A seven-day trip through French Polynesia's cruising grounds with BIG SKY and The Superyacht People
Cam, our founder, recently embarked on a relaxed seven-day charter through French Polynesia aboard BIG SKY. Hosted by The Superyacht People, the trip was designed to showcase the yacht, the crew, and the destination in their element — no set itinerary, just good people and a loose plan to explore Moorea, Huahine, Tahaa and Raiatea.
Read on for a look at the week and hear from the guests on what made BIG SKY and French Polynesia so memorable.
An early morning departure from Papeete and a comfortable 2 hour cruise across to Opunohu Bay in Moorea.
We anchored in deep blue water with sheer volcanic mountains bordering you that make it feel like a scene in Jurassic Park.
Breakfast on board while the crew set the yacht up ready for a day of fun, activity and enjoying the toys. Jet skis, paddleboards, sea bobs, efoil, wakeboarding and snorkelling are just some of the experiences throughout the day.
After a shared style grazing lunch, we were back in the water for more activities.
The day ended with cocktails in the jacuzzi and Dinner al fresco on the upper deck enjoying the freshest tuna caught that morning.
“We arrived at 3am and were still greeted with warm towels and a welcome drink. Everyone was smiling. That set the tone for the whole week.”
Awaken to the sounds of the tropics and enjoy coffee on the sun loungers.
After breakfast we jump in the 34ft Nortec chase boat with 2 x 400hp outboard engines, for a fast ride to sting ray city. One of the most incredible experiences of my life, something truly unique with large sting rays and reef sharks swimming around you in waist deep, crystal clear blue water.
With our sense of adventure sparked, we return to find the inflatable waterslide setup from the bridge deck, letting our inner child be released, this is way too much fun!
The rest of the day was spent enjoying water toys, relaxing with music by the jacuzzi, and sunset cocktails on deck.
A more formal dinner tonight saw us enjoy the newly refurbished dining and saloon. Late in the evening the captain ups the anchor for an overnight journey north to the island of Huahine.
“Every day was a highlight! Just when you think it could not possibly get any better, it does.”
Today brought one of the most unique cultural experiences of the trip, a private lunch on a remote motu island. The table is set in the edge of the lapping water, the tender delivers you to the shore where locals greet you and adorn you with the traditional woven head piece.
Locals are playing the ukelele and singing traditional songs, the BBQ is burning coconut husks in the coals, ready to cook the fresh lobsters and fish caught on the fringing reef this morning.
A day spent enjoying local games of spearing a coconut, learning to dehusk and core a coconut, tying a traditional sarong, music, dancing and the feeling of being the only people on earth.
Hearts and cups are full while we reminisce about the day under the stars on the sundeck.
An early departure across to the neighbouring island of Tahaa, only a few hours away, so we can enter the lagoon on sunrise, quite a sight to behold as we navigate around the north side of the island inside the fringing reef. Today we explore the local activities and visit a pearl farm, home of the famous Tahitian black pearl. A local guide takes us through the vanilla farm to see how they’re grown and the care it takes to produce some of the world’s best vanilla.
Sunset cocktails as we cruise to our overnight anchorage inside Ha’amene Bay, a deep water anchorage surrounded by sheer cliffs.
The crew have dressed the table for a night of fun, it’s time to dance and sing to our hearts content.
“Sitting in the jacuzzi with a drink in hand and music playing. That was my favourite time of day!”
It’s time for the snorkelling gear to come out again, charge up the seabobs. We’re diving down to explore the Mamado Turtle, a striking four-metre sculpture by renowned artist Evrad Chaussoy. Sitting three metres below the surface, it’s a surreal addition to the reef.
Big Sky has relocated to Raiatea, so a short fast tender ride reunites us with the mothership where we change ready for lunch ashore. We visit the northern village of the island with its distinct French Caribbean feel.
After lunch it’s into another incredible anchorage at Fa’aroa bay awaiting our evening departure.
Departing in the dark of the night, we head south to Moorea
“That motu lunch was something else! Crystal-clear water, fresh lobster, and live music on the beach.”
This visit to Moorea sees us in Cook’s Bay, neighbouring Opunohu Bay, arriving just after sunrise. After breakfast the morning is ours to enjoy the water toys, visit sting ray city again, or relax and unwind as we near the end of the trip.
Lunch is a special treat today as our crew take us in the tender a few hundred yards away to the newly opened Cooks Bay hotel. An exquisite restaurant with a private tender dock, relaxed atmosphere of feet in the sand, with a stunning wine list and menu showcasing the freshest of Tahitian ingredients.
“The yacht was amazing inside and out, but the crew made the trip. They were always one step ahead and knew exactly when to step in.”
A short cruise back to Tahiti and the sad goodbyes that come with such an amazing experience had by all in the week past.
This has been the most incredible experience of my life, surrounded by good friends, amazing crew that make you feel like the most important people in the world. No drink is ever left empty, the crew on deck seamlessly handle the setup, pack down and cleaning of all the water toys, the chef continually surprises us with the freshest of local and international ingredients. A private yacht charter is certainly the way to anyone’s heart.
“Life is short and it is measured by experiential moments, especially shared with family, friends and loved ones. If you are seeking a next level, seamless holiday on a 5-star floating hotel with all the amenities, water activities and fond memories, BIG SKY delivers on time, every time.”
48M | 11 Guests | 5 Cabins
A charter favourite in Tahiti, discovering the best of French Polynesia.
BIG SKY’s 2025 refresh gives her a new lease on life and makes her feel like a far more modern yacht, inside and out.
Chartering French Polynesia: Remote islands, reef dives, private motus, and yacht life at its best.
Interested in chartering BIG SKY in French Polynesia?
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