward Islands | Flexible | Skipper (± cook) |
→ Contact the operator here → See a real example with prices |
The 5 Islands of the Leeward Circuit
Each island on the circuit has its own distinct personality. Understanding what each offers helps you shape your itinerary — and decide how many days each deserves.
Bora Bora
The most famous island in French Polynesia — and for good reason. The lagoon, framed by the peak of Mount Otemanu and a ring of white-sand motu, is genuinely extraordinary. Arriving by catamaran, anchoring off a motu, and watching the sun set behind Otemanu is one of those travel moments that stays with you. Two full days minimum. The ray and shark snorkel in the lagoon is unmissable.
Huahine
The least visited of the five main Leeward Islands — and arguably the most charming. Huahine has resisted mass tourism almost entirely. Ancient marae temples, the largest sacred eel sanctuary in Polynesia, Hana Iti beach (one of the most beautiful in the Pacific), and a village market that feels genuinely Polynesian rather than staged. A full day here, ideally two, changes how you see the rest of the circuit.
Anchored in the Bora Bora lagoon — the most iconic anchorage in French Polynesia, with Mount Otemanu rising above the motu.
Raiatea
Raiatea is the spiritual and historical heart of Polynesia — the island from which the great migrations to Hawaii, New Zealand, and the Cook Islands are said to have departed. It shares a lagoon with Taha'a and hosts the only navigable river in French Polynesia, the Faaroa. Most Leeward charter itineraries depart from and return to Raiatea, making it the practical base of the circuit. Taputapuātea, its principal marae, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Taha'a
Taha'a shares its lagoon with Raiatea and produces 80% of French Polynesia's vanilla. The snorkelling at the Coral Garden — a shallow, current-fed reef accessible by dinghy — is among the best in the entire Society archipelago. No airport, no cruise ship port, almost no tourist infrastructure. Taha'a is what Bora Bora used to be. Motu Tautau, at the edge of the reef, offers one of the best sunset views on the circuit.
The lagoon of Taha'a — shared with Raiatea, dotted with motu, and home to the best coral garden in the Society Islands.
Maupiti from the air — the furthest and most unspoiled island on the Leeward circuit, accessible only by sea or a small Air Tahiti ATR.
Cabin Cruise or Private Charter: How to Choose
There are two fundamentally different ways to sail the Leeward Islands. The right choice depends on your group size, your budget, and how much flexibility and privacy matter to you.
- Book one or two private cabins on a shared catamaran
- Fixed itinerary departing on set dates — 8 or 11 nights
- Full board included — skipper and hostess/cook on board
- Share the boat with other travellers (up to 10 total)
- Ideal for solo travellers, couples, or smaller budgets
- Only Dream Yacht Charter offers this in French Polynesia
- The entire catamaran is yours — your group only
- Fully custom itinerary: islands, duration, daily pace
- Any departure date — minimum 5 to 7 nights
- Choice of crew: skipper only, or skipper + cook/hostess
- Access to remote anchorages and Maupiti
- Multiple serious operators based in Raiatea or Tahiti
When your group reaches 4 people, the per-person cost of a private charter often equals or beats a cabin cruise — with the entire boat to yourselves and a completely tailor-made itinerary. Always compare both before booking.
Typical private charter itineraries in the Leeward Islands — from 7 to 16 days, departing Raiatea.
Operators Offering Catamaran Cruises in the Leeward Islands
The Leeward Islands are the most established charter market in French Polynesia — more operators, more formats, and more flexibility than anywhere else in the archipelago. Below is an honest comparison based on what each operator actually offers, who they suit best, and what to expect on board.
Dream Yacht Charter — the only shared cabin cruise option
Dream Yacht Charter is the only operator in French Polynesia running regular shared cabin cruises on fixed departure dates. Their Bora Bora Dream (8 nights) and Polynesia Dream (11 nights) both depart from Raiatea. You book a private cabin, share the boat with up to 10 guests, and everything is included — skipper, hostess, full board, snorkelling gear. The most accessible format for solo travellers and couples who want a structured, fully-catered experience without chartering an entire boat. Prices are published; we offer an exclusive 5% discount.
When your group reaches 4 people or more, the per-person cost of a private charter often equals or beats a cabin cruise — with the entire boat to yourselves and a tailor-made itinerary. Always worth comparing both options before booking.
Under sail in the Leeward Islands — the short distances between islands mean you can reach a new anchorage every day, or stay three days in the same lagoon.
One of the most established operators in the Leeward Islands, Tahiti Yacht Charter has been running private catamarans from their Raiatea base for decades. Their fleet ranges from 36 to 58 feet and accepts up to 10 guests. Their short circuit — Raiatea, Taha'a, Bora Bora in 4 days — starts from around €2,000 per person for two in low season. Their 7-day Nomade circuit covers all five islands including Huahine and Maupiti, with meals, skipper, and cook included. Based directly in Raiatea, there are no transit costs — you board and start sailing immediately.
Capacity: up to 10 guests · Base: Raiatea (no transit) · Short circuit from: ~€2,000/person · 7 nights from: ~€5,000 full boat (low season)
Poé Charter operates a fleet of modern Lagoon catamarans (38–46 feet) and covers both the Leeward Islands and the Tuamotu. One of the few operators offering a genuine bareboat option for experienced sailors — charter with or without crew. With skipper and hostess, it becomes a fully serviced experience; without crew, it's ideal for sailing groups who want to navigate independently. Their boats are well-maintained with recent solar panel installations. A Travellers' Choice Award recipient.
