Austral Islands

The Austral Islands are the southernmost archipelago of French Polynesia, lying around 300 nautical miles south of Papeete. The group comprises seven islands, of which five are inhabited: Rimatara, Rurutu, Tubuai, Raivavae, and Rapa Iti. The climate is cooler and more variable than elsewhere in French Polynesia, and the islands see far less visiting traffic than the Society or Tuamotu groups. Shore facilities are limited across the archipelago, with Tubuai offering the most developed infrastructure.

The Austral Islands attract sailors for their remoteness, cultural depth, and landscapes that differ markedly from the rest of French Polynesia. Archaeological sites, including marae and early settlement remains, are found across the group and reflect a well-organised pre-European society. The islands are also known for the quality of their traditional weaving, and pandanus products are made and sold on most of the inhabited islands.

Raivavae, with its fringing reef, motus, and ancient marae (ceremonial stone platforms), is among the most visited by cruising yachts. Rurutu's unusual raised atoll geology produces basalt and limestone cliffs, sea caves, and a lush volcanic interior; humpback whales gather in the surrounding waters from around August to October to mate and give birth, and sightings from yachts are common during this period. Rapa Iti, the most southerly and isolated island, is rarely visited by yachts but is noted for its distinct language, dramatic bay surrounded by steep mountain ridges, and cloud forest vegetation.

The Austral Islands lie well outside the main cruising routes of French Polynesia and require a deliberate passage to reach them. Weather patterns here are influenced by Southern Ocean pressure systems rather than the steady trade winds familiar from the Society and Tuamotu groups, and conditions can be more variable and boisterous. Prevailing winds through the group tend to have a southeasterly component, which influences routes between the islands. Rurutu, Tubuai, and Raivavae are international ports of entry; on all other islands, and when arriving from elsewhere within French Polynesia, yachts are expected to check in at the local gendarmerie.

Rimatara has no pass through its fringing reef and no harbour, making a landing impractical for most yachts in all but very settled conditions.

Rurutu's harbour entrance at Moerai is only 20 metres wide and 4.5 metres deep, though the basin inside is spacious.

Tubuai's north pass is the only usable entry to the lagoon; the south pass has been the site of accidents and should not be attempted.

Rapa Iti's mooring balls offer good protection from waves but may be subject to strong gusts off the surrounding mountains. The cargo ship calls only once a month and there is no airport, making it the most logistically isolated island in the group.

Raivavae has in recent years restricted yacht stays to three days, including arrival and departure day; check with the Gendarmerie on arrival, who may grant an extension in the case of bad weather. A rotating fishing ban has been reported along sections of the reef to allow recovery from overfishing; check with the Mairie (town hall) in Rairua for current zones.

Useful yacht clearance links:

Yacht clearance reviews

The following lists summarize noforeignland user reviews for clearing in at ports of entry and when using clearance agents in French Polynesia: