ARCHIPELS POLYNESIAN CRUISES
DREAM YACHT CHARTERS “BY THE CABIN”
Our thoughts on Archipels
Polynesian By-The-Cabin Charter Cruises
Archipels Dream Yacht Charters is a company with a history of successfully operating out of Tahiti for 23 years.
All the islands of French Polynesia lend themselves to this wonderful form of cruising and the big Eleuthera 60’ sailing catamarans of Archipels Cruises provide a uniquely different and totally enjoyable cruising experience no matter whether you are experienced in ocean sailing or not. It is not at all unusual for a person with little or no blue-water yachting experience to be perhaps a little apprehensive about contemplating such a trip. All we can say is that our experiences of a sailing trip around the French Polynesia Islands which included Raiatea, Tahaa, Huahine and Bora Bora on a crewed yacht is that the time spent out at sea between the islands is usually no more than 6 hours at a time (and usually shorter) and this sea time adds immeasurably to the whole experience. The islands of French Polynesia are absolutely perfect for this style of cruising by catamaran. The majority of the cruise is spent within the often massive deep-water sheltered island lagoons which offer unparalleled scenery, many great points of interest and superb swimming and snorkelling. Irrespective of the amount of wind to set the sails on the catamaran, schedules can be maintained under power.
Eleuthera 60’ catamarans are big, stable boats with plenty of room for a maximum of 9 passengers and 2 or 3 crew to eat, sleep and play. The “60” in the name refers to the length of the catamaran in feet – this translates to approximately 19 metres in length. The boats are 8 metres wide and have around 130m2 of useable deck space which includes an outside covered cockpit (where alfresco breakfasts are served) and 2 nice big trampoline-style nets between the hulls out front which are such comfortable places to lie on and relax. Inside the spacious lounge has ample space for all passengers to dine when the weather necessitates dining indoors as well as a fully-equipped kitchen where the crew rustle-up amazing meals. The four cabins are down a level off the lounge. The cabins are air-conditioned while the electrical generator is operating. The cabins have flow-through ventilation when the air-conditioning may be switched off late at night via their porthole.
The cruise fare includes:
● Accommodation in private, air-conditioned standard or
superior double cabin with private bathroom
● Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
● Crew services (1 skipper and 1 hostess/cook)
● Consumables for the yacht (diesel, fuel and water)
● Insurance for the yacht and passengers
● Leisure equipment: A windsurfer board, snorkeling
equipment & sea kayak
● 2 sets of linen, towels and beach towels per person
per week
● Fishing gear
● TV, Library and Board Games
Shore excursions are generally not included. However, passengers can pre-purchase the optional shore excursions at the time of booking. Please note, we have included the list of optional shore excursions under “Options” on each cruise itinerary below.
The 11 day cruise one way between Raiatea and Tahiti is simply superb, but even if you have less time to spare, don’t overlook the option of one of the mini cruise options, for example the one-way Bora Bora Pearl Dream Cruise between Bora Bora and Raiatea or the 3 night round trip Huahine Dream Cruise which is based on Raiatea.
No matter which option you take, do try to include at least one Archipels cruise which sails into Bora Bora – there’s nothing quite like the experience, anywhere else on Earth, of being under sail as you enter the magical Bora Bora Lagoon.
Your Cruise Options:
We offer the whole range of cruise options available:
4 days/3 nights cruises:
- A one-way cruise Raiatea to Bora Bora.
- A round-trip cruise from Raiatea to Tahaa and Huahine.
- A cruise of 3 nights on the Rangiroa Lagoon
5 days/4 night cruises:
- A cruise of 4 nights on the Rangiroa Lagoon
8 day/7 night cruises:
- A round trip from Raiatea to Bora Bora, Tahaa, Huahine.
- A 7 night cruise on the Rangiroa Lagoon
11 day/10 night cruises:
- One way cruises between Papeete, Tahiti and Raiatea via
Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Bora Bora and Tahaa.
These 11 Day Cruises operate both from Raiatea to Tahiti
and from Tahiti to Raiatea.
4 DAY / 3 NIGHT CRUISES
1. Bora Bora Pearl Dream, One-Way Raiatea to Bora Bora
Day 1 – Saturday.
