French Polynesia by Superyacht: Society vs Tuamotus vs Marquesas

3 September 2025

French Polynesia was made for long, considered charters: lagoon-calm mornings, sand-only anchorages, and evenings where the sky still feels wild.

A single season can deliver three very different moods—the Society Islands (Tahiti, Moorea, Taha’a, Bora Bora), the Tuamotus (Rangiroa, Fakarava and their coral atolls) and the Marquesas (Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa—rugged, green and remote). Below, we outline when to go, who each suits, and how to shape 7–14-night routes—anchored by NORTHERN ESCAPE, accepting enquires for charter in the region from July through to October 2026.

 

When to go (by archipelago)

Society Islands (Tahiti • Moorea • Taha’a • Bora Bora)

Best window: roughly May–October for reliable trade winds and clear water. Shoulder weeks either side can be gentle with fewer visitors.
Why it works: short passages, protected lagoons, elegant days that keep the sea close.

Tuamotus (Rangiroa • Fakarava • Tikehau)

Best window: typically May–October when visibility is high and passes behave more predictably.
Why it works: pass dives, drift snorkels, motu picnics—atolls that feel a world away from marinas.

Marquesas (Nuku Hiva • Hiva Oa)

Best window: broadly April–November (outside the wetter summer).
Why it works: dramatic valleys, cultural depth, ocean passages that reward guests who enjoy the journey as much as the bays.

Which archipelago suits your group?

Societies — effortless lagoon life

Families and first-timers who want calm water, short hops and iconic vistas—Moorea’s bays, Taha’a’s vanilla-scented breezes, and Bora Bora at golden hour.

Tuamotus — water lovers & divers

Guests who want atoll horizons, powder-soft motus and days built around pass timing. Think tender-only landings, Seabobs over coral gardens, and star-heavy nights.

Marquesas — culture & edge-of-the-map

Travellers drawn to dramatic landforms, ancient sites and longer blue-water legs between anchorages. A deeper story, fewer footprints.

Sample routes:

Society Islands — 7–10 nights (round-trip Papeete)

Tahiti → Moorea → Taha’a → Bora Bora → Tetiaroa (conditions allowing) → Tahiti

Moorea: lagoon day, paddleboards to the reef edge, dinner on deck.

Taha’a: vanilla farm visit, motu picnic, calm overnight on sand.

Bora Bora: slack-tide swim, tender across to Matira in late light.

Tetiaroa (by weather window): sandbar morning, return leg in time for sunset arrivals.

 

Tuamotus — 10–14 nights (Rangiroa & Fakarava arc)

Papeete → Rangiroa → Fakarava North → Fakarava South → Tikehau (optional) → Papeete

Rangiroa: blue-on-blue vistas, dolphin passes and glassy inside-lagoon waters.

Fakarava North/South: pass dives with licensed guides, drift snorkels, motu dinners.

Tikehau (optional): pink-sand cays, tender-only beaches, quiet nights under a sky full of stars.

 

Marquesas — 10–14 nights (Nuku Hiva & Hiva Oa)

Papeete (flight) → Nuku Hiva → Ua Pou → Hiva Oa → Tahuata → Nuku Hiva

Nuku Hiva: cathedral valleys and waterfalls ashore; supper afloat.

Ua Pou: spire-topped skyline, bays that feel cinematic.

Hiva Oa/Tahuata: artisan visits, black-sand beaches, story-rich days.

 

Yacht spotlight: NORTHERN ESCAPE

NORTHERN ESCAPE will be on station in French Polynesia for a limited season from July to October, with prime weeks booking fast, now is the time to secure your preferred travel dates. Expect contemporary lines, a guest-friendly layout for extended 10–14-night arcs, toy-ready afternoons and a crew who read the moment—lagoon days in the Societies, atoll horizons in the Tuamotus, or a deeper cultural program in the Marquesas.

French Polynesia rewards time well spent—and NORTHERN ESCAPE is your way to do it properly. For a limited season she’ll be on station to shape Society Islands, Tuamotus or Marquesas arcs around your pace: lagoon-calm days, tender-only motus, blue-water passages when you want them. If a French Polynesia superyacht charter is on the horizon, share your dates and guest profile, confirm a 7–14-night itinerary and handle every detail from arrivals to on-deck dinners.


How to book a Charter in French Polynesia with NORTHERN ESCAPE:

Contact Ocean Alliance & share dates and guest profile — family mix, wellness focus, dive interest, celebration moments.

Confirm the vessel — we place a preliminary hold on NORTHERN ESCAPE and align on archipelago choice (or a split).

Itinerary confirmation — you’ll receive a primary plan plus weather-aware alternates (Societies / Tuamotus / Marquesas).

Commercials (MYBA terms) — charter fee on signature/balance; plan for APA (typically 30–35%) and discretionary gratuity.

Final call — preference sheet polished (menus, cabins, kids’ set-ups, shore time). You arrive; the days unfold.

Enquire to secure your preferred week.

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