Tahiti Travel Information & Planning Guide

This page provides useful planning, pre-departure and travel information. From servicing airports to base arrival procedures, it will tell you what to expect to make your holiday smooth and carefree.

We suggest you read the following information carefully several weeks prior to departure and also print a copy to take with you.

Before You Travel

Time Zone
UTC/GMT – 10 hours.

Tourist Information Centers 
Tahiti +689 40 50 57 00 | Raiatea +689 40 600 777 
Many Moorings clients may obtain tourist information from their own country – please visit www.tahiti-tourisme.com(link sends e-mail) for more details.

General Information 
Area: 2,589 sq. mi. (118 islands and atolls) 
Population: 287,032 
Capital City: Papeete  
Official Languages: French, Polynesian (official), Asian languages 
Ethnic groups: Polynesian, Chinese, local French, metropolitan French 
Religion: Protestant, Roman Catholic, other. 
Government: N/A – overseas lands of France 
Industries: food processing, wood and paper products, textiles, machinery, transportation equipment, banking and insurance, tourism, mining 
Tipping: 10-15% is generally acceptable if it has not been added already. 
Currency: The Pacific Franc is the common money in French Polynesia. 
Electricity:  220 Volts, alternating at 60 cycles per second. If you travel to French Polynesia / Tahiti with a device that does not accept 220 Volts at 60 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter. The standard voltage on all yachts is 12 volts.  In order to use electronic equipment that is 110v or 220v, you will need an inverter suitable for use in a cigarette lighter.   
Time: UTC/GMT – 10 hours.

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How to Get There

Airport  
Raiatea Airport (RFP) Airport shuttle is 400 xpf/way/persFlights 
Air Tahiti Nui 
Air France 
Air New Zeland 
Lan Chile

United

Transfers  
Transfers from Raiatea Airport are not included in your charter price. You must arrange on your own on arrival or you can add pre-booked taxi transfers to your booking and pay the driver locally upon arrival. Please contact your Vacation Planning Specialist who will be happy to do this for you.

The transfer time from Raiatea/ Uturoa Airport to the base is approximately 5 minutes and the costs are around:

• CFP 450 per person (one way)

On arrival, your driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall with a sign displaying your name.

Car Rentals 
Foreign and International licenses accepted. All the main car rental companies are present at the airport. You will find small car rental companies that offer very competitive daily rates.

Raiatea location +689 40 66 34 06

Raiatea rent a car +689 40 66 35 35

Raiatea Renault +689 40 66 34 35

Taxi 
Taxi can be easily hailed at airport. 
The journey lasts 10/15 minutes and costs about 1500 Fcp (US$15.00). 
Central Booking Office in TAHITI tel: 689.83 30 07 
Central Booking Office in RAIATEA island tel: 689.66 20 60

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Boarding Time/Check Out

Boarding Time Procedures 
Charter Boarding Time: Charters start at 10:00am or 4:00pm (with a Sleep Aboard. 
Briefing Times: 9:00am for morning starts; 3:00pm for a Sleep Aboard.

All skippers must attend a Chart Briefing which covers all you need to know about the cruising area, use of the VHF radio, how to call for assistance, and more. A Boat Briefing will also be provided onboard your yacht. Please save all questions of this nature until then. The Moorings operations manual will be on board your yacht for your use throughout your charter.  

Late Arrivals  
Clients need to advise the base if arriving after office hours. The Base staff will meet the clients, settle them onboard and brief them the following day.

Check Out Procedures
Charter End Time: All charters end at 10:00am at which time the boat must be returned and ready for debriefing and checks.

A debriefing and final walkthrough will be done upon return so please allow enough time to complete this before the charter end time.

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What’s on Board

Mobile phones  
To use your mobile phone in Tahiti, you have a few options:

You can check with your service provider to obtain an extension for your phone to work in French Polynesia. 

Wi-Fi Coverage is good in all main villages so, if you have a smart phone, you can utilize Skype to call internationally.  

You can buy a SIM card that works off of the VINI network.  You can purchase a VINI SIM card in one of the VINI shops (in Papeete) or at the post office in the airport when you arrive.  

