Oceania offers some of the world's most extraordinary cruising grounds: volcanic islands rising from turquoise lagoons, coral reefs stretching towards the horizon and remote coastlines where the sense of escape is almost absolute. Distances are greater than in the Mediterranean or Caribbean, so each charter is best centred around a particular cruising region, chosen according to the season, conditions and the experience you want from your time on the water.
Where to cruise
French Polynesia
The Society Islands are the classic introduction to French Polynesia: Moorea, Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a and Bora Bora, each offering its own combination of dramatic peaks, sheltered lagoons and palm-fringed motus. Further east, the low coral atolls of the Tuamotus, including Rangiroa and Fakarava, offer exceptional diving, pristine reefs and an altogether more remote experience.
Fiji
More than 300 islands create an extraordinary variety of cruising possibilities, from the accessible Mamanucas and Yasawas to the more remote northern islands. Expect white-sand beaches, clear lagoons, vibrant coral reefs and encounters with manta rays, while Taveuni and the surrounding islands offer rainforest, waterfalls and some of Fiji's most spectacular underwater landscapes.
Australia
The Whitsundays offer sheltered cruising among 74 islands, with the brilliant sands of Whitehaven Beach and the Great Barrier Reef within easy reach. Further north, Lizard Island and the Ribbon Reefs provide access to some of Australia's most celebrated diving grounds, while the remote Kimberley offers an entirely different experience of dramatic gorges, waterfalls and rugged wilderness. Further south, Sydney Harbour provides one of the world's great arrivals by sea.
New Zealand
The Bay of Islands and Hauraki Gulf offer sheltered cruising, secluded beaches, vineyards and coastal walks, with Auckland providing a natural gateway to the North Island's cruising grounds. Further south, Fiordland presents a far more remote experience, with towering mountains, deep fiords and extraordinary wilderness best explored in favourable conditions.
A suggested week: the Society Islands from Tahiti
Day 1 — Tahiti to Moorea
Board in Papeete and make the short crossing to Moorea, anchoring beneath the dramatic peaks of Cook's Bay or Opunohu Bay.
Day 2 — Moorea
Spend the morning exploring Moorea's extraordinary lagoon, with opportunities to swim and snorkel among rays and blacktip reef sharks. Later, head ashore to discover the island's lush interior, including the Belvedere viewpoint and its pineapple-growing country.
Day 3 — Huahine
Cruise onwards to Huahine, one of the quieter Society Islands, where lush landscapes, traditional villages and secluded beaches create a more intimate Polynesian experience. Explore the lagoon by tender or paddleboard before settling into a peaceful evening on board.
Day 4 — Raiatea
Visit Marae Taputapuatea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most significant cultural sites in eastern Polynesia. Spend the afternoon exploring Raiatea's sheltered waters or enjoying the yacht's water toys.
Day 5 — Taha'a
Discover Taha'a, known for its vanilla plantations and pearl farms, before heading into the lagoon for a drift snorkel through its vibrant coral gardens.
Day 6 — Bora Bora
Enter the legendary lagoon of Bora Bora beneath the silhouette of Mount Otemanu. Spend the afternoon swimming, snorkelling and exploring by tender before dining on deck as the sun sets over the lagoon.
Day 7 — Bora Bora
Enjoy a final morning on the water before disembarking in Bora Bora for onward travel, including the short flight back to Tahiti.
The route is indicative rather than fixed. Your captain will adjust the itinerary according to wind, sea conditions and your preferences.
When to go
Oceania spans a number of distinct climate zones, so the ideal charter season varies considerably between destinations. In French Polynesia, the drier and generally more comfortable months run from May to October, while Fiji's peak dry season falls broadly between May and October. The South Pacific cyclone season generally runs from November to April, making conditions and itinerary planning particularly important during these months.
In Australia, the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef are generally most comfortable from May to October, while the Kimberley cruising season runs through the Australian dry season, broadly from April to September. Sydney and New Zealand reach their peak southern-summer season from December to March, with New Year's Eve on Sydney Harbour among the most sought-after dates in the charter calendar.
Stay ashore
Extend a French Polynesia or Fiji charter with a private villa or luxury resort stay before or after the yacht, or combine a Whitsundays charter with a private residence on one of Queensland's island retreats. In New Zealand, a few days exploring ashore can provide a natural complement to time spent cruising the country's extraordinary coastline.
After a long-haul flight, a few days ashore before boarding can also allow everyone to arrive refreshed and settled before beginning the charter.
We can arrange the yacht, villa, transfers and itinerary together, creating one seamless journey across Oceania.