Charter & Rent a Saxdor 320 GTO in Moorea: 2026 Guide, Prices & Routes
Technical Specifications of the Saxdor 320 GTO
The Saxdor 320 GTO is a masterpiece of modern naval architecture, designed by the visionary Sakari Mattila. It is celebrated for its twin-stepped hull which ensures a smooth, dry ride even when the Pacific swells pick up outside the reef. Below are the technical details for the model available for charter in Moorea:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Length Overall (LOA) | 10.28 meters (33 ft 9 in) |
| Beam | 3.10 meters |
| Draft | 0.90 meters |
| Cabins / Berths | 1 Double Cabin / 2 Berths |
| Engines | Twin Mercury V6 or V8 (up to 600hp total) |
| Fuel Capacity | 450 Liters |
| Water Capacity | 100 Liters |
| Passenger Capacity | Up to 9 guests (Day Use) |
Why the Saxdor 320 GTO is the Ultimate Moorea Explorer
Moorea’s geography is defined by deep bays—Cook’s Bay and Opunohu Bay—and a shallow, coral-fringed lagoon. The Saxdor 320 GTO is uniquely suited for this environment for several reasons. Firstly, its shallow draft of just 0.90 meters allows the captain to navigate closer to the white sand motus (islets) than traditional deep-keel yachts. This means you can drop anchor in the crystal-clear shallows of Motu Tiahura or Motu Fareone without concern.
Secondly, the "GTO" (Grand Tourismo Open) design features opening side terraces. When anchored in the calm waters of Opunohu Bay, these terraces fold down to increase the usable deck space, transforming the boat into a private beach club. The walk-around deck ensures that whether you are spotting spinner dolphins or humpback whales (in season), every guest has an unobstructed 360-degree view. Furthermore, the T-top provides essential shade from the intense Polynesian sun, while the front sunpad is ideal for those looking to soak up the rays between snorkel stops.
Pricing for Renting a Saxdor 320 GTO in Moorea (2026)
The cost of chartering a Saxdor 320 GTO varies based on the season and the duration of the rental. Moorea experiences high demand during the dry season (May to October) and the festive period. All prices are indicative of the 2026 season for a professional skippered charter.
| Season | Daily Rate (EUR) | Weekly Rate (EUR) |
|---|---|---|
| Low Season (Nov - April) | €1,200 - €1,400 | €7,500 - €8,500 |
| Mid Season (May - June) | €1,500 - €1,750 | €9,000 - €10,500 |
| High Season (July - Oct) | €1,800 - €2,100 | €11,000 - €13,000 |
Bespoke Itineraries from Vaiare Marina
Most charters depart from Vaiare Marina, the main nautical hub of Moorea located on the eastern coast. Because the Saxdor 320 GTO is capable of speeds exceeding 40 knots, you can cover significantly more ground than a standard catamaran or pontoon boat.
1-Day Lagoon Highlights
- Morning: Depart Vaiare and cruise north toward Cook’s Bay (Paopao). Marvel at the jagged peaks of Mount Mouaputa.
- Midday: Navigate to the "Sandbar" between the motus for a private picnic. This is the premier spot for swimming with stingrays and blacktip reef sharks.
- Afternoon: Enter Opunohu Bay to view the lush valley where Mutiny on the Bounty was filmed. Stop at the underwater Tiki statues for a unique snorkeling experience.
- Evening: A high-speed sunset cruise back to Vaiare as the sky turns purple over the Pacific.
3-7 Day Moorea & Beyond
While the Saxdor 320 GTO features a comfortable double cabin for overnight stays for a couple, larger groups often use it as a "chase boat" for a luxury villa stay. A multi-day itinerary allows you to explore the rugged windward side of Moorea, visiting the surf breaks at Haapiti or even making the 15-nautical-mile crossing to Tahiti to visit the vibrant waterfront of Papeete before returning to the tranquility of Moorea's lagoons. You can find more inspiration for your journey by browsing our destinations page.
Logistics: Marinas and Berthing in Moorea
Moorea is less "developed" than Tahiti in terms of marina infrastructure, which adds to its charm. Vaiare Marina is the primary facility with fuel docks, water, and electricity. It is conveniently located near the ferry terminal. For those staying at luxury resorts such as the Hilton Moorea or the Sofitel Kia Ora, the Saxdor’s maneuverability often allows for direct pick-ups from the resort’s private jetty.
Mooring in the lagoon is strictly regulated to protect the coral reefs. There are designated mooring zones in Opunohu Bay and near the motus. When you choose a professional charter, your skipper handles all local permits and ensures the vessel is moored according to environmental maritime laws, protecting the delicate ecosystem of the Aire Marine Protégée.
What is Included in Your Moorea Charter?
When booking through a luxury agency, the goal is a seamless experience. Typically, a Saxdor 320 GTO charter in Moorea includes:
- Professional Skipper: An expert in local navigation and the best "secret" snorkeling spots.
- Safety Equipment: Life jackets, flares, and communication gear.
- Snorkeling Gear: High-quality masks, snorkels, and fins.
- End Cleaning: Ensuring the boat is returned to pristine condition.
Not Included (APA): For longer charters, an Advance Provisioning Allowance (APA) of 30% is standard to cover fuel, premium catering, and specific alcoholic beverages. Fuel is a significant variable; while the Saxdor is efficient at cruising speeds, high-speed sprints will increase consumption. Taxes and local VAT (usually around 5-13% in French Polynesia) are typically calculated at the time of booking.
Best Months and Sea Conditions
The best time for renting a Saxdor 320 GTO in Moorea is during the Austral winter (May to October). During these months, the "Mara’amu" wind can occasionally blow from the south, but Moorea’s northern bays remain exceptionally calm. The water temperature hovers around a perfect 26°C to 28°C. If you are visiting between July and October, the Saxdor’s quiet engines and stable platform make it an elite choice for whale watching, as the humpbacks migrate to these waters to calve.
For a look at our full fleet of available vessels, please visit our boats section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a license required for renting a Saxdor 320 GTO in Moorea?
If you are opting for a bareboat rental, a valid international powerboat license and a proven nautical CV are required. However, due to the complex coral formations within Moorea’s lagoons, most clients prefer chartering a Saxdor 320 GTO in Moorea with a local skipper to ensure safety and access to restricted areas.
How many people can fit on the boat for a day trip?
The Saxdor 320 GTO is licensed for up to 9 guests plus a skipper for day charters. For the best experience and maximum comfort on the sunbeds and at the cockpit table, we recommend groups of 6 to 8 people.
Can we cruise to Bora Bora from Moorea on this boat?
While the Saxdor 320 GTO is a capable offshore vessel, the crossing to Bora Bora involves over 120 nautical miles of open ocean. Such a trip is generally not recommended for this size of boat due to fuel capacity and guest comfort. It is much better suited for exploring Moorea and Tahiti.
What happens if the weather is bad?
In the event of heavy rain or dangerous wind speeds, charters are typically rescheduled. Because Moorea has a tropical climate, brief showers are common and usually pass quickly, rarely impacting a full-day charter experience.