Anchorage· Tahuata· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs

Hanamoenoa Bay (Tahuata)

9° 54.5′ S · 139° 6.3′ W

Tahuata's showpiece: a crescent of white sand under palms, clear water over sand, little swell and steady breeze rather than gusts. It is the favourite southern-Marquesas anchorage of generations of cruisers, with manta rays and a west-facing sunset.

TuamotusMarquesas

Practical

Cruiser positions (Dec 2019): 09°54.465'S 139°06.225'W and 09°54.465'S 139°06.258'W, both 7 m sand with good swing. Avoid 09°54.481'S 139°06.271'W, where the chain rubbed coral. 2026 brief: sandy bottom 5-9 m, well sheltered from swell and wind; one of the most beautiful beaches in the Marquesas. The beach is steep with some shore break: land only in small swell, or anchor close and swim (2022). Lots of ants on the beach; nonos at dusk. A small beach hut may be used overnight. The Aranui sometimes anchors off the bay overnight. No services, just a copra shed; ask before taking fruit. Former caretaker Stephen passed away in 2021. About 8-9 nm from Tahauku. Regulation status (Oct 2026): the 2026 Hiva Oa-Tahuata brief marks Vaitahu (10 boats, 4 days), Hanamoenoa (8 boats, 4 days) and Hanatefau (6 boats, 4 days) as regulated anchorage zones 'currently under discussion' between the commune and DPAM, with overnight Escales booking (escales.gov.pf) expected. No Tahuata arrêté had been published on the DPAM site when checked, so check escales.gov.pf before arrival. Tahuata has no waste facilities for yachts: carry all rubbish back to Tahauku. Do not pick fruit; ask (Solange, Vaitahu Tourism Committee, +689 87 26 46 64, can arrange fruit baskets).

Best for

Swimming, mantas and calm nights

Season

Year-round in normal trades; some swell in strong SE or W swell

Itineraries that stop here

Nearby