Cruise in Rangiroa

Best things to do on a catamaran cruise in Rangiroa

Discover the wonders of the Blue Lagoon: Considered a must-see destination in Rangiroa, the Blue Lagoon invites you to drop anchor for a day and immerse yourself in its mesmerizing turquoise waters. Take the opportunity to go snorkeling or diving in the lagoon and marvel at the vibrant coral gardens teeming with many tropical fish and marine life. Kayaking is a popular activity in the Blue Lagoon of Rangiroa. The calm and clear waters of the lagoon make it an ideal spot for kayaking and exploring the surroundings at your own pace. You can rent a kayak from local renters or resorts in Rangiroa, and they will often provide you with the necessary kayak equipment, such as paddles and life jackets.
Experience the Tiputa Pass: A renowned hotspot for diving and snorkeling, the Tiputa Pass unveils an extraordinary underwater realm. Witness the elegance of manta rays, dolphins, and various species of sharks gracefully navigating the pass. Check the tide schedules to plan your trip for optimal diving conditions.
Travel to Bird Island: Nestled within Rangiroa's lagoon, the picturesque islet known as Bird Island (Île aux Oiseaux) beckons you. Sail to this tranquil sanctuary and behold a diverse array of seabirds, including nesting colonies of frigatebirds and terns. Capture breathtaking photographs and indulge in birdwatching amidst this idyllic setting.

Best tours to do in Rangiroa

Snorkeling and Diving Tour: Rangiroa offers incredible opportunities for snorkeling and diving due to its crystal-clear waters and diverse marine ecosystem. Explore the famous Tiputa Pass, Avatoru Pass, or the Blue Lagoon, and witness vibrant coral gardens, tropical fish, and maybe even encounter dolphins, sharks, or manta rays.
Pearl Farm Tour: Rangiroa is known for its pearl industry. Take a tour of the pearl farms and learn about the cultivation process of these exquisite gems. You can also purchase pearls as souvenirs or gifts.
Tour of the Pink Sands of Les Sables Roses: Spend a day exploring the unique pink sands of Les Sables Roses (Pink Sands), a beautiful stretch of beach on Rangiroa's south coast. The pink hue of the sand is due to the presence of red shells, making it a picturesque and Instagram-worthy destination.

Sailing Conditions and Climate in Rangiroa

Weather and Seasons: Rangiroa experiences a warm tropical climate throughout the year. The temperatures remain fairly consistent, ranging from 24°C to 31°C on average. The region has two main seasons - the dry season and the wet season. The dry season typically extends from May to October, characterized by lower rainfall and pleasant weather during the days. The wet season falls between November and April, bringing occasional rain showers and higher humidity.
Winds: Rangiroa benefits from consistent trade winds, particularly during the dry season. The southeast trade winds blow from May to October, providing excellent sailing conditions with consistent breezes ranging from 10 to 20 knots. These winds are ideal for sailing, allowing for enjoyable cruises and comfortable passages between the motus (islets) within the atoll.
Currents: Rangiroa is renowned for its strong tidal currents, especially during tidal exchanges, which occur twice a month during the full moon and new moon. It's important to navigate with caution and consider the timing of your sailing activities to avoid challenging currents, particularly in narrow passes like the Tiputa Pass.

Islands to visit near Rangiroa

  Avatoru: Avatoru is the main village on Rangiroa itself and is located on the western side of the atoll. While not a separate island, it offers amenities such as shops, restaurants, and accommodations for visitors to Rangiroa.
Tiputa: Tiputa is another village located on Rangiroa on the northeastern side of the atoll. It is known for its stunning views, particularly from Tiputa Pass, and is a popular spot for diving and snorkeling.
Motu Nui: Motu Nui is a small islet located on the southeastern side of Rangiroa. It is known for its beautiful white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, offering opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
Motu Puarua: Motu Puarua is a picturesque motu located on the western side of Rangiroa. It is known for its stunning beaches and shallow turquoise lagoon, making it a perfect spot for relaxation and water activities.
Motu Tautau: Motu Tautau is a small motu located on the northeastern side of Rangiroa. It is famous for its bird colonies, including frigatebirds and terns. You can visit the motu to witness these seabirds and enjoy the tranquility of the area.
Motu Rangiroa: Motu Rangiroa is an uninhabited motu located on the southwestern side of Rangiroa. It offers secluded beaches and opportunities for snorkeling and exploring the surrounding waters.

Sail further from Rangiroa (Tahiti or Bora Bora)

If you're looking for a longer sailing adventure, you can sail from Rangiroa to the main island of Tahiti, which is approximately 180 nautical miles southwest (around one day). Tahiti offers a vibrant mix of cultural experiences, beautiful landscapes, and the bustling capital city of Papeete.

The most common route from Rangiroa to Tahiti follows southwesterly. You would navigate through the open waters of the Pacific Ocean, crossing the deep channel between the islands of the Tuamotu Archipelago and the Society Islands, where Tahiti is located.

Tahiti, a tropical paradise located in the South Pacific, is a must-visit destination for those seeking natural beauty, tranquillity, and cultural richness. With its stunning turquoise lagoons, white sand beaches, and lush tropical forests, Tahiti offers visitors an unmatched experience of nature's bounty. Additionally, the Polynesian culture and traditions are deeply embedded in the daily life of the local Tahitian people, making it a perfect destination for those interested in cultural immersion. From surfing to snorkeling, hiking to island hopping, or chilling in a hammock under a palm tree, Tahiti has something for everyone, and it's not hard to see why it has been the inspiration for many artists and writers throughout history. Papeete is the capital city of French Polynesia and is located on the island of Tahiti. The city of Papeete is home to various cultural institutions, including museums, art galleries, and performance venues, and is known for its vibrant marketplaces and lively street scenes.

