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 in Tahiti for 26 years.
All the islands of French Polynesia lend themselves to this wonderful form of cruising and the big, new Lagoon 620 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.
Lagoon 620 catamarans are big, stable boats with plenty of room for a maximum of 12 passengers and 2 crew to eat, sleep and play. The “62” in the name refers to the length of the catamaran in feet – this translates to approximately 19 metres in length. The boats are 10 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 six cabins are down a level from the lounge. The cabins are air-conditioned while the electrical generator is operating. The cabins have flow-through ventilation via their porthole when the air-conditioning may be switched off late at night.
The cruise fare includes:
● Accommodation in private, air-conditioned 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:
6 days/5 night cruise:
- A cruise of 5 nights on the Rangiroa Lagoon
8 day/7 night cruise:
- A round trip from Raiatea to Bora Bora, Tahaa, Huahine
and back to Raiatea.
11 day/10 night cruises:
- One way cruises between Papeete, Tahiti and Raiatea
visiting Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Bora Bora and Tahaa
These 11 Day Cruises operate in both directions from Raiatea
to Tahiti and from Tahiti to Raiatea.
6 DAY / 5 NIGHT CRUISE
Rangiroa Dream - Sample Itinerary
Please note: These cruises depart every 5 days, so departure days vary
Rangiroa Dream Cruises operate year-round.
Day 1 - Tuesday
Welcome and boarding at noon, Tiputa public pier Rangiroa. Enjoy lunch while navigating the 15 nautical miles to Mahanahana where you enjoy 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 two hours to the shells village, Kauraufara. Visit the village, discover the large motu, visit the coconut plantation and learn about the production of copra - option to purchase paumoto crafts. Reboard the catamaran for a short 15-minute cruise to the coral gardens for your lunch stop. motu Hauone. Discovery of the wild part of the lagoon. Snorkel on the coral garden and in the late afternoon sail 30-minutes to the Pink Sands. Walk the sandbank, discover the earsternmost part of Rangiroa. Dinner and night at this spot.
Day 3 - Thursday
After breakfast, a short navigation of 10-minutes to a coral garden, then back on board for a 45-minute crossing to motu Teu and The Birds Island.
Option: Visit Birds Islands and enjoy a local BBQ on a private motu.
Afternoon: Enjoy snorkelling, kayaks, swimming and for dinner and your overnight anchor.
Day 4 - Friday
After breakfast, short navigation of one and a half hours in the south of Rangiroa lagoon, stop at Otepipi - famous for its church of St Anne. Stroll the largest beach of Rangiroa and enjoy the coral reef, then take the 2-hour crossing to motu Faama. Lunch on board then enjoy the reef with free diving in the coral garden, paddle a kayak or relax.
Dinner and overnight at anchor.
Day 5 - Saturday
Early morning breakfast, then set sail for the 3-hour traverse to the Blue Lagoon. Discover this natural site, one of the most symbolic locations in the Tuamotu Islands - enjoy snorkelling amongst the colourful tropical fish and corals.
Return on board for lunch and set sail for Avatoru where you arrive in the late afternoon. Dive "The Aquarium" in front of Tiputa Pass and the drift diving or dolphin watching at the pass.
Dinner and overnight at anchor.
Day 6 - Sunday
After breakfast, disembark at the public pier at Ohotu at 08.00 am.
8 DAY / 7 NIGHT CRUISE
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 (4 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 - Raiatea
After breakfast, crossing of 4 hours to Raiatea. Lunch at anchor, afternoon at leisure or nautical activities, swimming, snorkelling. Evening and night at anchor.
Option: Visit a black pearl farm, snorkelling.
Day 5 – Wednesday - Tahaa
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.
Option: Dinner and evening in a restaurant with a local Polynesian show.
Day 6 – Thursday - Huahine
Early departure to Huahine, navigation of 4 hours. Arrival in Bourayne Bay around noon. Afternoon, leisure activities at Ana Iti Beach - kayaks, snorkelling parties, watersports.
Day 7 – Friday - Huahine & Raiatea
After breakfast, short navigation to Fare Village for a visit and snorkelling. After lunch enjoy the 4-hour crossing to Raiatea island. Sunset arrival on the sacred island.
Option: Guided tour of Huahine archaeological sites, fish traps, vanilla plantations, sacred eels.
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.
11 DAY / 10 NIGHT CRUISES
Polynesia Dream, One Way Cruises Between Papeete and
Raiatea via Moorea, Huahine, Bora Bora and Tahaa.
Cruises operate in both directions:
11 Days Raiatea to Tahiti
11 days Tahiti to Raiatea
Sample Itinerary:
Day 1 – Saturday - Raiatea and Tahaa
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.
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 Raiatea/Tahaa
Navigation of 4 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 - to Huahine
Early departure to Huahine (4 hour crossing). Arrive Bourayne Bay around noon. Afternoon at leisure Ana Iti Beach for kayaks, snorkelling and watersports.
Night at anchor, Fare Bay Huahine.
Day 7 - Friday - Hauhine and back to Raiatea
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.
After lunch cross bac to Raiatea for sunset arrival.
Day 8 - Saturday - Night Sailing to Moorea
Day at leisure. At sunset, take the night crossing to Moorea (12 hours).
Day 9 - Sunday - Moorea
Arrive in Morea during the morning, mooring at Papetoai Village. This is a typical Polynesian Village to enjoy beachcombing, sea kayaks, snorkelling on the Tiki Spot. Short navigation to Opunohu Bay in the late afternoon, enjoy a short walk in Opunohu Valley.
Day 10 - Monday - Morning Moorea – Afternoon to Tahiti
Enjoy Cook’s Bay and the north coast of Moorea, ennjoy Vaiare Bay for lunch and water activities snorkelling parties – sea kayaks – swimming. Late afternoon, take the 2.5 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).
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 105 to 220 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 6 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.
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 June and mid September.
- Some closeout dates apply.
- 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.
- Does nota pply to Raiatea Dream Cruises.
Accommodation Options
In 2016/17 Dream Yacht Charters expanded and renewed its fleet of luxury catamarans now comprises 5 new “Lagoon 620” catamarans. Lagoon 620 catamarans are a little bigger than the previous Eleuthera 60’ catamarans and have 6 air-conditioned ensuite cabins and plenty of space.
Cabin Categories:
Double Cabins:
Maximum Occupancy: 2 Persons
Existing Bedding Configuration: 1 Double Bed
Additional Bedding: No additional bedding accommodated
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.
Cancellation Policies and Charges
All cancellations must be made in writing.
Bookings Cancelled 90 days plus before embarkation
incur a 25% fee.
Bookings Cancelled between 60 and 89 days before
embarkation incur a fee of 50% of cruise cost
Bookings Cancelled between 30 and 59 days before
embarkation incur a fee of 75% of cruise cost
Bookings Cancelled 29 days and less before
embarkation incur a fee of 100% of cruise cost
Travel Insurance is recommended
OUR Specialists can advise on all aspects of travel insurance
The information on this page is correct as at 28 June 2019. All information shown is subject to change without notice.