Escapade Charter Tahiti, Day tours
Escapade Charter Tahiti, Day tours
Escapade Charter Tahiti, Day tours
4.5
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L'Escapade Charter Tahiti offers you various cruises in French Polynesia in the Leewards Islands, Tuamotu island, Marquesas island, Gambiers and Australes archipelago.You will sail on a Fountaine Pajot SALINA 48 catamaran with one of our skipper.Spend a full day discovering the well-knowned atoll of Marlon BRANDO : TETIAROA
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Escapade Charter Tahiti, Day tours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
71 reviews
Excellent
53
Very good
10
Average
4
Poor
2
Terrible
2
P12345Uk
UK23 contributions
Feb 2011
A light breakfast is provided on arrival at the quay and there are refreshments available on the boat all day. The journey to and from TETIAROA island is quite long and the sea can be rough. However, the island is idyllic, with no visible development to speak of, just white sand beaches and palm treees. Along the shore is another island, accessible on foot, where large numbers of seabirds nest. The birds are unafraid of people and it is easy to get photos like the ones on the website http://www.tahiti-charter-catamaran.com.
There is time for swimming and snorkeling (best to bring your own gear if you can). A good quality lunch is then provided on the boat prior to the return trip to Tahiti.
Overall, a memorable day out - and a great cure for jetlag!
There is time for swimming and snorkeling (best to bring your own gear if you can). A good quality lunch is then provided on the boat prior to the return trip to Tahiti.
Overall, a memorable day out - and a great cure for jetlag!
Written March 15, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Buckeye_TravelerSF
San Francisco, CA55 contributions
Mar 2014 • Family
We really enjoyed our day trip to Teti'aroa. We were picked up at our hotel at 5:20AM (2 of us). We were taken to the dock and given breakfast (coffee and bread with jam/butter). Of note, we were the only 2 people who were not primarily French speaking on the boat including the captain, except the first mate spoke English fluently (luckily). The boat is very nice and well maintained - has a bathroom on board. You are asked to pay for the day in cash when you arrive on the boat. Of note, make sure you know how much you should be charged. When we first arrived on the boat the captain told us it was 20,000 CPF each ~$200 (mainly spoke French). We said that we needed to go to an ATM to get cash and were told to go after we got back. Upon getting back when we were about to pay, there was an exchange between the captain and the driver taking us back to our hotel where he told the captain that it was only 12,000 CPF each ~$120 right as we were about to give him 20,000 CPF - so he saved us about $80. Interestingly on our confirmation it said we were to pay 14,000 CPF. Basically make sure you know the price you were quoted (would be a good idea to print confirmation) and be sure you have that amount in CPF - we almost paid $80 each too much (seemed a bit sketchy on part of the captain).
It is a 3.5 hour trip from Tahiti to Teti'aroa. We had a day of very smooth seas and it was very relaxing - we were nervous about this since other reviews had mentioned the rough seas. Once arriving you are shuttled to the beach in pairs of 2 via a smaller boat. Once everyone is on shore you walk over to "bird island" - which has a beautiful beach and is extremely picturesque (~ 30 minute walk). Of note - would be a good idea to bring water shoes - you are dropped off from the big boat onto a rocky reef and the walk to bird island is very rocky. We borrowed some that were on the boat, but it did not seem like they had enough for all passengers - would have been painful in my flip flops. Then you are free to stay on bird island or walk back and snorkel around the reef or explore the island. They provide snorkel masks but not flippers. You have about 3.5 hours on Teti'aroa. Then you head back to the boat around 2 where you are served lunch, then you head back to the marina. Lunch for us was centered around tuna: tuna spread on bread, tuna salad with vegetables, and cooked tuna with rice - if you didn't like tuna there were not alternatives that were provided.
Overall we had a very enjoyable experience and Teti'aroa is definitely worth a trip - it is gorgeous. There is another company that apparently only takes 2 or 2.5 hours to get there? We didn't mind the trip because the seas were smooth. I only took off one star due to the issue with the confusion about charge for the trip.
