Sailing in Tahiti

With near perfect nautical conditions all year round, sailing in Tahiti is a glorious experience for many. Offering some of the very best sailing in the Southern Pacific and in the world, Tahiti is a fantastic place to sail your worries away. Set amidst a dramatic backdrop of beautiful islands, spectacular atolls, lush green peaks, protected bays, quiet lagoons and stunning beaches, sailing here is the perfect way to relax, while taking in some of the most striking sceneries along the way.

Blessed with oceanic views unlike any other in the world, Tahiti offers sailors and tourists an amazing retreat from the hustle and bustle of busy ports. Enjoy sailing in peaceful and tranquil aqua-colored waters, while being guided by schools of gracefully swimming dolphins and fish. One of the best places to sail in the Society Islands is off the coast of Raiatea, which has now become a principle sailing center for Tahiti. Showcasing truly superb views, sailing here is a terrific experience.

For most boats and yachts, the main port of entry is the French Polynesian capital of Papeete in Tahiti. However, if you can get prior approval, you and your crew may also be cleared to dock in the ports of places like Bora Bora, Huahine, Hiva Oa, Moorea, Nuku Hiva, Mangareva, Rangiroa and Ua Pou. Please do keep in mind that Tahiti has strict applicable rules for yachts and boats that dock in the country. First you need to pay a bond of US$ 800 for every member of your crew. Another rule is boat fumigation, especially if you have traveled via Central and South America or any other southern Pacific island. Also remember that if you sail here, you have to report to the local French police or gendarmerie at all ports-of-call.

With lots of bays and fabulous natural harbors off the coast, sailing in Tahiti is an experience to treasure. You can either sail into the country on your own boat, or you can rent a boat, a single hull yacht or a catamaran while in Papeete. These boats can come with or without a skipper or crew. If you have enough sailing experience, you can hire your own crew in Tahiti itself to sail around the region. There are even hobbie cats on hire for a day in Papeete.

Since this region is dominated by easterly trade winds, the best time to sail in Tahiti is from April to June, where the wind blows a gentle 25 knots and the temperature is prefect at around 30oC. From August to July is winter in Tahiti with much cooler temperatures and strong southeasterly trade winds. Avoid sailing from November through March as it is rainy season, with chances of hurricanes occurring.

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