Anchoring and clearance in Bora Bora

Anchoring rules in the Bora Bora lagoon, the zones for yachts of 90 m and over, and clearance at Vaitape.

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Anchoring

Anchoring in the lagoon

The Maritime Directorate of French Polynesia (DPAM) sets where vessels may anchor in the inner waters of Bora Bora.

Decked vesselsAnchoring outside the authorised zones is banned for all decked vessels, of any length and for any length of stay. (DPAM, 27 May 2020.)

Zones by lengthThe zones are split between vessels of 20 m or more and vessels under 20 m. (DPAM, 27 May 2020.)

ReasonDPAM said in 2018 that the dedicated zones for large vessels manage conflicts between users of the lagoon and protect submarine cables and outfalls from anchors. (DPAM, 19 September 2018.)

MapDPAM publishes a map of the authorised anchorage zones in Bora Bora on its lagoon zones page, last modified 15 April 2026. (DPAM.)

90 m and over

Dedicated zones for yachts of 90 m and over

Order 1774 CM of 7 September 2018, published in the Journal officiel on 14 September 2018.

ZonesBO-1 and BO-2 are in the Vaitape roadstead. BO-1 has a swing circle of 400 m around 16°30.48' S 151°45.47' W. BO-2 has 450 m around 16°30.90' S 151°45.34' W (WGS84).

OccupancyEach dedicated zone is occupied by one vessel.

RequestThe owner or representative asks the competent authority for permission. The request must be made at least 72 hours before the call.

BO-3When BO-1 and BO-2 are occupied, the authority may allow a vessel of 90 m or more to anchor in the temporary relief zone BO-3.

Under 90 mA vessel under 90 m may not anchor in these zones. The authority may allow it when the zones are free.

FinesOccupying a zone without authorisation, or anchoring a vessel of 90 m or more outside the zones, carries a fine for a fourth-class contravention.

Check the rules for your passport.

Clearance

Clearance and entry

First-call port

A yacht arriving from abroad must call first at a listed port for customs, immigration and biosecurity. Bora Bora (Vaitape) is on the DPAM list. At Vaitape the formalities are done with the gendarmerie. Check the rules for your passport.

Before arrival

Pleasure vessels are asked to register on the ESCALES online service. The owner or user must complete the single pleasure-craft declaration for the border police and customs. Every ship sends a maritime health declaration at least 48 hours before arrival. The DPAM calls office is open 7:30 to 13:00 without an appointment and 13:00 to 15:30 by appointment, telephone 40.54.45.30 (DPAM page, modified 28 May 2026).

Biosecurity

No food, plants, plant products, wooden objects, animals or animal products may be landed before authorisation. Rubbish stays on board until the biosecurity agents give instructions. Fruit and vegetables are sealed on board (DPAM page, modified 28 May 2026).

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