French Polynesia FAQs
Pre-Arrival - Boat: All recreational vessels entering French Polynesia have to submit their details through an online form which is then used during their time in French Polynesia. See Clearance for more details.
Pre-Arrival - Crew: French Polynesia is part of the European Union (as an overseas collective of France), but not of the Schengen Area Agreement so has its own visa rules. There are different rules for EU Citizens, Non-EU citizens and if you want to stay in French Polynesia longer than three months. See Immigration for details.
Where can I enter? There are a number of Ports of Entry through the archipelagos of French Polynesia. Click on Main Ports in the Explore Country dropdown to find a Port of Entry.
Are fees high to enter by yacht? There are agents fees, visa fees, port fees and recycling/garbage disposal fees charged in some ports and harbours. See Fees for more information.
What security concerns should I know about? Generally cruisers report safe and comfortable cruising grounds. However, in some of the more popular anchorages where anchoring restrictions have been put in place, cruisers have reported threatening behaviour. See Security for more information.
French Polynesia Facts for Sailors
- French Polynesia covers an area of the South Pacific Ocean about the size of Europe. It is made up of over 100 islands in five archipelagos: the Society Islands, the Marquesas, Tuamotu, Gambier Islands and Australs, as well as Clipperton Atoll, a small French possession off Mexico.
- From the rugged beauty of the Marquesas to the crystal clear waters of the Tuamotu atolls and the lofty peaks of the Society Islands, the variety in scenery and sailing conditions is unsurpassed anywhere in the South Pacific.
- Most yachts make their landfall after a Pacific Crossing in the Marquesas, which is a perfect introduction to this vast cruising ground. There are few man-made ports here and the swell can tuck into the anchorages, but this is more than made up for by the beauty of these high islands.
- In complete contrast is the Tuamotu, once called the Dangerous Archipelago on account of its treacherous currents and lurking reefs. Yachts used to avoid this area, but now often stop and visit the low atolls, as the hazards have diminished considerably with the advent of radar and satellite navigation. Negotiating the passes into some of the lagoons can be a difficult operation, mainly because of the strong currents. Generally, the weakest current occurs one hour after low water and one hour after high water. Passes are for the most part well-marked, some even lit at night. However one should still be sure to use careful eyeball navigation, ideally when the sun is overhead and the colour of the water gives a good indication of its depth.
- Entirely off the usual cruising routes are French Polynesia's other two groups, the Austral and Gambier islands. The latter is best visited if coming from Easter Island or Pitcairn, while the former is only a few days' sail away from Tahiti or make a convenient landfall for yachts heading towards Tahiti from New Zealand.
- In the last decade, the total number of boats cruising in the South Pacific has increased. This is undoubtedly due to the draw of the South Seas, but also because of safety concerns in other parts of the world.
- Getting work done: The best facilities are to be found in Papeete (Tahiti) where everything is possible, but expensive; the only other centre with extensive repair facilities is on Raiatea. In the Marquesas there is a resourceful yacht repair business on Nuku Hiva and a boatyard on Hiva Oa. In the more remote Tuamotus there is now a boatyard on Apataki. See Yachting Essentials for further details.
- Anchoring and Mooring - The French Polynesian Government continues to introduce restrictions on anchorages and moorings in many of the more popular islands (in particular in the Society Islands). In some places a quota system is being implemented, drastically reducing the number of yachts that can anchor and the length of time they can stay. See the News section for the latest updates.
- It is important to float your chain to protect the coral, avoid the bommies and prevent future damage to marine life. You will also save yourself the hassle of having to unwrap the chain. Use a fender or old pearl farm float. See French Polynesia Yachting Essentials for tips on Navigation and Anchoring in this part of the world.