Welcome and boarding at noon at Dream Yacht Charter base marina at Uturoa, Raiatea followed by a short navigation inside the Raiatea Lagoon to Meri Meri pass. Leisure activities during the afternoon – beachcombing, sea kayaks, snorkelling parties.
Option: Visit to a black pearl farm.
Day 2 – Sunday
Navigation of 5 hours to Bora Bora island. Lunch at anchor. Afternoon discovery of the most famous lagoon in the South Pacific. Nautical activities: sea kayak rides – swimming – snorkelling parties.
Evening and night in the South of Bora Bora, Matira point.
Day 3 - Monday
Full day dedicated to Bora Bora lagoon : Short navigations, make a few stops for nautical and leisure activities: Swimming with tropical fish – rays and turtles. Discovery of the Barrier Reef, beachcombing, snorkelling parties in coral gardens.
Option: Barbecue lunch on a private motu..
Day 4 - Tuesday
Disembarkation at 8.00am, at Vaitape Pier, Bora Bora
Sailing Dates Bora Bora Pearl Dream Cruise:
Bora Bora Pearl Dream operates weekly year round
2. Huahine Dream, Round Trip from Raiatea to Huahine
Day 1 – Wednesday
Welcome and boarding at noon, Dream Yacht Charter Base, Marina of Uturoa, Raiatea. Short navigation of 1 hour to Motu Ceran, front of Tahaa Island for lunch and nautical activities
Day 2 Thursday
Early departure to Huahine island. Navigation of 5 hours. Arrival in Fare Bay at 10:00am., visit Fare, a typical Polynesian village. Leisure activities during afternoon: watersports – kayaks rides swimming – snorkelling parties
Option: A guided tour of Huahine archaeological sites, fish traps, vanilla plantations, sacred eels
Day 3 Friday
Breakfast at Avea Bay – nautical activities and navigation in the West part of Huahine Lagoon. Panoramic lunch – navigation of 4 hours to Raiatea island. Sunset arrival on the sacred island.
Option: Diner and evening in a restaurant with a local Polynesian Show.
Day 4 Saturday
Disembarkation at 8.00am, Charter Base, Marina of Uturoa Raiatea.
Sailing Dates:
Huahine Dream operates weekly year round.
3. Blue Lagoon Dream, Round-Trip Cruise on Rangiroa Lagoon.
Day 1 Saturday
Welcome and boarding at noon, Tiputa public pier Rangiroa. Panoramic lunch with one hour navigation to the Green Lagon. At anchor for an afternoon dedicated to water-based activities: Snorkeling in Avatoru pass, kayaks, swimming, walks on the motu.
Option: Visit of a black pearl farm.
Dinner and night at anchor.
Day 2 - Sunday
At 8.30am, after breakfast navigation of 2½ hours to the famous “Blue Lagoon”. At anchor - visit by dinghy and snorkelling this great and unspoilt nursery of sharks and myriads of tropical fish.
Option: local puamotu BBQ on a private motu.
In the afternoon, navigation of 2 hours to the islet motu AIAI. Dinner and night at the motu.
Day 3 - Monday
Visit a reef islet, water-based activities. Panoramic lunch and a navigation of 2½ hours back to Tiputa village. Snorkelling at “The Aquarium” and/or drift snorkelling in the pass of Tiputa. Visit the village of Tiputa. Night at anchor.
Day 4 - Tuesday
Disembarking at the public pier Rangiroa at 8.00am, after breakfast.
Sailing Dates Blue Lagoon Dream:
Blue Lagoon Dream operates weekly year round.
5 DAY / 4 NIGHT CRUISES
Rangiroa Lagoon
Day 1 - Tuesday
Welcome and boarding at noon, Tiputa public pier Rangiroa. After lunch at anchor, navigation of 2½ hours to the islet motu Onetere. Water-based activities: bathing, beachcombing, swimming and snorkelling in the largest lagoon in French Polynesia, kayak rides. Dinner and night at anchor.
Day 2 - Wednesday
After the breakfast navigation of one hour to the motu Hauone. Discovery of the wild part of the lagoon.
Option: Visit Bird Island.
25 minutes of sailing to the Motu Kauraufara with his little fisherman village. At anchor at the pink sand area for the rest of the day with water activities : beach, kayak, snorkeling. Dinner and night at this spot.
Day 3 - Thursday
Short navigation of one hour to motu Teu. “puamotu” day on this islet. Large snorkelling parties, fishing and water-based activities, rides on the motu.
Option: Local puamotu BBQ on a private motu.
Dinner and night at the motu Teu.
Day 4 - Friday
After breakfast, short navigation of one and a half hgours in the south of Rangiroa lagoon, stop at Otepipi, visit of this old village and at the largest beach of this atoll. End of afternoon, 2 hours of navigation back to Tiputa. Snorkelling at “The Aquarium” and/or drift snorkeling at Tiputa pass. Option: Visit a black pearl farm.
Day 5 - Saturday
Disembarking at the public pier Rangiroa at 08.00 am, after the breakfast.
Sailing Dates:
Rangiroa Lagoon Cruise operates weekly year round.
8 DAY / 7 NIGHT CRUISES
1. 8 Day Bora Bora Dream Cruise, Round-trip from Raiatea to Bora Bora, Tahaa and Huahine
Day 1 – Saturday - Raiatea
Welcome and boarding at noon at Dream Yacht charter Base, Marina of Uturoa. Lunch on board, short navigation inside the lagoon of Raiatea to Meri Meri pass. Beachcombing, nautical activities.
Option: visit a black pearl farm
Day 2 – Sunday – Bora Bora
Navigation to Bora Bora (5 hours). Lunch at anchor and discovery of one of the most beautiful island in the South Pacific. Night at anchor in the South of Bora Bora, Matira point.
Day 3 – Monday – Bora Bora
Leisure day to discover this famous lagoon of Bora Bora. Short navigations and a few stops for snorkelling parties, beachcombing and kayaks rides. Option: Barbecue lunch on a private motu.. Evening and night in Vaitape Bay.
Day 4 – Tuesday - Tahaa
After breakfast, crossing of 5 hours to Tahaa island. Lunch at anchor at the coral garden Tao Tao – afternoon at leisure or nautical activities, swimming, snorkelling. Evening and night in Apu Bay.
Day 5 – Wednesday - Raiatea
Short navigation to Raiatea. Shopping in Uturoa, Raiatea’s main village, enjoy the local market.
Option: Guided tour of Raiatea, Taputapuatea temple, botanic, green valley and waterfalls.
Short navigation to motu Ceran. Robinson day at anchor for nautical activities, snorkelling, swimming.
Day 6 – Thursday - Huahine
Early departure to Huahine, navigation of 4 hours. Arrival in Fare Bay around 10.00 am. Visit this typical Polynesian village. Afternoon, leisure activities: kayaks, snorkelling parties, watersports.
Option: Guided tour of Huahine archaeological sites, fish traps, vanilla plantations, sacred eels.
Day 7 – Friday - Huahine & Raiatea
Breakfast at Avea Bay – nautical activities and navigation in the West part of Huahine Lagoon. Panoramic lunch followed by 4 hours crossing to Raiatea island. Sunset arrival on the sacred island. Option: Dinner and evening in a restaurant with a local Polynesian show.
Day 8 – Saturday - Raiatea
Landing at 08.00 am, Dream Yacht charter Base, Marina of Uturoa.
Sailing Dates Bora Bora Dream Cruise:
Bora Bora Dream Cruise departs on a Saturday and returns on Saturday every week, year round.
2. 8 Day Atoll Dream Cruise on Rangiroa Lagoon.
Day 1 - Saturday
Welcome and boarding at noon, Tiputa public pier Rangiroa. Panoramic lunch with one hour navigation to the Green Lagon. At anchor for an afternoon dedicated to water-based activities: Snorkelling in Avatoru pass, kayaks, swimming, walks on the motu.
Dinner and night at anchor.
Day 2 - Sunday
At 8.30am, after the breakfast navigation of 2½ hours to the famous Blue Lagoon. At anchor to visit by dinghy and snorkelling this great and unspoilt nursery of sharks and all other tropical fish. Option : local puamotu BBQ on a private motu.
In the afternoon, navigation of 2 hours to the islet motu AIAI. Dinner and night on this spot.