It is a 3.5 hour trip from Tahiti to Teti'aroa. We had a day of very smooth seas and it was very relaxing - we were nervous about this since other reviews had mentioned the rough seas. Once arriving you are shuttled to the beach in pairs of 2 via a smaller boat. Once everyone is on shore you walk over to "bird island" - which has a beautiful beach and is extremely picturesque (~ 30 minute walk). Of note - would be a good idea to bring water shoes - you are dropped off from the big boat onto a rocky reef and the walk to bird island is very rocky. We borrowed some that were on the boat, but it did not seem like they had enough for all passengers - would have been painful in my flip flops. Then you are free to stay on bird island or walk back and snorkel around the reef or explore the island. They provide snorkel masks but not flippers. You have about 3.5 hours on Teti'aroa. Then you head back to the boat around 2 where you are served lunch, then you head back to the marina. Lunch for us was centered around tuna: tuna spread on bread, tuna salad with vegetables, and cooked tuna with rice - if you didn't like tuna there were not alternatives that were provided.
Overall we had a very enjoyable experience and Teti'aroa is definitely worth a trip - it is gorgeous. There is another company that apparently only takes 2 or 2.5 hours to get there? We didn't mind the trip because the seas were smooth. I only took off one star due to the issue with the confusion about charge for the trip.
Written March 28, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
EduardoO350
Carson, CA116 contributions
Apr 2014 • Couples
We good picked up by taxi from our hotel around 5 am. The sailing starts at 6 am. Light breakfast is provided. It is about a 3 to 31/2 hour sailing to Tetiaroa . The island is isolated and has beautiful beaches specially on Bird Island. It was exciting walking on the sandbar connecting the islands. Lunch is provided on the boat before you head back to Tahiti. My wife and I are the only English speaking passengers , the other eight people speaks only French. The deck hand Tahiri speaks very good English so he was the one giving us instructions because the Captain has limited English.
The only draw back is that they only accept cash (French Polynesian Francs), no credit cards.
Even with the draw backs, I would still recommend this trip
The only draw back is that they only accept cash (French Polynesian Francs), no credit cards.
Even with the draw backs, I would still recommend this trip
Written April 20, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
chilopoda2
New York City, NY76 contributions
Jan 2016 • Solo
I booked a tour with this company several months in advance. Just a few weeks before my trip, I e-mailed them again and the tour was reconfirmed. I was shocked when they informed me that the excursion was cancelled just 24 hours before departure (due to lack of participants)! French Polynesia was a once-in-a-lifetime trip for me and this cancellation caused me a lot of stress. Luckily, Poe Charter was able to get me on their tour (last minute) and they did an excellent job. Escapade Charter is, unfortunately, not a reliable company.
Written January 29, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
KARcal
Walnut Creek, CA67 contributions
Sep 2018
Was scheduled with Escapade Charter for a day trip to Tetiaroa in March '18. Much like Chilopoda2, Escapade cancelled the trip at the last minute due to "weather conditions". My super hotel concierge was able to get me on the Poe the morning of departure, for a great day on the water and stop at Tetiaora.
Imagine my surprise to see the Escapade moored at Tetiaroa when the Poe arrived.
Imagine my surprise to see the Escapade moored at Tetiaroa when the Poe arrived.
Written August 24, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Russ O
3 contributions
Nov 2018 • Friends
We had originally booked and paid for this tour on a Poe Charter only to sent an email ( in French) telling us that our reservation was cancelled because they have to cater to the cruise ships..😡 We were lucky to discover Escapade Characters still had 3 spots open. Best part they were $40usd less than Poe with only 12 pax vs 30...
Escapade charters was excellent in communication by email of what, where and what we needed to bring!
We were met by the owner/ captain, his wife and the guide/cook/hostess and given very warm welcome, hot coffee,light breakfast, and we were given safety briefing.(translated in English to “don’t fall overboard “)
Note.. we were the only 3 English speaking passengers but the hostess could translate.
Even though the sea-state was a little rough do to strong winds 20 kts causing some pretty good ocean swells it was not a bad ride. The island itself was ok, when they tell you to wear watershoes or old sneakers they really mean it! A lot of walking over broken coral lava rock and sharp stones!, flip flops will not work! You will also be walking in 2’ of water for a good part of the time..
The bird island was just so-so.. you walked about 1/4 the way around it 20’ from shore to view a bunch of gulls turns and boobies sitting on the beach or flying in the trees way up on the island. You will then turn around and backtrack. When you get back to where the zodiac dropped you on the island the hostess will go back out to the anchored boat and start cooking lunch. You have about an hour to rest or snorkel on the reef nearby.. Note, there is a moderat current that can push you onto the coral if you are not a strong swimmer. The fish viewing was not the best, we have seen much better at some local Tahiti beaches. You will be ferried 2 at a time by inflable back to the boat to enjoy a wonderful lunch, drinks and deserts. It’s a long ride back to Tahiti of almost 4 hours, but being sailers ourselves loved every min of it... hopefully you will get to see a beautiful sunset behind Morrea..
