Destination
French Polynesia sailing courses
Sail the turquoise lagoons of Tahiti and French Polynesia.
French Polynesia Catamaran Adventure
classicCatamaran
BeginnerIntermediateAdvancedFrom$5,490per person
$5,490
Starting from
7
Days sailing
5
Max crew size
5.0
Avg SV sailor rating
What past Sailing Virgins sailors say
French Polynesia reviews are coming as our first sailors complete the programme. Until then, here's a sample of what alumni from our Croatia and BVI programmes have written about the experience.
“Our instructor created a team/family out of 4 strangers in just 1 day. He taught from a place of deep experience and instilled that confidence in us.”
“I went stressed out and came back the most relaxed I have ever been. One of the best trips I've ever been on in my life.”
“An amazing experience balancing fun, training and incredible destinations. One week with Sailing Virgins turned out to be one of the best times in my life.”
Book with confidence
- Cancel 90+ days before departure for a near-full refund (admin fee only).
- Full credit or refund if Sailing Virgins has to cancel due to weather, government action, or other force majeure.
- Goodwill resale — even inside the 60-day window, if we resell your spot we'll refund you minus a small fee.
Select Your Adventure Week
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Course Overview
Sail the islands that define tropical paradise. Operating from Raiatea, this week takes you through the Society Islands to some of the South Pacific's most iconic destinations. From Raiatea, you'll first sail to neighbouring Taha'a, the "Vanilla Island," where you can visit plantations and snorkel pristine coral gardens in the shared lagoon. Then comes the highlight: the passage across open water to Bora Bora, that legendary silhouette of volcanic peaks rising from an impossibly turquoise lagoon. While resort guests pay $2,000 a night to stay in overwater bungalows, you'll anchor freely in the lagoon, experiencing the exhilaration and freedom that only a sailing yacht provides. You might climb to the summit of Mount Otemanu, buy huge fresh tuna direct from local fishermen to sashimi back on the boat, or simply float in water so clear it seems to glow. If the ocean swell permits, the adventurous route continues to Maupiti a remote island where tourism barely exists and the welcome is genuine. Swimming with reef sharks and manta rays is just one of the many extraordinary encounters this region offers. French Polynesia is sailing at its most magical: warm trade winds, protected lagoons, and a Polynesian culture that has been navigating these waters for millennia.
Perfect For
- Adventure seekers wanting to learn sailing
- Solo travelers looking to meet like-minded people
- Anyone wanting to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations
You'll Learn
- Basic to intermediate sailing skills
- Navigation and chart reading
- Safety procedures and emergency protocols
What's Included
What's NOT Included
So there are no surprises at checkout — these aren't covered by your course fee:
International flights
Travel insurance
Meals off the boat (shore dinners)
Alcohol and drinks ashore
Optional dive or activity add-ons
Gratuity (if you wish to tip your instructor)
Photo Gallery
Destination Guide
Your French Polynesia Adventure
Discover what makes sailing in French Polynesia an unforgettable experience — from the daily rhythm aboard to the stunning destinations you'll explore.
A Day in the Life
From sunrise yoga to sunset cocktails — here's what a typical day looks like on your French Polynesia sailing adventure.
| Time | Activity | What You'll Learn | Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | The 7-7-7 Morning Routine | 7min breathing practice, 7min meditation, 7min workout — the Sailing Virgins way | Zen |
| 07:30 | Lagoon Morning Swim | Dive into crystal-clear lagoon waters surrounded by coral reefs and tropical fish | Zen |
| 08:00 | Polynesian Breakfast | Fresh tropical fruits, French pastries, and strong Tahitian coffee on deck | Social |
| 09:30 | Theory Session | Charts, trade wind patterns, and reef passage planning for today's sail | Academic |
| 11:00 | Up Anchor & Sail | Navigate reef passages, master sail trim in steady trade winds, island-hop through paradise | Active |
| 13:00 | Motu Picnic | Anchor off a private motu (islet) for a beachside lunch and snorkeling | Social |
| 16:00 | Anchoring Practice | Master anchoring techniques in protected lagoons with volcanic peaks as backdrop | High Focus |
| 19:00 | Sunset Sundowner | Hinano beers and poisson cru as the sun sets behind Mount Otemanu | Celebration |
07:00The 7-7-7 Morning Routine
7min breathing practice, 7min meditation, 7min workout — the Sailing Virgins way
Zen07:30Lagoon Morning Swim
Dive into crystal-clear lagoon waters surrounded by coral reefs and tropical fish
Zen08:00Polynesian Breakfast
Fresh tropical fruits, French pastries, and strong Tahitian coffee on deck
Social09:30Theory Session
Charts, trade wind patterns, and reef passage planning for today's sail
Academic11:00Up Anchor & Sail
Navigate reef passages, master sail trim in steady trade winds, island-hop through paradise
Active13:00Motu Picnic
Anchor off a private motu (islet) for a beachside lunch and snorkeling
Social16:00Anchoring Practice
Master anchoring techniques in protected lagoons with volcanic peaks as backdrop
High Focus19:00Sunset Sundowner
Hinano beers and poisson cru as the sun sets behind Mount Otemanu
CelebrationZen
Academic
Active
Social
High Focus
Celebration
See French Polynesia in Action
Experience what a week of sailing looks like through the eyes of our students and instructors.
