Cruisers currently in French Polynesia and those planning to head that way should ensure they are well aware of the rules and regulations concerning interacting with marine species and protected wildlife as the government has recently banned attracting or feeding marine wildlife, with heavy fines and jail terms for violations.

Published 23 hours ago

Strict Marine Wildlife Protection Rules

In French Polynesia, marine wildlife is protected by strict regulations in order to preserve the nation’s resources and unique heritage.  These new regulations have reduced the number of tour boats and swimmers allowed in the water.  See the following cruiser report about the realities of cruising through French Polynesia.

• French Polynesia:  The Unfiltered Reality.

It is strictly prohibited to attract wild species in any way, whether through gestures, sounds, or the promise of food. Any activity involving a wild species must comply with strict safety and caution guidelines. These actions put yourself and others in immediate danger. These practices are dangerous and can:

• Disturb other users
• Attract predators
• Disrupt the natural development of wild species
• Create an immediate risk of death or serious injury

Examples of prohibited activities

• Feeding rays or sharks
• Using food to alter animal behavior
• Splashing or tapping on the water to attract animals

According to the Tahiti Tourisme website, these are not just environmental offences, they are legal violations.

Penalties and Sanctions

• Intentional disturbance to the natural development of wild species and ecosystems is strictly prohibited by a fine of 8 100 XPF.
• Disturbing or engaging in harmful practices toward protected species is strictly prohibited and punishable by a fine of 17,800,000 XPF and up to two years of imprisonment.

Note: All species of marine mammals (dolphins, whales, etc.), sharks, turtles, as well as manta rays are considered to be protected species.

To raise awareness among tourism professionals, local residents, and visitors about the regulations in place, a visual aid was developed in partnership with the Department of the Environment, the Tourism Department and Tahiti Tourisme.  These can be accessed on the Tahiti Tourism website:

Disturbances of Wild Marine Species

Whale Watching

There are also strict regulations around whale watching and swimming with these mammals in the islands of Tahiti.

Dolphins, humpback whale – these marine mammals are protected species. Their observation is therefore scrupulously supervised and regulated. Learn more about regulations and projects to raise awareness on why it is crucial to preserve these creatures.

Wildlife Photography

If you wish to photograph or film protected marine species and use these images for commercial or marketing purposes, you must first submit a filming/photography request to the Department of the Environment.

…………………………………

This summary is based on information from Tahiti Tourisme  For more detailed information see the following links:

Related Links:

• Tahiti Tourisme:  Disturbances of Wild Marine Species
• Tahiti Tourisme:  Whale Watching
• Whale Watching Regulations

…………………………………

Related Reports:

• French Polynesia:  The Unfiltered Reality.
• French Polynesia:  Paradise Requires Prior Preparation

…………………………………

If you have found this information useful, become a paid member to enjoy unlimited use of Noonsite plus many other perks. Your membership fees really help our small, dedicated team keep country information up-to-date in support of cruisers worldwide. Find out more about Noonsite Membership levels and benefits here.

Subscribe to our FREE monthly newsletter.