The Moorings can provide one mobile phone for free that can be used to call internationally.  We sell pre-paid calling card and the cost is about 1.5 dollar per minute.  With these phones, you can accept incoming calls at no cost.

Music/iPods  
While most of our newer boats have Bluetooth capability, we cannot guarantee all boats are outfitted with this equipment. For your convenience, we highly recommend you bring an AUX cord so you can listen to music from your mobile devices.

Electricity
The standard current is 220 volts AC with European-style plugs. 
The Moorings pier is equipped with 220V. power outlets. 
The majority of our yachts are equipped with power cords, battery charger and 220V. plugs (220 V available only at the dock). 
There is a 12V. cigar lighter outlet by the chart table on our yachts.

Internet Connectivity 
Internet access available at the base (briefing room). There are two internet cafes near the Marina. Huahini and Bora Bora also have internet cafes available. You can also find Wi-Fi zones on each island.

For more information on what’s included on your yacht, please view the full list here for Bareboat Charters or here for Crewed Charters.

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What to Bring

Customs & Immigration
Entry, exit, and visa requirements depend on the locations you are departing from and traveling to. You are responsible for having the correct documents so make sure to check with the consulate of the countries you plan to visit before you travel.

A valid passport (for each passenger) and crew list is compulsory for clearance. Expiration date must be no earlier than 6 months after your planned return. A customs declaration form must be completed at the port of entry. Visit travel.state.gov for the latest information.

Cruising Licenses 
Cruising permits are not required in Tahiti.

Luggage & Packing List 
Soft-sided luggage or duffel bags are best, as luggage storage space on your yacht may be limited. We have no facilities for holding luggage at the base. Pack lightly and review our suggested packing list for required and necessary items to bring.

• Pack essential prescription medicine and change of clothing in a carry-on bag*
• Passport and other travel documentation
• Tickets and paper confirmations for pre-planned activities
• Light-colored, light-weight clothing
• Formal wear for upscale dining establishments
• Swimwear and cover up
• Hats and sunglasses
• Sandals and flip-flops
• Athletic shoes and hiking boots
• Travel-sized toiletries and hygiene products
• Insect repellent and OTC pain relievers/ointments
• AUX cable for playing music through your device
• 12V DC to 110V AC power inverter (for boats without generators**)
• 12V to USB power adapter for charging mobile devices

*We would highly recommend packing prescription medicine and essential clothing (swimsuit, t-shirt and shorts) in your hand luggage as occasionally your luggage may arrive at the base after you do.

**All boats include a 12V DC outlet (a “car” outlet). Boats with generators have 110V outlets in the Caribbean and 220V in the Mediterranean and Exotic locations.

Drones
The use of flying drones may be restricted in some areas. For current drone regulations in this destination, please visit   https://www.seac.pf/aeronefs-telepilotes/ 

Gratuity 
10-15% is generally acceptable if it has not been added already.

Taxes & Fees
You might incur some costs while on charter such as mooring and docking fees or cruising taxes. We highly recommend bringing enough of the local currency to cover these costs as they are not always payable by USD, debit, and/or credit cards.

There is no departure tax.

Security Deposit 
A security deposit must be paid at the base by Visa or Master Card and is refundable at the end of your charter subject to there being no loss or damage. To significantly decrease your security deposit, purchase our Yacht Damage Waiver insurance ahead of time.

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Health & Safety

Vaccination and Immunization Information
French Polynesia is generally risk-free of contagious disease. Visit cdc.gov for the latest information.

Travel Advice   
Your health and safety are important to us. For advice on how to stay safe while on charter, please review our Travel Advice Information. Current travel and safety information can be obtained by visiting travel.state.gov 

SWIM SAFE:

Swimming is often a fun and important part of a holiday. However local rules, flag systems, currents and where swimming may be permitted, can be different and vary from country to country. Snorkel vests, Life Jackets and Diver Down flags are all available on board. 