Escapade charters was excellent in communication by email of what, where and what we needed to bring!
We were met by the owner/ captain, his wife and the guide/cook/hostess and given very warm welcome, hot coffee,light breakfast, and we were given safety briefing.(translated in English to “don’t fall overboard “)
Note.. we were the only 3 English speaking passengers but the hostess could translate.
Even though the sea-state was a little rough do to strong winds 20 kts causing some pretty good ocean swells it was not a bad ride. The island itself was ok, when they tell you to wear watershoes or old sneakers they really mean it! A lot of walking over broken coral lava rock and sharp stones!, flip flops will not work! You will also be walking in 2’ of water for a good part of the time..
The bird island was just so-so.. you walked about 1/4 the way around it 20’ from shore to view a bunch of gulls turns and boobies sitting on the beach or flying in the trees way up on the island. You will then turn around and backtrack. When you get back to where the zodiac dropped you on the island the hostess will go back out to the anchored boat and start cooking lunch. You have about an hour to rest or snorkel on the reef nearby.. Note, there is a moderat current that can push you onto the coral if you are not a strong swimmer. The fish viewing was not the best, we have seen much better at some local Tahiti beaches. You will be ferried 2 at a time by inflable back to the boat to enjoy a wonderful lunch, drinks and deserts. It’s a long ride back to Tahiti of almost 4 hours, but being sailers ourselves loved every min of it... hopefully you will get to see a beautiful sunset behind Morrea..
Written November 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you Russ for comment
We were delighted to have discovered this beautiful atoll.
Hoping that you will keep a good memory.
Christelle
Written November 13, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Pottstown C
Hershey, PA16 contributions
Feb 2017 • Couples
First things first---we should have been told to wear water shoes, the island we visited was all coral & BRUTAL on the feet even in flip flops. Our french hosts could not have been nicer or more entertaining as was the crew. The island we visited was Tetiaroa, not much to see & no beach to speak of. The trip over & back on the sailing catamaran was very nice, we were served a light breakfast & a delicious hearty lunch. I recommend the boat & crew, but the island left a lot to be desired
Written February 22, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mujitamas
Budapest, Hungary1 contribution
Oct 2015 • Solo
I would highly recommend this one day trip to everyone visiting Tahiti (but not for those who become sea-sick). The Escapade Charter is run by a elderly French couple. They are very nice and friendly. English knowledge is limited but still sufficient. The start is early morning around 6:00 from the port of Papeete. Before they serve a typical french breakfast with some fruits, baguette, jam, coffee, tea. The trip tlaes 3-3.5 hours. The Island has been leased to the Brando family for 99 years (starting from 60's). So the visitors can only walk on the beach. The access to the inside of the islands are not allowed. We were really lucky as we had only 4 people on board. It felt like being on a private excursion. We had apx. 5 hours on the island. The bird island is really special. The snorkeling was nice as well. You have to find the good spots. What was amazing is the number of Black Tip Reef Sharks around the island. We have seen at least a dozen. Not big ones but still very spectacular. Around 2pm we got back to the Catamaran and had our lunch. It's prepared by the wife. I loved the food! After the lunch around 3pm we headed back to Papeete. What I really liked with this trip is that u can visit an island which is not crowded at all. Just a few other people there. I'm really sad that we couldn't stay there more.
there are 3 other companies doing trips to Tetiaroa but it seemed to me they are more commercial and touristy. With this one I felt like I'm part of the family.
Thank You again!
there are 3 other companies doing trips to Tetiaroa but it seemed to me they are more commercial and touristy. With this one I felt like I'm part of the family.
Thank You again!
Written November 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bonni O
Gig Harbor, WA93 contributions
Nov 2018
We took the Escapade Charter to Tetiaro Atoll. They run a safe and fun operation. The deck hand/cook spoke good English. Most of the other tourists were French speaking. Some of them spoke to us a bit in English. There was good camraderie even with the language barrier. It was a 3.5 hour motor sail out to the atoll. We loved it. That is why we went - to spend some time on the ocean in the South Pacific, as we are sailors. The weather was pretty rough, but we know how to avoid sea sickness - watch the horizon adn be one with the boat. Many passengers were sick. Tetiaro was interesting. We wore water shoes which are a must. The shore and water that you walk in for 45 min each way to the Bird Sanctuary is rough and rocky. We also wore hats, tee shirts and sunscreen. We snorkeled for an hour after the walk. It is an OK snorkeling reef. There is a strong current, but ok if you have fins. The lunch was delicious and fruit and snacks available all the way home. We returned later than usual - about 7pm, maybe because of the rough weather. I would do it again!
