You’re looking at a map of Bora Bora and thinking, “How do I actually see the parts that aren’t my overwater bungalow?” The answer is a boat — specifically, a chartered yacht that turns the lagoon into your personal highway. Around 300,000 visitors land on this volcanic island each year, and most never leave the resort side of the reef. A private charter flips that script, giving you access to the motus (small islets), the coral gardens, and the side of Mount Otemanu that looks different from every angle. This article covers the charter types worth your time, the routes that make sense for a family, and the practical realities of booking a boat in one of the South Pacific’s most expensive destinations.
Chartering a yacht in Bora Bora typically costs between $7,000 and $20,000 per week for a crewed catamaran, with an additional 40–70% on top for provisions, fuel, and crew gratuity.
A crewed catamaran is the sweet spot for most families — stable, spacious, and staffed with a captain who knows the lagoon’s shallow passes. It’s not cheap, but it replaces the cost of a resort room, restaurant meals, and excursion fees with one all-in floating base.
Families who want privacy and flexibility
Couples celebrating a milestone
Small groups splitting costs
| Day | Where You’re Going | What You’re Doing | Time Needed | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Vaitape to Motu Piti Aau | Settle in, snorkel the coral garden, sunset on the motu | Half-day sailing + 3 hours onshore | Anchor on the west side of the motu before 2 p.m. to claim the best sandy spot |
| Day 2 | Motu Piti Aau to Matira Point | Morning reef dive, lunch at a beachside snack bar, afternoon paddleboarding | Full day with 2-hour sail between stops | Matira Point gets crowded after 11 a.m. — arrive early for a quiet swim |
| Day 3 | Matira Point to Motu Tapu | Private motu picnic, lagoon safari by dinghy, stargazing | Full day, overnight at anchor | Motu Tapu is privately owned — ask your charter company for permission to step ashore |
| Day 4 | Motu Tapu to Bora Bora Airport (BOB) | Final snorkel, return to Vaitape, disembark | Half-day sailing + 2 hours for check-out | Book your flight after 1 p.m. to allow time for the 6 km transfer from Vaitape Harbour |
Day 1: Vaitape to Motu Piti Aau — Settling Into Lagoon Life
Most charters begin at Vaitape Harbour, the main port on the western side of the island. After a quick briefing from your crew, you’ll motor out past the airport runway — which sits on its own motu — and into the open lagoon. The sail to Motu Piti Aau takes about two hours, depending on wind, and the water shifts from deep navy to pale turquoise as you approach the reef.
Arrive by 9 a.m. for provisioning and crew introductions. The harbour is a 10-minute taxi ride from most resorts on the main island. Your charter company will handle the paperwork — you just need passports and the booking confirmation.
The route passes the eastern face of Mount Otemanu. Ask the captain to cut the engine for the last 20 minutes — the silence against the volcanic rock is the part you’ll remember. Anchor depth here runs about 5–8 metres, suitable for most catamarans.
A short dinghy ride from the anchorage, the coral garden holds parrotfish, triggerfish, and the occasional blacktip reef shark. Currents are mild in the morning. Bring reef-safe sunscreen — the lagoon’s ecosystem is fragile.
The west-facing beach catches the last light. Your crew can set up a picnic dinner here, but pack insect repellent — sandflies are active at dusk. This is the night to test the drone’s low-light camera for a wide shot of the anchorage.
If you’re short on time, skip the sunset picnic and motor back to Vaitape for dinner at a waterfront restaurant — the sail back takes under an hour and gives you a different perspective of the island lit up after dark.
Day 2: Motu Piti Aau to Matira Point — Reef Dives and Beach Time
Matira Point sits at the southern tip of the main island and is home to the only public beach in Bora Bora. It’s also where the lagoon meets the open ocean, which means stronger currents and better snorkelling. The sail from Motu Piti Aau is short — about two hours — so you’ll have most of the morning for a guided reef dive.
The reef drop-off starts about 50 metres from shore. Visibility often exceeds 30 metres. If you’re not certified, your crew can arrange a guided snorkel instead — the coral formations are visible from the surface. Dive time: roughly 45 minutes.
Matira Beach has a handful of casual spots serving poisson cru (raw fish marinated in lime and coconut milk) and grilled mahi-mahi. Expect to pay around $15–$20 per plate. Tie your dinghy to the public dock near the beach access path.
The lagoon side of Matira is calm enough for stand-up paddleboarding, even for beginners. Your charter should have boards onboard. Paddle toward the reef crest — the water shallows to about 1 metre, and you can see stingrays gliding below.
Matira Point gets busy with day-trippers from the resorts after 11 a.m. If you want the beach mostly to yourselves, anchor here before 9 a.m. and leave by early afternoon.
Matira Point’s public beach access is free, but parking for dinghies is limited to a small dock near the snack bars. Tie up early or ask your crew to shuttle you in shifts.
Day 3: Matira Point to Motu Tapu — Private Picnic and Lagoon Safari
Motu Tapu is a small, privately owned islet on the eastern side of the lagoon, near the main channel. It’s not open to the general public, but some charter companies have arrangements with the owners for private visits. This is the day to go slow — no sailing schedule, just a dinghy safari through the shallow flats and a long lunch on the sand.
The anchorage here is shallow — about 3–4 metres — so the water is warm and clear. Your crew will lower the dinghy and set up a shaded spot on the motu. Permission to step ashore must be arranged in advance; confirm this with your charter company before departure.
Take the dinghy through the channels between motus. You’ll spot eagle rays, reef sharks, and sea turtles in the seagrass beds. The water here is rarely deeper than 2 metres, so you can see the bottom clearly. Bring a 360-degree camera to capture the full underwater landscape without needing to frame every shot.
Your crew will prepare a lunch of grilled fish, fresh fruit, and baguettes on the beach. There are no facilities on the motu — no toilets, no shade beyond what you bring. Pack a sun shelter and plenty of water.
With no resort lights nearby, the night sky here is exceptionally dark. The Southern Cross is visible from April to October. Your crew can set up cushions on the deck — no need for a telescope.
If Motu Tapu isn’t available, ask your charter company about Motu Tehotu or Motu Ahuna — both are privately managed but sometimes accessible with advance notice.
Motu Tapu is privately owned, and unauthorised landings can result in fines. Always confirm access with your charter company before anchoring here. Some operators require a separate fee of around $100–$200 for the visit.
Day 4: Motu Tapu to Bora Bora Airport — Final Snorkel and Disembark
The last morning is short. Most charters require you to be back at Vaitape Harbour by 10 a.m. for check-out, cleaning, and crew farewells. But there’s time for one final swim before you motor back.
Anchor near the pass between Motu Tapu and the main island. The current here pulls gently through the channel, so drift snorkel with the flow. You’ll see larger fish — trevally, barracuda, and sometimes a passing manta ray. Limit this to 30 minutes to leave time for the return sail.
The sail back takes about 1.5 hours. Use this time to pack bags and tip the crew — customary gratuity for crewed charters is 10–20% of the base charter fee. Disembark by 10 a.m. for a 1 p.m. flight.
Vaitape Harbour is about 6 km from Bora Bora Airport (BOB). Taxis are available at the dock, or your charter company can arrange a transfer. The drive takes 15 minutes. Check-in at the airport opens two hours before domestic flights to Tahiti.
If your flight isn’t until late afternoon, ask your charter company about a half-day extension — some operators offer a discounted rate for a final morning sail without overnight anchoring.
Now that you know the route, here’s how to actually book it — and what to watch out for when the price tag starts climbing.
Practical Section: Booking, Budgeting, and Navigating the Logistics
| Charter Type | Weekly Base Cost | Best For | Key Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bareboat Catamaran | $4,000 – $7,000 | Experienced sailors with a license | You need an RYA Day Skipper, ASA 101/103, or ICC — and local knowledge of shallow passes |
| Crewed Catamaran | $8,000 – $15,000 | Families and groups wanting full service | Add 40–70% for provisions, fuel, and crew gratuity |
| Crewed Motoryacht | $10,000 – $20,000 | Larger groups or those wanting speed | Higher fuel consumption — budget an extra $2,000–$3,000 for a week of cruising |
| Superyacht | $30,000 – $150,000 | Luxury-focused travellers with a big budget | Requires deep-water mooring — some lagoon spots are inaccessible |
How to Book a Charter
Most charters in Bora Bora are booked through a broker or directly with a charter company like WI Yachts, which lists bareboat and crewed options. Booking windows open 6–12 months in advance for the dry season (May to October). For a crewed catamaran, expect to pay a 50% deposit at booking and the remainder 30 days before departure. The base fee covers the yacht and crew — everything else (food, fuel, dockage, gratuity) is extra.
What the Add-Ons Actually Cost
The base charter fee is only half the story. The Advanced Provisioning Allowance (APA) covers food, drinks, and fuel, and typically runs 30–40% of the base fee. For a $10,000 crewed catamaran, that’s an extra $3,000–$4,000. Crew gratuity adds another 10–20%. VAT in French Polynesia is included in most charter quotes, but confirm this before signing. If you’re booking a bareboat, you’ll also need to pay for a skipper — roughly $200–$300 per day — unless you hold a recognised sailing license.
Getting to the Boat
You’ll fly into Tahiti’s Faa’a International Airport (PPT), then take a domestic flight to Bora Bora Airport (BOB). From the airport, it’s a 15-minute taxi or pre-arranged transfer to Vaitape Harbour. If you’re arriving on a private jet, BOB has FBO services for private jet arrivals. EU and US citizens do not need a visa for stays under one month in French Polynesia, which is part of Overseas France. Non-exempt nationals should apply for a French Polynesia Short-Stay Visa at least 30 days before arrival.
The dry season (May to October) is also peak tourist season. Charter availability drops sharply after August, and prices for crewed catamarans can jump 20–30% in July and August. Book by February if you’re aiming for a summer trip.
- A crewed catamaran is the most practical option for families — it includes a captain who knows the lagoon and a chef who handles meals, which removes the two biggest stressors of a DIY charter.
- Budget 40–70% above the base charter fee for provisions, fuel, and gratuity. A $10,000 weekly charter realistically costs $14,000–$17,000 all-in.
- Book 6–12 months out for the dry season, and confirm motu access permissions before you go — not all private islets allow landings.
Before You Go: Bora Bora Yacht Charter Questions Answered
Do I need a sailing license to charter a boat here?
For a bareboat charter, yes — you’ll need an RYA Day Skipper, ASA 101/103, or an International Certificate of Competence (ICC). If you don’t have one, you can hire a skipper for around $200–$300 per day, or book a crewed charter where the captain is included.
Is a yacht charter cheaper than a resort stay?
It depends on your group size. A crewed catamaran for four people at $12,000 per week works out to about $430 per person per night — comparable to a mid-range overwater bungalow. But the charter includes all meals, drinks, and excursions, which a resort charges separately.
What’s the biggest downside of a bareboat charter?
Navigation in the lagoon is tricky — shallow passes, coral heads, and shifting sandbars require local knowledge. First-time visitors often find themselves aground or stressed about anchoring. A skipper or crewed charter removes that risk entirely.
Can I visit the private motus without permission?
No. Motu Tapu, Motu Tehotu, and several others are privately owned. Landing without permission can result in fines or being asked to leave. Always confirm access with your charter company before anchoring near a private islet.
What should I pack that I might forget?
Reef-safe sunscreen, a sun shelter for motu picnics, insect repellent for dusk, and a dry bag for dinghy rides. If you’re bringing a compact drone, check the weight — models under 249g don’t need registration in French Polynesia, but you still need to follow no-fly zones around the airport and military areas.
Why a Week on the Water Changes How You See the Island
Most visitors experience Bora Bora from a fixed point — a resort balcony, a restaurant table, a tour boat that returns to the same dock. A charter flips that. You wake up in a different anchorage each morning, and the island rearranges itself around you. The lagoon stops being a backdrop and becomes the thing you’re actually navigating. It’s a slower, more intentional way to travel, and it’s the only way to see the motus without a crowd. If you’re weighing the cost against a resort stay, consider that the charter replaces accommodation, most meals, and all your excursions in one package — and gives you a view that changes every day. For more on how to fill your days ashore, the jet ski safari guide covers a faster way to explore the same lagoon routes.
References
WI Yachts. “Bora Bora Yacht Charter Guide.” WI Yachts, 2025. ↗
If you’re still deciding between a charter and a land-based trip, the day trip guide to neighbouring islands covers what you can see without committing to a full week on the water. For families weighing costs, the car rental guide breaks down a cheaper alternative for exploring the main island on your own schedule.
Explore Places to Stay in Bora Bora
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