Day 1 – Ra’iatea, Apooiti Marina
The start of your amazing adventure through the South Seas begins at the Apooiti Marina base on Ra’iatea, just five minutes from the Ra’iatea airport (RFP).  Checkin is 4:00 PM.  Dinner will be ashore this evening at the exquisite outdoor dining patio of the Ra’iatea Lodge Hotel.

Day 2 – Tahaa
After a light breakfast aboard you’ll get underway from Ra’iatea and head north to the island of Tahaa.  There you can choose to tour a local pearl farm and see first hand how the famous black pearls of the South Pacific are harvested.  From there our evening stop is an anchorage off the picturesque Motu Tau Tau, home to the Tahaa Island Resort and Spa.

Day 3 – Day at sea to Bora Bora 
A thrilling day’s passage north to the Bora Bora Lagoon will deliver amazing ocean views of the island few ever see. You’ll travel to the south end of the lagoon and pick up a mooring at the world famous Bloody Mary’s Restaurant.  Dinner is ashore tonight at this iconic stop.

Day 4 – Bora Bora Lagoon (South)
Next it’s time to head over to Motu Toopua and anchor off the Conrad Bora Bora Nui Hotel.  Snorkeling with rays is just around the corner as are numerous amazing snorkeling spots just minutes away by dinghy.  Head to shore for lunch at the hotel or just sunbathe on the foredeck.  

Day 5 – Bora Bora Lagoon (North)
A quick hop to the north end of the lagoon and you’ll pick up a mooring near the town of Vaitape.  Scuba divers can jump aboard dive boat excursions to the outer reef and experience the full undersea grandeur of Polynesian sea life.  Explore Vaitape’s shopping area or head over to the Bora Bora Yacht Club, a haven for round-the-world sailors.  Then it’s back to the boat for dinner aboard.

Day 6 – Day at sea to Tahaa
On a passage returning south across the Pacific you’ll head to Tahaa and round the island to Ha’amene Bay.  Relax on the aft deck as the sun sets surrounded by majestic mountains.  Dinner is aboard tonight.

Day 7 – Tahaa
A short hop to anchor off of Ile Mahaea at Passe Toahotu will transport you to a place like none other.  Relax on this tranquil, private island, snorkel the massive reef just feet from shore or hang out and sunbathe on the pristine sands.  Tour the vanilla plantation on Tahaa that afternoon and return for our send off dinner at the famous Hibiscus Restaurant for a celebratory Polynesian feast.

Day 8 – Ra’iatea, Apooiti Marina
A final breakfast aboard and one more snorkeling adventure and the time has come to return to the base on Ra’iatea for a 12:00 PM checkout.  But the memories you have made will last a lifetime.  It’s time to start planning the next trip!

Our Adventure Sailing voyage pricing includes:

• A well deserved vacation!
• Your stateroom – featuring centrally controlled air conditioning, large hull window with privacy curtains, individually controlled air fans, LED reading lights, hanging and storage lockers with ample storage space, bedding collection and towel sets, and en-suite bathroom and shower with vanity. 
• All breakfasts, lunches, afternoon teas, and dinners aboard.
• 24-hour use of the galley and all public spaces.
• 24-hour beverages aboard including: water, sparkling water, iced tea, select juices, sodas, hot cocoa, coffee, and tea.
• 24-hour snacks aboard.
• Snorkeling fins. (Mask and snorkel may not be available so be sure to bring your own.)
• Dinghy transportation for all planned voyage activities.
• Professional Charter Captain – US Coast Guard credentialed, ASA Sailing Instructor, and PADI Scuba Diving Instructor. Your captain will take care of all the details for leading and managing the sailing, navigation planning, charter coordination, and vessel management for your voyage. (To really kick into full vacation mode, an onboard chef can be added for an additional fee.  If your group elects this option, your chef will serve you sumptuous breakfasts, lunches, and dinners aboard as well as coordinate all your dining arrangements ashore.)
• Opportunity to expand your on-the-water skills in a casual and fun atmosphere. Learn by doing and expand your knowledge on topics such as: sailing catamarans vs. monohulls, voyage planning, navigation, marine weather, oceanography, cooking aboard, snorkeling and scuba diving, local knowledge, and much more.
• Travel welcome gift.
• Captain’s hors d’oeuvres event.
• Pre-departure chart briefing.
• Covid-19 safety protocols, preparedness, and procedures.
• Vessel cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting of boat interiors, kitchen ware, and bedding. 
• All charter taxes, fees, mooring, and port expenses.

