Permit· Fatu Hiva· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
Fatu Hiva Not a Port of Entry (clear at Atuona first)
10° 27.9′ S · 138° 39.7′ W · approximate
Fatu Hiva is the first island many Panama boats sight, but it has no gendarmerie: the law says clear in at Atuona (Hiva Oa), 45 nm north-west, then beat back.
Practical
Position is the Hanavave mairie (OpenStreetMap); not a clearance office. The compendium says stopping at Fatu Hiva before clearing is illegal; ports of entry for the Marquesas are Atuona, Taiohae (Nuku Hiva) and Hakahau (Ua Pou). Noonsite comments (May 2019) describe boats stopping first, flying the French flag, without trouble, and a 2003 report says the same. A 2022 crew 'wished we'd stopped here first'. That is still illegal, and enforcement can change, especially under the new Escales and biosecurity regime (DUP declaration and DBS biosecurity form before arrival; 2026 brief). Clearing in at Atuona first then sailing back means a 45 nm beat into the SE trades. Picking a window without south in the wind, or leaving from Hiva Oa's north coast, helps you lay Fatu Hiva in one tack. Alternative: anchor at Atuona, clear, then ride the CODIM shuttle (about 3 hours) to visit. Fatu Hiva has no bank or ATM: bring XPF (2018). There are no waste facilities: carry rubbish to Tahauku (2026 brief).
Best for
Staying legal on landfall
Nearby
- Hanavave Mairie and Post OfficeRight here
- Fatu Hiva Dance and Drum Evenings0.1 NM away
- Hanavave Kaikai Dinners with Local Families0.1 NM away
- Hanavave Stone Tiki Carver0.1 NM away
- Hanavave to Omoa Ridge Hike0.1 NM away
- Magasin Moota (Hanavave)0.1 NM away
- Hanavave Water and Trash0.3 NM away
- Hanavave Bay of Virgins Anchorage (Fatu Hiva)0.4 NM away