If you are traveling all the way to French Polynesia, stay more than a week as this location is a tropical paradise with too much to see in 7-nights. The itinerary below covers some of the most beautiful locations starting from Raiatea.
Day 1
Fly in to Papeete Tahiti, and shake off your jet lag in a hotel for the day or connect directly by flight to our base at Raiatea Island at Marina Apooti. It is recommended to arrive at Raiatea Island on the early flight from Papeete. After checking in on the
yacht and provisioning, sail the short distance over to the island of Tahaa and pick up a mooring for the night. Moor in a wonderful bay for the first tropical toast and the first Pacific sunset.
Day 2
Sail around the coast of Tahaa within the lagoon the first morning and exit the fringing reef through Toahotu Pass for a spirited 4-hour sail to Huahine. Arrive at the lagoon entrance of Avamoa Pass and anchor to the left (port side) of the Bali Hai Hotel.
This is a safe and picturesque anchorage for the night and an opportunity to take in some Tahitian nightlife at the hotel. The bar and restaurant are open to charter sailors who want to go ashore and dine or have cocktails at the bar.
Day 3
Explore beautiful Huahine lagoon for the day trolling along the coast for some tuna or mackerel but if you don't catch one, stop in at Fare for provisioning at the supermarket, bakery and top off the water if need be. Later in the day sail down the west coast
for some spectacular snorkeling at Avea Bay, also a good place to grill the fish and watch the sky turn every hue of red and orange.
Day 4
Stay at anchor at Avea Bay and explore the beautiful beach and surrounding lush vegetation. Soak up the sun then cool off with a snorkel over a vibrant, colorful coral reef.
Day 5
Raise anchor early and head out the Avamoa Pass for the 4-hour reciprocal course back to Tahaa. Enter the lagoon through the Toahotu Pass and head for the first island lying to starboard, Mahaea Motu Island. Behind the island you find a deserted paradise with
fine sand and fringing palms leaning low over the shore. In the evening tie to a mooring at Haamene Bay, opposite Toahotu Pass, where you'll find the inviting Hibiscus restaurant.
Day 6
Sail around the bottom of Tahaa Island and return to the base to replenish supplies and top off the water tanks. Once the provisions are stowed, sail west across the lagoon to the magical islet of Llot Tautau. This is the perfect spot to watch the sun set
over the volcanic peaks of Bora Bora.
Day 7
Make way around the lagoon and exit the reef system at Papai Pass for a nice morning sail to majestic Bora Bora and the famous volcanic Pitons. Enter via the Teavanui Pass and sail to the mooring balls of the Bora Bora Yacht Club - a good place to indulge
in a tropical cocktail.
Day 8
Stay at anchor at Bora Bora and explore the islands interior in the morning - be sure to see the aquarium. In the afternoon, sail north around the top of the lagoon and down the eastern shore stopping at several tranquil tropical anchorages.
Day 9
Sail up the coast and shop for handicrafts and provisions at the township of Vaitape. A good overnight spot is in front of the Bora Bora Hotel. 100 yards off the hotel beach are several coral bommies that offer superb snorkeling. The hotel is an inviting location
for a magical evening meal.
Day 10
Up anchor and hoist sail for the 4 hour passage out the Teavanui channel to the west side of Raiatea via the Toamaro Pass. Anchor in behind Toamaro Island (to port as you enter the Pass). This is a spectacular, tropical anchorage with a great view for the
fiery Pacific sunset.
Day 11
Head out the Toamaro Pass and sail south around the bottom of the island outside the barrier reef. Re-enter the lagoon through Naonao Pass. Make your way up the eastern side of Raiatea inside the lagoon for an interesting stop at Opoa Bay. This bay features
some Polynesian Marea ruins on the headland. After lunch, continue exploring the coastline up to Faaroa Bay. Spend the night in this quaint little cove. There is a great restaurant ashore if you don't feel like cooking.
Day 12
On your last morning continue up the east coast of Raiatea and make way to the base for departure.
Disembark: 09:00hrs.
Located in the Pacific Ocean east of the Fiji Islands and north of New Zealand, the Tongan archipelago consists of over 170 islets and islands divided into three main chains. Located 20 minutes by car from Vava'u Island airport, Neiafu town is the capital of the island and your marina yacht base. Neiafu marina allows access to over fifty exquisite islands with golden beaches, azure lagoons and lush green coconut plantations.
Day 1
Neiafu Base | Hunga Island
Distance: 13 miles
Arrive day one and do a check in on your yacht followed by provisioning. You can either opt for a sleep over the first night to explore the harbor and shake off jet lag - but if you are ready then set sail. The deep natural harbor of Neiafu is an incredible
tropical ecosystem. As you sail out of the harbor you may be surrounded by a group of humpbacked whales on your way to Kapa Island to see Swallow Cave - a phenomenal blue grotto with translucent waters illuminated by sun rays reflecting off the sandy bottom
into the cave. Swim and snorkel in this Pacific paradise before heading for Hunga Island for the night. Formed by an extinct volcano, Hunga's huge lagoon can only be accessed through a 200-foot wide passage. Later see the traditional Tongan village above Hunga
harbor and for evening entertainment have dinner or cocktails at the rustic Hunga Club Resort.
