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

Hanatefau Bay Anchorage (Tahuata)

9° 57.7′ S · 139° 7.1′ W

A steep green amphitheatre on Tahuata's lee coast with clear water and a resident dolphin pod. Its name means 'the bay of the dolphins' dream'. Hapatoni village is a short dinghy ride south.

TuamotusMarquesas

Practical

Cruiser position 09°57.73'S 139°07.14'W, 12.5 m sand with 60 m chain, good holding (Dec 2018). Anchor in 40-50 ft (12-15 m) to stay off rocks and rubble; the shelf drops off fast beyond 15 m. Rocks and boulders lie close inshore and to the south. Current and back-eddies swing boats in different directions: expect onshore NW-SW gusts to 30+ kn when E trades blow over the ridge, leave generous room and anchor up in the corner for the best gust protection. Up to 12 boats in May-June 2019. Visibility 12 m+ (2018). No landing on the bare rocks: dinghy 0.5-0.75 nm to Hapatoni harbour. Phone reception is patchy; Iridium is poor under the mountain. No trash facilities. The 2026 brief asks that the bay be preserved in its natural state. 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

Dolphins at breakfast and a base for Hapatoni

Season

Year-round; S swell occasionally rolls in

Itineraries that stop here

Nearby