Children

• Talk to children about water safety at the start of a holiday, making them aware of the potential dangers.
• Accidents can happen at any time on holiday, but often they happen on the first and last day, so keep watch and do not get distracted when your children are playing by, or in the water.
• Children in or near water should always be supervised by an adult and never left unattended. 
• Get in the water with them, it is easier to keep an eye on them as well as good fun. Floatation devices are highly recommended for children but are not a substitute for supervision.

Be aware of your surroundings

• Check warning flags and signage on the beach and only swim where it is permitted. 
• Beware of dangerous currents, these can be very powerful. Not all beaches have lifeguards and/or warning flags.
• Beware of underwater hazards, such as reefs, rocks, sudden changes in depth and marine life.
• Never swim where a sign says not to e.g. in zoned areas for jet boats or jet skis.
• Never swim at night or after drinking alcohol.

Look out for others

• Never swim alone, ‘buddy up’ with others in your party and use the snorkel vests provided.
• Know how and where to get help. If you see someone in difficulty; raise the alarm, preferably the emergency services. Ensure you know the correct number for the country you are in.

Do not overestimate your ability

• Consider swimming lessons before you go if you think it would be useful to learn proper swimming technique.
• Even if you regularly swim in a pool, remember that open water swimming can be very different.

Diving is popular but you should be aware that the only decompression facility is in Papeete and that in the event of an accident it might take some time to reach there.

Safety 

All yachts are equipped with adult life jackets, harnesses, snorkel vests & diver down flags. You can see all this equipment demonstrated in our online safety briefing, and we strongly recommend that you make use this equipment during your holiday. This safety equipment will be displayed in the saloon of your boat on boarding – If you have any questions feel free to ask our base staff during your briefing. 

We have a very limited supply of children’s life jackets on base so highly recommend that if you are travelling with children, you bring their own. This ensures that children have correctly fitting jackets that are comfortable for them.  

Children should not be allowed in the dinghy without a life jacket or buoyancy aid and should wear a buoyancy aid or harness whilst on deck. 

Children under the age of 16 should not operate an outboard engine and should be supervised at all times when in the dinghy. 

Travel Insurance 
The Moorings offers comprehensive travel insurance for your peace of mind. If you have your own travel insurance, verify that it covers the destinations and activities of your Moorings holiday.

Medical Information 
French Polynesia enjoys a high standard of health, with excellent medical and dental services, pharmacies, private clinics and a large government hospital in Tahiti, which is open 24 hours. The outer islands have hospitals or dispensaries, and a few private practitioners.

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About the Marina

Address  
The Moorings Raiatea Base 
BP 165   
98735 Uturoa 
Raiatea Island 
Tel: +689 40 600 485 or +689 87 73 94 81

Base Hours  
7:30 AM – 17:00 PM, 7 days a week.

Marina Facilities
Bathrooms, water and fuel at the dock, bar, restaurants, souvenirs shop, snorkeling gear, dive center, internet, dinghies or kayaks, tourist brochures and information, weather forecast.

Marina Information 
Marina Apooiti 
The Moorings’ base is located at Marina Apooiti which is 5 minutes from the airport, situated on the North shore of Raiatea island. The berth and outside moorings are free of charge for the Moorings boats. The boat’s tanks are full on delivery of the charter yacht. Fuel tanks can be filled at the Moorings’ Marina, as well as at the islands of Bora-Bora (Bloody Mary) and Huahine (Main harbor) Moorings’ yachts are equipped with 12 V refrigerators Ice cubes, or ice blocks are available at Moorings Store base. 
Marina Uturoa 
One nautical mile NE of the Marina Apooiti, there is pass Tearearahi between the South cardinal beacon of the BGC and the North cardinal beacon of the reef extending north of the airport. Marina Uturoa is one nautical mile ESE of passe Tearearahi and close to the town and its shops.

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Cruising Grounds/ License

Experience Level

Sailing experience: Level 3

At least 20 days or 400 miles as skipper on an equivalent size yacht. Level 3 destinations are our most challenging. Suitable only for confident, experienced sailors, Level 3 destinations offer long spells of open water sailing, broad tidal ranges, strong winds, and remote anchorages.

