Permit· Nuku Hiva· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs

Nuku Hiva Anchorage Quotas and Boater Rules

8° 55.2′ S · 140° 6.2′ W

Nuku Hiva limits visiting yachts to about 100 at a time across 8 regulated anchorage areas, with a 10-boat cap at Anaho and a code of conduct every crew is expected to follow.

TuamotusMarquesas

Practical

Coordinate is the Taiohae anchorage (Sugar Shack, Feb 2020). Official brief (2023): about 100 sailboats in 8 anchorage areas (Taiohae quota 100, no time limit, anchoring prohibited on the west side; Anaho quota 10 in 12 m or deeper; Controleur Bay's three lobes; Hakatea; Hakaea/Haapapani; Haahopu for 1-2 boats). If an area is full, wait elsewhere; plan stops at escales.gov.pf. Mairie fees (Aug 2023, indicative): 1,500 XPF/week for waste collection (sort your own) and 50 XPF/person/day tourist tax. Rules: no nudity ashore or at anchor; modest dress in villages; no lights under the boat at night; no unlicensed Airbnb or charter on visiting yachts; no grey water or waste discharge near shore; reef-safe sunscreen; no hull scraping in the bays (antifouling spread; haul-out is at Hiva Oa); no compressors or generators near shore and homes; don't pick fruit without asking; never barter alcohol or weapons; take rubbish to Taiohae. The brief notes the Marquesas' UNESCO World Heritage bid (decision expected mid-2024); its Nuku Hiva perimeter includes Hatiheu, Anaho, Haatuatua and Hakaui plus a 3 nm marine zone.

Best for

Knowing the rules before you drop anchor

Nearby