The following services are not included in the voyage price:

• Air travel, baggage fees / taxes.
• Land / sea taxi transfers.
• Dining and bar service ashore.
• Alcoholic beverages onboard.
• Land / sea shore excursions such as: scuba diving, jeep or boat tours, taxis, kayak rentals, deep sea fishing, or other activities or rentals such as: dive gear and wetsuits. However, we can certainly assist you in arranging these services.
• Internet access or use of your smartphone.
• Laundry services.
• ASA / PADI certification courses / fees.
• Travel interruption / vacation protection insurance.
• Onboard Chef.
• Service gratuities for your onboard crew
• Medical services and transportation. (Including Covid-19 related services, transportation, quarantine period / location, required testing, or other related costs. Consider a Travel Protection Insurance Policy for coverage in some of these and other areas.)

The Moorings 4500 Exclusive – 4 Cabin Catamaran Yacht

Revolutionary is the word that describes this new catamaran which uniquely balances comfort, space and a sailing performance unrivaled by most others in its class. The most noticeable feature of the Moorings 4500 is her covered forward cockpit which is accessible from the main saloon giving even more space for socializing and relaxing, as well as creating cooling breezes into the interior.

All cabins are spacious, featuring en-suite shower rooms with separate heads (toilets), and the layout provides privacy and space where needed. This yacht has a convertible saloon which is included as a double berth in the maximum capacity.  The yacht is also fully air-conditioned.

Number of Berths: 11
Number of Cabins: 4
Forepeaks: 2 (Starboard w/head)
Number of Heads (toilets): 5
Number of Showers: 5
Length Overall: 45 ft.
Beam: 24′ 2″ ft.
Draft: 5′ 1″ ft.
Sail Area: 1298 sq. ft.

(* Moorings 4500 deck plan courtesy of moorings.com)

1. Wake up without an alarm
2. Enjoy a sumptuous French Polynesian inspired breakfast 
3. Snorkel in stunning crystal clear warm water amid a rainbow of South Seas reef fish
4. Take a relaxing sail to our lunch spot at a secluded cove
5. Lunch of amazing Ahi poke and Tiger Shrimp on the beach
6. Lounge, explore, or enjoy water activities
7. Take a short sail to our anchorage for the night
8. Sundowners on the aft deck
9. Pinch yourself – yes you’re really here
10. Local specialties of Grilled Tuna or Lobster aboard or dining ashore at a 5 star resort
11. Star gaze
12. Be gently rocked to sleep not knowing what time it is
13. Wake up and do it all over again

• Dinner or appetizers on the water’s edge at the Bora Bora Yacht Club
• Pristine white sand beaches and jaw dropping natural beauty
• World class scuba diving
• Snorkeling anywhere on these islands
• Kayaking and Paddle Boarding
• Para-sailing
• World Famous Aquatic Resort Hotels: Four Seasons, InterContinental, St. Regis, Le Meridien, and more
• Dinner at the world famous Bloody Mary’s Restaurant and Bar
• Cultural tours
• Island shopping, pearl boutiques, hand-painted dresses, woodcrafts
• Deep sea fishing
• Vanilla plantation tours
• Land excursion jeep tours
• Climbing a volcano
• Beach picnics
• And so many more – let’s discover what your interests are and add them to the list!

French Polynesia is an overseas country of the French Republic amid the South Pacific Ocean, part of the French protectorate since 1843.  The islands of Ra’iatea, Tahaa, and Bora Bora are all part of the leeward Society Islands within the country approximately 1,000 nautical miles south of the equator.  Bora Bora is an 11 square mile island located about 143 miles northwest of the island of Tahiti, (and a short 10 nautical mile passage from Ra’iatea from where we will set sail) and is surrounded by a lagoon and a barrier reef.  In the centre of the island are the remnants of an extinct volcano rising to two peaks, Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu, the highest point at 2,385 feet.