Qualifications

• A formal sailing license is NOT mandatory to charter here, but is recommended.
• A completed Resume is required to ensure you have the necessary experience required to charter yourself.
• *Please note: you are required to receive an EXPERT LEVEL rating on your resume to charter in this destination.

Cruising Area 
View or download our Tahiti cruising guide

Moorings – A listing of sites where moorings are located is covered in the chart briefing. 
Buoying: 
– In all European waters, the International A system is used and not the B system that is used in American and Caribbean waters. Beacons and buoys are used to mark entrance into passes and to ports and some large bays. 
– Port-hand on entering: red cylinder. 
– Starboard-hand on entering: green cone.

Cruising Area Restrictions  
This information is covered in the chart briefing. 
* For passages to the islands of Raiatea, Bora Bora, Huahine and Tahaa, the base asks for clients to sign a waiver attesting to their experience in making such long passages. 
* Passing to the south of Raiatea (Passe Nao Nao) is prohibited.

It is strictly forbidden to sail alone, we require two persons minimum on board.

Charts & Pilot Books
All the charts and pilot books you will need for the sailing area are issued at your chart briefing.

Nighttime Sailing  
You must be moored at least one hour before sunset. Night Sailing is not allowed without permission from the base manager. The decision to allow night sailing is based on your skill level and can be requested in advance. You will need to fill out the Sailing or Power resume for the base to review but we cannot guarantee approval.

Cruising Permits & Taxes
Cruising permits are not required in Tahiti.

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Around the Base

Accommodations 
L’Hibiscus de Tahaa – Hotel, Restaurant, Yacht Club & Spa

Raiatea Lodge 
Taha’a Private Island Relai & Chateaux  
Sunset Beach Motel

Banks 
At 10 mi. from the Moorings, in the main town of Uturoa you will find several banks each with a cash dispenser.  
Hours: 7:30 am – 11:30 am and 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Currencies / Money Exchange 
Currency:  The currency used in French Polynesia is the French Pacific franc, or CFP. Though exchange rates vary, there are approximately 100 XPF to the U.S. dollar. Notes come in denominations of 500, 1000, 5000 and 10,000, and coins in denominations of 10, 20, 50 and 100.  
Accepted Forms of Payment: The Pacific Franc is the common money in French Polynesia.  Euros and US Dollars are accepted throughout the Leeward Islands. Visa and MasterCard are also accepted in most of the larger restaurants and supermarkets.

Post Office  
A Post Office is located in Uturoa 5 KM from the base.   
Monday to Friday: from 7.30am to 3.00pm during week time and from 8.00am to 10.00am during weekends.   
Stamps, post cards, letterbox are available at Moorings base.

Dining

• Fish and blue
• Villa Ixora
• Napoli pizza
• Snack Tonoi

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Provisioning

The Moorings Provisioning
Online Provisioning is available. Provisioning must be ordered 6 days prior to the start date of the charter for this destination.

Visit our Provisioning Page to learn more about delivery direct to your yacht.

Supermarkets 
There is an excellent central market in downtown Uturoa, located between the docking area and the main road going through downtown Uturoa. It is the main village of Raiatea and is 4 KM from the base. Whatever is available on the island comes from Uturoa so you will find everything you need from meat to fruits & veggies and more.

The market is open 6 days a week, 7:30 a.m. to 6pm, with limited hours on Sunday 6am to 11:30am. Take a taxi from the base to the supermarket. When you are finished with your shopping, the supermarket will conveniently deliver your provisioning to your boat.

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Things to Do

Interesting Sites
Please visit the Itinerary Page(link sends e-mail) for more of the best places to visit on your trip. While you are in Tahiti take the opportunity to visit these other cultural attractions. 
Pearl farms 
Taputapuatea’s marae 
Mount Temehani, only place where the “Tiare Apetahi”, a very rare flower can be seen 
Mount Tapioi, the nicest view over the Leeward Islands

You can go upstream the river Faaroa, birthplace of all Polynesian migrations, by dinghy or kayak (available at the base).