The Experience
A one-minute taste of paradise from our videographer Céline — experience the magic of sailing through French Polynesian waters.
Your French Polynesia Sailing Route
Sail through French Polynesia's legendary Society Islands on this 7-day South Pacific adventure. From Raiatea — the sacred island where Polynesian navigation began — you'll explore vanilla plantations, pearl farms, and the iconic lagoon of Bora Bora.
Start & Finish
Uturoa Marina
1
Faaroa Bay
Polynesia's sacred river
2
Taha'a
Vanilla Island & pearl farms
3
Bora Bora
Legendary Mount Otemanu
4
Bora Bora Lagoon
Shark & ray snorkeling
5
Huahine
Garden Island temples
6
Marae Taputapuatea
UNESCO sacred site
7
Islands
~115
Nautical Miles
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7-day circular route
Returns to Uturoa Marina
This is a sample route — your actual itinerary may vary based on weather, wind conditions, and crew preferences. That's the beauty of sailing!
Meet us at Uturoa Marina on Raiatea Island. Today you'll meet your instructor and fellow sailors, board the boat, and receive your safety briefings. After getting to know your new home for the week, you'll have your first sail — a gentle introduction navigating to Faaroa Bay, Polynesia's only navigable river, where lush tropical vegetation meets the sacred lagoon.
Cross the shared lagoon to Taha'a, known as the Vanilla Island for its fragrant vanilla plantations. Visit a pearl farm to learn about Tahitian black pearl cultivation, then anchor in a pristine bay surrounded by coconut palms. The afternoon offers world-class snorkeling at the Coral Garden.
The legendary passage to Bora Bora — your first open-ocean sail between islands. Navigate through the pass into the famous lagoon with Mount Otemanu and Mount Pahia towering above. Anchor in the turquoise waters and explore the island that has captivated travelers since the first Polynesian voyagers.
A full day exploring Bora Bora's legendary lagoon. Practice your anchoring in various locations around the island, snorkel with reef sharks and rays at the famous feeding spots, and master lagoon navigation through the shallow coral gardens. Evening at anchor with Mount Otemanu silhouetted against the sunset.
Your longest passage — a challenging open-ocean sail to Huahine, the Garden Island. Practice ocean sailing techniques, weather routing, and passage planning. Arrive through the pass into lush Huahine, where ancient marae (temples) and traditional villages await exploration.
Final exams and sail drills during your return passage to Raiatea. Visit the ancient marae Taputapuatea — the most sacred site in Polynesia and UNESCO World Heritage site. Anchor in the shadow of sacred Mount Temehani, where the rare tiare apetahi flower grows nowhere else on Earth.
An early morning sail along Raiatea's reef-protected coast returns you to Uturoa Marina by around 10 AM. Complete your final debrief, receive your ASA certifications, and say goodbye to your crew. The course ends before noon, leaving time to explore Raiatea or connect to Tahiti for your journey home.
Flexible sailing: Routes adapt to conditions. Your instructor will tailor the experience to maximize your learning and enjoyment.
FAQs About Our French Polynesia Sailing School
Your course starts at Uturoa Marina on Raiatea Island — your booking confirmation has the exact start time. We recommend arriving the day before to rest after the long journey. Fly into Tahiti's Faa'a International Airport (PPT), then take a short inter-island flight to Raiatea (RFP). Air Tahiti operates multiple daily flights.
Your course ends before noon on the final day. Book your flight from Raiatea to Tahiti for that afternoon, or stay to explore more of the Society Islands. Many students extend their trip to visit Moorea or spend extra time in Tahiti.
French Polynesia offers excellent sailing conditions year-round. The dry season (May-October) features steady southeast trade winds of 15-20 knots and lower humidity. The wet season (November-April) is warmer with occasional afternoon showers but still great sailing. Water temperatures stay around 26-29°C year-round.
Pack light! Quick-drying clothes, swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen (required to protect the coral), polarized sunglasses, a light rain jacket, and a soft duffel bag (no hard luggage). Bring water shoes for reef walking and a UV shirt for snorkeling. Don't forget insect repellent for evenings near shore.
Absolutely! Many of our most passionate sailors started as complete beginners in French Polynesia. The protected lagoons and steady trade winds create perfect learning conditions. Our instructors specialize in teaching newcomers — you'll be amazed how quickly you progress in these ideal waters.
We'll provision the boat with fresh supplies before departure. Expect tropical fruits, French breads and cheeses, and cooking supplies. You'll also enjoy incredible Polynesian cuisine at local restaurants — from fresh poisson cru to grilled lagoon fish. French influence means excellent wine and coffee, too!
You'll earn official ASA certifications through daily hands-on learning and practical exercises. French Polynesia offers courses from ASA 101 through ASA 104, plus the ASA 114 catamaran endorsement. At the end of the week, you'll complete written and practical exams.
French Polynesia offers an unmatched combination of legendary islands, protected lagoons, and Polynesian culture. You'll sail past volcanic peaks that rise 700 meters from turquoise lagoons, anchor in waters where ancient navigators launched epic voyages, and experience the warmth of island hospitality. The visibility for snorkeling is often 30+ meters, and encounters with reef sharks, manta rays, and dolphins are common.
Ready to Start Your Adventure?
Choose your perfect week to sail French Polynesia
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From
$5,490
per personHold your spot from $1,098 deposit