Society Islands

The Society Islands are the most visited and best-serviced cruising ground in French Polynesia, comprising fourteen islands and atolls divided into two groups: the Windward Islands to the east, centred on Tahiti and Mo'orea, and the Leeward Islands to the west, which include Huahine, Raiatea, Taha'a, Bora Bora and Maupiti. The islands are of volcanic origin and are characterised by dramatic mountain interiors descending to reef-fringed lagoons. Raiatea serves as the principal charter and provisioning base for the Leeward group. The archipelago lies within the cyclone belt, and the period from May to October offers the most settled sailing conditions.

Between July and October, humpback whales migrate into the waters of the Society Islands to breed and calve. The archipelago supports an established network of tour operators offering whale-watching and in-water snorkelling encounters. These trips run throughout the season from multiple bases across the group.

Tahiti's Museum of Tahiti and the Islands provides a broad and well-curated introduction to the natural history and cultural heritage of French Polynesia, covering Polynesian migration, traditional society and material culture.

Mo'orea's Rotui Juice Factory in Cooks Bay offers a self-guided tour of the production facility, where visitors can see fruit juices, rum and other beverages being made before sampling them.

Huahine carries a higher concentration of ancient marae (ceremonial stone platforms) than any other island in the Society group. The Motu Tresor shell museum holds a private collection of marine shells and sea life specimens. Distillerie Huahine Passione produces fruit liqueurs from local produce, with tastings available at the small family-run operation.

Raiatea is regarded as the spiritual heartland of Polynesia, and the Marae Taputapuatea on its southeastern coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of significance across the wider Polynesian world. Raiatea Pearls is a working pearl farm offering free tours with detailed explanations of the cultivation process. Gérald's Mystery House is a private attraction built by a retired French engineer around principles of optical illusion and gravity.

Taha'a is known throughout French Polynesia for its vanilla production. The Tahitian Vanilla Farm and Processing Facility is a co-operative that processes vanilla from growers across the island, offering free tours in English and French that cover both cultivation and processing. Fare Vanira is a working plantation where guided tours take visitors through the crop. Champon Pearl Farm is a family-run operation offering free tours where the grafting process is sometimes demonstrated. The Rhumerie Mana'o and Va'eva'e produces rum, gin and pastis from locally grown sugar cane, with tours and tastings available throughout the week. Coral Gardens is a shallow snorkelling site where a gentle current carries swimmers over spectacular sand and coral bommies.

Bora Bora's lagoon is one of the most celebrated in French Polynesia. Manta rays gather at cleaning stations around the motus, and black tip and lemon sharks are commonly encountered near the pass. The Ohue and Pahia summits hikes are strenuous with ropes on the steeper sections, and a near-360-degree view across the lagoon and surrounding islands at the top. The road around the island is around 32 kilometres and is well suited to cycling; bike rental shops are clustered at the northern end of Vaitape.

Maupiti's manta ray cleaning station sees mantas gathering daily in the mornings. The Mount Teurafaatui hike reaches 372 metres with ropes on the steeper sections, and the road around the island is approximately eight kilometres.

The Society Islands are well charted and the main reef passes are marked and navigable in good light. Lagoon channels within the Leeward group are clearly indicated, though coral heads are present in several anchorage areas and careful pilotage remains necessary throughout. The tidal range is modest, typically around half a metre, but tidal flow through passes can be significant and passage is best timed accordingly.

Bora Bora enforces strict mooring and anchoring rules to protect its lagoon ecosystem and manage boat traffic. Vessels over 10 meters long or staying 24+ hours must use designated paid mooring fields, with limited short-term anchoring exceptions. Check with local authorities for up-to-date rules.

Maupiti, at the western end of the Leeward group, is an exception to the generally straightforward navigation of the archipelago. Its single pass is narrow, with a minimum depth of around four metres due to coral heads. The pass faces south and is exposed to prevailing swell; conditions need to be assessed carefully before entering.

