Tahiti Guest Boat
Na Maka, Tahiti Guest Boat catamaran on a private cruise

A private catamaran cruise through the Leeward Islands

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Tahiti Guest Boat catamaran

Enjoy an unforgettable tailor-made cruise through the legendary Leeward Islands

Capacity
Up to 5 guests
Minimum duration
From 4 days
Price
Tailored rates
Na Maka in a quiet anchorage in Kauehi

The Leeward Islands, a sailor’s paradise

Discovering the Leeward Islands means stepping into the heart of Maohi culture and Polynesian mythology:

  • This archipelago of high islands, fringed by lagoons and countless motu, is a sailor’s paradise
  • When you meet the people of Maupiti, you experience Polynesian hospitality, simple and authentic, and see Bora as it was 50 years ago, with a lagoon of green and blue enclosing mountain peaks
  • You will be dazzled by legendary Bora Bora among the islands of Polynesia
  • You will discover Raiatea, cradle of Maohi culture in the Pacific, and its sister island Taha’a

A cruise, a wonderful way to discover the Leeward Islands

Exploring the Leeward Islands by cruise means discovering the extraordinary beauty of the archipelago from the sea, then experiencing all its different facets on land.

These islands lie close to one another and offer beautiful, often gentle passages. Once inside the lagoon, the reef creates calm water — like a lake — that is ideal for life on board.

A cruise is the ideal way to make the most of the Leeward Islands.

Top-down plan of the Na Maka catamaran

Na Maka, an ideal catamaran for exploring the Leeward Islands in complete freedom

With its shallow draft , Na Maka can reach some of the most beautiful anchorages in very shallow water, where the sea turns pale green. You may even be able to stand up…

Its generous living space and natural stability make life on board especially comfortable, even for guests who are sensitive to seasickness.

Discover our catamaran
Na Maka at anchor

Indicative itinerary

Twelve days in the Leeward Islands means being at the heart of Maohi culture and Polynesian mythology.

Raiatea > Maupiti > Bora Bora > Taha’a

This itinerary is provided as a guide only. It adapts according to weather conditions, tides, and passenger preferences.

Days 1–3 — Raiatea

Board in Uturoa, the quiet “capital” of Raiatea. Visit the market for a first taste of the peaceful Raromatai islands before entering the lagoon and heading towards Faraoa Bay in the south-east of the island.

Follow the river by tender or kayak; lush vegetation and mangroves recall the Amazon, making this a real adventure.
Stop by a farmer friend to discover local fruit and vegetables and/or visit the botanical garden.

On the way to motu Nao Nao, visit the impressive Taputapuatea marae — a sacred Maohi site listed as UNESCO World Heritage — with its platforms and coral-block structures. Sailing along the mountains in their many shades of green, with the reef ahead, is a magnificent sight, ending in a small white-sand cove where we drop anchor.

You will not resist the lagoon’s call: excellent snorkelling awaits, or you can walk around the motu by the beach to discover local wildlife, admire the open-ocean view, watch waves breaking in the pass and look towards the distant mountains.
Sailing through the lagoon towards the island’s west coast and Tiano Pass is another chance to enjoy the lush nature; surfers can even catch a session before heading offshore.

Na Maka in Faaroa Bay

Days 4–7 — Maupiti

We reach Maupiti after a day or a night at sea, depending on the weather. Entering its narrow, winding pass is always an impressive moment not to be missed. Then comes the reward: a channel alongside beautiful motu begins to reveal the splendour of the island and its lagoon. It is a must!

There is no shortage of activities here: swim with resident manta rays, admire giant clams and fish while snorkelling along the drop-offs and reef, or glide by kayak across this immense natural pool. The sandbanks are perfect for relaxing.

For hiking, climbing Mount Tiriano is one of the archipelago’s most extraordinary experiences. You can soon see the ocean and lagoon at the same time as you climb, and the view is simply breathtaking!

Exploring the island by bicycle or on foot is also a pleasure, with splendid lagoon views. The beach is never far away for a refreshing swim. Kite and wing-foiling enthusiasts will be delighted: the playground is spectacular!

Finally, on this authentic island, long protected from tourism, the people are welcoming and full of joie de vivre.

180° view from the Maupiti hike

Days 8–12 — Bora Bora and Taha’a

We set off for Bora Bora at first light. After a four-hour sail, we drop anchor near motu Toopua, not far from the pass, to enjoy the snorkelling spots teeeming with rays and colourful fish, beside the leeward reef, sheltered from the swell.
As we sail south round the island, the Pearl of the Pacific reveals its treasures.
Highlights await you : a sunset stroll along the long Marira beach, drift snorkelling along the island’s south-east point or even manta rays watching.

