Guide
read the Tahiti sailing guide
Courses, seasons and what to expect sailing Tahiti and French Polynesia.
French Polynesia Sailing School
Sail the South Pacific Paradise: Master sailing among legendary islands, turquoise lagoons, and volcanic peaks. From Raiatea to Bora Bora — your Pacific dream awaits.
Flexible cancellation up to 90 days before your course.
Upcoming weeks in French Polynesia
Real departures, live availability — hold your spot below.
- Week 8Feb 27 - Mar 5, 2027$8,500per personHold your spot from $1,700 depositView & book
- Week 10Mar 6 - Mar 13, 2027$5,490per personHold your spot from $1,098 depositView & book
- Week 39Sold outSep 26 - Oct 3, 2026$5,490per person
- Week 40Sold outOct 3 - Oct 10, 2026$4,290per person
French Polynesia
Year-round
Monohull or Catamaran
ASA CertifiedTraining Facility
4.98/5228 reviews
Featured inVogue & Condé Nast
Departing from Uturoa Marina on Raiatea Island — the sacred heart of Polynesia — our students master sailing in one of Earth's most breathtaking destinations. Navigate turquoise lagoons protected by barrier reefs, sail between volcanic peaks that inspired legends, and anchor in bays where over-water bungalows dot the shoreline. Over seven transformative days aboard a modern cruising yacht, you'll learn coastal navigation, lagoon sailing, reef passage techniques, and passage planning through the Society Islands — earning globally recognized ASA certifications from ASA 101 through ASA 114. French Polynesia offers the perfect training ground: steady trade winds, protected lagoons, and island hops that take you from Taha'a's vanilla-scented shores to Bora Bora's iconic Mount Otemanu.
Why Choose Sailing Virgins for Your French Polynesia Sailing Course?
#1 Rated French Polynesia Sailing School
Top-ranked on TripAdvisor with hundreds of five-star reviews, trusted by students from over 40 countries, and the premier ASA-certified sailing school in the South Pacific.
Globally Recognized ASA Certifications
Complete beginners start with ASA 101 (Basic Keelboat), while more experienced sailors progress through ASA 103 and ASA 104 — typically two levels per week.
Want to skipper a catamaran? Add the ASA 114 Cruising Catamaran endorsement on our cat courses.
Earn your IPC (International Proficiency Certificate) eligibility once you complete ASA 104 — required for chartering in many international waters.
Train in the Legendary Society Islands
Navigate through French Polynesia's most iconic waters — from Raiatea's sacred origins to Bora Bora's legendary lagoon — mastering lagoon navigation, reef passages, and trade wind sailing in turquoise waters that inspired countless dreamers.
More Than Just a Course – A Transformation
Build the confidence to skipper your own yacht while developing leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. Leave French Polynesia as a different person than you arrived.
Small Crews, Big Connections
With only 4-6 students per yacht, enjoy personalized instruction and form bonds with your crew — many students leave as lifelong friends and future sailing buddies, planning reunion charters.
Not sure if French Polynesia is right for you?
Take our 2-minute quiz to find your perfect sailing adventure!
Take the Quiz
Small crews, big connections
Experience French Polynesia Like Never Before
Every morning begins in paradise. You'll wake to sunlight illuminating volcanic peaks rising from impossibly blue lagoons, perhaps anchored off a private motu with only swaying palms for neighbors. After the 7-7-7 morning routine and a swim in waters so clear you can see the sandy bottom 15 meters below, you'll enjoy fresh croissants and Tahitian coffee on deck while your instructor briefs the day's passage.
Your afternoons might find you mastering reef passage navigation between islands, practicing anchoring in a protected bay with Bora Bora's Mount Otemanu towering above, or exploring a coral garden by snorkel. As the sun sets in brilliant oranges and purples over the Society Islands, you'll share poisson cru (Tahitian raw fish salad) and grilled mahi-mahi with your crew, the Milky Way blazing overhead in the South Pacific darkness.
Your South Pacific adventure awaits
Why French Polynesia Calls to Sailors
French Polynesia is the ultimate sailing destination — 118 islands scattered across an ocean expanse the size of Western Europe, yet concentrated enough that you can sail between volcanic peaks and coral atolls in a single day. The Society Islands offer the perfect balance of legendary beauty and ideal learning conditions, with steady southeast trade winds, protected lagoons, and world-class anchorages.
Raiatea, our departure point, is known as the sacred island — the spiritual heart of Polynesian navigation where ancient voyagers launched canoes for Hawaii and New Zealand. From here, you'll master lagoon sailing to Taha'a (the vanilla island), reef passage techniques to Huahine, and open-ocean sailing to the legendary Bora Bora — each island offering unique challenges and unforgettable rewards.
Our carefully planned routes take you through waters that have inspired sailors for centuries — from the dramatic silhouette of Mount Otemanu to the pearl farms of Taha'a and the sacred marae of Raiatea. You'll anchor in lagoons of impossible blue, snorkel with reef sharks and manta rays, and experience Polynesian hospitality that has welcomed voyagers for a thousand years.
Every morning begins in paradise
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 Crew
Meet Your Captains
Our instructors aren't just certified — they're passionate sailors who know French Polynesia inside and out.
8+ years in French Polynesia
Captain Adam
Senior Instructor
“Adam's engineering background means he can explain not just what to do, but why — and he creates a crew family atmosphere from day one.”
— Sailing Virgins Team
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
Embark Saturday 1:00 PM
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
Loading map...
7-day circular route
Returns to Uturoa Marina
Sample itinerary
Day by day plan
Day 1
📍 Uturoa Marina to Faaroa Bay
Meeting time: Saturday at 1:00 PM
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.
Ready to Sail French Polynesian Waters?
Your next great story is waiting to begin.
Don't let another summer slip by without making this dream a reality.
Join our French Polynesia sailing school and set sail on an unforgettable adventure!
Flexible cancellation up to 90 days before your course.
What Do You Need to Know About Sailing in French Polynesia?
• When is the best time to arrive in French Polynesia?
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.
• What about departure plans?
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.
• What will the weather be like?
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.
• What should I pack for a week in French Polynesia?
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.
• I've never sailed before. Is that okay?
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.
• How's the food situation on board?
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!
• How do ASA certifications work?
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.
• What makes French Polynesia unique for sailing?
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.
More to Discover
Certification
Explore ASA certifications
All ASA sailing certifications offered by Sailing Virgins.
Certification
ASA 101 Basic Keelboat course
Start your sailing journey with the ASA 101 Basic Keelboat course.
Certification
ASA 102 Basic Coastal Cruising
Build your coastal sailing skills with the ASA 102 course.