Written December 21, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
superdeluxe23
Sacramento, CA124 contributions
Sep 2018 • Couples
We took a charter with Escapade in September 2018. The first date was cancelled due to weather, but they were nice enough to book us on another day.
They have an English and French version of the webpage and they responded via email in English. This led us to believe there would be at least a little bit of English spoken. If the website were in French, maybe I would not have picked this charter as it was done only in French.
Quick Tips:
1. Eat breakfast before arriving at the dock and bring lots of snacks or you will be hungry.
2. Meet at the entrance to the dock, not in front of Le Retro
3. Bring sunscreen, and then bring some more. The sun is strong at Tetiaroa.
4. Ask if you can stay on the beach instead of walking around the bird island. The tour comes out at this beautiful beach and you can watch the rest of the group walk in the water around the island (you are not allowed to go on the island). Maybe this WAS an option, but I didn’t know because of the language barrier.
5. Bring a towel, water socks, and sunscreen.
6. You may want to bring a backpack as the hike is pretty long. We had a beach bag and it was really annoying to have to hold it above water to hike around the bird island.
7. If you are short, consider a water-proof bag as you have to hold up your bag on the way back from bird island.
8. If you’re hoping for a relaxing time at the beach or a lot of time snorkeling, maybe this isn’t for you because most of your time on the island will be hiking.
The instructions say to meet in front of Le Retro near the marina. However, no one was there. Everyone met at the entrance to the Marina and we had no idea if it was the correct company because they lady only spoke French.
On board, all of the instructions, including safety and info about the meals, was done in French. I asked about some help because I don’t speak French (I asked in French) but it was shrugged off.
There was another crewmember, he spoke English, so when we took the Zodiac to the island he gave us good instructions on where to hold on and he did try and give us instructions in English when he was around.
Breakfast consisted of bread, bananas, and coffee. Eat a lot, as you won’t get lunch until around 2:00!
They give you a box of cookies and one big water per couple for Tetiaroa. I was so hungry!
The island and waters are gorgeous!
When we landed on the island, the female crewmember took us on a walk through the
island and around bird island. Again, everything was in French, so we had no idea what was going on. A very nice French couple translated some things for us.
The walk around the bird island itself was really long (around 1.8 km or around a mile not including distance across the main island and back to the boat) and it was tough slogging through the water. It would have been nice to have an option to do the hike around the island, or just stay on the beach until the group got back. Honestly, looking at bird island is just as good as walking around it, you don’t get anything out of walking around it other than finding out it’s waste deep around the whole island.
Also, the guide was walking so fast that about only 4 or 5 of the 16 passengers were present for her explanations. When the rest of the group would catch up, she was already on her way to the next thing to explain.
As it was, we only had around 30 minutes of time to swim and relax before heading back to the boat.
Once back on the boat, we were fed a really nice lunch of poisson cru, fish curry, sashimi, and various other items.
On the way back, they put out some snacks (chips, fruit, etc.) but I was still hungry and we got back at around 6:00 p.m. so I was really ready for dinner.
Overall, an ok experience, the waters of Tetiaroa are beautiful. If you are an English speaker, you may want to consider another company. I don’t expect everything to be in English (as I am on a French island) but if you know some English speakers are on-board, basic English instructions would be helpful. The tour was useless as I have little idea what she was explaining.
There was also a nice group of people from Belgium that spoke English and it was nice to meet them as well as the really nice French couple that helped translate for us.
They have an English and French version of the webpage and they responded via email in English. This led us to believe there would be at least a little bit of English spoken. If the website were in French, maybe I would not have picked this charter as it was done only in French.
Quick Tips:
1. Eat breakfast before arriving at the dock and bring lots of snacks or you will be hungry.
2. Meet at the entrance to the dock, not in front of Le Retro
3. Bring sunscreen, and then bring some more. The sun is strong at Tetiaroa.
4. Ask if you can stay on the beach instead of walking around the bird island. The tour comes out at this beautiful beach and you can watch the rest of the group walk in the water around the island (you are not allowed to go on the island). Maybe this WAS an option, but I didn’t know because of the language barrier.
5. Bring a towel, water socks, and sunscreen.
6. You may want to bring a backpack as the hike is pretty long. We had a beach bag and it was really annoying to have to hold it above water to hike around the bird island.