After a half-day sail, return to the island of Taha’a — which shares its lagoon with Raiatea. With a little luck, dolphins will accompany us through the pass before we head north to anchor on the leeward side of motu Tautau.

The coral garden, where the current carries you among the corals as you play hide-and-seek with a myriad of colourful fish, is a snorkelling site not to be missed.

Sunset with a view of Bora is simply fantastic!

Rum lovers and the curious can visit Papi-Pari’s distillery, just across the bay in Tapuamu. Only by tasting its nectars can you decide whether they deserve their medals…

Continue north around Taha’a, bordered by a necklace of highly photogenic motu; this passage has a Tuamotu feel. Visit a pearl farm along the way before anchoring for the final night at motu Céran, one of the Society Islands’ finest anchorages.

Please note that this cruise route is also perfect for kitesurfing and wing foiling. Incredible spots can be found near our favourite anchorages on every island.

Aerial view of Bora Bora

Huahine option

If you have four or five extra days, we can sail to Huahine. Its main village, Fare, and its lush, rugged island landscape, with beautiful white-sand bays, are well worth the detour.

Beach in southern Huahine

Why sail with Tahiti Guest Boat?

Because we love Polynesia and know it well, we are committed to helping you discover it in all its authenticity.

Because every cruise is unique and created with and for our guests. Choose the pace, activities, and landscapes that suit you.

For the comfort of our Na Maka catamaran, under sail and at anchor, and for the attention to detail that makes all the difference.

Traveler reviews

They lived the experience

5.0/5 · 26 reviews

ariane le blay

5/5 · Google · June 2026

We had an absolutely fabulous time aboard Na Maka with Nathalie, Jérôme, and their son Titouan. We sailed through a paradise setting before stopping on Kauehi Island. Thanks to Nathalie and Jérôme, we were able to meet the island's inhabitants, who welcomed us warmly and shared their lives with us for a few weeks. These memories will remain with us forever. We cannot wait to take another route with the Na Maka crew and continue discovering Polynesia! Our hosts have an excellent knowledge of the places they showed us in complete safety. Thanks to them, we discovered Polynesian culture, snorkelling, and magnificent seabeds, which made a deep impression on us. A thousand thanks to Jérôme, Nathalie, and Titouan!

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Yoan Busnel

5/5 · Google · May 2026

A wonderful stay with Jérôme and Nathalie, filled with conviviality and shared experiences! And let's not forget Aiirhau, a fantastic crew member!

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Vincent Moreau (PadPanik)

5/5 · Google · April 2026

Wonderful holidays. Jérôme and Nathalie know the best anchorages perfectly, making it possible to enjoy an exceptional Polynesian experience. We chose 20 days in the Tuamotus (Fakarava, Toau, and Kauhei). We loved discovering the seabed: multicoloured coral reefs and marine life whose diversity was incredible—the world of Nemo, but even better; even the sharks (peaceful...) were everywhere at every swim...!! Meeting the lovely, caring, and incredibly friendly people of Kauhei was a truly memorable experience. Life there is shaped by the weekly air link and the cargo ship that supplies the inhabitants every 15 days. A timeless escape if ever there was one. And then there was Namaka, which welcomed us throughout these wonderful days. It was very comfortable and reassuring when the sea grew rough outside the lagoons. Our hosts handled everything with confidence, mastering their subject with sailing CVs worthy of the greatest sailors. Life on board is cosy, the food is excellent, and the pace is gentle. We had a wonderful holiday!

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Pascal COURROUX

5/5 · Google · December 2025

We spent an exceptional stay with Jérome, Nathalie, and Titouan. Everything was very well organised; we truly disconnected from the world and…

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Lindsey Walker

5/5 · Google · November 2025

My partner and I spent 2 memorable weeks aboard Na Maka with Jerome and Natalie sailing the Leeward / Society Islands. They are both extremely experienced sailors and knowledgeable, able to answer our endless questions about French Polynesia…

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Ari Maruani

5/5 · Google · October 2025

There are not enough words to describe the experience offered by Jérôme and his team. By ensuring the best sailing conditions, he will do everything possible to help you make the most of his extensive knowledge of the islands…

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Debbie Labeaux

5/5 · Google · September 2025

No written comment was posted on Google.

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Christian Hoffmann

5/5 · Google · August 2025

In 2022, our family of four embarked on a journey around the world, and one of the absolute highlights was our 14-day cruise through French Polynesia aboard Namaka with Jérôme and Nathalie. We sailed in July and explored the stunning…

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Young Michel

5/5 · Google · July 2025

We have just spent five dreamlike days aboard Na Maka, Jérôme and his family's boat. Everything was perfect: activities, meals, organisation, comfort… Thank you for this stay that we are not going to forget in such a paradisiacal place!

