Jasetheace02 9 Posted February 10, 2021 Share Posted February 10, 2021 Does anyone have any experience with bareboat yacht charters in the Islands, Fiji, Tonga etc? I have researched a few and it seems there are certainly some that you need two be a bit wary of but would be good to know if anyone has had some really good experiences and would recommend a particular company? Got my 50th in 2022 and if the islands are open would love to do a trip with the family. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
marinheiro 352 Posted February 10, 2021 Share Posted February 10, 2021 There are bareboats available in Tonga (Vavau), New Caledonia and French Polynesia. I assume all the reefs around Fiji discourage bareboat chartering. The boats out of Vavau are getting pretty tired and appear to have alot of issues going by number of radio calls raising serious maintenance problems we heard from charterers to the base. Maybe think about a crewed charter in Fiji? 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
chariot 243 Posted February 10, 2021 Share Posted February 10, 2021 Why not the Whitsundays. Boats probably beeter maintained and Aussie bubble could be happening before the end of winter. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jasetheace02 9 Posted February 10, 2021 Author Share Posted February 10, 2021 1 hour ago, chariot said: Why not the Whitsundays. Boats probably beeter maintained and Aussie bubble could be happening before the end of winter. Yeah happy to consider all options. The reason I was looking Fiji/Tonga is because we are very keen on diving/snorkelling and I know the diving in the islands is very good as I have dived there. My understanding is that the Whitsundays is very nice to sail etc but does not offer the same qualities beneath the surface? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Bad Kitty 252 Posted February 10, 2021 Share Posted February 10, 2021 Tonga boats are tired & not really well maintained. Whitsunday boats were much better, and it's really nice cruising there. No bare boat charters in Fiji, has to have a Fiji skipper. I think there's bare boat in New Cal, but the waters a fair bit cooler than Fiji or Tonga! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jasetheace02 9 Posted February 10, 2021 Author Share Posted February 10, 2021 2 minutes ago, Bad Kitty said: Tonga boats are tired & not really well maintained. Whitsunday boats were much better, and it's really nice cruising there. No bare boat charters in Fiji, has to have a Fiji skipper. I think there's bare boat in New Cal, but the waters a fair bit cooler than Fiji or Tonga! Thanks BK. Yes I have heard and read that a lot of the boats in Tonga are pretty average. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Black Panther 1,586 Posted February 10, 2021 Share Posted February 10, 2021 Go ballistic and fly to La Paz in Baja California. Fantastic diving , good charter fleet, great food, great music and cheap beer. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jasetheace02 9 Posted February 10, 2021 Author Share Posted February 10, 2021 1 hour ago, Black Panther said: Go ballistic and fly to La Paz in Baja California. Fantastic diving , good charter fleet, great food, great music and cheap beer. I like your enthusiasm BK but long haul not an option, islands or East Coast of Oz. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
marinheiro 352 Posted February 11, 2021 Share Posted February 11, 2021 I would suggest Whitsundays if you want lots of sailing, Fiji for the diving and cruising 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fogg 427 Posted February 11, 2021 Share Posted February 11, 2021 Friends have enjoyed Cook Is bare boat charters a few years ago but unsure of current fleet condition. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Fogg 427 Posted February 11, 2021 Share Posted February 11, 2021 + what about New Cal? Prices might be steeper but possibly better fleet? 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DrWatson 375 Posted February 15, 2021 Share Posted February 15, 2021 On 11/02/2021 at 3:00 AM, Fogg said: + what about New Cal? Prices might be steeper but possibly better fleet? Being french, it might be full of pogos... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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