Explore: Papeete
General Info
COVID-19: OPEN
- See Biosecurity for full details of current yachting protocols.
Description:
Tahiti is the largest island in French Polynesia and houses more than half the population of the country. It is a high, mountainous island surrounded by coral reefs.
Papeete is located on the northwest coast of the island, and now has a brand new marina aimed at transient cruisers.
Entrance Notes or Cautions:
You MUST call the Port Control Traffic Tower (Vigi Du Port) to get authorization from the port authorities on VHF Channel 12:
- A. Before entering or exiting the pass of Papeete (call 10 minutes before entry or exit);
- B. Before mooring at Papeete Yachts Quay Pontoons or Papeete Marina;
- C. Before any movement in the Papeete habour area;
- D. Before crossing the east and west side of the airport runway ends. Call 5 minutes before each crossing. Wait for the “green light” from harbour control. Having your AIS on and transmitting also helps port control with the airport crossing;
- E. Before using the Lagoon channel, going to, or coming from Marina Taina area (forbidden at night).
Cruiser Highlights:
Don’t miss traditional Tahitian food, the Harrison W. Smith Botanical Gardens and the Gauguin Museum nestled amongst the lush foliage of the gardens. Beyond the white fringe of the beaches you’ll find the unspoiled beauty of the Faatautia Valley, the Arahoho Blowholes which show the power of the ocean and the lava tubes of Hitiaa.
Links:
- The Tahiti Cruisers Guide – http://www.tahiticruisersguide.com/ – is a useful resource of local information and services for sailors. Now more than 250 pages long with gps waypoints the guide and waypoints can be downloaded and used offline using google maps or maps.me. This is updated regularly.
- SY Jacaranda have a number of useful documents on their website that deal with yachting services in French Polynesia at https://www.jacarandajourney.com/other-good-stuff.
- SV Soggy Paws Compendiums – another useful resource of cruising information for sailors, from their own experiences and other cruisers and various online sources.
Position:
17° 32.10’S, 149° 35.20’W (harbour entrance)
Related Businesses
Te Fare Tauhiti Nui (Public Cultural center)
Address: 646 Boulevard Pomare (next place Toata),
Public books, video & CD library. Free consultation on premises and borrowing possible for residents. Lots of books about all aspects of French Polynesia.... Read More
Clearance
For details on Arrival and Departure Clearance in Tahiti (Papeete) see French Polynesia Clearance.
Before entering or departing Papeete harbour all yachts must contact the Port Captain on Channel 12 or 2683 kHz.
It is NO LONGER compulsory for all yachts visiting French Polynesia to visit Papeete Customs and Immigration to complete the clearing-in process.
However, if visiting Tahiti or Moorea (regardless of whether you have already cleared into FP elsewhere), it is compulsory to register with the Papeete Harbourmaster on arrival.
Moorea, whilst a separate island, is under the same jurisdiction as Tahiti.
Related Businesses
AMATRANSIT – Bollore Logistics Polynésie
Address: Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia, BP 20359 - 98713
Shipping/Customs Agents. Deliver to marina. English spoken.... Read More
Border Police (check in/out)
Address: Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia,
Located Faa Airport... Read More
Customs (Obtaining a Duty Free Certificate)
Address: Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia,
Customs office located on Motu Uta... Read More
Gondrand Transit & Voyages
Address: Papeete, Tahiti, Fren, BP 475 – 98713
Shipping/Customs agent. Also deal with the import of vessels into French Polynesia.... Read More
Haut-commissariat
Address: Avenue du Général de Gaulle, Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia,
10-minute walk from Marina Papeete... Read More
Papeete Customs Office
Address: Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia,
The customs office is located on Motu Uta. It is a large two- storey white building with a large "Douane" sign out front.Hours of operation... Read More
Papeete Immigration Office
Address: Tahiti International Airport,
You need to meet Immigration if you are coming straight from, or leaving straight towards, a foreign country. Or, if someone is embarking or disembarking.... Read More
Papeete Port Harbourmaster
Address: French Polynesia,
Mr. CHAUMETTE FRANCOIS. Be sure to copy all clearance requests to [email protected] and [email protected] Read More
Tahiti Crew
Address: PO Box 3944, Papeete, French Polynesia, 98713
Tehani and Heirani offer a variety of services, such as assistance with entry formalities, duty-free fuel, long-stay visas, repairs, marina reservations, guardianage, excursions & tours,... Read More
Docking
Anchoring:
Strict new anchoring restrictions first came into effect in November 2019 in many of the more popular places in French Polynesia. Long-term cruisers in the area report that the situation is changing on a daily basis.