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Alphonse Moreau

5/5 · Google · July 2025

I had the opportunity to travel for a month aboard the Namaka during the summer of 2019. An incredible experience that I will never forget 🌞

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Myhanh Sismondini

5/5 · Google · July 2025

I would have loved to go with Tahiti Guest Boat, but everything was fully booked on my dates. Jérôme still took the time to give me advice with great kindness…

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Christelle Siméone

5/5 · Google · February 2025

We had the pleasure of enjoying an unforgettable cruise in the Leeward Islands, from July 19 to August 3, 2024. Our hosts, Nathalie and Jérôme, showed us unique places, such as the Faaora Bay river on Raiatea,…

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Matahina LEE

5/5 · Google · January 2025

I had another wonderful 8-day stay aboard Namaka in Kauehi in June 2026. As always, Nathalie and Jérôme were very welcoming hosts. They took us to discover different snorkeling spots, where we were able to admire many species of fish and even saw manta rays along the way. We also had the opportunity to go cycling and share a brunch with the locals. The meals were very generous and well prepared, and the boat was very comfortable. The days went by so quickly because there was always something to do. I will definitely come back, and I highly recommend an excursion aboard Namaka!

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Teanavai Puaud

5/5 · Google · December 2024

Wonderful welcome, very high-quality service and hospitality, not to mention Jérôme and Nathalie's friendliness. It was the best trip of my life; what a shame it only lasted two weeks 😜. The Tuamotu Islands are truly magnificent. What I particularly appreciated was the interaction with local communities and the opportunity to visit non-touristy places. We were truly immersed in Paumotu life. And of course, the scenery was extraordinary: blue lagoons, sunsets, beaches, and so on. I can't wait to come back to go fishing with Jérôme!! 😚

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Maëlys Erondel

5/5 · Google · August 2024

We spent an unforgettable month aboard the Namaka, where conviviality was always present!…

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Cloé Pedrazzini

5/5 · Google · July 2024

An unforgettable experience in Polynesia! I was lucky enough to spend an extraordinary month on Jérôme's boat, and…

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Louise Hénoux

5/5 · Google · July 2024

I spent an unforgettable holiday aboard the Na Maka in July 2024 and, without hesitation, it was the best holiday I have ever had. Jérôme and Nathalie are very welcoming, generous hosts and, above all, always…

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Didier Belrose

5/5 · Google · December 2023

Unforgettable stay aboard NaMaka. We were lucky enough to spend an extraordinary stay on the catamaran…

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Alexis CHUNGUES

5/5 · Google · December 2023

Excellent stay in Maupiti over the Christmas and New Year holidays. I really appreciated the relaxed, warm welcome and atmosphere throughout this stay.…

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Ralph CORTES

5/5 · Google · April 2023

A wonderful 15-day stay with Jerome and his children. One takes care of us in the kitchen, the other of our underwater life. We sailed in the Tuamotus, seeing extraordinary seascapes and seabeds; even after having travelled there twice before, we never tire of it. An absolute must.

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Thierry Marchand

5/5 · Google · April 2023

Ia Orana. We spent 15 fantastic days aboard NaMaka in April 2023, sailing through the Tuamotu Archipelago and discovering the atoll of Rangiroa, with its…

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Le Neliza Beach Lodge

5/5 · Google · April 2022

A sublime stay aboard, visiting two atolls in the Tuamotus, with Jérôme and Nathalie taking wonderful care of us. Spacious and very comfortable catamaran; we'll be back!!!

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Bastien Thieffry

5/5 · Google · July 2019

The trip of a lifetime in Polynesia. From our arrival, we were welcomed with a flower lei and the…

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Agathe C.

5/5 · Google · July 2019

An unforgettable experience! I was lucky enough to spend several days aboard Na Maka, discovering Polynesia…

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Steve Marie

5/5 · Google · July 2018

Ia orana, we spent an unforgettable week aboard the catamaran with Nathalie and Jérôme! Their warm welcome, professionalism, and passion for Polynesia…

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Maruia Vitulli

5/5 · Google · December 2015

Iaorana, we had an excellent stay aboard Namaka for the Marquesas Festival. A memorable experience, with fantastic service and hospitality. We would do it again.

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Booking

Plan your cruise to the Leeward Islands

As a couple, a family or a group of friends, every itinerary is tailored.

From €250 per person per day, based on four guests.

All-inclusive: catamaran charter, skipper, host, meals, drinks and activities, excluding alcohol and activities provided by external operators.

What is not included: alcohol and activities requiring an external operator.

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