Places to stay

Below are the most popular and highly rated places to stay, based on reviews from the noforeignland community:

Anchorages

	Baie d'Avea ★ 4.9 Huahine Anchoring is restricted to a sand shelf in Baie d'Avea, with multiple mooring balls available, which are said to be free. The location features clear water and offers good holding conditions, as well as friendly locals accommodating visitors with pets.
	Maupihaa anchorage ★ 4.9 Sandy holding provides security for boats, with ample room to anchor. The entry pass can be difficult but is navigable with proper information. Local residents are welcoming and appreciate any supplies brought by visitors.
	Maupihaa South ★ 4.9 The anchorage provides excellent protection from winds, with anchoring locations in sandy areas ideal for avoiding coral. Many visitors enjoy the scenic beauty, pristine beaches, and opportunities to observe marine life, such as manta rays. Be aware of potential bommies in the vicinity.
	Maupiti ★ 4.8 Maupiti The anchorage offers stunning scenery with clear turquoise water and a backdrop of towering mountains. Manta rays and other wildlife are frequently observed, especially near cleaning stations. Good holding is noted on sandy shelves, although southern swells may affect comfort.
	Cook's Bay (Pao Pao Bay), Mo'orea ★ 4.7 Mo'orea Anchoring in Cook's Bay is often described as peaceful and scenic. Many visitors appreciate the excellent holding in mud, allowing for a comfortable stay. Access to basic amenities, including a well-stocked grocery store, enhances the experience.
	South Sand Flats (Hiiumoo) ★ 4.7 Huahine Anchoring conditions vary, with reports of good sand holding and strong currents. Visitors experienced calm nights, friendly locals, and wildlife sightings. Caution is advised regarding currents that can affect boat positioning.
	Ha'apiti Bay ★ 4.6 Mo'orea Anchoring is possible in a sandy bottom with depths averaging 2-5m. Visitors frequently mention stunning views, abundant marine life, and good conditions for snorkeling and paddle boarding. Strong currents and wind conditions are noted, particularly during larger swells.
	Opunohu less deep anchorage ★ 4.6 Mo'orea Calm waters with good holding were reported, although muddy sea beds exist. Visitors enjoyed the scenic surroundings, hiking trails, and the local marina restaurant. There were some concerns about wind acceleration in the anchorage.
	Tahiti Airport Anchorage ★ 4.5 Tahiti Anchorage offers clear water and a sandy bottom with good holding, although getting to marinas involves longer dinghy rides. Visitor experiences vary; some enjoy the views and snorkeling, while others note potential crowding and noise during weekends. Airport noise is generally not an issue.
	Patae 1&2 Andhorage ★ 4.4 Mo'orea Depths vary significantly and finding adequate anchoring space can be challenging. The southern end offers more room and better conditions with safer conditions away from the ferries. Visitors have reported potential hazards due to currents during anchoring.

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Marinas

	Opunohu Marina ★ 4.7 Mo'orea Various attractions are available at the marina, which has helpful staff and a restaurant on-site. Recent management changes have led to safety improvements and better services, though some facilities remain basic. Multiple reviews mention an ongoing rat problem and issues with water availability.
	Marina de Papeete ★ 4.5 Tahiti The marina is well located, providing easy access to the central market and other amenities. Security is reported to be good, although noise from nearby activities can be disruptive. Facilities include showers, but laundry machines are not available.
	Apooiti Marina ★ 4.3 Raiatea Sheltered and clean, the marina offers essential amenities including water and electricity with a nominal extra charge. Nearby provisions are accessible, though dining options are limited. Visitors reported challenges in securing berths due to the high demand from charter boats.
	Marina Taina ★ 4.1 Tahiti Marina Taina offers friendly service with helpful staff and convenient facilities including restaurants and grocery access. However, it may face challenges with swell conditions affecting security for moored boats. Water availability was reported as disconnected on part of the dock.

