The Marquesas Compendium a Compilation of Guidebook References and Cruising Reports
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The Marquesas Compendium A Compilation of Guidebook References and Cruising Reports Figure 1 Bay of Virgins photo by Dave McCampbell of Soggy Paws IMPORTANT: USE ALL INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT AT YOUR OWN RISK!! Rev 2021.4 – July 23, 2021 Please send us updates to this guide! Keep the Marquesas Compendium alive by being a contributor. We are especially looking for information on places where we have no cruiser information and new information on existing content. It’s easy to participate and will help many other cruisers for years to come. Email Soggy Paws at sherry –at- svsoggypaws –dot- com. You can also contact us on Sailmail at WDI5677 The current home (and the most up to date) version of this official document is http://svsoggypaws.com/files/#frpoly If you found this compendium posted elsewhere, it might not be the most current version. Please check the above site for the most up to date copy and remember, it will always be free! Page 1 Revision Log Many thanks to all who have contributed over the years!! Rev Date Info Source What 2021.4 July 23, 2021 Sugar Shack Air Tahiti “Seniors” discount 2021.3 12 April 2021 Sugar Shack Various updates and improvements 2021.2 February 1, 2021 Trance A few updates from 2021 visit 2021.1 January 16, 2021 Sugar Shack Update on first 50 pages, links, visas, shipping, etc… Reorganization of compendium and updates from 2020.1 June 12, 2020 Sugar Shack Sugar Shack Jacaranda and Ciguatera Warnings for Marquesas. A few weather link 2019.3 July 22, 2019 Soggy Paws updates. 2019.2 June 15, 2019 Taitonga A few more updates Chugach Various updates from April 2019 visit 2019.1 June 6, 2019 Taitonga Various updates from December 2018 visit 2018.6 December 3, 2018 Consensus Minor updates from 2017 Visit 2018.5 October 20, 2018 Moon Rebel, Jacaranda Updates on Hanavave, Atuona, Tahuata, Ua Huka. Update on dredging and wharf construction in Baie 2018.4 September 20, 2018 Kokopeli, Jacaranda Tahauku (Atuona). Links to Jacaranda’s detailed notes on weather and visas. 2018.3 August 28, 2018 Kokopeli Various updates on anchorages in the Marquesas. Added a link to the new document on Marine 2018.2 August 14, 2018 Soggy Paws Protected Areas in French Polynesia 2018.1 May 29, 2018 Jacaranda Vini Sim Cards & Baggage Restrictions on Air Tahiti 2017.4 June 16, 2017 Begonia Controlleur Bay, Daniels Bay 2017.3 May 21, 2017 Spunky A few helpful notes here and there. Referencing the new Tahiti Cruiser’s Guide for what’s 2017.2 March 23, 2017 Mary Ann II available in Tahiti Great new writeup on things to do and see in Nuku 2017.1 February 8, 2017 Kandu Hiva … … Many Cruisers Many Updates from many people! July 4, 2010 Soggy Paws Initial Version I would like to extend a Huge Thanks to Christine Mitchell of s/v Sugar Shack for updating this Compendium and Chuck Hoolihan of s/v Jacaranda for his unfailing dedication to cruisers’ information in French Polynesia Page 2 Table of Contents 1 INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................................... 7 1.1 ORGANIZATION OF THE GUIDE ................................................................................................................................... 7 1.2 CLEARANCE AND VISA GUIDELINES ............................................................................................................................. 7 1.2.1 Entry Procedures for EU Citizens .................................................................................................................... 7 1.2.2 Entry Procedures for Non-EU Citizens ............................................................................................................ 7 1.2.3 The French Polynesia Bond (Repatriation Guarantee) ................................................................................... 8 1.2.4 Long Stay Visa ................................................................................................................................................ 9 1.2.5 Do I Need an Agent? ...................................................................................................................................... 9 1.2.6 Clearing Out of French Polynesia ................................................................................................................. 10 1.2.7 Vessels Length of Stay ................................................................................................................................. 11 1.2.8 Custom Patrols............................................................................................................................................. 11 1.2.9 Arriving and Departing Crew ....................................................................................................................... 11 1.3 MANUEVERING AND ANCHORING IN THE MARQUESAS ................................................................................................. 11 1.3.1 Offical French Polynesia Tide Tables ............................................................................................................ 11 1.3.2 Marine Protected Areas Guide .................................................................................................................... 12 1.3.3 Anchoring in Coral ....................................................................................................................................... 12 1.3.4 Using Out-Island Moorings .......................................................................................................................... 13 1.3.5 Navigation in Areas with Coral .................................................................................................................... 13 1.4 WEATHER ........................................................................................................................................................... 14 1.5 A ROUTE THROUGH THE MARQUESAS ....................................................................................................................... 14 1.5.1 Where to be in French Polynesia and When (Pitufa) ................................................................................... 16 1.6 YACHTSMEN SERVICES ........................................................................................................................................... 17 1.6.1 Cooking Gas (Propane and Butane) ............................................................................................................. 17 1.6.2 Fuel (Diesel and Gasoline) ........................................................................................................................... 17 1.6.3 Duty Free Fuel .............................................................................................................................................. 18 1.6.4 Trash and Recylcing ..................................................................................................................................... 18 1.6.5 Water ........................................................................................................................................................... 18 1.7 GENERAL SERVICES................................................................................................................................................ 19 1.7.1 Air Tahiti ...................................................................................................................................................... 19 1.7.2 Banks / ATMs (Money) ................................................................................................................................ 19 1.7.3 Marine Supplies (Boat Parts) ....................................................................................................................... 20 1.7.4 Importing Parts Duty-Free – Yacht in Transit .............................................................................................. 20 1.7.5 Shipping Items In or Out .............................................................................................................................. 21 1.7.6 Shipping Items Between Islands .................................................................................................................. 22 1.7.7 Flying Stuff in on Air Tahiti........................................................................................................................... 23 1.7.8 Concierge Services (Delivery from Tahiti to outer Islands) .......................................................................... 23 1.7.9 Cousier (Personal Shoppers) ........................................................................................................................ 23 1.7.10 Stores that Deliver to Cargo Ships ........................................................................................................... 23 1.7.11 Online Delivery Service ............................................................................................................................ 24 1.7.12 Supply Ship Schedules ............................................................................................................................. 24 1.7.13 Yacht in Transit - Spare Parts .................................................................................................................. 26 1.7.14 Medical & Prescriptions .........................................................................................................................