7. If you are short, consider a water-proof bag as you have to hold up your bag on the way back from bird island.
8. If you’re hoping for a relaxing time at the beach or a lot of time snorkeling, maybe this isn’t for you because most of your time on the island will be hiking.
The instructions say to meet in front of Le Retro near the marina. However, no one was there. Everyone met at the entrance to the Marina and we had no idea if it was the correct company because they lady only spoke French.
On board, all of the instructions, including safety and info about the meals, was done in French. I asked about some help because I don’t speak French (I asked in French) but it was shrugged off.
There was another crewmember, he spoke English, so when we took the Zodiac to the island he gave us good instructions on where to hold on and he did try and give us instructions in English when he was around.
Breakfast consisted of bread, bananas, and coffee. Eat a lot, as you won’t get lunch until around 2:00!
They give you a box of cookies and one big water per couple for Tetiaroa. I was so hungry!
The island and waters are gorgeous!
When we landed on the island, the female crewmember took us on a walk through the
island and around bird island. Again, everything was in French, so we had no idea what was going on. A very nice French couple translated some things for us.
The walk around the bird island itself was really long (around 1.8 km or around a mile not including distance across the main island and back to the boat) and it was tough slogging through the water. It would have been nice to have an option to do the hike around the island, or just stay on the beach until the group got back. Honestly, looking at bird island is just as good as walking around it, you don’t get anything out of walking around it other than finding out it’s waste deep around the whole island.
Also, the guide was walking so fast that about only 4 or 5 of the 16 passengers were present for her explanations. When the rest of the group would catch up, she was already on her way to the next thing to explain.
As it was, we only had around 30 minutes of time to swim and relax before heading back to the boat.
Once back on the boat, we were fed a really nice lunch of poisson cru, fish curry, sashimi, and various other items.
On the way back, they put out some snacks (chips, fruit, etc.) but I was still hungry and we got back at around 6:00 p.m. so I was really ready for dinner.
Overall, an ok experience, the waters of Tetiaroa are beautiful. If you are an English speaker, you may want to consider another company. I don’t expect everything to be in English (as I am on a French island) but if you know some English speakers are on-board, basic English instructions would be helpful. The tour was useless as I have little idea what she was explaining.
There was also a nice group of people from Belgium that spoke English and it was nice to meet them as well as the really nice French couple that helped translate for us.
Written September 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
voyage_flo_92
Courbevoie, France41 contributions
Bonjour,
on aimerait une croisiere avec une nuit à Tetiaroa pour le coucher et lever de soleil. On sera là entre le 22 et le 30 juillet. On est 2 adultes et 1 ado de 15 ans. On est habitués au camping-car alors dormir à 3, ca ne nous gene pas.
timotu9
Papeete, French Polynesia
Ia orana,
Durant la période souhaitée, nous sommes disponibles que pour des excursions à la journée.
Dates disponibles à l'heure actuelle 'pour de la journée uniquement'
mardi 23 juillet
samedi 27 juillet
dimanche 28 juillet
lundi 29 juillet
mardi 30 juillet
Bonne journée
Christelle
DupontDavid
Washington DC, DC9 contributions
Hi. Can you tell me cost of full day charter on February 21st 2019, inclusive of food and drink.
Thanks
timotu9
Papeete, French Polynesia
Hello
thank you for your request
Our rate for a day in Tetairoa is 118 € per person all inclusive (Breakfast - Lunch - Drinks (Water - Juice - Coca) excluding alcohol)
  How many people will you be?
Best regards
Anto T
2 contributions
Hello,
Can you give me a contact person for make a reservation for this tour, please.
Thanks!
best regards
timotu9
Papeete, French Polynesia
Hello Anto
thank you for your message
What date do you want to make this day in Tetiaroa and for how many people
the price is 14 000 xpf (118 €) per person All inclusive (Breakfast - Lunch drinks without alcohol)
Home on the boat at 5:30 am where breakfast is served
We remain at your disposal
cordially
Paul
fannyhoat59
Merville, France35 contributions
Existe t il une excursion 2 jours une nuit sur Tetiaroa? Merci
timotu9
Papeete, French Polynesia
Bonjour Fanny
Merci pour votre message
A quelles dates pensez vous faire cette excursion et pour combien de personnes ?
Dans l'attente de votre réponse Cordialement Anne-Marie & Paul
Quel est le tarif pour aller a Tetiaroa? Merci
timotu9
Papeete, French Polynesia
bonjour, nos tarif pour une journée TETIAROA :
14 000 frs/pers et 9 000 frs/enfant moins de 12 ans (tout compris)