French Polynesia Catamaran Charter - Sailoe

Sailing French Polynesia aboard a catamaran means discovering Bora Bora, Taha’a, Huahine and Raiatea from the sea, in tune with the trade winds. Sailoe offers Lagoon catamarans for charter departing from Papeete, with or without a French-speaking skipper, for tailor-made cruises across the Society Islands. Quote within 24 hours, direct contact with no middleman.

Why charter a catamaran to discover French Polynesia?

The catamaran is the ideal way to explore French Polynesia: its shallow draft lets you approach the motus and coral beaches that other types of boats cannot reach. On board, the living space is generous - double cabins, fitted galley, cockpit for meals at sea. You have the entire boat to yourselves: no shared cabins, no other group on board.

Sailing under the Polynesian trade winds unfolds in silence, in direct contact with the ocean. Between anchorages, manta rays, dolphins and turtles frequently join the crossings across the Society Islands.

What fleet does Sailoe offer in French Polynesia?

Sailoe has Lagoon catamarans available on request departing from Papeete - see the listings for Sakura, Synchronicity, Albatross, Maraamu Cardiff and Kirahu for the detailed specifications. The fleet is not permanently on site all year round: contact the team directly to check availability for your chosen dates.

Charter is possible with or without a French-speaking skipper depending on your sailing experience. A Sailoe skipper knows the passes, the anchorages and the local wildlife - it is recommended for a first cruise in French Polynesia, and mandatory in the Tuamotu.

Where can you sail from the Papeete base?

The Sailoe fleet in French Polynesia operates out of Papeete, the natural starting point for the Society Islands. From Papeete, on the island of Tahiti, itineraries reach the Society Islands (Bora Bora, Taha’a, Huahine, Raiatea) and, for longer programmes, the Tuamotu atolls.

The must-see anchorages of the Society Islands

• The lagoon of Bora Bora and its white-sand motus
• Anse Amyot at Taha’a, vanilla plantations and pearl farms within swimming distance
• The bays of Fare and Maeva at Huahine, with well-preserved underwater wildlife
• Marae Taputapuātea on Raiatea, a UNESCO World Heritage site

Is access to the Tuamotu possible?

Yes, for longer cruises of three weeks or more from Papeete. The atolls of Rangiroa, Tikehau and Fakarava - a UNESCO biosphere reserve - are among the most requested programmes. Sailing through the passes of the Tuamotu requires a professional skipper because of the technical nature of the currents. This kind of programme is built on request with the Sailoe team.

What is the best season to charter a catamaran in French Polynesia?

The dry season, from May to October, offers the best sailing conditions: steady trade winds, temperatures of 24 to 28°C, optimal underwater visibility. May, June and September combine good weather with fewer visitors.

In July and August, the southern wind (mara’amu) can be stronger - sailing suited to experienced crews. The wet season from November to April is not advised for a first cruise because of frequent rain and the risk of cyclones.

With or without a skipper: which option to choose for French Polynesia?

Bareboat charter is possible within the Society Islands if one of the crew members holds a coastal or offshore licence. For the Tuamotu, a professional skipper is mandatory whatever your experience. Sailoe also offers a hostess-cook option for meals prepared on board with fresh local produce.

Each option is built to measure based on the duration, the number of people on board and the programme you want.

How to organise your catamaran cruise with Sailoe?

Sailoe builds each cruise to measure: a direct conversation with the team is all it takes to define the programme, the availability and the option. No intermediary platform, no commission fees - you deal directly with the people who manage the fleet.

The process is simple: request a quote, talk with the team, receive a tailored proposal within 24 hours, then confirm. Short programmes of 7 to 10 days in the Leeward Islands as well as long ones of 21 days or more including the Tuamotu.

Request a quote for French Polynesia

Direct contact: charter@sailoe.com - +33 2 97 84 61 61

Frequently asked questions about catamaran charter in French Polynesia

Do you need a boat licence to charter a catamaran in French Polynesia?

A coastal or offshore licence is recommended to sail without a skipper in the Leeward Islands. For the Tuamotu, a professional skipper is mandatory whatever the renter’s experience, because of the technical nature of the passes and the currents in the atolls.

How much time should you plan for a cruise in French Polynesia?

A week minimum to explore the Leeward Islands (Raiatea, Taha’a, Bora Bora, Huahine). Two to three weeks to combine the Society Islands and the Tuamotu (Rangiroa, Tikehau, Fakarava).

How do you reach the Papeete base from France?

A Paris (CDG) to Papeete (Tahiti-Faaa, PPT) flight takes around 22 hours with a stopover usually in Los Angeles. The Sailoe base is in Papeete itself, on the island of Tahiti: no additional domestic flight is needed to reach the catamaran.