By Lise Athimon 
By Lise Athimon
September 16, 2022
In brief
When to go? The dry season is the best time to enjoy the radiant Polynesian sun, i.e. between June and September.
Why go to Bora Bora? A lagoon of multiple shades of blue, marine fauna, a change of scenery and disconnection are on the program if you choose a yacht charter in Bora Bora.
The most beautiful anchorages: in front of Motu Toopua or close-hauled to Motu Taufarii.
Map of the navigation zones of the Society Islands archipelago in French Polynesia (clickable)
Summary
- Practical information for your yacht charter to Bora Bora
- What to do in Bora Bora?
- What are the weather conditions?
Who has never dreamed of sailing in water of every shade of blue, enjoying heavenly beaches and snorkeling with rays and sharks? Bora Bora offers you all this and much more! Yacht charter in Bora Bora will allow you to enjoy a privileged experience on the lagoon while giving you the opportunity to discover the island and the islets of white sand that surround it, the motus.
Set off to explore French Polynesia by catamaran (YouTube video)
1. Practical information for your yacht charter to Bora Bora
Renting a boat in Bora Bora: with or without a skipper?
| With a skipper | Without a skipper |
|---|---|
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If you would like to know more about the advantages of a yacht charter with a skipper, please read our article for more information.
How much does a yacht charter to Bora Bora cost?
The table below gives you an idea of the average prices for a yacht charter in Bora Bora, for a period of one week. Note that these prices are a dead reckoning and may vary depending on several factors (season, model and size of the boat).
For more information on the prices of a catamaran charter to Bora Bora, please don't hesitate to contact our team of advisors!
| Type of boat | High Season June to September | Mid-season April, May and October | Low Season November to February |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catamaran (between 35 and 40 feet) | 6,500 USD | 6,000 USD | 5,000 USD |
| Catamaran (between 40 and 45 feet) | 10,500 USD | 9,000 USD | 8,000 USD |
| Catamaran (between 45 and 50 feet) | 17,000 USD | 14,000 USD | 13,000 USD |
Our main partners on site
- Dream Yacht Charter currently offers more than 1,000 boats in some sixty destinations around the world. In French Polynesia, they have a fleet of catamarans in Bora Bora or at the Uturoa marina on the island of Raiatea.
- Tahiti Yacht Charter is our second partner, located on the largest island of French Polynesia. It also has a base in Bora Bora. This company specializes in cruises in French Polynesia on board sailing catamarans.
2. What to do in Bora Bora?
Discover the island from the side of the boat of a catamaran
Bora Bora, or simply Bora, is a small island in the South Pacific, located in the heart of the Leeward Islands in the Society Islands archipelago. Famous for its luxurious hotels on stilts, the island also enchants tourists from all over the world with its white sandy beaches, coconut palms and, above all, its lagoon with its myriad shades of blue. Nothing beats discovering this little corner of paradise on the side of a catamaran, allowing you to explore the lagoon and the various motus surrounding the main island in depth.
Map of Bora Bora (Google Maps)
We recommend a catamaran charter because the lagoon is very shallow in places. You will also have to stay in the channel, as not all of the lagoon is accessible by boat. There is only one way in and out of the lagoon, the Teavanui pass, located to the west of the island. Sailing itineraries are, however, very well marked. Anchorage is not permitted inside the lagoon. You will therefore have to moor to the buoys.
inside the lagoon, you will be spoiled for choice! You can discover the island's rich marine life at the various snorkeling spots, visit the main island or explore the motus of Bora Bora. The coral garden, located in the north of the island, is nevertheless a must-see! We recommend two anchorages: Toopua motu and Taufarii motu. The first will allow you to anchor your boat in front of the famous Bloody Mary's restaurant. You can sip a cocktail while browsing the list of the many celebrities who have passed through its doors. An anchorage around Motu Taufarii will give you the opportunity to explore the eastern part of Bora Lagoon.
Snorkeling in the lagoon: not to be missed!
Snorkeling is the unmissable activity to do during your cruise to Bora Bora. The island is also in our Top 5 of the best diving spots in Polynesia. In the lagoon's seabed, you can discover various kinds of rays such as manta rays and stingrays, sea turtles, and even black-tipped sharks!
The seabed of the Bora Bora lagoon (YouTube video)
Other activities not to be missed during your yacht charter in Bora Bora
What could be better than relaxing on one of the most beautiful beaches in Polynesia? You're sure to love Matira beach, in the south of the island! A long beach of white sand surrounded by coconut palms, the beach is also very uncrowded on weekdays! Then take advantage of being on land to explore the island and its lush vegetation. For example, you can explore the heights of the island to the cannons left behind by the Americans after the Second World War, or Mount Pahia, which offers a magnificent view of the lagoon.
For a more traditional Bora experience, don't hesitate to rent out canoes on the lagoon. The provider will take you to the most beautiful snorkeling spots before introducing you to delicious Polynesian dishes.
3. What are the weather conditions?
"The best time to sail in French Polynesia is between June and October, as it is then outside the rainy season. It is also between these months that the whale season is on !" explains Frédéric, base manager at Dream Yacht Charter in Raiatea.
In French Polynesia, the climate is tropical and characterized by two main seasons. The wet season between the months of November and April and the dry and cool season between the months of June and September. Although this region enjoys a great deal of sunshine throughout the year, the best time to sail there is between the months of April/May and September/October. If you choose to rent a boat during this period, you will enjoy temperatures of around 30°C and you will be able to swim in warm water, between 26°C and 29°C.
In general, navigation is relatively easy in this part of the world. French Polynesia is most often influenced by the southeast trade wind with an average force of 15 to 20 knots, sometimes reaching 25 knots. The Maraamu is also a Polynesian wind, stronger (25 to 35 knots) which can blow between the months of June and August. In these conditions, the sea can be rough with swells of up to 2.5 meters. In the presence of the Maraamu, the great crossings and passages from Bora Bora to Taha'a are not recommended because they can be quite uncomfortable.
Acknowledgements
I would like to thank Frédéric from Dream Yacht Charter for his valuable advice!
Good to know
| Number of boats available | 115 |
|---|---|
| Types of service | Skipper, Hostess, Sailor, Chef (meals not included) |
| Average price per week | $19,522 |
| Minimum weekly price | $2,627 |
| Maximum price per week | $237,350 |