Snorkel· Ua Huka· French Polynesia: Tuamotus, Marquesas, Gambier & Australs
Hane Bay Mantas and Motu Hane Snorkel (Ua Huka)
8° 55.9′ S · 139° 31.9′ W · approximate
Hane's wide bay under the steep sea stack of Motu Hane usually has a few manta rays cruising through it, and dolphins come in too. It is a snorkel straight from the anchorage when the swell lets you.
Practical
Coordinate approximate: in the outer part of Hane Bay, south of the anchorage estimate (see the Hane Bay entry). sy-maya (2020): 'usually a few manta rays in the bay', dolphins also seen, and Motuhane, 'a steep offshore rock', is the eye-catcher; sand bottom with good holding, but there is usually swell, and a stern anchor helps. Villa Veritas (June 2022): comfortable at anchor but too much swell to land the dinghy safely. Noonsite lists snorkelling and diving among Ua Huka's activities. The 2020 fishing-prohibited zone runs along the south coast from Motu Papa east to the western shore of Hane Bay: no fishing of any kind there (fine 179,000 XPF). Snorkel only when the swell is down; there is no lifeguard or dive service on the island.
Best for
Mantas and dolphins from the boat
Season
Calm, settled NE-E conditions; untenable in S swell
Nearby
- Hane Bay (Ua Huka)0.2 NM away
- Hokatu Petroglyph Museum and Craft Centre0.3 NM away
- Hokatu Mooring (Ua Huka)0.4 NM away
- Hane Sea Museum and Craft Centre0.5 NM away
- Auberge Hitikau Restaurant (Hane)0.8 NM away
- Hane Ancient Tiki Site (Meiaute)1.1 NM away
- Ua Huka Fishing Restriction Zone1.3 NM away
- Ua Huka Museum (Musée Communal)1.3 NM away
Place data includes © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).