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What a Private Charter Actually Looks Like — Lagoon 46, Raiatea
Numbers and comparisons only go so far. This page gives you a concrete, real-world example of what a private catamaran charter costs and includes in the Leeward Islands — based on a specific boat we know personally: a Lagoon 46 based in Raiatea, operated by an independent owner-skipper with a cook on board. No agency markup, no fixed departure dates. Just a boat, a crew, and the five islands of the Leeward circuit.
A week aboard a private catamaran in the Leeward Islands — from Raiatea to Bora Bora.
The Lagoon 46 — Specs & On-Board Life
The Lagoon 46 is one of the most popular cruising catamarans in the world — and for good reason. At 14 metres long with a 8.2-metre beam, it combines real stability with comfortable living space. This is not a racing boat or a bare charter vessel. It is a well-maintained, privately owned catamaran that the owner sails year-round and maintains to a high standard.
The Lagoon 46 at anchor in the Raiatea–Taha'a lagoon — four private cabins, open saloon, and a cockpit made for watching sunsets.
Each of the four double cabins has its own en-suite bathroom with hot shower — comfortably sleeping 8 guests. For families, up to 2 children can sleep on the large saloon banquette, bringing the total to 10. The saloon opens fully onto the cockpit — the natural gathering point for meals, sunset drinks, and watching the lagoon go by. The boat carries enough water and power for extended cruising without needing to dock.
There is a meaningful difference between a boat from a large charter fleet (rotated between clients weekly, serviced to minimum standards) and a privately owned catamaran whose owner sails it personally. This Lagoon 46 is the latter. The maintenance level shows — in the sails, the engine, the galley, and the finishing of the cabins.
Anchored in Bora Bora — arriving by private catamaran means choosing your own spot, away from the tourist moorings.
Prices by Group Size — 7 Nights, Leeward Islands
The charter price is fixed per week for the entire boat — not per person. Whether you are 2 or 8, the boat costs the same. The per-person cost therefore drops significantly as your group grows. Below are the indicative rates for a 7-night charter (the most popular format), with and without the cook option.
| Guests | Low season (Nov–Apr) | High season (May–Oct) | Per person / night low season, 7 nights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 guests | ~€7,000full boat · skipper + cook | ~€11,500full boat · skipper + cook | ~€500/night |
| 4 guests | ~€7,000full boat · skipper + cook | ~€11,500full boat · skipper + cook | ~€250/night |
| 6 guests | ~€7,000full boat · skipper + cook | ~€11,500full boat · skipper + cook | ~€167/night |
| 8 guests | ~€7,000full boat · skipper + cook | ~€11,500full boat · skipper + cook | ~€125/night |
At €125–167 per person per night — full board included, boat + crew + snorkelling gear — a private charter with 6 to 8 guests is frequently more affordable than a mid-range overwater bungalow on Bora Bora. And you wake up to a different lagoon every morning.
Rates vary by exact dates, duration, group configuration, and seasonal demand. The figures above are based on a 7-night charter with skipper and cook. Shorter charters (5–6 nights) are available at adjusted rates. Contact us with your dates and we'll get you an accurate quote directly from the skipper.
At anchor in the Raiatea–Taha'a lagoon — the starting point of every itinerary on this Lagoon 46.
Itinerary Options — 7 to 16 Days from Raiatea
The boat is based at marina Apooiti in Raiatea — you board directly after your Air Tahiti flight from Papeete (30 minutes). Every itinerary is tailor-made: the skipper adjusts the route day by day based on your preferences and weather conditions. The table below shows the typical circuits by duration.
| Duration | Circuit | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 4 days / 3 nights | Raiatea · Taha'a | Coral Garden snorkel, vanilla plantation, Faaroa river, Motu Tautau sunset |
| 5 days / 4 nights | Raiatea · Taha'a · Bora Bora | + Bora Bora lagoon, rays & sharks snorkel, Mount Otemanu views |
| 7 days / 6 nights | Raiatea · Huahine · Taha'a · Bora Bora | + Huahine: Hana Iti beach, Fare market, ancient marae, sacred eels |
| 9–12 days | Full Leeward circuit | All 5 islands — Raiatea, Huahine, Taha'a, Bora Bora, Maupiti |
| 13–16 days | Grand circuit + extensions | Maupiti manta rays, relaxed pace, optional Tetiaroa extension |
Leeward Islands itinerary map — from the 7-day short circuit to the 16-day grand tour including Maupiti.
