French Polynesia
Oceanic Pacific: the quintessential Pacific, first port of call from Panama
Overview
French Polynesia is the quintessential Pacific. With 1% land to 99% ocean, spread over a territory as wide as the continental United States or Western Europe, both sophistication and adventure await in one of the safest places on earth, where ocean conservation has been a government priority for more than ten years.
Crossing the Pacific westabout from Panama, French Polynesia will always be the first port of call. The Society Islands are well known - Bora Bora, Moorea, Raiatea - but Polynesia also takes in the Marquesas, Austral, Tuamotu and Gambier Islands, making for possibly the most fabulous "cruise collection" in the Pacific.
The islands are volcanic in origin, with fringing reefs that create spectacular, otherworldly scenery. The Tahitian authorities - maritime, tourism, customs and immigration - have recently collaborated to streamline entry procedures and make French Polynesia even more attractive to visiting superyachts.
Islands & Map
Map Key - Marinas & Anchorages
- Papeete Marina (Tahiti)
- Marina Taina, Punaauia (Tahiti); VHF 9
- Moorea anchorages
✈ Faaa International Airport (PPT)
Ports of entry also across the Society, Marquesas, Tuamotu, Austral & Gambier Islands - including Bora Bora.
Getting There & Clearance
Clearance
Immigration and customs are handled through the High Commission of the French Republic in French Polynesia, with the Papeete Port Authority on VHF 12/16. Entry procedures have recently been streamlined for yachts. Note that some areas (PGEM) are protected and regulated; ecological mooring buoys are available in most Society Islands.
Government Contacts
Immigration & Customs: polynesie-francaise.pref.gouv.fr
Port: portdepapeete.pf
International Airports
Faaa International (Papeete, PPT) · Bora Bora Airport.
Key Anchorages
Moorea · Bora Bora · Raiatea & Huahine · Rangiroa (Tuamotu) · Nuku Hiva (Marquesas).
Local Services
Agents
AMI Tahiti Yachting · SEAL Tahiti · Tahiti Crew · Nuku Hiva Yacht Services
Marinas
Marina Taina · Papeete Marina
Chandlery
Ocean 2000 Marine
Diving
Fluid Dive Shop · Tahiti Dive Management
Refit & Engineering
Technimarine
Events
Australia Tahiti Rendezvous
APSA Grand Tour: French Polynesia
Manoa Rey of Tahiti Tourisme leads APSA's Grand Tour of French Polynesia, from the marinas of Papeete to the lagoons of Bora Bora and the far-flung Marquesas.
APSA Members in French Polynesia
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do superyachts clear in to French Polynesia?
Papeete is the main port of entry, with the Papeete Port Authority on VHF 12/16. There are further ports of entry across the Society, Marquesas, Tuamotu, Austral and Gambier Islands, and entry procedures have recently been streamlined.
When is the best time to cruise French Polynesia?
French Polynesia can be cruised all year. It is one of the safest cruising regions on earth and, crossing the Pacific from Panama, is always the first port of call.
Where can superyachts berth in French Polynesia?
The two main marinas are Papeete Marina and Marina Taina at Punaauia, both on Tahiti. Anchoring is possible on sandy bottoms across most islands, with ecological mooring buoys in most Society Islands and protected PGEM zones to avoid.
Which islands make up French Polynesia?
The well-known Society Islands include Tahiti, Moorea, Bora Bora and Raiatea, but French Polynesia also takes in the Marquesas, Austral, Tuamotu and Gambier Islands, spread over an ocean territory as wide as Western Europe.
Which APSA members are based in French Polynesia?
French Polynesia's APSA member is Tahiti Tourisme, the destination marketing organisation for the Islands of Tahiti, based in Papeete and supported by local yacht agents including SEAL Tahiti and Tahiti Crew.