Thailand and Polynesia

Yacht charter in Thailand and French Polynesia

Thailand and French Polynesia offer 2 cruising grounds with distinct seasons. Phuket and the Andaman Sea are cruised from November to March, while Tahiti and the Society Islands come into season from May to October.

Thailand: November to March
French Polynesia: May to October
Embarkation ports: Phuket, Papeete

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Cruising in Thailand or French Polynesia

In Thailand, charters begin in Phuket. On the northern tip of the island, Phuket Yacht Haven Marina accommodates superyachts. On the east coast, Ao Po Grand Marina is well placed for Phang Nga Bay. The bay has hundreds of islets, caves and inlets to explore by kayak or tender. Its caves at Koh Hong are best explored at low tide. The province of Krabi alone has more than 130 islands.

In French Polynesia, charters begin at Marina Taina in Papeete. A car brings guests from Fa'a'ā airport in around 10 minutes. A typical week links Tahiti to Bora Bora through the Society Islands. Among the islands, the yacht drops anchor for the day off a palm-fringed motu. In the Tuamotu, the atolls are renowned for diving and are the home of the Tahitian black pearl.

Where to go

Phang Nga Bay
James Bond Island lies 18 nm from Phuket Yacht Haven. The caves of Koh Hong are best explored at low tide. In high season, the captain reaches James Bond Island early in the morning or late in the day.
Phi Phi Islands
Sheer cliffs rise out of the sea around tropical beaches and lagoons enclosed by rock walls. Once the sun sets, the longtails leave and the yacht at anchor enjoys a quiet bay.
Similan Islands
The Similan Islands marine park lies 60 nm north of Phuket's beaches. It is known for its colourful marine life, clear water and palm-fringed beaches.
Moorea
Opunohu Bay lies 19 nm from Papeete, 1.5 hours under way.
Bora Bora
A barrier reef protects the lagoon of Bora Bora, below Mount Otemanu. Taha'a lies 23 nm away, 2 hours under way.
Fakarava
In the Tuamotu, Fakarava has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve since 2006 for its marine flora and fauna. The Tuamotu atolls are renowned for their diving.

When to go to Thailand or French Polynesia

Janpeak season
Febpeak season
Marpeak season
Aproff season
Mayshoulder season
Junshoulder season
Julpeak season
Augpeak season
Sepshoulder season
Octshoulder season
Novshoulder season
Decpeak season

In Thailand, the Andaman Sea season runs from November to March. Days are hot and sunny, with less humidity. From December to March, the Andaman Sea is calm and visibility is often at its best. From May to September, Ko Samui and Ko Phangan in the Gulf of Thailand stay clear of the southwest monsoon.

French Polynesia's main season runs from May to October, when the weather is mainly dry. July and August are the high season. From July to November, hundreds of humpback whales migrate to the warmer waters of French Polynesia.

A charter in Thailand or French Polynesia, day by day

The captain adjusts each day's stops to the weather.

7 days in Phang Nga Bay from Phuket

Day 1
Phang Nga Bay
From Phuket to James Bond Island and Koh Panyee.
18 nm from Phuket Yacht Haven
Day 2
Northern Phang Nga Bay
The caves of Koh Hong at low tide, then the paintings of Khao Khien.
Day 3
Krabi
A stop between Ao Nang and Railay, in a province of more than 130 islands.
Day 4
Koh Lanta
A day at anchor off Koh Lanta.
Day 5
Phi Phi Islands
The cliffs and lagoons of the Phi Phi Islands, then a quiet night at anchor.
Day 6
Racha Islands
A stop at the Racha Islands.
Day 7
Phuket
Stops at Coral Island and Khai Nok, then back to Phuket for disembarkation.

7 nights in the Society Islands, Tahiti to Bora Bora

Day 1
Papeete and Moorea
Embarkation at Marina Taina, then the crossing to Opunohu Bay. Depending on her length, the yacht leaves Papeete with a pilot on board.
19 nm from Papeete
Day 2
Cook's Bay, Moorea
A day in Cook's Bay. The yacht leaves at midnight for an overnight passage to Huahine.
Day 3
Huahine
At anchor in Bourayne Bay or Fitii Bay, then a swim from Avea beach.
Day 4
Huahine north coast
A visit to a pearl farm and the village.
Day 5
Raiatea
The Faaroa River by kayak and Mount Temehani.
46 nm from the previous stop
Day 6
Taha'a
A vanilla plantation and the coral garden.
Days 7 and 8
Bora Bora
The lagoon of Bora Bora, then disembarkation and a transfer to the airport on day 8.
23 nm from the previous stop

Cruising distances

Phuket Yacht Haven to James Bond Island	18 nm
Phuket's beaches to Similan Islands	60 nm
Papeete to Moorea (Opunohu Bay)	19 nm
Huahine (north coast) to Raiatea	46 nm
Taha'a to Bora Bora	23 nm

Good to know

The Similan and Surin marine parks close every year during the monsoon. The closure dates are set each year.

In French Polynesia, approaching whales and dolphins is regulated by minimum distances and an observation time limit. Whale-watching trips are run by operators accredited by French Polynesia's Directorate for the Environment.

A yacht in Asia

The yacht shown here lists Asia as her winter cruising ground. For French Polynesia, we source the right yacht on request. Our broker then confirms her availability and the itinerary.

Alfa

70 m12 guestsBenetti Yachts

From €700,000 per week

Frequently asked questions

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When is the best time to visit Thailand?

From November to March on the Phuket side and the Andaman Sea. Days are hot and sunny, with less humidity. From December to March, the Andaman Sea is calm and underwater visibility is often at its best.

Can you charter in Thailand in summer?

Yes, in the Gulf of Thailand. From May to September, Ko Samui and Ko Phangan stay clear of the southwest monsoon. Ko Samui Airport handles both commercial flights and private jets.

Where do Phuket charters begin?

On the northern tip of the island, Phuket Yacht Haven Marina accommodates superyachts. On the east coast, Ao Po Grand Marina is well placed for Phang Nga Bay. Phuket International Airport is the nearest.

When is the best time to visit French Polynesia?

From May to October, when the weather is mainly dry. July and August are the high season. From July to November, hundreds of humpback whales migrate to the warmer waters of French Polynesia.

Where do Tahiti charters begin?

At Marina Taina in Papeete. A car meets guests at Fa'a'ā International Airport and brings them to the marina in around 10 minutes. Depending on the yacht's length, a pilot then takes her out of the harbour.