Strict anchoring restrictions are in place in many of the more popular places in French Polynesia. Long-term cruisers in the area report that the situation changes on a daily basis.
An Anchoring Restriction Decree was passed in Tahiti (27 May, 2020) meaning there is 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The Taina anchorage has been declared closed, the law that allowed it in 1987 has been repealed.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 cruiser reports for more details:
The marinas in Tahiti, (Marina de Papeete and Marina Taina) are not taking any advanced reservations during the high season due to the lack of berthing spaces for transient yachts and the fact that during the high season, the demand is way higher than spaces offered. Both marinas managers will do their best to accommodate boats as they arrive, but they do not hesitate in turning unpleasant sailors away!
Telephone the marina before heading in - they do not use VHF. If space is available, they will allocate you a spot. Office staff speak good English as do Papeete Port Control. 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.
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.
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. Med mooring - staff will help.
It is possible to use the dinghy dock in this marina even though there is a sign saying for dinghies only that are on official moorings. Always lock your dinghy to the dock and your outboard and fuel tank to the dinghy. There have been reports of theft of fuel from fuel cans in dinghies.
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. There is also recycling for rubbish in the marina - paper, cans, bottles and plastics.
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: May 2023
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