Day 2
Hunga Island | Vaka'eitu
Distance: 9 miles
The next morning after breakfast explore Mariner's Cave, a fascinating cave accessed by snorkeling or diving under a rock ledge. Sailing to Vaka'eitu Island, you will notice the deep translucent waters that Tonga is known for. In places you can see 100ft down
to the bottom. Arriving at Vaka'eitu you will find a safe anchorage for the night. Spend the afternoon diving or snorkeling the beautiful coral reef.
Day 3
Vaka'eitu | Mounu, Lisa Beach
Distance: 10 miles
Sail to this delightful quaint island surrounded by the beautiful sands of Lisa beach. Mounu is a quintessential South Pacific dream island. Famous for the beach and the close proximity of nursing humpback whales which gather in the calm waters just off the
island. Visit the private resort in the evening and eat at the unique restaurant.
Day 4
Lisa Beach | Mananita | Kenutu
Distance: 18 miles
Surrounded by reefs, Mananita boasts some of the best snorkeling in the area. Careful navigation through the outer reefs will reward you with deserted powdery beaches. Wander into the lush interior and you will be rewarded again as the huge green leaves of
the Puko trees form a magical, backlit canopy overhead in this Garden of Eden. Later enjoy the idyllic lagoon of Kenutu for your overnight anchorage. Enjoy excellent diving on the reef and explore the ocean side of the island seeing the caverns and blowholes.
In the evening relax at Berlin Bar for a seafood meal and drinks.
Day 5
Kenutu | Eueiki
Distance: 6 miles
Sail to private Eueiki and walk the nature trails or take a traditional outrigger canoe excursion to swim with the humpback whales. In the evening, visit the eco resort where they generate their own power, purify water and offer a delightful tropical menu.
Day 6
Eueiki | Nuku | Port Marelle
Distance: 8 miles
Sail to tiny Nuku Island and anchor beside a beautiful sand spit. This is one of the most photographed locations in the Kingdom of Tonga. This shallow anchorage offers protected waters for swimming and is an excellent location for beginner snorkelers. Adjacent
is Ava Island offering dazzling snorkeling and diving off the western shore. Diving before midday allows the best visibility to see fish, living coral and to peer into the depths - which drop off to 200 feet. Port Maurelle is the location that Spanish Captain
Maurelle landed, the first European explorer to see Vava'u. At dusk watch the flying foxes, which are large Tongan fruit bats that come out and put on a show. For dinner dinghy over to the next bay where enterprising locals offer a delicious traditional meal
of roast pig, yams and other tropical vegetables for a very reasonable price.
Day 7
Port Maurelle | Lotuma | Neiafu Base
Distance: 4 miles
On your last day sail to Lotuma for a swim and snorkel then make your way back to Neiafu base. Have your last evening meal in the tropics before doing some souvenir shopping for Tongan handicrafts
Day 8
Port Maurelle
Disembark: 09:00hrs.
This 7-night itinerary allows short passages and line of sight navigation through the beautiful Whitsunday islands. Stops include gorgeous beaches and secluded anchorages as well as popular centers with hotels, fine dining and nightlife.
Day 1
Hamilton Island
Arrive at the base and provision then do a sleep over. This is a full service marina and the modern town has many facilities, hotel accommodations and restaurants. It is also where you can book snorkel and dive tours to the Great Barrier Reef as charter yachts
are prohibited from sailing the 20 miles out to the reef.
Day 2
Hamilton Island | Nara Inlet, Hook Island
Enjoy snorkeling with a kaleidoscope of colorful fish before wandering up to the Aboriginal site via the landing at the Northern end of the Inlet. Nara inlet offers the most protected anchorage in the island group.
Day 3
Nara Inlet, Hook Island | Blue Pear Bay, Hayman Island
Hayman Island is the northernmost of the Whitsunday's. Arrive early for one of the required mooring balls. There is excellent snorkeling at the north and south end of the bay. Watch a beautiful sunset over the distant Queensland mainland.
Day 4
Blue Pear Bay, Hayman Island | Butterfly Bay, Hook Island
Butterfly bay is considered the best snorkeling or diving in the area. Get there early in the day to get one of the required mooring balls. Otherwise you can anchor in Maureen's Cove outside the no-anchoring marks.
Day 5
Butterfly Bay, Hook Island | Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island
Whitehaven Beach is recognized as one of the finest beaches in the world. Wander the 8km of sand and soak up the sun. The use of anchor is allowed off the beach.
Day 6
Whitehaven Beach, Whitsunday Island | Cid Harbor, Whitsunday Island
Nestled between Cid Island and Whitsunday Island, Cid Harbor offers several bays, beaches and good safe anchorages. For adventurous hikers, take the walking trail to Whitsunday peak and explore the beautiful National Parks. There is also a great hike around
to Dugong Inlet from Sawmill Beach. Cid harbor is protected from all winds except west winds.
Day 7
Cid Harbor, Whitsunday Island | Hamilton Island
Spend the day exploring beautiful Cid harbor and surrounding environment before making it back to Hamilton island base. Enjoy a nice final evening meal at a local restaurant.
Day 8
Hamilton Island
Disembark: 09:00hrs.