The Signature Series – Luxury Catamaran

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.

Late February is wet season: hot, humid, with short heavy showers on about half the days rather than all-day rain. March actually gets more sunshine hours than July, and the water is around 28°C. This year forecasters expect a strong El Niño, which raises the chance of a cyclone in the Society Islands. So we make February guests a promise: if a cyclone threatens the islands around the February departure, move free of charge to our 24 to 31 July 2027 week, or take full credit. Late July is the dry season, outside cyclone season. If we have to cancel, you get full credit or a refund.

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.

You won't cook. A private chef lives aboard and cooks three meals a day plus snacks, with a Polynesian-French menu built around local fish, tropical fruit and Taha'a vanilla. There's an open bar with good wine and spirits, a champagne welcome and sunset cocktails. Tell us about allergies or dietary needs before you arrive and the chef will plan around you.

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.