Sunset at anchor off Taha'a — one of the best spots in all of French Polynesia to watch the sun go down.
The 5 Leeward Islands — What Each One Offers
Each island on the circuit has its own character. Here is what to expect at each stop — and why none of them feel alike.
Raiatea
The spiritual heart of Polynesia and your embarkation point. UNESCO World Heritage marae, the only navigable river in French Polynesia, and a lagoon shared with Taha'a. Departure and return point for all itineraries.
→ Full guide to RaiateaTaha'a
Shares Raiatea's lagoon. Home to the Coral Garden — one of the best drift snorkels in the Society Islands — and 80% of French Polynesia's vanilla production. No airport, no cruise ships. Pure Polynesia.
→ Full guide to Taha'aHuahine
The most authentic island on the circuit. Ancient marae, Hana Iti beach, sacred eels, untouched village life. Resisted mass tourism almost entirely. A day here changes how you see the rest of the trip.
→ Full guide to HuahineBora Bora
The most famous island in French Polynesia — and arriving by private catamaran is the best way to experience it. Anchor off a motu, watch the sun set behind Otemanu. Two full days minimum.
→ Full guide to Bora Bora
The motu of Huahine — one of the most pristine and least-visited beaches on the entire Leeward circuit.
Maupiti and its peak Teurafaatiu — the most remote and unspoiled island on the circuit, worth every extra day at sea.
What's Included — and What Isn't
Understanding exactly what the charter price covers is essential for budgeting accurately. Here is a clear breakdown for this specific Lagoon 46 charter.
- The boat — Lagoon 46, 4 double cabins en-suite
- Skipper — navigation, anchoring, safety, local knowledge
- Cook — meal preparation (when this option is selected)
- All meals on board — breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Fuel for navigation between islands
- Snorkelling gear — masks, fins, paddle boards
- Sheets, towels, and cabin linens
- Starlink WiFi on board
- Port and anchorage fees
- Dinghy for shore access and excursions
- International flights to Papeete
- Air Tahiti domestic flight Papeete → Raiatea (~€80–120/person)
- Alcoholic beverages on board
- Shore excursions (diving, lagoon tours, 4x4)
- Restaurant meals ashore (optional — 1–2 recommended)
- Personal expenses and shopping
- Crew gratuity (discretionary — customary at ~5–10%)
- Travel insurance
The cook option is included in the prices shown above. In the Leeward Islands, fresh provisioning is possible on most islands — the cook shops locally at village markets and the boat's fishing rod does the rest. The quality of food on board is consistently one of the things guests mention first in their feedback. We strongly recommend keeping the cook option rather than self-catering.
On board the Lagoon 46 — four en-suite double cabins, a fully equipped galley, and a saloon that opens onto the cockpit.
Request a Quote for This Charter
This Lagoon 46 is an independent owner-operated boat — not listed on any public booking platform. The only way to reach the skipper and request availability is through us. Fill in the form below with your dates, group size, and preferred duration. We'll come back to you within 24–48 hours with availability and a personalised quote.
At anchor in Taha'a — the typical morning view before the dinghy goes out for the Coral Garden snorkel.
Request availability & a quote for the Lagoon 46
Tell us your travel dates, group size, and preferred duration. We'll check the skipper's availability and send you a detailed quote within 48 hours.
→ Request a quote for this charterNot sure if this is the right option for your group? Read our complete operator comparison first — it covers all formats and price ranges available in the Leeward Islands.
Travelling solo or as a couple? A shared cabin cruise lets you book just two berths on a fixed-departure catamaran — a completely different format at a fraction of the private charter cost.
Want to compare all formats across all archipelagos — Leeward Islands, Tuamotu, cabin vs private — before making a decision? The hub article covers everything.
