WE CAN'T CHECK INTO THE COUNTRY?! | Marquesas, French Polynesia | Ep 105
May 22, 2023 · 19 min · 4K views · Hiva Oa
What this video covers
After completing a 3,310-nautical-mile Pacific crossing from Mexico to the Marquesas, French Polynesia, a cruising family struggles to complete official customs check-in procedures at the Gendarmerie in Hivaoa.10:20 Despite multiple attempts, limited office hours and internet outages delay the process, forcing the crew to anchor temporarily at the nearby island of Tahuata to manage boat maintenance, including laundry, hull cleaning, and repairing a punctured dinghy.7:46 The crew eventually returns to Hivaoa and successfully secures customs clearance by arriving at the Gendarmerie during a transition period, despite posted signs discouraging afternoon visits.19:04 The passage statistics for the 26.5-day journey include 74 engine hours and a top 24-hour run of 167 nautical miles.12:40 The crew notes that customs procedures in the region are inconsistent and require persistence, often dictated by local "island time" rather than strictly posted office hours.19:09
Boats in this video
More from Cruising Meraki • Sailing Family
From Cruising Meraki • Sailing Family — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.
The Sailing Directory Newsletter
One email with the fleet's best finds — the moments, boats, and stories worth your watch time. Enter your own address to get your own copy.