Day 3 - Monday
Visit of the reef islet, water-based activities. Panoramic lunch and a navigation of 2 hours half back to Tiputa village. Snorkelling at “The Aquarium” and/or drift snorkeling in the pass of Tiputa.
Night at anchor.
Day 4 - Tuesday
Visit of the typical village of Tiputa. After the lunch at anchor, navigation of 2 hours half to the islet motu Onetere. Water-based activities : bathing, beachcombing, swimming and snorkeling in the most large lagoon of French Polynesia, kayak rides.
Dinner and night at anchor.
Day 5 - Wednesday
After the breakfast navigation of one hour to the motu Hauone. Discovery of the wild part of the lagoon.
Option : Visit Bird Island.
25 minutes of sailing to the Motu Kauraufara with his little fisherman village. At anchor at the pink sand area for the rest of the day with water activities: beach, kayak, snorkelling. Dinner and night at this spot.
Day 6 - Thursday
Short navigation of one hour to motu Teu. “puamotu” day on this islet. Large snorkeling parties, fishing and water-based activities, rides on the motu.
Option: local puamotu BBQ on a private motu.
Diner and night at the motu Teu.
Day 7 – Friday
After the breakfast, short navigation of one hour half in the south of Rangiroa lagoon, stop at Otepipi, visit of this old village and at the largest beach of this atoll. End of afternoon, 2 hours of navigation back to Tiputa. Snorkelling at “The Aquarium” and/or drift snorkeling at Tiputa pass.
Option: visit a black pearl farm.
Day 8 - Saturday
Disembark at the public pier Rangiroa at 08.00 am, after breakfast.
Sailing Dates Rangiroa and Tikehau Atoll Dream Cruise:
The Rangiroa and Tikehau Atoll Dream Cruise departs on Saturday and returns on Saturday
Weekly departures between 15 March and 29 November 2016
11 DAY / 10 NIGHT CRUISES
Polynesia Dream, One Way Cruises Between Papeete and
Raiatea via Moorea, Huahine, Bora Bora and Tahaa.
Day 1 – Saturday - Raiatea
Welcome and boarding at noon,. Dream Yacht Charter base, Marina of Uturoa. Lunch and navigation inside Raiatea lagoon to Meri Meri Pass, water-based activities.
Option: visit a black pearl farm
Day 2 - Sunday - Morning to Bora Bora – lunch and afternoon Bora Bora
Navigation of 5 hours to Bora Bora. Lunch at anchor in the most beautiful lagoon of south Pacific. Nautical activities.
Evening and night at Matira Point Bora Bora.
Day 3 - Monday - Bora Bora
Discovery of Bora Bora and her lagoon. Short navigations around the lagoon of Bora Bora, The Barrier Reef, snorkelling in a coral garden. Sharks, turtles and tropical fish watching.
Option: Barbecue lunch on a private motu,
Day 4 - Tuesday - Bora Bora to Tahaa
Navigation of 5 hours to Tahaa. On arrival Tahaa lunch in the lagoon at the coral garden of Tao Tao and a full afternoon of water-based activities.
Option: Dinner and evening in a restaurant with a local Polynesian how.
Evening and night at Apu Bay Tahaa.
Day 5 - Wednesday - Tahaa then Tahaa to Raiatea
Navigation of 2 hours to Motu Ceran. Discovery of Haamene Bay. Robinson day: beach – ride on the motu – snorkelling parties – sea kayaks followed by 2 hours navigation to Raiatea island further up the same lagoon.
Day 6 - Thursday - Morning Raiatea – Afternoon Raiatea to Huahine
Visit of Uturoa, main village of Raiatea, shopping and local market.
Option: A Half Day guided tour of Raiatea visiting Taputapuatea Temple, botanic, green valley, waterfalls. Panoramic lunch on board, discovery of the East Coast of Raiatea lagoon followed by 4 hour crossing to Huahine island.
Night at anchor, Fare Bay Huahine.
Day 7 - Friday - Hauhine – night sailing to Moorea
Water-based activities inside the Huahine Lagoon. Discovery of Avea bay on the western part of Huahine Lagoon.
Option: Guided tour of Huahine archaeological sites, fish traps, vanilla plantations, sacred eels. Panoramic diner and departure to Moorea (90 nautical miles). Enjoy night sailing to Moorea.
Day 8 - Saturday - Moorea
Arrival in Moorea during the morning and mooring in Opunohu Bay for beachcombing and sea kayaks followed by a short navigation to Papetoai Village.
Option: An evening at Tiki Village. Enjoy the handcraft fare, pareo and coco show. Buffet ma’a Tahiti (Polynesian menu) and a great 1 hour Polynesian Show.
Day 9 - Sunday - Moorea
Short navigation to Opunohu Bay, water-based activities, public beach of Opunohu, snorkelling and kayak rides.
Option: Snorkelling with stingrays and lagoon sharks.
Afternoon, 1 hour of navigation to Cook’s Bay.
Night at anchor in Cook’s Bay.
Day 10 - Monday - Morning Moorea – Afternoon to Tahiti
Enjoy Cook’s Bay and the north coast of Moorea, at anchor front of Maharepa village for water activities snorkelling parties – sea kayaks – swimming. After lunch take the 3 hour crossing to Tahiti.
Night at the Marina Taina, West coast of Tahiti
Day 11 - Tuesday - Disembark Tahiti
Disembark at 8.00am, Marina Taina, Tahiti
This Cruise also operates in the reverse direction from TAHITI to RAIATEA, following a similar route (with minor itinerary changes to maximise the enjoyment of the cruise in the opposite direction) on the following dates:
Cruise departs Tahiti on a Wednesday and arrives Raiatea on Saturday after 10 nights en route.
Cash Box:
There is a mandatory fee on all cruises which is called the “Cash Box”. This fee varies by the length of the cruise and ranges from 80 to 215 Euros per person (both adults and children).
Cash Box fees may be paid in cash on boarding or prepaid at time of booking.
Cash Box monies go towards the following, depending on destinations.
- National Park Fees
- Tourist Taxes and landing fees on the islands
- Mooring fees
- Possible re-fills of water, fuel, gas, fresh products
- Miscellaneous: such as repurchase of broken crockery,
lost fishing lines or lures etc.
What Archipels Say About Themselves:
“Relax and Leave The Sailing To Us
Explore Bora Bora and many other Polynesian islands aboard the biggest and most comfortable catamarans in the whole South Pacific.
Come and discover Tahiti and its islands with several itineraries from 3 to 11 days in Archipelago of Tuamotu and Société and more recently, the Marquesas: wild bays only accessible by boat or picturesque harbours, uninhabited atolls and ends of the earth moorings.
You will enjoy comfort of a double cabin with ensuite bathroom. Your hostess will prepare excellent meals and will introduce you to local flavours made of local fresh products, fishes and tropical fruits.
Over the past few years, demand for what are called “Stateroom Charters” in the U.S., and “By The Cabin Charters” in Europe have become enormously popular. Whichever name you choose (we prefer “By The Cabin”), this option could be the ideal sailing vacation for people who don’t yet have the skills to bare boat charter, folks who simply want to relax, or others who want to experience life aboard a crewed luxury yacht, but can’t justify the cost.
Sound interesting? Here is how it works. You rent a stateroom or cabin with your own private bathroom, just as you would on a cruise ship. But Instead of a thousand new best friends, you’ll be among just a handful, while our professional crew manages all aspects of the yacht, and a gourmet chef prepares all the meals.
These charters are both memorable and affordable. Our charter guests typically represent many nations. In nearly every instance, your yacht mates are intelligent, successful and open to new experiences and cultural exchanges. This leads to great conversation and lasting friendships. Our luxury cruise yachts typically have between four and 10 cabins, which is a far cry from the mass tourism of cruise ships. What could create better vacation memories than great company and attentive, yet discrete service?
On a Dream Yacht Cabin Charter, you’ll leave the overload of modern life behind and adopt a more humane pace: one that allows you to you follow the rhythms of the sea and tropical trade winds. You’ll be sailing on a 59 to 82-foot catamaran. Its shallow draft means we can introduce you to private anchorages and special snorkeling spots that the operators of large cruise ships can only dream of sharing with their passengers. On our crewed catamarans, you will experience a far more intimate vacation and explore unspoiled lagoons, pristine beaches, and reefs teeming with sea life, as well as splendid anchorages and bays.
You have planned a fabulous sailing vacation, and we won’t disappoint. All Dream Yacht Charter cabin cruises are guaranteed to leave rain or shine, and regardless of whether the yacht is fully booked. Our sailing itineraries are designed around short passages of from one to five hours each day. This leaves enough spare time for excursions and water sports – snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, diving, windsurfing and wake boarding – or simply hanging out and relaxing on the sun lounges of your catamaran.
Meals on board are prepared from fresh local products, and our menus embrace the variety and flavor of traditional local cuisine. On occasion, our crews even catch fresh Tuna or Mahi-Mahi right from the catamaran. Now that is a tasty meal!”
Our Specials
Early Booking Discount
A 10% discount is provided if bookings are made and confirmed at least 180 days prior to cruise departure date
A 5% discount is provided if bookings are made and confirmed at least 90 days prior to cruise departure date.
Conditions:
- Cumulative with Loyalty discount.
Cruise Combination Discount
a 10% discount is provided if 2 cruises are combined on the same itinerary
Conditions:
- Cumulative with Loyalty and Early Booking discounts.
Loyalty Discount
A 5% discount applies on all Dream Yacht Cabin Cruises for those who have been on a DYC cruise within the past 24 months before the date of booking on the new cruise.
Conditions:
- Cumulative with Early Booking discount.
Honeymoon & Wedding Anniversary Special
Cruise on your Honeymoon or every 5th Wedding Anniversary and the bride receives a 50% discount on selected cruises.
Conditions:
- Dates are usually between mid July and mid September.
- Every 5th Wedding Anniversary means 5th, 10th, 15th etc.
- Documentary proof of wedding required for this discount to apply.
- This Special is not combinable with any other special or discount.
Accommodation Options
In 2016/17 Dream Yacht Charters expanded and renewed its fleet of luxury catamarans with the addition of 3 new “Lagoon 620” catamarans to complement the remaining 2 Eleuthera 60’ boats. Lagoon 620 catamarans are a little bigger than the Eleuthera 60’ catamarans and have 6 air-conditioned ensuite cabins and plenty of space. Our Specialists are happy to advise which type of catamaran is scheduled to operate each cruise.
Eleuthera 60’ catamarans offer 4 private cabins, each one with an ensuite bathroom. Of the four cabins, one is designated “Superior”. The Superior Cabin differs in that it is a little bigger than the other cabins and has a Pullman Berth (fold-down bunk) for a third occupant.
Cabin Categories both vessels:
Double Cabins:
Maximum Occupancy: 2 Persons
Existing Bedding Configuration: Either 1 Double Bed or 2 Single Beds
Additional Bedding: No additional bedding accommodated
Superior Cabin:
Maximum Occupancy: 3 Persons
Existing Bedding Configuration: 1 Double Bed
Additional Bedding: One Pullman Berth for the 3rd occupant.
Getting to and from Archipels Polynesian Cruises
All Archipels “By The Cabin” Cruises require at least one domestic flight (and often 2 flights) to connect with departures/arrivals. Our Specialists are experts in all aspects of travel to Tahiti and all the islands of French Polynesia and we will ensure seamless connections, accommodation and flights as required/agreed in any package we arrange for you.
Kids Policy
One child aged under 12 years may share with parents occupying a Superior Cabin by using the Pullman (bunk) Bed for a modest fee of 200 Euros for the entire cruise plus Cash Box contribution.
Cancellation Policies and Charges
All cancellations must be made in writing.
Bookings Cancelled 90 days plus before embarkation
incur a 350 Euros fee
Bookings Cancelled between 45 and 89 days before
embarkation incur a fee of 20% of cruise cost
Bookings Cancelled between 30 and 44 days before
embarkation incur a fee of 30% of cruise cost
Bookings Cancelled between 15 and 29 days before
embarkation incur a fee of 50% of cruise cost
Bookings Cancelled 14 days and less before
embarkation incur a fee of 100% of cruise cost
The information on this page is correct as at 27 August 2018 . All information shown is subject to change without notice.