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Moorings

	Taina Marina Mooring Field near airport ★ 4.8 Tahiti Calm anchorage with clear water and a sandy bottom is favored among visitors. Access to provisions is convenient, and the area has ample space for mooring. Noise disturbances primarily come from nearby party boats on weekends.
	Motu Fareone (aka Taurere) Moorings ★ 4.6 Bora Bora Motu Fareone features beautiful aqua water and well-spaced mooring balls, providing a calm anchorage experience. Visitors highlight the local scenery, although jet skis and tour boats may disrupt snorkeling activities. Access to shops on land enhances the overall experience.
	Point Toamaro ★ 4.5 Taha'a Mooring buoys are privately owned, primarily by the Champon Pearl Farm. Visitors report easy access to well-maintained moorings and protection from strong winds. Tours of the pearl farm are a common activity, but moorings are typically available for only one night.
	Baie d'Avea ★ 4.5 Huahine Mooring options are available and appear generally well maintained. Conditions in the bay are described as calm and protected by multiple visitors. Hotel services are accommodating, including dinghy storage and dining options.
	Avea Bay Outer Moorings ★ 4.4 Huahine Moorings are generally in good condition, providing clear water and a sheltered environment. Visitors appreciate the access to amenities, though currents can affect heading. Limited snorkeling opportunities were noted by some, alongside the presence of nearby restaurants.

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Harbours

	Uturoa free dock ★ 4.3 Raiatea Operates until 16:00 for check-out and provisioning. Security checks vessel names during stay. The jetty condition is noted as needing work, though local services are regarded positively.
	Vaitape, Ferry and Boat Point ★ 3.7 Bora Bora Depth at high tide is 3 meters. Charter boats frequently use the dock, while loud music from a nearby establishment can disrupt overnight stays. Visitors may face aggressive enforcement regarding dock time limits, with advice suggesting a one-hour maximum stay.
	Papeete Public Quay ★ 3.0 Tahiti Security concerns have been reported, including thefts and attempted breaches. Some reviewers noted the discomfort from ferry wakes and coral growth at the dock. The location's convenience is highlighted, but caution regarding security and boat conditions is advised.
	Fetuna Town Quay ★ 2.3 Raiatea The facility is not operational as of 16 May 2026, with previous mentions of inactivity on 4 August 2025. Access to services and amenities ashore is limited, and trash facilities were reported locked without clear access.

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Boat services

Below are the most popular and highly rated boat services, based on reviews from the noforeignland community:

Boatyards

	Chantier Naval Raiatea Carenage Services ★ 5.0 Raiatea Raiatea Carenage Services offers haul-out and repair services. Fiberglass repairs were reported as professional, with staff organized and helpful. Visitors noted availability of shower facilities and the efficient administration of work schedules.
	C. N. I. Chantier Naval des Iles sous le Vent ★ 4.9 Raiatea C. N. I. Chantier Naval des Iles sous le Vent has a professional and efficient team. Services for haul-out and repairs are performed thoroughly. Visitors have noted the need for improved cleanliness in facilities and amenities.
	Technimarine ★ 4.4 Tahiti Service includes hauling out for repairs, welding, and maintenance. Visitors report effective communication and support from staff, though some found costs to be higher than elsewhere. Ensuring presence during critical repairs is advisable to avoid issues.

Chandlers

	Ocean 2000 (new Location) ★ 5.0 Tahiti A new chandlery offers a wide range of inventory, with assistance available for delivery. It is noted for being well stocked and helpful. Visitors have indicated that products vary in price depending on size and type.
	Nautisport ★ 5.0 Tahiti The chandler offers a range of marine and fishing supplies, including diving equipment and accessories. Visitors appreciate the friendly staff and good selection available. Tax refund services are also provided, requiring relevant documentation.
	Sin Tung Hing ★ 5.0 Tahiti Service availability includes a diverse selection of well-known quality products such as spare parts for Yanmar, epoxy, and fishing gear. Staff interactions are frequently described as friendly and helpful. Visitors access the chandlery easily from the dinghy dock.
	VBP Screws and Bolts ★ 5.0 Tahiti Availability of a wide selection of stainless steel fasteners is confirmed. Efficient staff help locate specific items, such as nuts and washers, quickly. Clamps in various grades are offered, enhancing options for both standard and aggressive environments.
	Marine Supplies ★ 4.6 Tahiti The shop provides expertise in electrical and battery assessment, with staff who are attentive and knowledgeable. Reviewers appreciated the ordering of hard-to-find items. They have a diverse inventory and competent technicians on hand.

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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: