A Tahiti gay sailing itinerary typically includes easy passages within the protected waters behind the beautiful coral reefs that encircle the islands, allowing for relaxed sailing in one of the most exotic cruising grounds in the world. Snorkeling on the reefs, swimming and sunbathing on white-sand beaches, enjoying the delights of luxury resorts, shopping, and fine restaurants, and spending quiet evenings aboard our luxury catamaran in picturesque anchorages are all part of what makes Tahiti sailing so appealing. Relatively short passages between the islands (see Tahiti maps) integrate open-ocean sailing. The longest passage to windward is about 18 nautical miles. The open-water passages downwind from Huahine to Tahaa and from Tahaa to Bora-Bora are simply spectacular, South Pacific sailing at its very best.

Day 1: Boarding start at 5.30 PM Raiatea Island at the Fish and Blue restaurant. After meeting with your Gay Crew in the afternoon we show you your cabin, have a welcome drink, an introduction round and the first briefing. Then it is time to unpack your stuff and have a swim and/or a shower before we go to out for dinner.

Day 2: Up tp Bora Bora. Yachting in Bora-Bora waters is a journey through paradise. For centuries the fabled island has drawn sailors and inspired the imaginations of travelers throughout the world. On arrival first a lunch stop on a spectacular spot in the Bora Bora lagoon, next to Topua Island. Afterward, a highlight of Bora-Bora cruising is a visit to the Bloody Mary Yacht Club located south of Vaitape Village, the main town on the island. It’s a favorite spot for globetrotting cruisers, and you’re sure to meet some interesting people as you sip a cool drink at the yacht club bar. The very name Bora-Bora conjures images of a far-off South Pacific paradise. The island has long been a favorite of sailors, and it still is. A single barrier reef encircles the two islands that make up Bora-Bora. The black basalt rock face of Mt. Otemanu rises 2,362 feet above an azure sea, with impressive Mt. Pahia nearby. Both dominate the heights and provide breathtaking views from the anchorages in the lagoon, one of the key attractions because of its superlative snorkeling and swimming. The smaller island, Topua, is all that’s left of the ancient volcano of Bora-Bora. Secure anchorages, white-sand beaches, restaurants, shops, art galleries, luxury resorts, and island tours are among the pleasures of a visit to Bora-Bora

Day 3: One more day at Bora-Bora. First to Vaitape Village, with its various shops and restaurants. Shopping and sightseeing time. After this stop we sail to a great lunch stop nearby. And after lunch we sail inside the lagoon, all around Bora Bora, to one of the small private Islands, for a private GaySail Beach BBQ with sunset, stars and campfire!

Day 4: Back to la Tahaa, to the most beautiful snorkeling spot of Tahiti! A slow current will take you along the coral reef and all you have to do is go with the flow and enjoy the beautiful underwater scenery. Then we move on to our overnight stop for a BBQ dinner on board, prepared by the guests. Nobody around, so we can make a party!

Day 5: Tahaa is a beautiful, mountainous island known for its many vanilla plantations ensconced in valleys. It is very similar in nature to Huahine in terms of agriculture and the laid-back ambience. GaySail brings you to the largest protected body of water on the island. In the afternoon you can go on an Island tour, including a visit to a local pearl farm, a vanilla farm and a rum farm and a great lookout point in the mountains. Dinner at the Tahaa Mai Tai Restaurant is a pleasant way to pass an early evening. The fragrant scent of vanilla fills the air on Tahaa, just north of Raiatea and encircled by the same barrier reef. In fact, 80 percent of all the vanilla in French Polynesia is grown in the mountain valleys of Tahaa, earning it the nickname of the Vanilla Island. Plantation tours are an interesting sojourn ashore. Black pearls, one of the prizes of the region, are grown on aquatic farms, some of which are open to the public. Local artisans craft fine jewelry featuring the pearls, and the intricate and beautiful bracelets, necklaces, and rings are for sale in shops throughout the Tahitian Leewards. Tahaa is home to a sea turtle preserve, where visitors can observe the creatures in a park setting. The island has many fjord-like inlets both scenic and well protected for anchoring, and the snorkeling on the reef is superb.

Day 6: Today an crossing on the ocean to Huahine, an island full of nature, forests, mountains, birds and lagoons. Almost no inhabitants (and tourist) make it look like an untouched paradise. Lunch stop as soon as we arrive in the lagoon of Huahine. Time to do some shopping ashore and then sailing all the way down, inside the lagoon to the southern end of the island, where we have a dinner reservation in La Mahana resort and restaurant.

Day 7: Back to Tahaa Island for our last night on board. Dinner at a local restaurant with traditional cooking, food and of course, Tahiti dancing!

Day 8: Early in the morning back to Raiatae, time to say goodbye to your new friends and disembark after breakfast.

Travel Information

How to Get There

The time difference in Raiatea is Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) -10 hrs. Make sure your documentation is in order to travel. You may need a visa depending on your country of origin, please speak to the French embassy in your country or talk to us to make sure you have the correct documents before you travel.

Currency

The currency is Franc Pacifique and Visa and MasterCard are accepted, but very few shops accept American Express. ATMs are in every town. Most banks open 7:30am to 3:00pm, although some shut for an extended lunch between 11:45am and 2:00pm, so be prepared.

Internet

Use www.hotspot-wdg.com to check where the Wi-Fi spots are. You can buy prepaid credit at the airport or use internet cafes at Uturoa, Bora Bora and Papeete town. Be warned that the internet is slow and expensive in the region.

How to Get There

Fly to Papeete-Tahiti and then catch a direct flight to Raiatea, where the marina is, Marina Uturoa. Internal flights between Papeete and Raiatea are with Air Tahiti.

Servicing Airlines

Air Tahiti Nui

Air France

Air New Zeland

Lan Chile

Customs / Immigration Information

A valid passport (for each passenger) and crew list is compulsory for clearance. Expiration date must be no earlier than 6 months after your planned return. A customs declaration form must be completed at the port of entry.

Airport

Raiatea airport - Tahiti/Faa'a airport

Airport Transfers

Transfers from Raiatea Airport are easy by local taxi.