Seasonal· Apataki· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
Apataki Cyclone and Maraamu Season
15° 34.2′ S · 146° 24.8′ W
Apataki Carenage is the Tuamotus' cyclone-season haul-out, while Niutahi's concrete cyclone shelter is a reminder that a low atoll gives a boat in the water no refuge.
Practical
Position is the OpenStreetMap 'cyclonique' shelter building in Niutahi. Cyclone season: November to April. Overall risk is low, but strong El Niño years bring cyclones (Orama devastated the Tuamotus in 1982-83), and atolls offer no shelter because surge enters the lagoon (Cruising World). Many crews haul out at Apataki Carenage for the season: boats are blocked on gravel, held down with concrete blocks and straps; remove all canvas and secure the dinghy before leaving the boat over the southern summer (Kalliope, 2015); book well ahead. Maraamu (SE trades, June-September, per the 2025 official Fakarava brief for the neighbouring commune): Noonsite warns the NW anchorage near Tehere is calm in NE winds, rolly in E winds and dangerous in S winds because of the long fetch, so move to the Carenage or the Jacaranda anchorage (excellent NE-SE shelter). Pakaka Pass can run 5 kn on the ebb (sea-seek), worst with strong SE wind against it.
Best for
Choosing where to be on Apataki when the weather turns
Season
Cyclones Nov–Apr; maraamu SE blows Jun–Sep
Nearby
- Apataki Gendarmerie Reporting Point (Niutahi)0.1 NM away
- Apataki Supply-Ship Day (Niutahi Quay)0.1 NM away
- Magasin Pahai (Apataki)0.1 NM away
- Niutahi Bakery (Apataki)0.1 NM away
- Niutahi Eating Options (Apataki)0.1 NM away
- Niutahi Mairie and Dispensary (Apataki)0.1 NM away
- Niutahi Quay and Post Office (Apataki)0.1 NM away
- Apataki Airport (APK)0.2 NM away