An Anchoring Restriction Decree waspassed in Tahiti (27 May, 2020) meaning there is now no place to anchor near Papeete.
See an English translation by Bob Mackie of the OCC here.
The Taina anchorage has been declared closed, the law that allowed it in 1987 has been repealed.
The airport “anchorages” on the west coast do not permit anchoring anymore. These anchorage are remote from all facilities, not practical for dinghy landing and some thefts have been reported on unoccupied boats.
Matavai Bay on the north coast of Tahiti, in the commune of Mahina (approximately 8 km east of Pape’ete) is no longer a long-term anchoring zone. Nine yachts were given 24 hours to move on in September 2020 as instructed by the local Mayor. Anchoring here is only permitted for a maximum of 24 hours.
Read these reports for more details:
- Sailboats invited to leave Matavai Bay (22 September, 2020)
- Significant Changes to Anchoring Restrictions for Cruising Yachts
- Current Situation from the Association des Voiliers en Polynesie (AVP)
Docking:
Papeete City Marina
It is advisable to try and arrive at the marina during office opening hours (see listing below) as an access card is required to get on and off the pontoons, only available from the marina office. No reservations are possible during high season, first come – first served. The marina office will want to see the boat registration and insurance. The marina operates on pre-payment only, therefore less than a one month stay the berth has to be paid for on the first day. For a several-month stay, berthing has to be paid the first day of each month.
Security: There is a 24-hour guard stationed on the docks here, the marina is fenced and gates locked, however, this does not appear to have deterred thieves as break-ins and thefts continue at this marina (see reports adjacent). Best advice is to lock yourself in at night and don’t leave any hatches or entries open.
Town Quay
In the past visiting yachts could also dock stern to the quay along Boulevard Pomare, a busy avenue in the heart of Papeete. However, it appears the marina now has taken up all available space here.
Although Papeete harbour can be noisy, most people prefer to stay here as it is only a few steps from the market, post office, banks, restaurants, repair facilities, and the various offices.
Outside Papeete:
Visiting sailing yachts mostly anchor or moor off Marina Taina. This is located on Tahiti’s west coast, about 5NM from Papeete town centre, and is administered by the Papeete Port Authority. All dock spaces are occupied by local yachts, although there are a few visitor’s berths which should be booked a long time in advance, plus a visitor’s quay for large yachts.
There are many mooring buoys just south and north of the marina, labeled with the letter “C”, on a first come first served basis. Be aware however that whilst these moorings are checked every 3 months, they are of poor quality and have been known to break in heavy swells and high winds. Mooring fees should be paid at the Marina Taina office. Water, fuel, laundry, and garbage disposal services and use of the dinghy dock are all included.
Anchoring nearby (15 to 18m depth, but good holding) can be tight if crowded, and winds can gust up to 35/40 kts during squalls or during the Ma’aramu season (SE trade wind blowing from June to September) – beware of your scope when anchoring!
There are good supermarkets and ATMs within walking distance of the marina which are very practical when provisioning for long passages. Otherwise, you will need to take a taxi everywhere.
The Tahiti Nautic Center Marina is located on the isthmus between Tahiti Nui and Tahiti Iti (about 35 NM SW of Papeete). It has haulout and repair facilities.
Last updated: April 2022
Related Businesses
Marina Taina
Address: PK9 Punaauia, PO Box 13003, Punaauia, Tahiti, French Polynesia, 98718
Located on Tahiti's west coast, about 5NM from Papeete town center, administered by the Papeete Port Authority. All dock spaces have potable water (included) and... Read More
Papeete Marina
Address: Tahiti Nui Roundabout (Seaside), YACHTMASTER / VERNAUDON KEN,
Position: S 17° 32'25'' W 149° 34'15''Modern marina right in the centre of Papeete, close to all facilities. Potable water & electricity (220V) and pump-out... Read More
Tahiti Nautic Center
Address: Taravao, Tahiti, French Polynesia,
Opened in 2000. Can accommodate 20 boats (maximum draft two meters). Facilities include laundry, two bathrooms, WiFi and electricity & water. Shuttle bus twice a... Read More
Yacht Clubs
Related Businesses
Association de Voiliers en Polynesie
Address: BP 43442, Papeete, Tahiti,
The Association of Boaters in Polynesia (AVP) is an association of boating enthusiasts including residents and visitors. Its purpose is to;improve the public profile of... Read More
Yacht Club de Tahiti
Address: Arue PK 4, Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia, BP 14149 – 98701 Arue
Located in Arue, 5 km east of Papeete, the Tahiti Yacht Club is a welcoming and friendly yacht club with an active racing fleet. The... Read More
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