Controleur Bay (Taipivai, Nuku Hiva)

8° 52.9′ S · 140° 2.7′ W

A three-fingered bay just east of Taiohae, quieter and less rolly, with Taipivai village (Melville's 'Typee') at the head of the middle lobe, Hakahaa Bay.

Tuamotus Marquesas

Practical

Middle lobe (Baie Hakahaa): Sugar Shack (Dec 2019) dropped at 08°52.92'S / 140°02.74'W in 8.5 m sand, much more comfortable than Taiohae; Cynergy (May 2013) at 08°52.70'S / 140°02.97'W in 15 ft good mud, room for 30 boats, approachable at night, protected from all but strong southerlies. Mabel Rose (Aug 2022) could not set two anchors in soft mud near the head and set further out on sand. Noonsite (2026): anchor at the bottom of the bay in 5-6 m; all three lobes are permitted. Mouth at 8°54.62'S 140°01.91'W (Cynergy). Coral surrounds the lobes: anchor down the middle. Landing: at high tide with no surge, take the dinghy up the river to the village quay; otherwise land on the small sandy beach and walk the trail, or use a stern anchor off the rocks on the left. Breaking waves can close the river mouth in southern-winter swell. Potable water at two beach taps (Taipivai shed, Hooumi). Taxi to Taiohae: Gabriela, +689 87 75 41 86 (2024). Sea-Seek (2024): anchor at the head of the central Hakahaa lobe in 5-6 m of very good-holding muddy sand, abeam the white cross on the north slope; at high tide you can take the dinghy 500 m up the river to a small quay before the bridge by the church, with a water tap.

Controleur Bay (Taipivai, Nuku Hiva)

Practical

Best for

Season

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