From April to August Bora Bora enjoys highs in the mid 80’s with this time of year generally drier than the rest of the year.  The winds are at their strongest in July and August (which is winter here south of the equator), making for some exciting sailing.  The prevailing winds are easterly ranging 10 – 15 knots (11 – 17 mph).  Winds on the 10 nautical mile passage from Ra’iatea to Bora Bora can range from 15 – 25 knots (17 – 28 mph).  The tidal range is approximately 12 – 18 inches.  Careful navigation is required between ‘passes’, or openings in the barrier reefs, as well as around coral areas.

Valid passports are required to travel to French Polynesia.  Your passport must be valid for 6 months past your departure date from the country.

Tourist visas are not required for US citizens if staying less than 90 days every six months.

When you entrust us with your invaluable vacation time, we want you to feel confident in those travel plans. To ensure you are informed, we wanted to share with you our Covid-19 safety policies and procedures. These protocols follow the emerging CLIA standards as well as procedures implemented internationally by world renowned vacation charter companies following WHO and CDC guidelines. 

1. 100% of all Guests and Crew will be required to be fully inoculated with a Covid-19 vaccine (both doses if recommended by manufacturer) at least 14 days prior to boarding. Verified documentation and/or evidence of vaccination will be required at the time of boarding and failure to provide this documentation will result in denial of boarding.
2. Vaccines must be accepted by the country or countries that Guests are entering if specific vaccines are required.
3. Prior to traveling to French Polynesia, Guests are required to meet the timing of Covid-19 testing as required by the destination of embarkation. Guests should visit the destination’s website for further details on their health and safety protocols and requirements.
4. Before a booking can be confirmed, Guests will need to complete a form acknowledging that they understand that verified proof of the required vaccine will be mandatory at the time of boarding. 
5. Travel Protection Insurance and Cancellation Coverage: The charter industry is experiencing rapid change regarding travel booking and safety protocols. Each Guest is now required to carry a Travel Protection Insurance policy to cover costs related to unexpected schedule changes and/or cancellations. Travel Protection Insurance is not included in our voyage pricing. When you purchase a separate Travel Protection Insurance policy, consult the details of the policy related to Covid-19 and other covered circumstances. Be sure you understand how your policy reimburses costs due to cancellation of your trip for family or medical issues, a general concern over travel, country lockdown events, airline denial of boarding due to temperature checks, if you were to contract Covid-19 before or during your travels, or other Covid-19 related circumstances. Proof of an in force Travel Protection Insurance policy must be submitted prior to boarding. 
6. Prior to boarding the aircraft for French Polynesia, all travelers currently must provide a negative Covid-19 RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to departure, along with their receipt of health registration on the French Polynesia Etis.pf platform (Electronic Travel Information system). 
7. During the stay in the territory, French Polynesia currently requires a mandatory Antigenic test upon arrival and a Virological self-test 4 days after arrival in the islands. A self-test will be provided upon arrival in Papeete International Airport (PPT). There are drop off locations on all the islands planned for the charter.
8. Local governmental authorities provide directives for face covering, social distancing, and other protocols as required for shore excursions and onboard. All Guests and Crew will be instructed on the updated directives to follow for each destination.
9. Physical distancing measures will be implemented on board, where feasible.
10. Air management and ventilation strategies to increase fresh air in the vessel will be implemented onboard, where feasible.
11. Daily temperature checks will be required on board for all Guests and Crew.
12. Pre-planning advisement for Guests and Crew tailored to boat and location will be available to assist each individual aboard in the event that they wish to seek support for Covid-19 related circumstances such as medical facilities, private transportation providers, and other support. Each person aboard will be responsible for arranging their own plans and assume all associated costs.
13. Crew will ensure to review and keep all Guests updated with local authorities’ recommendations related to safe shore excursions and safety protocols in the area.
14. The charter company that provides the boat will confirm their strict adherence to WHO / CDC guidelines for their charter company staff PPE, marina base social distancing, and cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing their boat interiors, kitchen ware, and bedding.
15. The above enhanced health and safety measures are taken for all Guests and Crew. However, an inherent risk of exposure to Covid-19 exists in any public place where people are present. Covid-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. By sailing aboard as a charter Guest or Crew you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to Covid-19.