Capacity: up to 8 guests · Base: Tahiti · Bareboat option: Yes · Price: on request
Tahiti Voile & Lagon operates two Bahia 46 catamarans from Papeete and offers one of the most flexible programmes across both archipelagos. Their Leeward Islands itineraries depart Tahiti and include a stop at Tetiaroa on the way — a bonus most operators can't offer. For longer cruises (15–20 days), they combine the Society Islands and Tuamotu into a single journey. Skipper and hostess included, full board. Up to 10 guests.
Capacity: up to 10 guests · Base: Tahiti · Tetiaroa stop: Yes on most itineraries · Price: on request
With over 20 years of operation, Escapade Charter Tahiti is one of the longest-running charter companies in French Polynesia. Their fleet of 44–48 foot catamarans covers the full range — Leeward Islands, Tuamotu, Makatea, and Tetiaroa. Especially suited for groups wanting to combine the Society archipelago with a Tuamotu extension on a single trip. Professional skipper with deep local knowledge included.
Capacity: varies by boat · Base: Tahiti · Multi-archipelago: Yes · Price: on request
Run by Florence and Laurent, a skipper/hostess couple with over ten years sailing French Polynesia, this operator is known for refined Polynesian cuisine and culturally immersive itineraries. Their 21-day and 28-day grand tours combine the Tuamotu and Society Islands in full. Fixed-date departures at per-person rates are also available, making them accessible to solo travellers and couples without chartering the full boat.
Capacity: up to 8 guests · Base: Tahiti · Fixed dates available · 21-day full boat from: ~€7,770
Several independent skipper-owned catamarans operate year-round in the Leeward Islands — couples or solo sailors who live aboard and take private groups for fully tailor-made cruises. This is often the most personal and authentic experience available: a crew who knows every anchorage, every fishing spot, and every local contact on the islands. Rates are frequently more competitive than established companies, and the flexibility is total. We work with a selection of independents we know and trust personally.
Ask us — tell us your dates, group size, and budget and we'll match you with the right skipper.
Let us help you find the right cruise for your group
Tell us your travel dates, group size, preferred islands, and budget. We'll identify which operator and format suits you best — and where possible, negotiate preferential rates on your behalf. No commitment required.
→ Send us your tailor-made requestCrew Options for a Private Charter in the Leeward Islands
On a private charter, the crew configuration has a significant impact on both the experience and the price. Two main options — and the right choice depends on how important food and full service are to your group.
The skipper handles all navigation, anchoring, and safety. Meals are prepared by your group using the fully equipped galley. This is the more affordable configuration and works well for self-sufficient groups. In the Leeward Islands — unlike the remote Tuamotu — restocking in a village market or a small boutique is always possible, making this format genuinely practical.
The full-service formula. The hostess manages the cabin, the provisioning, and cooks all meals — fresh fish, Polynesian-inspired dishes, home-made desserts. You arrive on board and everything is taken care of. This is the format offered by Tahiti Voile & Lagon and Croisière Catamaran Polynésie, and it transforms the trip into something genuinely comparable to a boutique hotel — afloat.
Recommended Itineraries for the Leeward Islands
The Leeward Islands work well across a wide range of durations. Even a 5-day cruise gives you a genuine taste of the archipelago. The more time you have, the further you can go — and Maupiti, at the end of the circuit, rewards those who make the effort.
Between islands — the crossings in the Leeward circuit are short and pleasant, with consistent trade wind conditions and protected waters.
Best Season for a Leeward Islands Catamaran Cruise
The Leeward Islands can be sailed year-round — the protected lagoons and short inter-island crossings make weather less of a limiting factor than in the Tuamotu. That said, season does matter for conditions, pricing, and specific activities like manta ray watching at Maupiti.
The dry season (May–October) brings consistent trade winds, excellent visibility, and the most reliable sailing conditions. July–August is peak season — more boats on the water and higher prices, but also the best conditions for reaching Maupiti. For the best balance of good weather, availability, and value, May–June and September–October are the sweet spots.
Manta rays aggregate in Maupiti's pass during the austral winter months (June–October). If seeing mantas is a priority, plan your Maupiti stop between July and September. Outside these months, mantas are still occasionally seen but much less reliably.
The wet season brings lighter, more variable winds, occasional squalls, and higher humidity. Conditions can make inter-island crossings less comfortable, and cyclone risk (though low) is not zero in French Polynesia. Some operators reduce availability. On the positive side, prices are noticeably lower and the lagoons are less crowded.
The Leeward Islands and the Tuamotu atolls are very different sailing destinations — but they complement each other perfectly. If your schedule allows 14 days or more, combining both archipelagos in a single trip is one of the most extraordinary experiences French Polynesia has to offer. Several operators covered in this guide offer combined itineraries.
For a completely different kind of Pacific voyage, the Marquesas Islands are the most remote and culturally rich archipelago in French Polynesia — volcanic, ancient, and accessible only by sea. A natural extension for travellers who want to go further.
