Fatu Hiva - Clearance
There are three Gendarmerie areas in the Marquesas: Hiva Oa, Ua Pou, and Nuku Hiva, and officially boats arriving from overseas should go to one of these islands first.
Boats do however often stop at Fatu Hiva first, however, this is not a port of entry. The local policeman, based in Omoa, visits Hanavave every day to check on boats arriving.
Whilst in the past skippers have had problems with the Gendarmerie in Hiva Oa for doing so, cruisers in 2019 report that yachts are stopping in Fatu Hiva with no problems before proceeding to one of the formal clearance ports – but this may easily change. Yachts are advised to speak to other boats who have already cleared in prior to stopping in Fatu Hiva.
In the past, patrols by French Customs between the islands have resulted in cruisers being fined US$200 or more, for being in Fatu Hiva without clearing in at Hiva Oa first. Customs do patrol and board vessels regularly, but this is more to inspect boats and check what you had declared on your customs form on arrival.
Last updated: May 2019
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Related to following destinations: Fatu Hiva, French Polynesia, Marquesas
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S/Y Lady Jane
May 2019
Fatu-Hiva for Noonsite
We anchored in Fatu-Hiva before we had cleared in. There was only one boat who had cleared on at Hiva Oa and made the trip back to Fatu-Hiva .
It didn’t seem to be a problem, all boats flew their french flag ( no Q flag) and turned off their AIS.
You can arrange to have dinner or lunch at some local houses.
We had dinner at Kathy’s house $19 (US) per head. Bring your own alcohol or fruit juice is included in the price.
We went to dinner at SiSi’s ( next door) on another evening $15 per head. They know that people don’t have the local currency.
If your going to walk and climb to the waterfall, wear sensible shoes and take water. Follow the road straight until you reach the number 2 on the road and the turn left.
The locals will also arrange to take you to the next village either by car or by boat. If they take you by boat then you will need to walk back. It’s about 10k +, up and down hill!
There’s a shop in the village( painted green) and it’s on the right hand side.
There were quite a few boats here, only one had been to Hiva Oa first to clear in. There is no gendarmerie here and all locals know that no one has cleared in yet. It doesn’t seem to be an issue and previous reports about advising people that you have arrived appear to be old.
We anchored fairly near to the shore at 11 metres but you can go further in to approx 5metres. It gets very windy here as the wind funnels down through the bay.
See our website for photos etc
http://www.untilthebuttermelts.com
Yacht Jacaranda visited Fatu Hiva Island in July 2015. Their passage notes give great detail, wonderful photographs, and are a worthwhile read before visiting here.
See http://www.jacarandajourney.com/#!79-marq—fatu-hiva/c1x13