fREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What should I bring with me on my sailing trip?
It's best to pack light because you'll most likely be living in your bathing suit for the better part of your trip. Bring light jackets for evenings out on deck, shoes for hiking, and of course flip-flops. A few dress shirts for men/ dresses for ladies for dinners out but casual clothing for day to day activities.
Other must haves are sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, mosquito spray, waterproof dry bags are great, mask and fins, GoPro, fishing gear, small waterproof flashlight or head lamp, and reef shoes.
Where can I get a local SIM card for Internet?
SIM cards can be purchased in Papeete at the VINI store or Vodaphone store. Often found in large supermarkets like Carrefour.
Do I need a French Adapter?
Yes, it's best to purchase a Universal Adapter for travelling internationally. The electrical current is 220 V.
Can I use US currency?
US Currency is accepted in most places but it's always a good idea to have some local currency ( CFP ) for smaller islands that you may visit. When making purchases in French Polynesia it's best to use your credit card if it has no international fees and this is typically where you get the best exchange rate as well.
What's the weather like in French Polynesia?
Year-round trade winds are a godsend in French Polynesia, keeping sails billowing and sailors happy. A tropical climate, influenced by the south-east trade winds, with a hot and humid season from November to April and a cooler season from May to October. Average temperatures in the islands range from 72 F to 88 F throughout the year. The most rain falls between December and March, when monthly averages hit 300mm (12in). Water temperatures peak at 82 degrees F in these months and there are very few cyclones, especially outside El Niño years.
What are the sailing conditions like?
The prevailing wind is a south easterly that blows between 10 to 20 knots. This can often create choppy seas in the 3-5 ft range. Our most popular sail from Tahiti to Bora Bora is down wind and typically a pleasant ride. Sometimes in the months between June through to August we will get strong southerly winds that can create large swells and rough conditions, although not lasting very long.
When sailing in the lagoons be sure to follow channel markers and avoid navigating at night. In French Polynesia, sailing inside the lagoons is restricted only to daylight hours and you must remain at anchor between Sunset and Sunrise. When anchoring please be sure to anchor in large sandy patches to avoid harming the coral reefs and when possible use a mooring ball.
When is the best time of year to come?
The most popular months are from April-June and September-October...that being said many people choose to visit during the off season to take advantage of better deals on flights, hotels, and a reduced price of catamaran rentals.
Are there different rates for low and high season?
Yes, prices fluctuate during peak and low seasons. Send us an email to learn about the different rates.
Should we tip our crew?
Yes, Tipping is greatly appreciated. Your crew will work hard to ensure you have an amazing trip and you should tip according to your service experience.
Who Handles Food and Provisions?
There are 3 options for provisioning your catamaran for your sailing trip.
- If you choose a fully crewed charter with hostess/chef she can do all the shopping and cooking while preparing her local specialty dishes. This is the easiest option. You can always make suggestions on things you like to eat and drink as well.
- The next option is that you send us a list of all the provisions you'll need and we can do the shopping for you before you arrive for a small fee.
- Lastly, you can do all the shopping before your departure from Papeete and we can meet at the boat the day before to stock all your items.
Which Airport do we fly into?
Most flights arrive at the Faa'a International Airport on the main island of Tahiti. From the airport it is a short, 10 minute taxi ride to the main harbor in Papeete where the majority of our sailing charters begin. You will need a valid passport upon entering into French Polynesia but you don't need any type of Visa as a U.S. citizen when staying for less than 90 days.