Leading Catamaran and Yacht Companies in Tahiti
Tahiti, the crown jewel of French Polynesia, is a sailing paradise renowned for its turquoise lagoons, volcanic peaks, and vibrant marine life. Nestled in the South Pacific, the region’s Society Islands—Raiatea, Bora Bora, Taha’a, and Huahine—offer idyllic cruising grounds with steady trade winds and protected waters. The yacht charter industry in Tahiti thrives, providing bareboat, skippered, and crewed options on modern catamarans and yachts. Below, we explore the leading companies offering these services, focusing on their fleets, customer experiences, and unique offerings, drawing from recent insights and reviews.
Why Charter in Tahiti?
Tahiti’s allure lies in its untouched beauty and cultural richness. Sailors can explore coral reefs teeming with over 500 fish species, visit pearl farms, or dine at waterfront restaurants like Bora Bora Yacht Club. The region’s consistent 15–20-knot trade winds ensure smooth sailing, while its remote islands offer secluded anchorages. Whether you’re an experienced sailor seeking a bareboat adventure or a novice desiring a fully crewed luxury experience, Tahiti’s charter companies cater to all preferences with fleets featuring Fountaine Pajot, Lagoon, and Beneteau vessels.
Top Catamaran and Yacht Charter Companies
1. Tahiti Yacht Charter
Tahiti Yacht Charter, based in Raiatea, is a local leader with a fleet of nearly 30 French-built catamarans from Fountaine Pajot, Lagoon, and Nautitech, ranging from 36 to 58 feet. Their vessels are meticulously maintained, with “Grande Croisière” models equipped with generators, watermakers, and air conditioning. They offer bareboat, skippered, and crewed charters, with personalized itineraries covering the Leeward Islands. A 2025 Tripadvisor review raved, “Our skipper, Baptiste, was informative, and our cook, Angelique, made delicious meals tailored to my husband’s diabetic needs”. Pricing starts at €5,000 per week for a Lagoon 40 bareboat charter for eight. Their deep knowledge of Polynesian waters ensures a tailored experience.
2. The Moorings
The Moorings, a global giant, operates a robust Tahiti base at Marina Apooiti in Raiatea. Their fleet includes spacious catamarans, monohulls, and power yachts, equipped with modern amenities like GPS, autopilots, and flatscreen TVs. They offer bareboat, skippered, and all-inclusive crewed charters, ideal for exploring Bora Bora’s lagoons or Taha’a’s vanilla plantations. A customer noted, “The catamaran Sagitta operated perfectly, and the marina crew was exceptional”. The Moorings’ vacation planners assist with itinerary customization and provisioning, making them a top choice for hassle-free luxury. Their power flotilla experiences are unique for thrill-seekers.
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3. Sail Tahiti
Sail Tahiti, based in Mahina, is a premier brokerage and charter company, representing brands like Beneteau, Excess Catamarans, and Neel Trimarans. They offer tailored one- to three-week catamaran charters, emphasizing water sports like kiteboarding and diving. Their charters start in Raiatea, providing access to secluded motus and vibrant reefs. Sail Tahiti’s team handles booking logistics, ensuring a seamless experience. A 2024 review praised their “tailor-made offers” and professional service. Prices vary by season, with early bookings during the dry season (April–October) offering discounts. Their expertise in Polynesian cruising makes them ideal for adventure-focused charters.
4. Dream Yacht Charter
Dream Yacht Charter operates a diverse Tahiti fleet of catamarans and monohulls from Raiatea, catering to bareboat, skippered, and crewed charters. Their vessels are well-suited for exploring Raiatea’s Anapa Pearl Farm or Bora Bora’s Motu To’opua. A 2024 update highlighted their focus on personalized vacations, with options to reserve private cabins for crewed charters. Customers appreciate their flexibility, with one stating, “Hiring a skipper allowed us to relax and enjoy Tahiti’s beauty”. Pricing is competitive, with bareboat charters starting at $5,266 per week for a 40–50-foot vessel, though costs rise in peak season (June–September).
5. Boatbookings
Boatbookings, a global agency, offers an impressive Tahiti portfolio with 46 yachts, including 17 bareboats and luxury crewed catamarans like the Lagoon Seventy 7. Their website features detailed yacht reviews and a user-friendly search function. They specialize in ultra-luxury charters, with vessels like the 206-foot Suri priced at over $250,000 per week. A 2022 review commended their “spacious catamarans and knowledgeable crews”. Boatbookings’ charter experts craft bespoke itineraries, ensuring clients visit highlights like Huahine’s coral river or Bora Bora’s Bloody Mary’s restaurant. Their focus on client testimonials enhances trust.
6. Tahiti Charter
Tahiti Charter, a family-run operation, offers private catamaran cruises for 3 to 30 days, exploring Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea. Their handpicked, privately owned catamarans feature spacious cabins and activities like snorkeling and paddleboarding. A 2022 Google review praised skipper Philippe for “secret beach trips and memorable snorkeling with manta rays”. Their packages include three daily meals, non-alcoholic beverages, and linens, with optional excursions like pearl farm tours. Tahiti Charter’s intimate approach and passionate crews make them ideal for romantic or family escapes.
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7. Sunsail
Sunsail, based in Raiatea, offers bareboat and skippered charters with a fleet of well-maintained catamarans and monohulls. Their 10-day Leeward Islands itinerary covers Taha’a, Huahine, and Bora Bora, blending adventure and cultural immersion. A 2025 review noted, “The boat Sorrel was clean and well-maintained, with a fantastic captain”. Charters start at £2,300 per person, and many anchorages are free if you dine at associated restaurants. Sunsail’s focus on experienced sailors and year-round sailing conditions makes them a strong contender.
Choosing the Right Company
Selecting a charter company depends on your needs. Tahiti Yacht Charter and Tahiti Charter excel for local expertise and personalized service, ideal for couples or families. The Moorings and Dream Yacht Charter offer polished, large-scale operations with diverse fleets, perfect for luxury seekers. Sail Tahiti and Boatbookings cater to adventure and ultra-luxury enthusiasts, respectively, while Sunsail appeals to experienced sailors. Verify fleet maintenance and cancellation policies, especially with smaller operators. Booking through platforms like SamBoat can offer competitive rates, with catamaran rentals starting at €450 per day.
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Tips for a Successful Tahiti Charter
- Book Early: June–September is peak season; reserve three months ahead for best rates.
- Choose Your Charter Type: Bareboat for skilled sailors, skippered for guidance, or crewed for luxury.
- Plan Your Itinerary: Prioritize Raiatea’s sacred sites, Taha’a’s vanilla farms, and Bora Bora’s lagoons.
- Check Equipment: Ensure yachts have watermakers, air conditioning, and water sports gear.
- Engage a Skipper: For $250 per day, a local skipper navigates hidden reefs and shares cultural insights.
- Explore Ashore: Visit Huahine’s archaeological sites or Moorea’s waterfalls for cultural depth.
Conclusion
Tahiti’s leading catamaran and yacht companies offer unparalleled access to French Polynesia’s stunning islands. Tahiti Yacht Charter and The Moorings stand out for their modern fleets and customer service, while Sail Tahiti and Tahiti Charter provide tailored, intimate experiences. Dream Yacht Charter and Sunsail offer flexibility for budget-conscious sailors, and Boatbookings caters to luxury seekers. By choosing a reputable company and planning strategically, you can embark on a sailing adventure that showcases Tahiti’s turquoise waters, vibrant reefs, and Polynesian charm, creating memories to last a lifetime.
