Guide to French Polynesia

Renowned for its main island of Tahiti, French Polynesia yacht charter routes are home to glorious aqua lagoons, coral-fringed coastlines and emerald green hillsides. The laid-back ambiance of this beautiful archipelago is tangible, enveloping visitors in the warm geniality of each breathtaking island.

Comprising five main island groups, French Polynesia encompasses the Society Islands, the Tuamotus, the Marquesas, the Australs, and the Gambier Archipelago. Each group has its own distinct character, from bustling Tahiti to the remote, sparsely visited Gambiers.

Home to hundreds of lush atolls and mysterious coves, this region is rich in Polynesian culture, with culinary traditions and influences drawn from French, Italian, and Chinese heritage.

The Society Islands
Home to the chic seduction of Tahiti yacht charters and the picture-perfect land of Bora Bora, the Society Islands are the most visited archipelago in French Polynesia and a popular choice for honeymooners. Here you will find azure waters rich with coral life, sugar-white sandy beaches, and vivid sunsets. With a strong concentration of hotels and spas, this cluster of islands is ideal for a range of charter groups.

Tuamotu Archipelago
Tuamotu, meaning "islands on the ocean's back", has been likened to the backs of surfacing whales, a fitting description for its string of fringed white beaches, coconut groves, and coral atolls. Embraced by 76 atolls, the Tuamotu Archipelago is made up of thinly scattered islands surrounded by azure waters, coral reefs, and deep blue lagoons. Home to one of the world's largest atolls, this island collection produces the region's famed black pearls and draws snorkelers and scuba divers for its translucent waters, with visibility regularly exceeding 150 feet.

The Marquesas
Reputed as 'the Mysterious Islands', the Marquesas are composed of twelve volcanic islands, often veiled in cloud. The islands are rich with lush vegetation, including ylang-ylang, jasmine, ginger, and plumeria. Dotted with ancient ruins and stone tikis, the Marquesas reward exploration of their tropical jungle interiors set against a backdrop of volcanic landscape. Relatively undiscovered, these islands receive few visitors, with sheltered reefs and lagoons offering a quiet, unhurried pace.

The Austral Islands
Laced with coconut palms and banana trees, the Austral Islands welcome visitors to a slow-paced daily life. Located on the Tropic of Capricorn, this small chain of islands has a strong tradition of weaving coconut and pandanus leaves into hats, purses, and bags, making for distinctive souvenir shopping. With opportunities to hike to waterfalls and explore the stalagmites of secluded caves, the Austral Islands offer a quieter, more adventurous side of a yacht charter in French Polynesia.

The Gambier Archipelago
Remote and rarely visited, this tiny archipelago suits those seeking genuine seclusion, far removed from daily routine. The islands here produce some of the region's most prized pearls and are marked by mountainous landscapes and colonial history. Draped with monuments, white sand beaches, and towering rocky peaks, the Gambier Archipelago is a destination for motor and sailing yacht charter guests looking to go further off the beaten path.

If you are interested in discovering French Polynesia by superyacht, view all available yachts in the region and the surrounding waters of South Pacific yacht charters to start planning your next vacation with a recommended yacht charter broker.