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Water Toys & Sports

For your convenience, you can add water toys to your charter prior to arrival at the base. They will be waiting on your boat upon arrival. You are able to rent these at the base; please keep in mind that we have limited availability. For more information, please view our Water Sports Options.

Water Sports  
Kayaks can be added to your charter contract. 

Snorkeling  
The Moorings provides snorkeling gear (flippers ONLY) for all charters for your pleasure. Children’s sizes are very limited; you may wish to pack your own snorkeling gear.

Those wishing to scuba dive should bring their certification card. Some scuba diving companies provide a beginners’ course. You will find scuba diving companies on Raiatea, Tahaa, Bora Bora and Huahine. Some will allow you to rent the equipment if you have the proper certification and plan to dive with two or more people. Check at the Moorings’ office and we can help you plan your dives. 
To help you avoid traveling with an extra bag, The Moorings has snorkeling material (fins only) available at the base. They are stored in the briefing room; just ask Customer Service for assistance.   
The hiring of diving gear can be arranged prior to charter or on-site.

Fishing 
Thanks to the area’s relatively low population, the waters around Raiatea and Tahaa are never depleted of fish.  Local fish include jackfish, mahi-mahi, marlin, sailfish and tuna.  

Fishing equipment is available at our base for daily fee.  Please check with your holiday planner for details. Fishing license is not needed for leisure fishing. License is only required if you are selling the fish.

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For more information on what’s included on your yacht, please view the full list here for Bareboat Charters or here for Crewed Charters.

Cruising Conditions

General Conditions 
The climate in French Polynesia is sunny and pleasant. Roughly speaking, there are two seasons: from November to end of march, then from April to end of October.  
Most of the rain falls during the warmer season, but there are also many sunny days during these months, with refreshing trade winds.

The water temperature averages 79°F (26°C) in the winter and 84°F (29°C) in the summer with less than a degree of variation from the surface down to 165 feet (50 metres).

Weather Summary 
The rainy season is wet and hot (85- 95°F or 29 – 35°C) and runs from November to April. The dry season is cooler (78 – 85°F or 25 – 29°C) and windier running from May to September.

These are probably the best months to come sailing. The Leeward Islands enjoy a prevailing wind easterly wind of 15 or 20 knots, increasing to 25 knots, and the sea becoming choppy with swells of 3-5 ft (.9-1.5 m).

Historical Weather (Averages by month):

Month	°F Ave	°CAve	Ave Precip (in)	Ave Precip (mm)	Ave Water Temp (°F)	Ave Water Temp (°C)	Ave Wind Speed
January	83	28	15	381	83	28	NE15-20 kts
February	80	27	9	228	82	28	E15-20 kts
March	80	27	8	203	82	28	E15-20 kts
April	80	27	5	127	82	28	E15-20 kts
May	78	26	5	127	80	27	SE15-20 kts
June	76	24	3	76	81	27	SE15-20 kts
July	75	24	3	76	78	26	SE15-20 kts
August	75	24	2	51	76	24	SE15-20 kts
September	75	24	2	51	77	25	SE 15-20 kts
October	76	24	3	76	79	26	SE 15-20 kts
November	78	26	6	152	80	27	NE15-20 kts
December	80	27	9	228	81	27	NE15-20 k

Weather Forecasts:
– Radio: Radio Polynésie (RFO) on 94 FM, at 5.55am, 6.50am, 7.50 am, 10.30am and  5.50pm 
– VHF 10: the base takes every day on the internet a report from Météo-France and a chart indicating all centres of pressure. 
– VHF 16: “Mahina Radio” 11.00 AM, 12.00 AM, 8.40 PM, 9.00 PM (English on request only). 
-Weather by internet or call the base at +689 40 600 485

Swell 
Usually coming from the South West with occasionally rough seas is due to crossed swell when South and East winds are blowing.

Tides 
Around 20 to 30 cm (approx.: 1 foot). 
In the Leeward Islands low tide is around 6.00 am and 6.00 pm, high tide around noon and midnight.

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