The FCP (Pacific Franc) is the official currency of French Polynesia.  However, US Dollars are accepted widely.  Credit cards are also accepted at resorts and restaurants.

The official language of French Polynesia is French, and Tahitian.  Although English is widely spoken.

French Polynesia Adventure Sailing Package
8 days / 7 nights

Important Details:

• Bookings can only be taken for full staterooms, not for individual berths.
• 50% deposit due upon booking. Staterooms cannot be held without a deposit.
• Specific stateroom will be assigned at a later time, based on availability.
• Once all staterooms have been booked, potential Guests that express interest will be added to a wait list.
• All Guests and Crew will be required to be fully inoculated with a Covid-19 vaccine (both doses if recommended by manufacturer) at least 14 days prior to boarding. (See the ‘Covid-19 Safety Policies and Procedures’ section on this page for more details.) If traveling with children that are not yet eligible to receive a vaccine, please contact us for more details.
• The final 50% balance is due no later than 120 days prior to the sail date. These trips are popular so please keep in mind that to retain your stateroom all balances must be paid on time.
• Travel Protection Insurance and Cancellation Coverage: The charter industry is experiencing rapid change regarding travel booking and safety protocols. Each Guest is now required to carry a Travel Protection Insurance policy to cover costs related to unexpected schedule changes and/or cancellations. Travel Protection Insurance is not included in our voyage pricing. When you purchase a separate Travel Protection Insurance policy, consult the details of the policy related to Covid-19 and other covered circumstances. Be sure you understand how your policy reimburses costs due to cancellation of your trip for family or medical issues, a general concern over travel, country lockdown events, airline denial of boarding due to temperature checks, if you were to contract Covid-19 before or during your travels, or other Covid-19 related circumstances. Proof of an in force Travel Protection Insurance policy must be submitted prior to boarding. 
• Peace of Mind Charter Postponement Policy Due to Covid-19: We want you to feel confident in your travel plans. To further provide you with peace of mind, we are offering the following terms for Guests that have paid in full:
  • If our charter provider confirms they cannot operate the charter due to local government restrictions, or
  • If our charter Guests and Crew are unable to reach our destination due to confirmed border closures, or if the US Department of State issues a “Level 4 – Do Not Travel” advisory against all travel to our booked destination AND such measures or advice is confirmed to still be in place on our date of departure, then,
  • In either of the above two cases, we will postpone the departure date of the charter for another date within 12 months from our original departure date at no cost to you. Providing that your balance has been paid in full, your stateroom will be held for you and guaranteed for the rescheduled sail date. If the above two circumstances remain in place through the newly rescheduled date, a new travel date will again be determined at no cost to you. (See cancellation policies above for balances that are not paid in full or for guest cancellations not specified in this Peace of Mind Charter Postponement Policy.)
• French Polynesia Required Covid-19 Testing, Entry Procedures, and Policies: The government of French Polynesia may require a medical certificate attesting to a negative Covid-19 test completed prior to departure for French Polynesia. All Guests are advised that mandatory testing, face coverings, social distancing, and other measures that the government of French Polynesia may require are each Guest’s responsibility to provide and adhere to. Bluewater Sailing, its staff, representatives and/or charter crew, does not guarantee entry into French Polynesia nor does it protect Guests from fines imposed by the government of French Polynesia for non-compliance of French Polynesia Covid-19 policies.
• All payments are non-refundable. (See Travel Protection Insurance and Cancellation Coverage for details on reimbursing charter fees.)
• All the above details including rates, fees, policies, health & safety protocols, destination requirements, charter options, vessels, accommodation plans, voyage itineraries, and travel dates are subject to change without notice.