Temporary Ban on Nautical Activities in Tahiti and Moorea Due to Swell Alert

The High Commissioner of the Republic in French Polynesia has issued a temporary ban on all nautical activities, including surfing, fishing, swimming, spearfishing, and scuba diving, in response to an orange alert for wave-submersion risk. This measure affects the western and southwestern coasts of Tahiti and the entire island of Moorea, excluding its two bays, from Friday, June 12, to Saturday, June 13, 2026. The decision aims to ensure public safety amid forecasts of particularly powerful and dangerous waves that could jeopardize the security of coastal users and nautical activities.

Scope of the Ban

The prohibition encompasses:

• All leisure and sports nautical activities, including surfing, va'a (traditional Polynesian canoeing), and guided excursions.
• Fishing and spearfishing.
• Swimming from the shore or from floating devices.
• Scuba diving.

These restrictions apply to:

• Tahiti: All municipalities along the west and southwest coasts, from Faa'a to Taiarapu Est.
• Moorea: The entire island, except for its two bays.

Exemptions and Enforcement

The ban does not apply to maritime resources engaged in surveillance, security, or rescue missions, nor to state vessels, including military ships. A special surveillance system has been implemented, involving state resources such as the Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC), maritime gendarmerie, and the nautical brigade, in collaboration with municipal resources like firefighters and municipal police. Violators of this ban are subject to penalties as stipulated by current regulations.

Public Advisory

The High Commissioner's office urges everyone to exercise utmost caution and strictly adhere to these safety instructions. This exceptional phenomenon necessitates collective prudence to preserve human lives and allow rescue services to focus on emergency situations.

For more information, please refer to the official communiqué: Vigilance vagues-submersion : interdiction temporaire des activités nautiquesàTahiti et Moorea