Charter the South Pacific Before or After the America's Cup

Luxury Charter Group have been fortunate to spend considerable time in this beautiful and charming area. Most recently Radek Gendek had the opportunity to experience the magnetism of some of the idyllic islands of French Polynesia. Here we share some of our highlights, any of which would make the perfect destination for your next luxury yacht charter.... and the one after that!

The Leeward Islands of Tahiti

Probably one of the most popular and recognisable destinations, the Leeward Islands are majestic volcanic landscapes covered in lush tropical vegetation. Each island rises steeply from its lagoon and is circled by a protecting outer coral reef. Dotting the reef, small uninhabited motus (islets) are fringed by white sandy beaches and lush green coconut palms.

The island of Raiatea lies in the heart of the Leeward Islands. According to legend, Raiatea is the sacred home of the gods, and the ancestral heart of French Polynesia. It is a magical island paradise with mountainous peaks to the south home to waterfalls that cascade to the sea. Raiatea shares her lagoon with the lush island of Tahaa; a tranquil island where sweet tropical aromas of vanilla and frangipani permeate the air.

Bora Bora to the north is the fabled island where they make movies. Enjoy secluded anchorages in places accessible only by yacht. Venture to the east and lose yourselves in the blues, greens and turquoises of this beautiful lagoon. Pluck up the courage to swim with the turtles, sharks and rays you'll likely announce this a highlight of your charter! For a less commercialised experience head further southwest to Huahine, a deeply spiritual island with a deep turquoise lagoon.

The Tuamotu Atolls in Tahiti

The Tuamotu Atolls stretch for 800 miles from East to West; small islets in the making, each a circle of coral, most with a pass entrance; some have small local communities existing quietly in paradise. Others are attracting tourists to new 5-star resorts. The Tuamotus are understandably becoming more sought after for the luxury crewed yacht charterer seeking that unique ultimate paradise offering a dream South Seas snapshot. 

This is an immense, untouched marine area offering exceptional opportunities to encounter the vast menagerie of underwater life, while ashore, fun and fantastic lagoon expeditions beckon. There is silence and starry skies, indigo blue ocean lapping coral beaches and life is always unhurried. 

The Yasawa and Mamanuca Islands of Fiji

The Yasawa Islands offer charter guests the opportunity to visit Fijian villages and experience the traditional way of life through cultural performances, welcome ceremonies, handicraft demonstrations, sampling local delicacies such as kava and even share a 'lovo' feast – smoked meat and seafood barbecued in the earth.

Your charter crew will know the precise locations of the best moorings to behold the volcanic mountains of the Southern Yasawa Islands and where to swim and snorkel in the spectacular crystalline lagoons of the Northern Yasawa Islands, a garden of coral and teeming with sealife.

The Mamanucas have a wide range of world-class resorts and onshore and on-water activities accessible to the more active charter guests.

The Vava'u Islands in Tonga

Step back in time. Your search for peace, quietness and tranquility ends here. A different anchorage for breakfast, lunch and dinner, Vava'u is a compact cruising area with over forty islands. The Vava’u islands are the most northern and picturesque of the Tongan group. Here you'll find remote idyllic islands, beautiful lagoons, colourful reefs and small deserted white sand beaches, often fringed with gently rustling palm trees.

Vava'u’s cruising grounds open from Neiafu harbour to the island-studded waters with more than 50 protected anchorages. Some are small remote islets with day anchorages to explore, & others offer more substantial shelter and have friendly villages where you will be welcomed.

The reef to the east forms a protective backbone, which shelters these magical cruising waters from ocean winds and swells. Sailing conditions are excellent with predictable trade winds. The water is warm and clear with exceptional underwater visibility. Splendid coral and colourful fish make snorkelling a dream. Scuba lovers can experience reef, cave and wreck diving at a number of exciting dive sites.

The Bay of Islands in New Zealand

New Zealand, and most especially the Bay of Islands is a truly unique yacht charter destination with sparkling island studded bays, cobalt blue seas, edged with long silvery beaches, pockets of subtropical forest, towns immersed in history and charm. The ideal way to explore this area is in your very own private crewed luxury charter yacht.

The Bay of Islands has attracted sailors from around the world for over a century, with its sheltered anchorages and temperate sub-tropical climate. Aptly named, this area is studded with islands providing an area of varied geographic beauty and unspoiled sailing grounds. There are innumerable anchorages, great fishing and diving and white sandy beaches within sheltered waters. With anchorages in close proximity, it is the ideal charter destination where you can decide your itinerary as the mood takes you. 

With more and more luxury yachts heading to this area in readiness for the Americas Cup there has never been a better time to explore this magical, alluring paradise. For further details of the South Pacific charter destinations and luxury yachts available there please contact the specialists at Luxury Charter Group.