If you wish to travel even further, set your course from Rangiroa to the picturesque island of Bora Bora. Located approximately 270 nautical miles northwest, this journey promises an unforgettable experience of natural beauty, tranquility, and sheer paradise.

As you embark on this sailing odyssey, the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean will guide you towards the enchanting island of Bora Bora. Adorned with iconic overwater bungalows and surrounded by a vibrant coral reef, Bora Bora is a tropical haven that embodies serenity and indulgence.

The route from Rangiroa to Bora Bora typically takes around 2 to 3 days, depending on the speed of your vessel and the conditions at sea. Along the way, you'll be treated to breathtaking panoramas of the vast ocean, with glimpses of neighboring islands and perhaps even playful marine life accompanying you on your journey.

Arriving at Bora Bora, you'll be captivated by its unmatched beauty. The island's crystalline lagoon, framed by towering emerald peaks, is a sight to behold. Dive into the turquoise waters to discover an underwater wonderland teeming with colourful coral gardens and exotic marine creatures. Relax on pristine white sand beaches or indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment while soaking up the warmth of the tropical sun.

French Polynesian Culture

French Polynesia is home to a rich and unique culture steeped in tradition and history and interwoven with elements of French influences. The traditional Polynesian culture is full of history, mythology, and legend. Visitors can view and enjoy traditional Polynesian dances, music, and art. For those in your group interested in art, you might be interested to know French artist Paul Gauguin (who was born in Tahiti!) spent a significant portion of his life in French Polynesia, particularly in the islands of Tahiti and the Marquesas. Gauguin is known for his colourful, expressive paintings depicting the islands' people, culture, and landscape. As you sail around the islets on your ship, we're sure you'll spot a view or two worthy of a Gauguin painting!

Take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich Polynesian culture of Rangiroa. Visit the local villages, interact with the friendly locals, and learn about their traditions, culture, dance, and music.

How does a cabin cruise work?

Cabin cruises offer complete comfort and luxury. With a huge variety of charters available to book, you will certainly find the ideal cruise for your time in Rangiroa. Many yacht types are available to book, including monohull, catamaran, and motorboat options. Monohulls are the traditional type of sailboat known for their speed and traditional sailing experience. The catamaran is becoming increasingly sought after for cabin cruises due to its spaciousness and stability. A motorboat yacht is ideal for those who want to explore the islands in style and luxury.

A cabin cruise is different to chartering a ship bareboat, as everything is organised on behalf of the cruise passengers. An itinerary with activities, beautiful destinations, and a full or half-board meal package will be planned. This means you will be offered between two and three meals a day, usually for the half-board breakfast and lunch or dinner package features. With the half-board option, cruise passengers can spend the night at one of the local restaurants in whatever port they have stopped in. Each port has many options of restaurants for you to select from.

The cabin sizes will differ depending on the type of yacht you select for your cruise. On some of our cruises, there are options to book a single or a double cabin or even sometimes a suite! No matter what cabins are offered, we assure you that travellers will find the perfect cabin at the best price.

We offer multiple ships and cruises to passengers who wish to sail here. Whether you wish to spend your days lazily cruising along the coast, relaxing on the yacht's deck, or exploring the coastline's many destinations, we have a package to suit any person! A cabin cruise is a luxury experience as it includes all the comforts on board at our price.

Our skipper and crew shall take care of the itinerary during your cruise freeing you from worry and stress as they offer you their exceptional services. A skipper will select the best route for sailing, and the other crew members remain at your disposal to take care of all the essential details (no matter how small!) onboard and in your cabins to make your trip outstanding. Booking a cabin on a sailing cruise can be a great way to meet new people and make friends while exploring the area and on the yacht's deck.

The crew will prepare food daily with traditional Polynesian flavours included in the full or half board. You will also be able to benefit from the services of the hostess regularly cleaning the common area of the cruise ship.

Enjoy the view as you cruise the sea, read a great book, or ask the crew for some sailing tips! In the skipper's free time, they will happily help you brush up on your sailing knowledge. Or rest in your air-conditioned private cabins onboard the ship or in the catamaran saloon. The ship offers you plenty of space and comfort, so you can retire to your private cabins anytime and have a moment away from the other passengers on the boat.

Do you already have dates in mind for your cruise? Talk to one of our expert booking advisors, who will recommend the best deals for whatever time of year you wish to sail. When you book a cruise early, there are sometimes special deals that passengers can avail of. Our booking staff can offer their services and advise on the details of our cruises using real clients' reviews and data and their years of industry experience, to help you select the best cruise for you.

Privatising a Cruise

Are you searching for a sailing experience in Rangiroa, French Polynesia, that's a bit more private? Why not privatise the whole cruise?  

Our private cruises with skipper or crew offer the opportunity to embark on a tailor-made sailing holiday with family or friends on sailboats or catamarans just for you! Choose your sailing itinerary with the captain, your stopovers in the dream anchorages, and the ports to visit. You can also participate in the manoeuvres if you wish, hoist the sails, steer the boat and live a new sailing experience! You can book with an English-speaking skipper on board, who will be the perfect guide to make the most of your cruise and inform you about the history of Rangiroa and French Polynesia.

On a private cruise you have the entire catamaran to yourself and your group. This provides a high level of privacy and exclusivity, allowing you to enjoy the onboard service, activities, and destinations without sharing them with other passengers.

Concierge Service

GlobeSailor now offers you the benefit of a concierge service: to make your trip a memorable and stress-free experience, you can avail of a dedicated concierge service that will bend over backwards to meet all your needs! Take the opportunity to live spontaneously and without restriction: from breakfast delivery on board to organising transfers from the airport, the possibilities are endless!